AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was c...AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.展开更多
Human’s robust cognitive abilities,including creativity and language,are made possible,at least in large part,by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex.This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammal...Human’s robust cognitive abilities,including creativity and language,are made possible,at least in large part,by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex.This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammalian cortical radial glial cells(primary neural stem cells)and introduces the concept that a genetically step wise process,based on a core molecular pathway already in use,is the evolutionary process that has molded cortical neurogenesis.The core mechanism,which has been identified in our recent studies,is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)-bone morphogenic protein 7(BMP7)-GLI3 repressor form(GLI3R)-sonic hedgehog(SHH)positive feedback loop.Additionally,I propose that the molecular basis for cortical evolutionary dwarfism,exemplified by the lissencephalic mouse which originated from a larger gyrencephalic ancestor,is an increase in SHH signaling in radial glia,that antagonizes ERK-BMP7 signaling.Finally,I propose that:(1)SHH signaling is not a key regulator of primate cortical expansion and folding;(2)human cortical radial glial cells do not generate neocortical interneurons;(3)human-specific genes may not be essential for most cortical expansion.I hope this review assists colleagues in the field,guiding research to address gaps in our understanding of cortical development and evolution.展开更多
Cortical malformations,including focal cortical dysplasia type II(FCDII),are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay.Consideration of surgery has become the standard of care for those patient...Cortical malformations,including focal cortical dysplasia type II(FCDII),are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay.Consideration of surgery has become the standard of care for those patients.However,10%-50% of patients with FCD experience post-surgical relapses[1],and many do not even qualify as surgical candidates.Effective treatments for FCD-associated epilepsy are lacking.展开更多
Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may de...Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.展开更多
As three-dimensional“organ-like”aggregates,human cortical organoids have emerged as powerful models for studying human brain evolution and brain disorders with unique advantages of humanspecificity,fidelity and mani...As three-dimensional“organ-like”aggregates,human cortical organoids have emerged as powerful models for studying human brain evolution and brain disorders with unique advantages of humanspecificity,fidelity and manipulation.Human cortical organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells can elaborately replicate many of the key properties of human cortical development at the molecular,cellular,structural,and functional levels,including the anatomy,functional neural network,and interaction among different brain regions,thus facilitating the discovery of brain development and evolution.In addition to studying the neuro-electrophysiological features of brain cortex development,human cortical organoids have been widely used to mimic the pathophysiological features of cortical-related disease,especially in mimicking malformations of cortical development,thus revealing pathological mechanism and identifying effective drugs.In this review,we provide an overview of the generation of human cortical organoids and the properties of recapitulated cortical development and further outline their applications in modeling malformations of cortical development including pathological phenotype,underlying mechanisms and rescue strategies.展开更多
Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse functi...Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function.We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis.To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential,we created a knockin mouse line,in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult(10–12 months)cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow.We found that similar to the developing brain,turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons.These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses.Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increasedα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-Daspartate(AMPA/NMDA)receptor current ratio,indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity.Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain.These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.展开更多
BACKGROUND The induced-membrane technique was initially described by Masquelet as an effective treatment for large bone defects,especially those caused by infection.Here,we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of th...BACKGROUND The induced-membrane technique was initially described by Masquelet as an effective treatment for large bone defects,especially those caused by infection.Here,we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius associated with a 9 cm bone defect,which was filled with a large allogeneic cortical bone graft from a bone bank.Complete bony union was achieved after 14 months of follow-up.Previous studies have used autogenous bone as the primary bone source for the Masquelet technique;in our case,the exclusive use of allografts is as successful as the use of autologous bone grafts.With the advent of bone banks,it is possible to obtain an unlimited amount of allograft,and the Masquelet technique may be further improved based on this new way of bone grafting.CASE SUMMARY In this study,we reported a case of repair of a long bone defect in a 40-year-old male patient,which was characterized by the utilization of allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique for the treatment of the patient's long bone defect in the forearm.The patient's results of functional recovery of the forearm were surprising,which further deepens the scope of application of Masquelet technique and helps to strengthen the efficacy of Masquelet technique in the treatment of long bones indeed.CONCLUSION Allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique provides a new method of treatment to large bone defect.展开更多
Background:Poor sleep quality has been associated with changes in brain volume among veterans,particularly those who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI)and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).This stud...Background:Poor sleep quality has been associated with changes in brain volume among veterans,particularly those who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI)and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).This study sought to investigate:1)whether poor sleep quality is associated with decreased cortical thickness in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans,and 2)whether these associations differ topographically depending on the presence or absence of mTBI and PTSD.Methods:A sample of 440 post-9/11 era U.S.veterans enrolled in the Translational Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders study at VA Boston,MA from 2010 to 2022 was included in the study.We examined the relationship between sleep quality,as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and cortical thickness in veterans with mTBI(n=57),PTSD(n=110),comorbid mTBI and PTSD(n=129),and