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Background: Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a prevalent disorder that can have a major negative impact on quality of life. Traditional conservative treatment has limited efficacy, and electroacupuncture (EA) is a novel treatment option. We investigated the application and molecular mechanism of EA treatment in a rat model of cervical intervertebral disk degeneration (CIDD). Methods: The CIDD rat model was established, following which rats in the electroacupuncture (EA) group received EA. For overexpression of IL-22 or inhibition of JAK2-STAT3 signaling, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with recombinant IL-22 protein (p-IL-22) or the JAK2-STAT3 (Janus kinase 2—signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3) inhibitor AG490 after model establishment. Rat nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were isolated and cultured. Cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to analyze the viability and apoptosis of the NP cells. Expression of IL-22, JAK2 and STAT3 was determined using RT-qPCR. Expression of IL-22/JAK2-STAT3 pathway and apoptosis related proteins was detected by Western blotting (WB). Results: EA protected the NP tissues of CIDD rats by regulating the IL-22/JAK2-STAT3 pathway. Overexpression of IL-22 significantly promoted the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, IL-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)3 and MMP13 compared with the EA group. WB demonstrated that the expression of IL-22, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, caspase-3 and Bax in NP cells of the EA group was significantly reduced and Bcl-2 elevated compared with the model group. EA regulated cytokines and MMP through activation of IL-22/JAK2-STAT3 signaling in CIDD rat NP cells. Conclusion: We demonstrated that EA affected apoptosis by regulating the IL-22/JAK2-STAT3 pathway in NP cells and reducing inflammatory factors in the CIDD rat model. The results extend our knowledge of the mechanisms of action underlying the effects of EA as a potential treatment approach for CS in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tensile experiments were conducted for Al-7.0Zn-2.5Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.2Sc alloy in different aging states (18 h, 24 h, 36 h) with temperature environments including room temperature, −10 °C and −30 °C. Comparative studies were made on the evolution of the precipitate phase in alloys at three kinds of aging times and the evolution of tensile properties in alloys under different ambient temperatures. The findings showed that the precipitates in Al-7.0Zn-2.5Mg-2.0Cu-0.1Zr-0.2Sc alloy were mainly in the GP zone after the solution + aging treatment η' phase, the secondary Al3 (Sc, Zr) phase and the θ' (Al2Cu) phase. As the aging time was prolonged, the η' phase gradually grew and the PFZ gradually widened. At the three test temperatures, the tensile strength (TS) and yield strength (YS) of the alloys both showed a trend of first increasing before decreasing with the extension of aging time, while the elongation (A) and section shrinkage (Z) showed a decreasing trend. As the test temperature decreased, the TS and YS of the alloys increased and the A and Z of the alloys decreased. At room temperature, alloys showed a ductile fracture mode, which changed to mixed ductile and brittle fracture with decreasing test temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation caused by dental plaque. It is characterized by the accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory mediators in the periodontal area. This affects the function of host cells, activates osteoclasts, and destroys periodontal tissue. Treatments such as local debridement or antibiotic therapy for ameliorating the overactive inflammatory microenvironment and repairing periodontal tissues are challenging. This paper reports multifunctional nanoplatforms (Se-CuSrHA@EGCG) based on sericin with ROS-scavenging, immunomodulatory, angiogenic, and osteogenic capabilities. The natural protein sericin, derived from silk cocoons, is used in water/oil emulsification and cross-linking processes to create sericin nanoparticles (Se NPs). Numerous binding sites are present on the surface of Se NPs. Ion-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (Se-CuSrHA NPs) can be constructed using the force between positive and negative charges. After mineralization, an antioxidant coating is formed on the surface using polyethyleneimine (PEI)/epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Research conducted both in vitro and in vivo demonstrates that Se-CuSrHA@EGCG NPs can efficiently scavenge ROS, regulate macrophage polarization, increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, and balance the immune microenvironment. In addition, Se-CuSrHA@EGCG stimulates angiogenesis, inhibits osteoclasts, and accelerates periodontal tissue repair. Therefore, this is a preferable strategy to accelerate bone regeneration in patients with periodontitis., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)