Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common cause of dementia,characterized by progressive cognitive decline,and affects over 55 million people worldwide.AD is pathological featured by the aberrant accumulation of amyl...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common cause of dementia,characterized by progressive cognitive decline,and affects over 55 million people worldwide.AD is pathological featured by the aberrant accumulation of amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau,synaptic loss,and dysfunction of neurotransmitter systems.Evidence from in vivo and autopsy studies has consistently shown that synaptic dysfunction and loss are strongly correlated with cognitive decline in AD,particularly in brain regions such as the hippocampus and cortex,which are critical for memory formation and processing.This perspective highlights recent histopathological findings related to synaptic dysfunction in AD,advancements in the development of imaging and fluid-based biomarkers for synaptic loss,and future studies.展开更多
Cerebral small vessel disease(SVD)represents a range of pathological changes in the small blood vessels of the brain.SVD can be detected on MRI,which includes white matter hyperintensities,lacunes,and cerebral microbl...Cerebral small vessel disease(SVD)represents a range of pathological changes in the small blood vessels of the brain.SVD can be detected on MRI,which includes white matter hyperintensities,lacunes,and cerebral microbleeds(Duering et al.,2023).Patients with SVD exhibit significant clinical heterogeneity,often presenting with cognitive impairment,apathy,gait dysfunction,and lacunar stroke(Wardlaw et al.,2019).展开更多
Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pa...Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pathological factor contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.However,the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria and their interplay in the degeneration of the neuromuscular junction during aging remain poorly understood.A defined systematic search of the Pub Med,Web of Science and Embase databases(last accessed on October 30,2024)was conducted with search terms including'mitochondria','aging'and'NMJ'.Clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular junction degeneration during aging.Twentyseven studies were included in this systematic review.This systematic review provides a summary of morphological,functional and biological changes in neuromuscular junction,mitochondrial morphology,biosynthesis,respiratory chain function,and mitophagy during aging.We focus on the interactions and mechanisms underlying the relationship between mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions during aging.Aging is characterized by significant reductions in mitochondrial fusion/fission cycles,biosynthesis,and mitochondrial quality control,which may lead to neuromuscular junction dysfunction,denervation and poor physical performance.Motor nerve terminals that exhibit redox sensitivity are among the first to exhibit abnormalities,ultimately leading to an early decline in muscle strength through impaired neuromuscular junction transmission function.Parg coactivator 1 alpha is a crucial molecule that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and modulates various pathways,including the mitochondrial respiratory chain,energy deficiency,oxidative stress,and inflammation.Mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with neuromuscular junction denervation and acetylcholine receptor fragmentation,resulting in muscle atrophy and a decrease in strength during aging.Physical therapy,pharmacotherapy,and gene therapy can alleviate the structural degeneration and functional deterioration of neuromuscular junction by restoring mitochondrial function.Therefore,mitochondria are considered potential targets for preserving neuromuscular junction morphology and function during aging to treat sarcopenia.展开更多
Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by mosquito vectors[1].Its clinical manifestations include high fever,headache,muscle and joint pain,and rash.It holds a significa...Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by mosquito vectors[1].Its clinical manifestations include high fever,headache,muscle and joint pain,and rash.It holds a significant position in global public health.In recent years,its incidence has continued to rise worldwide[2],making it one of the major diseases threatening human health.The disease course of dengue fever is divided into three typical phases:the acute febrile phase,the critical phase,and the recovery phase.While most patients experience mild symptoms,some may progress to severe dengue and potentially fatal outcomes if not promptly and effectively treated during the critical phase.展开更多
Neurodevelopmental processes represent a finely tuned interplay between genetic and environmental factors,shaping the dynamic landscape of the developing brain.A major component of the developing brain that enables th...Neurodevelopmental processes represent a finely tuned interplay between genetic and environmental factors,shaping the dynamic landscape of the developing brain.A major component of the developing brain that enables this dynamic is the white matter(WM),known to be affected in neurodevelopmental disorders(NDDs)(Rokach et al.,2024).WM formation is mediated by myelination,a multifactorial process driven by neuro-glia interactions dependent on proper neuronal functionality(Simons and Trajkovic,2006).Another key aspect of neurodevelopmental abnormalities involves neuronal dynamics and function,with recent advances significantly enhancing our understanding of both neuronal and glial mitochondrial function(Devine and Kittler,2018;Rojas-Charry et al.,2021).Energy homeostasis in neurons,attributed largely to mitochondrial function,is critical for proper functionality and interactions with oligodendrocytes(OLs),the cells forming myelin in the brain’s WM.We herein discuss the interplay between these processes and speculate on potential dysfunction in NDDs.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To investigate that whether electro-acupuncture(EA) precondition can reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) following knee replacement and its safety in elderly. METHODS: A total ...OBJECTIVE: To investigate that whether electro-acupuncture(EA) precondition can reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) following knee replacement and its safety in elderly. METHODS: A total of 60 participants met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial with the ratio of 1:1, with 30 cases in the treatment group and 30 cases in the control group. The participants in the treatment group were provided with realEA therapy whereas participants in control group were provided with placebo-EA therapy. Interventions were offered 5 days prior to the surgery, once daily, and for a total of 5 days. The scores of Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), and contents of serumal inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were observed at 24 hours prior-and posterior-to the surgery respectively for assessing the incidence of POCD among patients. Meanwhile, adverse effects were monitored and recorded. RESULTS:(1) After