neither PTSD nor mTBI(n=144).To determine the topographical relationship between subjective sleep quality and cortical thickness in each diagnostic group,we employed a General Linear Model(GLM)at each vertex on the cortical mantle.The extent of topographical overlap between the resulting statistical maps was assessed using Dice coefficients.Results:There were no significant associations between PSQI and cortical thickness in the group without PTSD or mTBI(n=144)or in the PTSD-only group(n=110).In the mTBI-only group(n=57),lower sleep quality was significantly associated with reduced thickness bilaterally in frontal,cingulate,and precuneus regions,as well as in the right parietal and temporal regions(β=-0.0137,P<0.0005).In the comorbid mTBI and PTSD group(n=129),significant associations were observed bilaterally in frontal,precentral,and precuneus regions,in the left cingulate and the right parietal regions(β=-0.0094,P<0.0005).Interaction analysis revealed that there was a stronger relationship between poor sleep quality and decreased cortical thickness in individuals with mTBI(n=186)compared with those without mTBI(n=254)specifically in the frontal and cingulate regions(β=-0.0077,P<0.0005).Conclusions:This study demonstrates a significant relationship between poor sleep quality and lower cortical thickness primarily within frontal regions among individuals with both isolated mTBI or comorbid diagnoses of mTBI and PTSD.Thus,if directionality is established in longitudinal and interventional studies,it may be crucial to consider addressing sleep in the treatment of veterans who have sustained mTBI.展开更多
BACKGROUND Simultanagnosia is a neurological disorder that impairs an individual's ability to perceive more than one object at a time visually.While the individual may acknowledge the presence of multiple objects ...BACKGROUND Simultanagnosia is a neurological disorder that impairs an individual's ability to perceive more than one object at a time visually.While the individual may acknowledge the presence of multiple objects in his field of view,he cannot generally summarize the overall percept.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of simultanagnosia in Posterior Cortical Atrophy,evidenced by the Ishihara color test.A 54-year-old woman complained of reading problems despite normal visual acuity and a structural eye exam.The patient failed to identify any of the Ishihara color plates in either eye despite adequate naming of colors.Automated visual field testing showed a homonymous hemianopia.Structural and functional neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were consistent with posterior cortical atrophy.CONCLUSION Simultanagnosia can be tested with the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates because the recognition of embedded number patterns in the test requires appreciation of a collection of individual stimuli.展开更多
This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci afected single-subject morphological brain networks,which are becoming an important method for studying the human br...This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci afected single-subject morphological brain networks,which are becoming an important method for studying the human brain connectome.We found that gyri-gyri networks exhibited higher morphological similarity,lower small-world parameters,and lower long-term test-retest reliability than sulci-sulci networks for cortical thickness-and gyrifcation index-based networks,while opposite patterns were observed for fractal dimension-based networks.Further behavioral association analysis revealed that gyri-gyri networks and connections between gyral and sulcal regions signifcantly explained inter-individual variance in Cognition and Motor domains for fractal dimension-and sulcal depth-based networks.Finally,the clinical application showed that only sulci-sulci networks exhibited morphological similarity reductions in major depressive disorder for cortical thickness-,fractal dimension-,and gyrifcation index-based networks.Taken together,these fndings provide novel insights into the constraint of the cortical folding pattern to the network organization of the human brain.展开更多
Membrane-initiated estrogen receptorα(mERα)signaling has been shown to affect bone mass in murine models.However,it remains unknown which cell types mediate the mERα-dependent effects on bone.In this study,we gener...Membrane-initiated estrogen receptorα(mERα)signaling has been shown to affect bone mass in murine models.However,it remains unknown which cell types mediate the mERα-dependent effects on bone.In this study,we generated a novel mouse model with a conditional C451A mutation in Esr1,which enables selective knockout of the palmitoylation site essential for the membrane localization of ERα(C451A^(f/f)).First,we used Runx2-Cre mice to generate Runx2-C451A^(f/f)mice with conditional inactivation of mERαsignaling in Runx2-expressing osteoblast lineage cells.No significant changes were observed in body weight,weights of estrogen-responsive organs,or serum concentrations of estradiol between female Runx2-C451A^(f/f)and homozygous C451A^(f/f)littermate controls.High-resolution microcomputed tomography analysis showed a consistent decrease in cortical bone mass in the tibia,femur,and vertebra L5 of Runx2-C451A^(f/f)mice and three-point bending analysis of humerus revealed an impaired mechanical bone strength in Runx2-C451A^(f/f)female mice compared to controls.Additionally,primary osteoblast cultures from mice lacking mERαsignaling showed impaired differentiation compared to controls.展开更多
Objective: To study the relationship between cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) thresholds and behavioral thresholds in pediatric populations with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Methods: Fifteen children (m...Objective: To study the relationship between cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) thresholds and behavioral thresholds in pediatric populations with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Methods: Fifteen children (mean age 6.8 years) with bilateral SNHL underwent behavioral pure-tone audiometry and CAEP testing at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. CAEP thresholds were determined using tone bursts, and correlations between CAEP and pure-tone thresholds were analyzed using Pearson correlation and t-tests. Results: A strong positive correlation was observed between P1 thresholds and behavioral thresholds across all test frequencies: 0.5 kHz (r = 0.765, p Conclusion: The strong correlation between P1 and behavioral thresholds demonstrates the reliability of CAEP testing for estimating auditory thresholds in children. These findings support the use of CAEP testing as a reliable objective tool for threshold estimation, particularly in cases where behavioral responses cannot be reliably obtained. When adjusted with frequency-specific correction values, CAEP testing provides a reliable method for assessing hearing thresholds in pediatric populations.展开更多