surgery, both treatment group and control group showed a significant decrease in MMSE global scores(P < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively), and the score in control group decreased more significantly than that in treatment group(P < 0.05);(2) Contents of serumal IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly increased in both groups after 24 hours posterior to the surgery(P < 0.001), and the contents in control group increased more significantly than that in treatment group(P < 0.001);(3) After surgery, the incidence of POCD was 20% in treatment group versus 36.67% in control group. There was no statistical difference between 2 groups(P > 0.05);(4) No serious adverse events were reported in this trial, except 1 patient from treatment group had a slight hematoma after receiving acupuncture. CONCLUSION: EA precondition might reduce cognitive impairments after 24 hours posterior to knee replacement surgery in elderly through inhibiting expression of inflammatory cytokines, including both IL-1β and TNF-α. However, there is insufficient evidence to support that EA precondition could reduce incidence of POCD.展开更多
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a seve re complication of the central nervous system that occurs after anesthesia and surgery,and has received attention for its high incidence and effect on the quality of life ...Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a seve re complication of the central nervous system that occurs after anesthesia and surgery,and has received attention for its high incidence and effect on the quality of life of patients.To date,there are no viable treatment options for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.The identification of postoperative cognitive dysfunction hub genes could provide new research directions and therapeutic targets for future research.To identify the signaling mechanisms contributing to postoperative cognitive dysfunction,we first conducted Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE95426 dataset,which consists of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in mouse hippocampus3 days after tibial fracture.The dataset was enriched in genes associated with the biological process"regulation of immune cells,"of which Chill was identified as a hub gene.Therefore,we investigated the contribution of chitinase-3-like protein 1 protein expression changes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the mouse model of tibial fractu re surgery.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 124 hours post-surgery,and the injection groups were compared with untreated control mice for learning and memory capacities using the Y-maze and fear conditioning tests.In addition,protein expression levels of proinflammatory factors(interleukin-1βand inducible nitric oxide synthase),M2-type macrophage markers(CD206 and arginase-1),and cognition-related proteins(brain-derived neurotropic factor and phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunit NR2B)were measured in hippocampus by western blotting.Treatment with recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 prevented surgery-induced cognitive impairment,downregulated interleukin-1βand nducible nitric oxide synthase expression,and upregulated CD206,arginase-1,pNR2B,and brain-derived neurotropic factor expression compared with vehicle treatment.Intraperitoneal administration of the specific ERK inhibitor PD98059 diminished the effects of recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1.Collectively,our findings suggest that recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 ameliorates surgery-induced cognitive decline by attenuating neuroinflammation via M2 microglial polarization in the hippocampus.Therefore,recombinant chitinase-3-like protein1 may have therapeutic potential fo r postoperative cognitive dysfunction.展开更多
Stroke,as a highly prevalent cerebrovascular disease,often leads to limb dysfunction in patients,severely affecting their quality of life.Seeking effective rehabilitation nursing methods is of great significance for p...Stroke,as a highly prevalent cerebrovascular disease,often leads to limb dysfunction in patients,severely affecting their quality of life.Seeking effective rehabilitation nursing methods is of great significance for patient recovery.This article deeply analyzes various aspects such as intelligent rehabilitation technology,traditional Chinese medical therapies,Western medical therapies,and rehabilitation training methods.It explores the characteristics,effectiveness,and application prospects of various rehabilitation nursing approaches,providing a reference for clinical rehabilitation nursing of limb dysfunction after stroke,and helping to improve the quality of patient recovery and enhance their self-care ability and quality of life.展开更多
The endothelium modulates vascular homeostasis owing to a variety of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators.Endothelial dysfunction(ED),characterized by impaired vasodilation,inflammation,and thrombosis,triggers future car...The endothelium modulates vascular homeostasis owing to a variety of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators.Endothelial dysfunction(ED),characterized by impaired vasodilation,inflammation,and thrombosis,triggers future cardiovascular(CV)diseases.Chronic kidney disease,a state of chronic inflammation caused by oxidative stress,metabolic abnormalities,infection,and uremic toxins damages the endothelium.ED is also associated with a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate.After kidney transplantation,endothelial functions undergo immediate but partial restoration,promising graft longevity and enhanced CV health.However,the anticipated CV outcomes do not happen due to various transplant-related and unrelated risk factors for ED,culminating in poor CV health and graft survival.ED in kidney transplant recipients is an underrecognized and poorly studied entity.CV diseases are the leading cause of death among kidney transplant candidates with functioning grafts.ED contributes to the pathogenesis of many of the CV diseases.Various biomarkers and vasoreactivity tests are available to study endothelial functions.With an increasing number of transplants happening every year,and improved graft rejection rates due to the availability of effective immunosuppressants,the focus has now shifted to endothelial protection for the prevention,early recognition,and treatment of CV diseases.展开更多
Recent work suggests a link betweenα-synuclein(α-syn)and mitochondrial dysfunction;however,the mechanisms of howα-syn influences mitochondrial function are still unclear.Most notably,whetherα-syn plays a direct ro...Recent work suggests a link betweenα-synuclein(α-syn)and mitochondrial dysfunction;however,the mechanisms of howα-syn influences mitochondrial function are still unclear.Most notably,whetherα-syn plays a direct role during mitochondrial function and/or whether diseasedα-syn-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential modifiable risk factor in Parkinson’s disease(PD)is unknown.To date,mutations in more than eight genes cause familial PD(fPD)and have functions in diverse pathways including synaptic homeostasis,mitochondria maintenance,autophagy/lysosome,and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways.展开更多
Alzheimer’s disease(AD)stands out as the primary manifestation of age-related dementia,portraying a chronic neurodegenerative disorder distinguished by the accumulation of fibrillar amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and neurofi...Alzheimer’s disease(AD)stands out as the primary manifestation of age-related dementia,portraying a chronic neurodegenerative disorder distinguished by the accumulation of fibrillar amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau.However,from a clinical standpoint,AD presents itself as a complex condition with a spectrum of dysfunctions rather than a singular pathological mechanism.An often-overlooked aspect of the disease is the presence of extensive cerebrovascular abnormalities,given that the majority of AD patients experience altered cerebral blood flow,damaged vasculature,increased microinfarcts and microhemorrhages.Animal models of AD further support this observation,showing cerebrovascular dysfunction such as impaired cerebral blood flow and altered cerebrovascular reactivity(Tataryn et al.,2021;Gareau et al.,2023).展开更多
BACKGROUND The development of slow transit constipation(STC)is associated with intestinal barrier damage.Huangqi decoction(HQD)is effective in treating STC,but me-chanisms are unclear.AIM To investigate whether HQD al...BACKGROUND The development of slow transit constipation(STC)is associated with intestinal barrier damage.Huangqi decoction(HQD)is effective in treating STC,but me-chanisms are unclear.AIM To investigate whether HQD alleviates STC by downregulating the nuclear factorκB(NF-κB)signaling pathway and restoring intestinal barrier function.METHODS KM mice were divided into control,model,and HQD treatment groups.Fresh colonic tissues were collected for single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial tra-nscriptome sequencing.The expressions of claudin-1,mucin 2,and NF-κB P65 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.In vitro experiments evaluated the effects of HQD on the LS174T cell line.RESULTS HQD improved intestinal motility,restored mucosal epithelium function and morphology.Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing data showed a reduction in goblet cells,decreased mucin 2 secretion,and activated apoptotic pathways in STC mice.The population of intestinal stem cells was reduced,and proliferation along with Wnt/β-catenin pathways were inhibited.STC also altered the distribution of intestinal cell states,increasing immune-associated Enterocyte_C3.Aberrant NF-κB pathway activation was noted across various cell types.After HQD treatment,NF-κB pathway activity was down-regulated,while cell proliferation pathways were up-regulated,alongside an increase in Enterocyte_C1 related to material transport.Immunocytochemical,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed NF-κB pathway activation in goblet cells of STC mice,with HQD inhibiting this aberrant activation.CONCLUSION STC involves intestinal mucosal barrier damage.HQD may treat STC by suppressing NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells,restoring intestinal epithelial cell function,and promoting mucosal barrier repair.展开更多
Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not complet...Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood.Among the molecular mediators of synaptic and cognitive dysfunction occurring after Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation in the brain neuroinflammatory cytokines seem to occupy a central role.Here,we specifically reviewed literature reports dealing with the impact of neuroinflammation on synaptic dysfunction observed after recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation in the brain,highlighting the role of interleukins and,in particular,interleukin 1βas a possible target against Herpes simplex virus type-1-induced neuronal dysfunctions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Valvular heart disease affects more than 100 million people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The prevalence of at least moderate valvular heart disease is 2.5%across all ...BACKGROUND Valvular heart disease affects more than 100 million people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The prevalence of at least moderate valvular heart disease is 2.5%across all age groups,but its prevalence increases with age.Mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis are the most frequent types of valvular heart disease in the community and hospital context,res-pectively.Surgical valve replacement(or mitral valve repair)is the standard of care for treating heart valve disease.However,the replacement of a prosthetic heart valve can lead to complications,either in the peri-procedural phase or in the long-term follow-up period.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 71-year-old female patient with a history of mitral valve replacement and warfarin anti-coagulation therapy.She was admitted to the intensive care unit due to spontaneously reperfused ischemic stroke of probable cardioembolic etiology.A dysfunctional mitral prosthesis was identified due to malfunction of one of the fixed discs.Furthermore,a possible microthrombotic lesion was suspected.Therefore,systemic thrombolysis was performed with subsequent normalization of mitral disc opening and closing.CONCLUSION This case underscores the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach for timely decision-making in critically ill patients with prosthetic valve complications.展开更多
With an increase in global aging,the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing,and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic...With an increase in global aging,the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing,and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate.However,few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients.Similarly in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders,synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline.Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system.Recently,nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia.This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia.Additionally,we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.展开更多
Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, bothersome and relatively under diagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its determin...Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, bothersome and relatively under diagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in the Diabetology Units of the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals involving 332 male patients with diabetes and aged over 21 years. Data was analyzed using Stata and R version 3.5.3. Results: The mean age of the participants was 55years. Most participants (64.46%) were married. About half (50.60%) of the participants actively consumed alcohol, 11.45% were smokers and 57.83% were sedentary. 18 participants (5.42%) recorded high risk sexual behaviour. 54.32% of participants had a comorbidity and 43.90% were overweight. The prevalence of diabetic ED was 78.92%. Age, Fasting Blood Sugar and Glycated hemoglobin were found to be positive determinants of diabetic ED (odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% CI −0.1 - 0.07). Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic ED in this hospital population study is high, and both physician and patient—initiated measures are needed to reduce this prevalence and improve awareness, recognition and care of this condition.展开更多