Aim: To study the effects of rhynchophylline (Rhy) on the L type calcium channels in freshly dissociated cortical neurons of Wistar rats during acute hypoxia. Methods: Cell attached configuration of patch clamp tech...Aim: To study the effects of rhynchophylline (Rhy) on the L type calcium channels in freshly dissociated cortical neurons of Wistar rats during acute hypoxia. Methods: Cell attached configuration of patch clamp technique. L type calcium channel was activated by stepping from 40 mV to 0 mV. Results: The results showed that the L type calcium channels of cortical neurons were activated by acute hypoxia. The mean open time of the channel was increased, the mean close time decreased and the open state probability raised during acute hypoxia. Rhy (15 and 30μmol·L -1 ) in concentration dependent manner blocked activity of the channels. The drug shortened the mean open time of the channels from 8 87 ms to 3 03 ms and 2 23 ms ( P 【0 001), prolonged the mean close time from 9 23 ms to 38 84 ms and 54 43 ms ( P 【0 001), and decreased the open state probability from 0 142 to 0 031 and 0 025 ( P 【0 001) under the hypoxia condition, respectively. The effects of Rhy were similar to but weaker than those of verapamil (15 μmol·L -1 ). Conclusion: The study confirmed that Rhy has the blockade effects on L type calcium channels in cortical neurons of rats during hypoxia, by which it protects the brain from hypoxic injury.展开更多
Psychophysical studies suggest that lateral extrastriate visual cortical areas in cats may mediate the sparing of vision largely by network reorganization following lesions of early visual cortical areas. To date, how...Psychophysical studies suggest that lateral extrastriate visual cortical areas in cats may mediate the sparing of vision largely by network reorganization following lesions of early visual cortical areas. To date, however, there is little direct physiological evidence to support this hypothesis. Using in vivo single-anit recording techniques, we examined the response of neurons in areas 19, 21, and 20 to different types of visual stimulation in cats with or without acute bilateral lesions in areas 17 and 18. Our results showed that, relative to the controls, acute lesions inactivated the response of 99.3% of neurons to moving gratings and 93% of neurons to flickering square stimuli＇in areas 19, 21, and 20. These results indicated that acute lesions of primary visual areas in adult eats may impair most visual abilities. Sparing of vision in cats with neonatal lesions in early visual cortical areas may result largely from a postoperative reorganization of visual pathways from subcortical nucleus to extrastriate visual cortical areas.展开更多
With the development of neuroscience, substantial advances have been achieved in peripheral nerve regeneration over the past decades. However, peripheral nerve injury remains a critical public health problem because o...With the development of neuroscience, substantial advances have been achieved in peripheral nerve regeneration over the past decades. However, peripheral nerve injury remains a critical public health problem because of the subsequent impairment or absence of sensorimotor function. Uncomfortable complications of peripheral nerve injury, such as chronic pain, can also cause problems for families and society. A number of studies have demonstrated that the proper functioning of the nervous system depends not only on a complete connection from the central nervous system to the surrounding targets at an anatomical level, but also on the continuous bilateral communication between the two. After peripheral nerve injury, the interruption of afferent and efferent signals can cause complex pathophysiological changes, including neurochemical alterations, modifications in the adaptability of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and the reorganization of somatosensory and motor regions. This review discusses the close relationship between the cerebral cortex and peripheral nerves. We also focus on common therapies for peripheral nerve injury and summarize their potential mechanisms in relation to cortical plasticity. It has been suggested that cortical plasticity may be important for improving functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage. Further understanding of the potential common mechanisms between cortical reorganization and nerve injury will help to elucidate the pathophysiological processes of nerve injury, and may allow for the reduction of adverse consequences during peripheral nerve injury recovery. We also review the role that regulating reorganization mechanisms plays in functional recovery, and conclude with a suggestion to target cortical plasticity along with therapeutic interventions to promote peripheral nerve injury recovery.展开更多
Objective To investigate the cytotoxic mechanism of cadmium（Cd） on cerebral cortical neurons.Methods The primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical neurons were treated with different concentrations of cadmium acetat...Objective To investigate the cytotoxic mechanism of cadmium（Cd） on cerebral cortical neurons.Methods The primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical neurons were treated with different concentrations of cadmium acetate（0,5,10,and 20 μmol/L）,and then the cell viability,apoptosis,ultrastructure,intracellular [Ca2＋]i and reactive oxygen species（ROS） levels,mitochondrial membrane potential（ΔΨ）,activities of catalase（CAT） and superoxide dismutase（SOD） were measured.Results A progressive loss in cell viability and an increased number of apoptotic cells were observed.In addition,Cd-induced apoptotic morphological changes in cerebral cortical neurons were also demonstrated by Hoechst 33258 staining.Meanwhile,ultrastructural changes were distortion of mitochondrial cristae and an unusual arrangement.Simultaneously,elevation of intracellular [Ca2＋]i and ROS levels,depletion of ΔΨ were revealed in a dose-dependent manner during the exposure.Moreover,CAT and SOD activities in the living cells increased significantly.Conclusion Exposure of cortical neurons to different doses of Cd led to cellular death,mediated by an apoptotic mechanism,and the apoptotic death induced by oxidative stress may be a potential reason.And the disorder of intracellular homeostasis caused by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may be a trigger for apoptosis in cortical neurons.展开更多
Previous studies have indicated regional abnormalities of both gray and white matter in amblyopia. However, alterations of cortical thickness associated with changes in white matter integrity have rarely been reported...Previous studies have indicated regional abnormalities of both gray and white matter in amblyopia. However, alterations of cortical thickness associated with changes in white matter integrity have rarely been reported. In this study, structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging （DTI） data were obtained from 15 children with anisometropic amblyopia and 15 age- and gender-matched children with normal sight. Combining DTI and surface-based morphometry, we examined a potential linkage between disrupted white matter integrity and altered cortical thickness. The fractional anisotropy （FA） values in the optic radiations （ORs） of children with anisometropic amblyopia were lower than in controls （P 〈 0.05）. The cortical thickness in amblyopic children was lower than controls in the following subregions： lin- gual cortex, lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, cuneus, occip- ital lobe, inferior parietal lobe, and temporal lobe （P 〈 0.05, corrected）, but was higher in the calcarine gyrus （P 〈 0.05, corrected）. Node-by-node correlation analysis of changes in cortical thickness revealed a significant association between a lower FA value in the OR and diminished cortical thickness in the following subregions： medial lingual cortex, lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, lat- eral, superior, and medial occipital cortex, and lunate cortex. We also found a relationship between changes of cortical thickness and white matter OR integrity in amblyopia. These findings indicate that developmental changes occur simultaneously in the OR and visual cortex in amblyopia, and provide key information on complex damage of brain networks in anisometropic amblyopia. Our results also support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of anisometropic amblyopia is neurodevelopmental.展开更多