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men of all ages. The unawareness, coupled with common myths surrounding ED, confound the attempts of patients to seek and...Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men of all ages. The unawareness, coupled with common myths surrounding ED, confound the attempts of patients to seek and receive treatment and the attempts of doctors to help them. Objective: The study was aimed to assess the quality of care sought and received by Diabetic patients with ED. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in the Diabetic Units of the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals involving 322 male diabetic patients and aged over 21 years. Data analysis was done using Stata and R version 3.5.3. Results: The mean age of the participants was 55 years with a prevalence of ED of 78.92%. Only 37.40% of participants with ED sought care for it. Main barriers to care-seeking were health ignorance, health misinformation and fear of stigma. Majority (85.71%) of those who sought care sought medical care. Respondents correctly informed about diabetic ED and those regularly screened by their physician were more likely to seek medical care over non-medical care (p = 0.0021, p = 0.0013). Those who sought medical care reported higher improvement in ED symptoms over those who sought non-medical or combined forms of care (p = 0.0183). Conclusion: Both physician and patient-initiated measures are needed to reduce the prevalence and improve awareness, recognition and medical care of this condition.展开更多
BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes and its association with microcirculatory dysfunction presents a significant challenge in contemporary global health.Addressing this nexus is crucial for developing targeted thera...BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes and its association with microcirculatory dysfunction presents a significant challenge in contemporary global health.Addressing this nexus is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.AIM To trace the progression and delineate the current state of interdisciplinary research concerning diabetes and microcirculation.METHODS Employing a bibliometric approach,this study scrutinizes 12886 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from the PubMed and Web of Science databases.The focus is on elucidating the research trajectory and thematic concentrations at the confluence of diabetes and microcirculation.RESULTS Research outputs have surged since 2011,with the United States,China,and the United Kingdom leading in the quantity and quality of publications.This analysis revealed that journals such as Diabetes Care and The New England Journal of Medicine,along with top research institutions,have significantly contributed to advancing the understanding of microvascular processes affected by diabetes.The central themes identified include inflammation,oxidative stress,and endothelial dysfunction,which are critical in mediating the microvascular complications of diabetes.CONCLUSION This bibliometric evaluation reveals an evolving landscape focusing on diabetes and microcirculatory dysfunction.The complexity of diabetic microvascular issues encouraged multidisciplinary research strategies that are imperative for global health outcomes.展开更多
Fatigue is among the most common,albeit underestimated,symptoms in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.It affects quality of life and reduces the effectiveness of non-pharmacological...Fatigue is among the most common,albeit underestimated,symptoms in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.It affects quality of life and reduces the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions,thereby negatively affecting the prognosis.This review discusses the clinical problems associated with increased fatigue,explores diagnostic methods,considers key pathogenetic mechanisms of this symptom development(including neuroinflammation,hyperammonemia,mitochondrial and muscle dysfunction,sleep disorders,changes in the composition of gut microbiota),and describes the role of interorgan communication(the liver-brain and gut-brain axes)in the formation of the central link of fatigue.The presented data emphasize the need for an integrated approach to the diagnosis and correction of fatigue,which would include not only the impact on metabolic disorders,but also on neurophysiological and behavioral factors.Early assessment of fatigue and targeted interventions on key pathogenetic links can increase the effectiveness of non-pharmacological intervention(which currently form the basis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease therapy)and improve the prognosis of patients with this chronic liver disease.展开更多
The increasing longevity of patients with transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassemia has brought endocrine complications to the forefront of longterm care.While iron overload remains a central mechanism,additio...The increasing longevity of patients with transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassemia has brought endocrine complications to the forefront of longterm care.While iron overload remains a central mechanism,additional contributors such as hypothalamic dysfunction,neurosecretory disturbances,and chronic inflammation have been identified.Endocrine disorders including hypothyroidism,adrenal insufficiency,hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,hypoparathyroidism,osteoporosis,and growth axis impairment-are prevalent and often underdiagnosed.Diagnostic challenges include normal hormone levels in early stages,necessitating the use of dynamic endocrine testing and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging to detect subclinical dysfunction.Risk is modulated by sex,age,and chelation adherence.Early identification and proactive,multidisciplinary management of endocrine sequelae are essential in reducing morbidity and maintaining functional independence in this aging patient population.展开更多
基金supported by Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology(SCAHT AP22-01)(to RN).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)is the most common cause of dementia,characterized by progressive cognitive decline,and affects over 55 million people worldwide.AD is pathological featured by the aberrant accumulation of amyloid-βplaques,neurofibrillary tangles formed by hyperphosphorylated tau,synaptic loss,and dysfunction of neurotransmitter systems.Evidence from in vivo and autopsy studies has consistently shown that synaptic dysfunction and loss are strongly correlated with cognitive decline in AD,particularly in brain regions such as the hippocampus and cortex,which are critical for memory formation and processing.This perspective highlights recent histopathological findings related to synaptic dysfunction in AD,advancements in the development of imaging and fluid-based biomarkers for synaptic loss,and future studies.
基金supported by China Scholarship Council(No.202106380078 to HL)the Netherlands Cardiovascular Research Initiative:The Dutch Heart Foundation(CVON 2018-28 and 2012-06 Heart Brain Connection to AMT)。
文摘Cerebral small vessel disease(SVD)represents a range of pathological changes in the small blood vessels of the brain.SVD can be detected on MRI,which includes white matter hyperintensities,lacunes,and cerebral microbleeds(Duering et al.,2023).Patients with SVD exhibit significant clinical heterogeneity,often presenting with cognitive impairment,apathy,gait dysfunction,and lacunar stroke(Wardlaw et al.,2019).
基金supported by grants from Collaborative Research Fund(Ref:C4032-21GF)General Research Grant(Ref:14114822)+1 种基金Group Research Scheme(Ref:3110146)Area of Excellence(Ref:Ao E/M-402/20)。
文摘Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are widely regarded as primary drivers of aging and are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases.The degeneration of motor neurons during aging is a critical pathological factor contributing to the progression of sarcopenia.However,the morphological and functional changes in mitochondria and their interplay in the degeneration of the neuromuscular junction during aging remain poorly understood.A defined systematic search of the Pub Med,Web of Science and Embase databases(last accessed on October 30,2024)was conducted with search terms including'mitochondria','aging'and'NMJ'.Clinical and preclinical studies of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuromuscular junction degeneration during aging.Twentyseven studies were included in this systematic review.This systematic review provides a summary of morphological,functional and biological changes in neuromuscular junction,mitochondrial morphology,biosynthesis,respiratory chain function,and mitophagy during aging.We focus on the interactions and mechanisms underlying the relationship between mitochondria and neuromuscular junctions during aging.Aging is characterized by significant reductions in mitochondrial fusion/fission cycles,biosynthesis,and mitochondrial quality control,which may lead to neuromuscular junction dysfunction,denervation and poor physical performance.Motor nerve terminals that exhibit redox sensitivity are among the first to exhibit abnormalities,ultimately leading to an early decline in muscle strength through impaired neuromuscular junction transmission function.Parg coactivator 1 alpha is a crucial molecule that regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and modulates various pathways,including the mitochondrial respiratory chain,energy deficiency,oxidative stress,and inflammation.Mitochondrial dysfunction is correlated with neuromuscular junction denervation and acetylcholine receptor fragmentation,resulting in muscle atrophy and a decrease in strength during aging.Physical therapy,pharmacotherapy,and gene therapy can alleviate the structural degeneration and functional deterioration of neuromuscular junction by restoring mitochondrial function.Therefore,mitochondria are considered potential targets for preserving neuromuscular junction morphology and function during aging to treat sarcopenia.
文摘Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus and transmitted by mosquito vectors[1].Its clinical manifestations include high fever,headache,muscle and joint pain,and rash.It holds a significant position in global public health.In recent years,its incidence has continued to rise worldwide[2],making it one of the major diseases threatening human health.The disease course of dengue fever is divided into three typical phases:the acute febrile phase,the critical phase,and the recovery phase.While most patients experience mild symptoms,some may progress to severe dengue and potentially fatal outcomes if not promptly and effectively treated during the critical phase.
文摘Neurodevelopmental processes represent a finely tuned interplay between genetic and environmental factors,shaping the dynamic landscape of the developing brain.A major component of the developing brain that enables this dynamic is the white matter(WM),known to be affected in neurodevelopmental disorders(NDDs)(Rokach et al.,2024).WM formation is mediated by myelination,a multifactorial process driven by neuro-glia interactions dependent on proper neuronal functionality(Simons and Trajkovic,2006).Another key aspect of neurodevelopmental abnormalities involves neuronal dynamics and function,with recent advances significantly enhancing our understanding of both neuronal and glial mitochondrial function(Devine and Kittler,2018;Rojas-Charry et al.,2021).Energy homeostasis in neurons,attributed largely to mitochondrial function,is critical for proper functionality and interactions with oligodendrocytes(OLs),the cells forming myelin in the brain’s WM.We herein discuss the interplay between these processes and speculate on potential dysfunction in NDDs.