The coexistence of myelolipoma within adrenal cortical adenoma is extremely rare,for both tumors present usually as separate entities.There are only 16 such cases reported worldwide.To the best of our knowledge,the ca...The coexistence of myelolipoma within adrenal cortical adenoma is extremely rare,for both tumors present usually as separate entities.There are only 16 such cases reported worldwide.To the best of our knowledge,the case we reported here is the first one of myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma associated with myelolipoma reported.A 32-year-old Chinese woman with 4-year history of hypertension was presented in our study.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen showed a large heterogene- ously-enhancing mass(4.5 cm in diameter)in the left suprarenal region.Clinical history and laboratory results suggest a metabolic disorder as Conn's syndrome.The patient underwent a left adrenalectomy,and a histopathological study confirmed the mass to be a myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma containing myelolipoma.The patient was postoperatively well and discharged uneventfully.In the present case report,we also discuss the etiology of simultaneous myelolipoma and adrenal adenoma associated with Conn's syndrome,and the methods of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.展开更多
The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical ne...The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical neurons against oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to further examine the underlying mechanism. The cortical neurons were obtained from one-day old Sprague-Dawley neonate rats. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 μmol/L) was used to treat neurons for 24h to induce oxidative stress. Exogenous SHH (3μg/mL) was employed to activate the SHH pathway, and cyclopamine (20 μmol/L), a specific SHH signal inhibitor, to block SHH pathway. LY294002 (20 μmol/L) were used to pretreat the neurons 30 min before H2O2 treatment and selectively inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. The cell viability was measured by MTT and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax in neurons was detected by immunoblotting. The results showed that as compared with H2O2 treatment, exogenous SHH could increase the expression of p-Akt by 20% and decrease the expression of p-ERK by 33%. SHH exerted no significant effect on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. Blockade of PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 decreased the cell viability by 17% and increased the cell apoptosis rate by 2-fold. LY294002 treatment could up-regulate the expression of the proapoptotic gene Bax by 12% and down-regulate the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 by 54%. In conclusion, SHH pathway may activate PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway in neurons under oxidative stress. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the neuroprotection of SHH. SHH/PI3K/Bcl-2 pathway may be implicated in the protection of neurons against H2O2-induced apoptosis.展开更多
HECT, UBA and WWE domain-containing 1(Huwe1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, is widely expressed in brain tissue. Huwe1 is involved in the turnover of numerous substrates, includin...HECT, UBA and WWE domain-containing 1(Huwe1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, is widely expressed in brain tissue. Huwe1 is involved in the turnover of numerous substrates, including p53, Mcl-1, Cdc6 and N-myc, thereby playing a critical role in apoptosis and neurogenesis. However, the role of Huwe1 in brain ischemia and reperfusion injury remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of Huwe1 in an in vitro model of ischemia and reperfusion injury. At 3 days in vitro, primary cortical neurons were transduced with a control or shRNA-Huwe1 lentiviral vector to silence expression of Huwe1. At 7 days in vitro, the cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation for 3 hours and reperfusion for 24 hours. To examine the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/p38 pathway, cortical neurons were pretreated with a JNK inhibitor(SP600125) or a p38 MAPK inhibitor(SB203508) for 30 minutes at 7 days in vitro, followed by ischemia and reperfusion. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Protein expression levels of JNK and p38 MAPK and of apoptosis-related proteins(p53, Gadd45 a, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2) were measured by western blot assay. Immunofluorescence labeling for cleaved caspase-3 was performed. We observed a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis and Huwe1 expression after ischemia and reperfusion. Treatment with the shRNA-Huwe1 lentiviral vector markedly decreased Huwe1 levels, and significantly decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells after ischemia and reperfusion. The silencing vector also downregulated the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and upregulated the anti-apoptotic proteins Gadd45 a and Bcl-2. Silencing Huwe1 also significantly reduced p-JNK levels and increased p-p38 levels. Our findings show that downregulating Huwe1 affects the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways as well as the expression of apoptosis-related genes to provide neuroprotection during ischemia and reperfusion. All animal experiments and procedures were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Sichuan University, China in January 2018(approval No. 2018013).展开更多
文摘AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(STI2030-2021ZD0202300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32070971,32100768,32200776,and 32200792)the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2018SHZDZX01)。
文摘Human’s robust cognitive abilities,including creativity and language,are made possible,at least in large part,by evolutionary changes made to the cerebral cortex.This paper reviews the biology and evolution of mammalian cortical radial glial cells(primary neural stem cells)and introduces the concept that a genetically step wise process,based on a core molecular pathway already in use,is the evolutionary process that has molded cortical neurogenesis.The core mechanism,which has been identified in our recent studies,is the extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)-bone morphogenic protein 7(BMP7)-GLI3 repressor form(GLI3R)-sonic hedgehog(SHH)positive feedback loop.Additionally,I propose that the molecular basis for cortical evolutionary dwarfism,exemplified by the lissencephalic mouse which originated from a larger gyrencephalic ancestor,is an increase in SHH signaling in radial glia,that antagonizes ERK-BMP7 signaling.Finally,I propose that:(1)SHH signaling is not a key regulator of primate cortical expansion and folding;(2)human cortical radial glial cells do not generate neocortical interneurons;(3)human-specific genes may not be essential for most cortical expansion.I hope this review assists colleagues in the field,guiding research to address gaps in our understanding of cortical development and evolution.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LQ23H090002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82201607).
文摘Cortical malformations,including focal cortical dysplasia type II(FCDII),are a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy and developmental delay.Consideration of surgery has become the standard of care for those patients.However,10%-50% of patients with FCD experience post-surgical relapses[1],and many do not even qualify as surgical candidates.Effective treatments for FCD-associated epilepsy are lacking.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,Nos.2019A1515010649(to WC),2022A1515012044(to JS)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2018M633091(to JS).
文摘Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Major Project),No.82030110(to CYM)the National Natural Science Foundation(Youth Program),No.82003754(to SNW)+1 种基金Medical Innovation Major Project,No.16CXZ009(to CYM)Shanghai Science and Technology Commission Projects,Nos.20YF1458400(to SNW)and 21140901000(to CYM)。
文摘As three-dimensional“organ-like”aggregates,human cortical organoids have emerged as powerful models for studying human brain evolution and brain disorders with unique advantages of humanspecificity,fidelity and manipulation.Human cortical organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells can elaborately replicate many of the key properties of human cortical development at the molecular,cellular,structural,and functional levels,including the anatomy,functional neural network,and interaction among different brain regions,thus facilitating the discovery of brain development and evolution.In addition to studying the neuro-electrophysiological features of brain cortex development,human cortical organoids have been widely used to mimic the pathophysiological features of cortical-related disease,especially in mimicking malformations of cortical development,thus revealing pathological mechanism and identifying effective drugs.In this review,we provide an overview of the generation of human cortical organoids and the properties of recapitulated cortical development and further outline their applications in modeling malformations of cortical development including pathological phenotype,underlying mechanisms and rescue strategies.
基金supported by NIH/NIMH grant R01MH111619(to SQ),R21AG078700(to SQ)Institute of Mental Health Research(IMHR,Level 1 funding,to SQ and DF)institution startup fund from The University of Arizona(to SQ)。
文摘Loss of synapse and functional connectivity in brain circuits is associated with aging and neurodegeneration,however,few molecular mechanisms are known to intrinsically promote synaptogenesis or enhance synapse function.We have previously shown that MET receptor tyrosine kinase in the developing cortical circuits promotes dendritic growth and dendritic spine morphogenesis.To investigate whether enhancing MET in adult cortex has synapse regenerating potential,we created a knockin mouse line,in which the human MET gene expression and signaling can be turned on in adult(10–12 months)cortical neurons through doxycycline-containing chow.We found that similar to the developing brain,turning on MET signaling in the adult cortex activates small GTPases and increases spine density in prefrontal projection neurons.These findings are further corroborated by increased synaptic activity and transient generation of immature silent synapses.Prolonged MET signaling resulted in an increasedα-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid/N-methyl-Daspartate(AMPA/NMDA)receptor current ratio,indicative of enhanced synaptic function and connectivity.Our data reveal that enhancing MET signaling could be an interventional approach to promote synaptogenesis and preserve functional connectivity in the adult brain.These findings may have implications for regenerative therapy in aging and neurodegeneration conditions.
文摘BACKGROUND The induced-membrane technique was initially described by Masquelet as an effective treatment for large bone defects,especially those caused by infection.Here,we report a case of chronic osteomyelitis of the radius associated with a 9 cm bone defect,which was filled with a large allogeneic cortical bone graft from a bone bank.Complete bony union was achieved after 14 months of follow-up.Previous studies have used autogenous bone as the primary bone source for the Masquelet technique;in our case,the exclusive use of allografts is as successful as the use of autologous bone grafts.With the advent of bone banks,it is possible to obtain an unlimited amount of allograft,and the Masquelet technique may be further improved based on this new way of bone grafting.CASE SUMMARY In this study,we reported a case of repair of a long bone defect in a 40-year-old male patient,which was characterized by the utilization of allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique for the treatment of the patient's long bone defect in the forearm.The patient's results of functional recovery of the forearm were surprising,which further deepens the scope of application of Masquelet technique and helps to strengthen the efficacy of Masquelet technique in the treatment of long bones indeed.CONCLUSION Allograft cortical bone combined with the Masquelet technique provides a new method of treatment to large bone defect.
基金supported by the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs through the Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders(TRACTS B3001-C),a VA Rehabilitation Research and Development Traumatic Brain Injury National Network Research Center,and the Boston University Chobanian&Avedisian School of Medicine’s Medical Student Summer Research Program,with funding from the Gabriel Family Foundation CTE Research Fund(MA).