基金financially supported by National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan Period (2007BAI10B01-027)Project of Chinese Medicine Research Fund of Shanghai Municipal Health Bureau (No. 20134358)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To investigate that whether electro-acupuncture(EA) precondition can reduce the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) following knee replacement and its safety in elderly. METHODS: A total of 60 participants met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial with the ratio of 1:1, with 30 cases in the treatment group and 30 cases in the control group. The participants in the treatment group were provided with realEA therapy whereas participants in control group were provided with placebo-EA therapy. Interventions were offered 5 days prior to the surgery, once daily, and for a total of 5 days. The scores of Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE), and contents of serumal inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were observed at 24 hours prior-and posterior-to the surgery respectively for assessing the incidence of POCD among patients. Meanwhile, adverse effects were monitored and recorded. RESULTS:(1) After surgery, both treatment group and control group showed a significant decrease in MMSE global scores(P < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively), and the score in control group decreased more significantly than that in treatment group(P < 0.05);(2) Contents of serumal IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly increased in both groups after 24 hours posterior to the surgery(P < 0.001), and the contents in control group increased more significantly than that in treatment group(P < 0.001);(3) After surgery, the incidence of POCD was 20% in treatment group versus 36.67% in control group. There was no statistical difference between 2 groups(P > 0.05);(4) No serious adverse events were reported in this trial, except 1 patient from treatment group had a slight hematoma after receiving acupuncture. CONCLUSION: EA precondition might reduce cognitive impairments after 24 hours posterior to knee replacement surgery in elderly through inhibiting expression of inflammatory cytokines, including both IL-1β and TNF-α. However, there is insufficient evidence to support that EA precondition could reduce incidence of POCD.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81730033,82171193(to XG)the Key Talent Project for Strengthening Health during the 13^(th)Five-Year Plan Period,No.ZDRCA2016069(to XG)+1 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2018YFC2001901(to XG)Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Discipline,No.ZDXK202232(to XG)。
文摘Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is a seve re complication of the central nervous system that occurs after anesthesia and surgery,and has received attention for its high incidence and effect on the quality of life of patients.To date,there are no viable treatment options for postoperative cognitive dysfunction.The identification of postoperative cognitive dysfunction hub genes could provide new research directions and therapeutic targets for future research.To identify the signaling mechanisms contributing to postoperative cognitive dysfunction,we first conducted Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of the Gene Expression Omnibus GSE95426 dataset,which consists of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs differentially expressed in mouse hippocampus3 days after tibial fracture.The dataset was enriched in genes associated with the biological process"regulation of immune cells,"of which Chill was identified as a hub gene.Therefore,we investigated the contribution of chitinase-3-like protein 1 protein expression changes to postoperative cognitive dysfunction in the mouse model of tibial fractu re surgery.Mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 124 hours post-surgery,and the injection groups were compared with untreated control mice for learning and memory capacities using the Y-maze and fear conditioning tests.In addition,protein expression levels of proinflammatory factors(interleukin-1βand inducible nitric oxide synthase),M2-type macrophage markers(CD206 and arginase-1),and cognition-related proteins(brain-derived neurotropic factor and phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunit NR2B)were measured in hippocampus by western blotting.Treatment with recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 prevented surgery-induced cognitive impairment,downregulated interleukin-1βand nducible nitric oxide synthase expression,and upregulated CD206,arginase-1,pNR2B,and brain-derived neurotropic factor expression compared with vehicle treatment.Intraperitoneal administration of the specific ERK inhibitor PD98059 diminished the effects of recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1.Collectively,our findings suggest that recombinant chitinase-3-like protein 1 ameliorates surgery-induced cognitive decline by attenuating neuroinflammation via M2 microglial polarization in the hippocampus.Therefore,recombinant chitinase-3-like protein1 may have therapeutic potential fo r postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
文摘Stroke,as a highly prevalent cerebrovascular disease,often leads to limb dysfunction in patients,severely affecting their quality of life.Seeking effective rehabilitation nursing methods is of great significance for patient recovery.This article deeply analyzes various aspects such as intelligent rehabilitation technology,traditional Chinese medical therapies,Western medical therapies,and rehabilitation training methods.It explores the characteristics,effectiveness,and application prospects of various rehabilitation nursing approaches,providing a reference for clinical rehabilitation nursing of limb dysfunction after stroke,and helping to improve the quality of patient recovery and enhance their self-care ability and quality of life.
文摘The endothelium modulates vascular homeostasis owing to a variety of vasoconstrictors and vasodilators.Endothelial dysfunction(ED),characterized by impaired vasodilation,inflammation,and thrombosis,triggers future cardiovascular(CV)diseases.Chronic kidney disease,a state of chronic inflammation caused by oxidative stress,metabolic abnormalities,infection,and uremic toxins damages the endothelium.ED is also associated with a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate.After kidney transplantation,endothelial functions undergo immediate but partial restoration,promising graft longevity and enhanced CV health.However,the anticipated CV outcomes do not happen due to various transplant-related and unrelated risk factors for ED,culminating in poor CV health and graft survival.ED in kidney transplant recipients is an underrecognized and poorly studied entity.CV diseases are the leading cause of death among kidney transplant candidates with functioning grafts.ED contributes to the pathogenesis of many of the CV diseases.Various biomarkers and vasoreactivity tests are available to study endothelial functions.With an increasing number of transplants happening every year,and improved graft rejection rates due to the availability of effective immunosuppressants,the focus has now shifted to endothelial protection for the prevention,early recognition,and treatment of CV diseases.