文摘Background:Poor sleep quality has been associated with changes in brain volume among veterans,particularly those who have experienced mild traumatic brain injury(mTBI)and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD).This study sought to investigate:1)whether poor sleep quality is associated with decreased cortical thickness in Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans,and 2)whether these associations differ topographically depending on the presence or absence of mTBI and PTSD.Methods:A sample of 440 post-9/11 era U.S.veterans enrolled in the Translational Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders study at VA Boston,MA from 2010 to 2022 was included in the study.We examined the relationship between sleep quality,as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),and cortical thickness in veterans with mTBI(n=57),PTSD(n=110),comorbid mTBI and PTSD(n=129),and neither PTSD nor mTBI(n=144).To determine the topographical relationship between subjective sleep quality and cortical thickness in each diagnostic group,we employed a General Linear Model(GLM)at each vertex on the cortical mantle.The extent of topographical overlap between the resulting statistical maps was assessed using Dice coefficients.Results:There were no significant associations between PSQI and cortical thickness in the group without PTSD or mTBI(n=144)or in the PTSD-only group(n=110).In the mTBI-only group(n=57),lower sleep quality was significantly associated with reduced thickness bilaterally in frontal,cingulate,and precuneus regions,as well as in the right parietal and temporal regions(β=-0.0137,P<0.0005).In the comorbid mTBI and PTSD group(n=129),significant associations were observed bilaterally in frontal,precentral,and precuneus regions,in the left cingulate and the right parietal regions(β=-0.0094,P<0.0005).Interaction analysis revealed that there was a stronger relationship between poor sleep quality and decreased cortical thickness in individuals with mTBI(n=186)compared with those without mTBI(n=254)specifically in the frontal and cingulate regions(β=-0.0077,P<0.0005).Conclusions:This study demonstrates a significant relationship between poor sleep quality and lower cortical thickness primarily within frontal regions among individuals with both isolated mTBI or comorbid diagnoses of mTBI and PTSD.Thus,if directionality is established in longitudinal and interventional studies,it may be crucial to consider addressing sleep in the treatment of veterans who have sustained mTBI.
文摘BACKGROUND Simultanagnosia is a neurological disorder that impairs an individual's ability to perceive more than one object at a time visually.While the individual may acknowledge the presence of multiple objects in his field of view,he cannot generally summarize the overall percept.CASE SUMMARY We describe a case of simultanagnosia in Posterior Cortical Atrophy,evidenced by the Ishihara color test.A 54-year-old woman complained of reading problems despite normal visual acuity and a structural eye exam.The patient failed to identify any of the Ishihara color plates in either eye despite adequate naming of colors.Automated visual field testing showed a homonymous hemianopia.Structural and functional neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were consistent with posterior cortical atrophy.CONCLUSION Simultanagnosia can be tested with the Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates because the recognition of embedded number patterns in the test requires appreciation of a collection of individual stimuli.
基金supported by the STI 2030-Major Projects(2021ZD0200500)the National Social Science Foundation of China(20&ZD296)Key Realm R&D Program of Guangdong Province(2019B030335001).
文摘This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci afected single-subject morphological brain networks,which are becoming an important method for studying the human brain connectome.We found that gyri-gyri networks exhibited higher morphological similarity,lower small-world parameters,and lower long-term test-retest reliability than sulci-sulci networks for cortical thickness-and gyrifcation index-based networks,while opposite patterns were observed for fractal dimension-based networks.Further behavioral association analysis revealed that gyri-gyri networks and connections between gyral and sulcal regions signifcantly explained inter-individual variance in Cognition and Motor domains for fractal dimension-and sulcal depth-based networks.Finally,the clinical application showed that only sulci-sulci networks exhibited morphological similarity reductions in major depressive disorder for cortical thickness-,fractal dimension-,and gyrifcation index-based networks.Taken together,these fndings provide novel insights into the constraint of the cortical folding pattern to the network organization of the human brain.
基金supported by the Swedish Research Council(2017-01286,2020-01840)the Swedish state under the agreement between the Swedish government and the county councils(ALF-agreement)(ALFGBG721581)+2 种基金the Gustaf V 80-years fund(FAI-2018-0466)the IngaBritt and Arne Lundberg Foundation(LU2017-0076)the Novo Nordisk Foundation(26844).
文摘Membrane-initiated estrogen receptorα(mERα)signaling has been shown to affect bone mass in murine models.However,it remains unknown which cell types mediate the mERα-dependent effects on bone.In this study,we generated a novel mouse model with a conditional C451A mutation in Esr1,which enables selective knockout of the palmitoylation site essential for the membrane localization of ERα(C451A^(f/f)).First,we used Runx2-Cre mice to generate Runx2-C451A^(f/f)mice with conditional inactivation of mERαsignaling in Runx2-expressing osteoblast lineage cells.No significant changes were observed in body weight,weights of estrogen-responsive organs,or serum concentrations of estradiol between female Runx2-C451A^(f/f)and homozygous C451A^(f/f)littermate controls.High-resolution microcomputed tomography analysis showed a consistent decrease in cortical bone mass in the tibia,femur,and vertebra L5 of Runx2-C451A^(f/f)mice and three-point bending analysis of humerus revealed an impaired mechanical bone strength in Runx2-C451A^(f/f)female mice compared to controls.Additionally,primary osteoblast cultures from mice lacking mERαsignaling showed impaired differentiation compared to controls.
文摘Objective: To study the relationship between cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) thresholds and behavioral thresholds in pediatric populations with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Methods: Fifteen children (mean age 6.8 years) with bilateral SNHL underwent behavioral pure-tone audiometry and CAEP testing at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz. CAEP thresholds were determined using tone bursts, and correlations between CAEP and pure-tone thresholds were analyzed using Pearson correlation and t-tests. Results: A strong positive correlation was observed between P1 thresholds and behavioral thresholds across all test frequencies: 0.5 kHz (r = 0.765, p Conclusion: The strong correlation between P1 and behavioral thresholds demonstrates the reliability of CAEP testing for estimating auditory thresholds in children. These findings support the use of CAEP testing as a reliable objective tool for threshold estimation, particularly in cases where behavioral responses cannot be reliably obtained. When adjusted with frequency-specific correction values, CAEP testing provides a reliable method for assessing hearing thresholds in pediatric populations.
文摘Aim: To study the effects of rhynchophylline (Rhy) on the L type calcium channels in freshly dissociated cortical neurons of Wistar rats during acute hypoxia. Methods: Cell attached configuration of patch clamp technique. L type calcium channel was activated by stepping from 40 mV to 0 mV. Results: The results showed that the L type calcium channels of cortical neurons were activated by acute hypoxia. The mean open time of the channel was increased, the mean close time decreased and the open state probability raised during acute hypoxia. Rhy (15 and 30μmol·L -1 ) in concentration dependent manner blocked activity of the channels. The drug shortened the mean open time of the channels from 8 87 ms to 3 03 ms and 2 23 ms ( P 【0 001), prolonged the mean close time from 9 23 ms to 38 84 ms and 54 43 ms ( P 【0 001), and decreased the open state probability from 0 142 to 0 031 and 0 025 ( P 【0 001) under the hypoxia condition, respectively. The effects of Rhy were similar to but weaker than those of verapamil (15 μmol·L -1 ). Conclusion: The study confirmed that Rhy has the blockade effects on L type calcium channels in cortical neurons of rats during hypoxia, by which it protects the brain from hypoxic injury.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (31171082)Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (070413138)Key Research Foundation of Anhui Province Education Department (KJ2009A167)
文摘Psychophysical studies suggest that lateral extrastriate visual cortical areas in cats may mediate the sparing of vision largely by network reorganization following lesions of early visual cortical areas. To date, however, there is little direct physiological evidence to support this hypothesis. Using in vivo single-anit recording techniques, we examined the response of neurons in areas 19, 21, and 20 to different types of visual stimulation in cats with or without acute bilateral lesions in areas 17 and 18. Our results showed that, relative to the controls, acute lesions inactivated the response of 99.3% of neurons to moving gratings and 93% of neurons to flickering square stimuli＇in areas 19, 21, and 20. These results indicated that acute lesions of primary visual areas in adult eats may impair most visual abilities. Sparing of vision in cats with neonatal lesions in early visual cortical areas may result largely from a postoperative reorganization of visual pathways from subcortical nucleus to extrastriate visual cortical areas.
基金supported by the Key Laboratory of Trauma and Neural Regeneration (Peking University),Ministry of Education of China,No. BMU2020XY005-03National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 31771322+2 种基金Beijing Science&Technology New Star Cross Project of China,No. 201819Major R&D Program of National Ministry of Science and Technology of China,No. 2018YFB1105504a grant from National Center for Trauma Medicine,Beijing,China,No. BMU2020XY005-01 (all to PXZ)。
文摘With the development of neuroscience, substantial advances have been achieved in peripheral nerve regeneration over the past decades. However, peripheral nerve injury remains a critical public health problem because of the subsequent impairment or absence of sensorimotor function. Uncomfortable complications of peripheral nerve injury, such as chronic pain, can also cause problems for families and society. A number of studies have demonstrated that the proper functioning of the nervous system depends not only on a complete connection from the central nervous system to the surrounding targets at an anatomical level, but also on the continuous bilateral communication between the two. After peripheral nerve injury, the interruption of afferent and efferent signals can cause complex pathophysiological changes, including neurochemical alterations, modifications in the adaptability of excitatory and inhibitory neurons, and the reorganization of somatosensory and motor regions. This review discusses the close relationship between the cerebral cortex and peripheral nerves. We also focus on common therapies for peripheral nerve injury and summarize their potential mechanisms in relation to cortical plasticity. It has been suggested that cortical plasticity may be important for improving functional recovery after peripheral nerve damage. Further understanding of the potential common mechanisms between cortical reorganization and nerve injury will help to elucidate the pathophysiological processes of nerve injury, and may allow for the reduction of adverse consequences during peripheral nerve injury recovery. We also review the role that regulating reorganization mechanisms plays in functional recovery, and conclude with a suggestion to target cortical plasticity along with therapeutic interventions to promote peripheral nerve injury recovery.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China (no.30972229 and 31101866)a project Funded by Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)
文摘Objective To investigate the cytotoxic mechanism of cadmium（Cd） on cerebral cortical neurons.Methods The primary cultures of rat cerebral cortical neurons were treated with different concentrations of cadmium acetate（0,5,10,and 20 μmol/L）,and then the cell viability,apoptosis,ultrastructure,intracellular [Ca2＋]i and reactive oxygen species（ROS） levels,mitochondrial membrane potential（ΔΨ）,activities of catalase（CAT） and superoxide dismutase（SOD） were measured.Results A progressive loss in cell viability and an increased number of apoptotic cells were observed.In addition,Cd-induced apoptotic morphological changes in cerebral cortical neurons were also demonstrated by Hoechst 33258 staining.Meanwhile,ultrastructural changes were distortion of mitochondrial cristae and an unusual arrangement.Simultaneously,elevation of intracellular [Ca2＋]i and ROS levels,depletion of ΔΨ were revealed in a dose-dependent manner during the exposure.Moreover,CAT and SOD activities in the living cells increased significantly.Conclusion Exposure of cortical neurons to different doses of Cd led to cellular death,mediated by an apoptotic mechanism,and the apoptotic death induced by oxidative stress may be a potential reason.And the disorder of intracellular homeostasis caused by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may be a trigger for apoptosis in cortical neurons.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30872717)
文摘Previous studies have indicated regional abnormalities of both gray and white matter in amblyopia. However, alterations of cortical thickness associated with changes in white matter integrity have rarely been reported. In this study, structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging （DTI） data were obtained from 15 children with anisometropic amblyopia and 15 age- and gender-matched children with normal sight. Combining DTI and surface-based morphometry, we examined a potential linkage between disrupted white matter integrity and altered cortical thickness. The fractional anisotropy （FA） values in the optic radiations （ORs） of children with anisometropic amblyopia were lower than in controls （P 〈 0.05）. The cortical thickness in amblyopic children was lower than controls in the following subregions： lin- gual cortex, lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, cuneus, occip- ital lobe, inferior parietal lobe, and temporal lobe （P 〈 0.05, corrected）, but was higher in the calcarine gyrus （P 〈 0.05, corrected）. Node-by-node correlation analysis of changes in cortical thickness revealed a significant association between a lower FA value in the OR and diminished cortical thickness in the following subregions： medial lingual cortex, lateral occipitotemporal gyrus, lat- eral, superior, and medial occipital cortex, and lunate cortex. We also found a relationship between changes of cortical thickness and white matter OR integrity in amblyopia. These findings indicate that developmental changes occur simultaneously in the OR and visual cortex in amblyopia, and provide key information on complex damage of brain networks in anisometropic amblyopia. Our results also support the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of anisometropic amblyopia is neurodevelopmental.