文摘Recent work suggests a link betweenα-synuclein(α-syn)and mitochondrial dysfunction;however,the mechanisms of howα-syn influences mitochondrial function are still unclear.Most notably,whetherα-syn plays a direct role during mitochondrial function and/or whether diseasedα-syn-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential modifiable risk factor in Parkinson’s disease(PD)is unknown.To date,mutations in more than eight genes cause familial PD(fPD)and have functions in diverse pathways including synaptic homeostasis,mitochondria maintenance,autophagy/lysosome,and ubiquitin-proteasome pathways.
基金supported by the National Institute of Health NS104386(to HJA)and AG078245(to HJA).
文摘Alzheimer’s disease(AD)stands out as the primary manifestation of age-related dementia,portraying a chronic neurodegenerative disorder distinguished by the accumulation of fibrillar amyloid-β(Aβ)plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau.However,from a clinical standpoint,AD presents itself as a complex condition with a spectrum of dysfunctions rather than a singular pathological mechanism.An often-overlooked aspect of the disease is the presence of extensive cerebrovascular abnormalities,given that the majority of AD patients experience altered cerebral blood flow,damaged vasculature,increased microinfarcts and microhemorrhages.Animal models of AD further support this observation,showing cerebrovascular dysfunction such as impaired cerebral blood flow and altered cerebrovascular reactivity(Tataryn et al.,2021;Gareau et al.,2023).
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for Distinguished Young Scholars,No.2022B1515020003the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82174369,No.82405397,No.82374442,and No.81973847+2 种基金Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF No.GZC20233247National Key Clinical Disciplineand the Program of Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases,No.2020B1111170004.
文摘BACKGROUND The development of slow transit constipation(STC)is associated with intestinal barrier damage.Huangqi decoction(HQD)is effective in treating STC,but me-chanisms are unclear.AIM To investigate whether HQD alleviates STC by downregulating the nuclear factorκB(NF-κB)signaling pathway and restoring intestinal barrier function.METHODS KM mice were divided into control,model,and HQD treatment groups.Fresh colonic tissues were collected for single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial tra-nscriptome sequencing.The expressions of claudin-1,mucin 2,and NF-κB P65 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.In vitro experiments evaluated the effects of HQD on the LS174T cell line.RESULTS HQD improved intestinal motility,restored mucosal epithelium function and morphology.Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing data showed a reduction in goblet cells,decreased mucin 2 secretion,and activated apoptotic pathways in STC mice.The population of intestinal stem cells was reduced,and proliferation along with Wnt/β-catenin pathways were inhibited.STC also altered the distribution of intestinal cell states,increasing immune-associated Enterocyte_C3.Aberrant NF-κB pathway activation was noted across various cell types.After HQD treatment,NF-κB pathway activity was down-regulated,while cell proliferation pathways were up-regulated,alongside an increase in Enterocyte_C1 related to material transport.Immunocytochemical,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed NF-κB pathway activation in goblet cells of STC mice,with HQD inhibiting this aberrant activation.CONCLUSION STC involves intestinal mucosal barrier damage.HQD may treat STC by suppressing NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells,restoring intestinal epithelial cell function,and promoting mucosal barrier repair.
基金supported by UniversitàCattolica(D1 intramural funds to RP)Italian Ministry of University and Research(PRIN 2022ZYLB7B,P2022YW7BP funds to CG).
文摘Several experimental evidence suggests a link between brain Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease.However,the molecular mechanisms underlying this association are not completely understood.Among the molecular mediators of synaptic and cognitive dysfunction occurring after Herpes simplex virus type-1 infection and reactivation in the brain neuroinflammatory cytokines seem to occupy a central role.Here,we specifically reviewed literature reports dealing with the impact of neuroinflammation on synaptic dysfunction observed after recurrent Herpes simplex virus type-1 reactivation in the brain,highlighting the role of interleukins and,in particular,interleukin 1βas a possible target against Herpes simplex virus type-1-induced neuronal dysfunctions.
文摘BACKGROUND Valvular heart disease affects more than 100 million people worldwide and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.The prevalence of at least moderate valvular heart disease is 2.5%across all age groups,but its prevalence increases with age.Mitral regurgitation and aortic stenosis are the most frequent types of valvular heart disease in the community and hospital context,res-pectively.Surgical valve replacement(or mitral valve repair)is the standard of care for treating heart valve disease.However,the replacement of a prosthetic heart valve can lead to complications,either in the peri-procedural phase or in the long-term follow-up period.CASE SUMMARY We present a case of a 71-year-old female patient with a history of mitral valve replacement and warfarin anti-coagulation therapy.She was admitted to the intensive care unit due to spontaneously reperfused ischemic stroke of probable cardioembolic etiology.A dysfunctional mitral prosthesis was identified due to malfunction of one of the fixed discs.Furthermore,a possible microthrombotic lesion was suspected.Therefore,systemic thrombolysis was performed with subsequent normalization of mitral disc opening and closing.CONCLUSION This case underscores the critical importance of a multidisciplinary approach for timely decision-making in critically ill patients with prosthetic valve complications.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China,No.2019YFE0121200(to LQZ)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82325017(to LQZ),82030032(to LQZ),82261138555(to DL)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province,No.2022CFA004(to LQZ)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province,No.20224BAB206040(to XZ)Research Project of Cognitive Science and Transdisciplinary Studies Center of Jiangxi Province,No.RZYB202201(to XZ).
文摘With an increase in global aging,the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing,and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate.However,few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients.Similarly in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders,synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline.Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system.Recently,nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia.This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction,neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia.Additionally,we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.
文摘Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common, bothersome and relatively under diagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and its determinants. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in the Diabetology Units of the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals involving 332 male patients with diabetes and aged over 21 years. Data was analyzed using Stata and R version 3.5.3. Results: The mean age of the participants was 55years. Most participants (64.46%) were married. About half (50.60%) of the participants actively consumed alcohol, 11.45% were smokers and 57.83% were sedentary. 18 participants (5.42%) recorded high risk sexual behaviour. 54.32% of participants had a comorbidity and 43.90% were overweight. The prevalence of diabetic ED was 78.92%. Age, Fasting Blood Sugar and Glycated hemoglobin were found to be positive determinants of diabetic ED (odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% CI −0.1 - 0.07). Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic ED in this hospital population study is high, and both physician and patient—initiated measures are needed to reduce this prevalence and improve awareness, recognition and care of this condition.
文摘Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading causes of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in men of all ages. The unawareness, coupled with common myths surrounding ED, confound the attempts of patients to seek and receive treatment and the attempts of doctors to help them. Objective: The study was aimed to assess the quality of care sought and received by Diabetic patients with ED. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital-based study was carried out in the Diabetic Units of the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals involving 322 male diabetic patients and aged over 21 years. Data analysis was done using Stata and R version 3.5.3. Results: The mean age of the participants was 55 years with a prevalence of ED of 78.92%. Only 37.40% of participants with ED sought care for it. Main barriers to care-seeking were health ignorance, health misinformation and fear of stigma. Majority (85.71%) of those who sought care sought medical care. Respondents correctly informed about diabetic ED and those regularly screened by their physician were more likely to seek medical care over non-medical care (p = 0.0021, p = 0.0013). Those who sought medical care reported higher improvement in ED symptoms over those who sought non-medical or combined forms of care (p = 0.0183). Conclusion: Both physician and patient-initiated measures are needed to reduce the prevalence and improve awareness, recognition and medical care of this condition.
基金Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation,China,No.7212068National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81900747.
文摘BACKGROUND The prevalence of diabetes and its association with microcirculatory dysfunction presents a significant challenge in contemporary global health.Addressing this nexus is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions.AIM To trace the progression and delineate the current state of interdisciplinary research concerning diabetes and microcirculation.METHODS Employing a bibliometric approach,this study scrutinizes 12886 peer-reviewed publications retrieved from the PubMed and Web of Science databases.The focus is on elucidating the research trajectory and thematic concentrations at the confluence of diabetes and microcirculation.RESULTS Research outputs have surged since 2011,with the United States,China,and the United Kingdom leading in the quantity and quality of publications.This analysis revealed that journals such as Diabetes Care and The New England Journal of Medicine,along with top research institutions,have significantly contributed to advancing the understanding of microvascular processes affected by diabetes.The central themes identified include inflammation,oxidative stress,and endothelial dysfunction,which are critical in mediating the microvascular complications of diabetes.CONCLUSION This bibliometric evaluation reveals an evolving landscape focusing on diabetes and microcirculatory dysfunction.The complexity of diabetic microvascular issues encouraged multidisciplinary research strategies that are imperative for global health outcomes.
基金Supported by Russian Science Foundation,No.23-45-10030.
文摘Fatigue is among the most common,albeit underestimated,symptoms in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.It affects quality of life and reduces the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions,thereby negatively affecting the prognosis.This review discusses the clinical problems associated with increased fatigue,explores diagnostic methods,considers key pathogenetic mechanisms of this symptom development(including neuroinflammation,hyperammonemia,mitochondrial and muscle dysfunction,sleep disorders,changes in the composition of gut microbiota),and describes the role of interorgan communication(the liver-brain and gut-brain axes)in the formation of the central link of fatigue.The presented data emphasize the need for an integrated approach to the diagnosis and correction of fatigue,which would include not only the impact on metabolic disorders,but also on neurophysiological and behavioral factors.Early assessment of fatigue and targeted interventions on key pathogenetic links can increase the effectiveness of non-pharmacological intervention(which currently form the basis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease therapy)and improve the prognosis of patients with this chronic liver disease.
文摘The increasing longevity of patients with transfusion-dependent homozygous beta-thalassemia has brought endocrine complications to the forefront of longterm care.While iron overload remains a central mechanism,additional contributors such as hypothalamic dysfunction,neurosecretory disturbances,and chronic inflammation have been identified.Endocrine disorders including hypothyroidism,adrenal insufficiency,hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,hypoparathyroidism,osteoporosis,and growth axis impairment-are prevalent and often underdiagnosed.Diagnostic challenges include normal hormone levels in early stages,necessitating the use of dynamic endocrine testing and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging to detect subclinical dysfunction.Risk is modulated by sex,age,and chelation adherence.Early identification and proactive,multidisciplinary management of endocrine sequelae are essential in reducing morbidity and maintaining functional independence in this aging patient population.