文摘The coexistence of myelolipoma within adrenal cortical adenoma is extremely rare,for both tumors present usually as separate entities.There are only 16 such cases reported worldwide.To the best of our knowledge,the case we reported here is the first one of myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma associated with myelolipoma reported.A 32-year-old Chinese woman with 4-year history of hypertension was presented in our study.Computed tomography(CT)of the abdomen showed a large heterogene- ously-enhancing mass(4.5 cm in diameter)in the left suprarenal region.Clinical history and laboratory results suggest a metabolic disorder as Conn's syndrome.The patient underwent a left adrenalectomy,and a histopathological study confirmed the mass to be a myxoid adrenal cortical adenoma containing myelolipoma.The patient was postoperatively well and discharged uneventfully.In the present case report,we also discuss the etiology of simultaneous myelolipoma and adrenal adenoma associated with Conn's syndrome,and the methods of the diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81070938)
文摘The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical neurons against oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to further examine the underlying mechanism. The cortical neurons were obtained from one-day old Sprague-Dawley neonate rats. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 μmol/L) was used to treat neurons for 24h to induce oxidative stress. Exogenous SHH (3μg/mL) was employed to activate the SHH pathway, and cyclopamine (20 μmol/L), a specific SHH signal inhibitor, to block SHH pathway. LY294002 (20 μmol/L) were used to pretreat the neurons 30 min before H2O2 treatment and selectively inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. The cell viability was measured by MTT and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax in neurons was detected by immunoblotting. The results showed that as compared with H2O2 treatment, exogenous SHH could increase the expression of p-Akt by 20% and decrease the expression of p-ERK by 33%. SHH exerted no significant effect on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. Blockade of PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 decreased the cell viability by 17% and increased the cell apoptosis rate by 2-fold. LY294002 treatment could up-regulate the expression of the proapoptotic gene Bax by 12% and down-regulate the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 by 54%. In conclusion, SHH pathway may activate PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway in neurons under oxidative stress. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the neuroprotection of SHH. SHH/PI3K/Bcl-2 pathway may be implicated in the protection of neurons against H2O2-induced apoptosis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81771642(to WMX)the New Bud Research Foundation of West China Second University Hospital of China(to GQH)
文摘HECT, UBA and WWE domain-containing 1(Huwe1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, is widely expressed in brain tissue. Huwe1 is involved in the turnover of numerous substrates, including p53, Mcl-1, Cdc6 and N-myc, thereby playing a critical role in apoptosis and neurogenesis. However, the role of Huwe1 in brain ischemia and reperfusion injury remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of Huwe1 in an in vitro model of ischemia and reperfusion injury. At 3 days in vitro, primary cortical neurons were transduced with a control or shRNA-Huwe1 lentiviral vector to silence expression of Huwe1. At 7 days in vitro, the cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation for 3 hours and reperfusion for 24 hours. To examine the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/p38 pathway, cortical neurons were pretreated with a JNK inhibitor(SP600125) or a p38 MAPK inhibitor(SB203508) for 30 minutes at 7 days in vitro, followed by ischemia and reperfusion. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay. Protein expression levels of JNK and p38 MAPK and of apoptosis-related proteins(p53, Gadd45 a, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2) were measured by western blot assay. Immunofluorescence labeling for cleaved caspase-3 was performed. We observed a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis and Huwe1 expression after ischemia and reperfusion. Treatment with the shRNA-Huwe1 lentiviral vector markedly decreased Huwe1 levels, and significantly decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells after ischemia and reperfusion. The silencing vector also downregulated the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3, and upregulated the anti-apoptotic proteins Gadd45 a and Bcl-2. Silencing Huwe1 also significantly reduced p-JNK levels and increased p-p38 levels. Our findings show that downregulating Huwe1 affects the JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways as well as the expression of apoptosis-related genes to provide neuroprotection during ischemia and reperfusion. All animal experiments and procedures were approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Sichuan University, China in January 2018(approval No. 2018013).
