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The increasing prevalence of obesity has resulted in demands for the development of new effective strategies for obesity treatment. The Withaferin A (WA) shows a great potential for prevention of obesity by sensitizing leptin signaling in the hypothalamus. However, the mechanism underlying the weight- and adiposity-reducing effects of WA remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that WA treatment induced white adipose tissue (WAT) browning, elevated energy expenditure (EE), decreased respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and prevented high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. The sympathetic chemical denervation dampened the WAT browning and also impeded the reduction of adiposity in WA-treated mice. WA markedly up-regulated the levels of Prdm16 and FATP1 (Slc27a1) in the inguinal WAT (iWAT), and this was blocked by sympathetic denervation. Prdm16 or FATP1 knockdown in iWAT abrogated the WAT browning-inducing effects of WA, and restored the weight gain and adiposity in WA-treated mice. Together, these findings suggest that WA induces WAT browning through the sympathetic nerve-adipose axis; and the adipocytic Prdm16-FATP1 pathway mediates the promotive effects of WA on white adipose browning.

Introduction: Menopausal hot flashes are related to hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) dysfunction. Thermosensitive transient receptor potential channels (ThermoTRPs) are involved in temperature sensing and regulation of thermosensitive neurons (TSNs) in the POA. Whether ThermoTRP-TSNs in the POA, particularly the non-noxious thermoreceptor, transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2), are involved in the occurrence of hot flashes is still unclear. Methods: Twenty wild-type and 50 Trpm2-Cre adult female mice were randomly divided into sham (SHAM) and ovariectomy (OVX) groups. In the POA, ERα, ERβ, GPR30, TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPM2, and TRPV1 expression was detected by Western blot or/and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and the number of TSNs expressing TRPM2 (TRPM2-TSNs) by immunofluorescence. Before and after TRPM2-TSN activation/inhibition, back (BST) and tail skin temperature (TST) and the proportion of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons among TRPM2-TSNs were recorded. Results: Compared with SHAM, the expression of ERα, ERβ, TRPM2, and TRPM8 in the POA of the OVX group decreased, with a significantly larger change range for TRPM2 than TRPM8. In addition, the number of TRPM2-TSNs showing TRPA1, TRPM8, and TRPV1 expression in the OVX group decreased, and the proportion of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in TRPM2-TSNs decreased and increased, respectively. Meanwhile, BST and TST increased. After activating or inhibiting TRPM2-TSNs, the proportions of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in TRPM2-TSNs changed, along with the BST and TST. Conclusion: In menopause, the abnormal quantity and function of TRPM2-TSNs in the POA is key for the development of hot flashes, characterized by an imbalance in heat dissipation and production due to the corresponding imbalance in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons.

Objective: To understand the distribution of drug susceptibility test results of opportunistic infections of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous bacilli in AIDS patients. Methods: The AIDS patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2016 to June 2019 were collected as the research objects, and patients with opportunistic tuberculosis and non-tuberculous bacilli from AIDS patients were screened for drug susceptibility tests, and the distribution characteristics of drug susceptibility were analyzed. Results: 179 strains of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria were isolated from the specimens of AIDS patients, including 135 cases of tuberculosis mycobacteria and 44 cases of non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In the results of the drug susceptibility test, most strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis showed sensitivity to commonly used drugs, and a few strains showed resistance; most strains of non-tuberculous mycobacteria showed resistance, and a few strains showed sensitivity. Conclusion: AIDS opportunistic infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria have significant differences in drug sensitivity test results. Timely detection and analysis are of great significance to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

To investigate the effects of estrogen on the threshold and temperature of orofacial pain and explore the influence on the function of glutamate and GABA neurons in the orofacial pain temperature perception pathway by observing the expression of vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) and vesicular GABA transporter 1 (Vgat1).A total of 24 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX) and ovariectomized plus estrogen intervention (OVX+E) (n = 8 per group). The threshold of mechanical pain of the orofacial region was assessed with von Frey filaments, and the temperature of the rat orofacial region was monitored by infrared thermography. Changes in the expression of Vglut2 and Vgat1 in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the trigeminal ganglion (TG), spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5C), lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) and ventral posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (VPM) were assessed by immunostaining and Western blotting.Under low-estrogen conditions, the mechanical pain threshold of the orofacial region of rats decreased significantly, and the temperature of the orofacial region increased significantly. The expression of Vglut2 and Vgat1 in the TG and Sp5C showed a downward trend, and the decline in Vgat1 was greater than that in Vglut2. Conversely, both proteins were upregulated in the LPB and VPM, and the magnitude of the changes in Vglut2 was greater than that in Vgat1. Estrogen therapy reversed these changes.Under low-estrogen conditions, the proportion of glutamate and GABA neurons in the orofacial pain and temperature sensation pathway changes, which leads to the imbalance of neurotransmission function and the enhancement of excitatory transmission of these two kinds of neurons and finally leads to a decrease in the orofacial pain threshold and an increase in temperature.

Aim This study aimed to investigate changes in skin temperature in the main body regions of ovariectomized rats under different incubation temperatures to identify regions that are similar to hot flashes experienced by menopausal women. Methods A total of 96 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, ovariectomized and ovariectomized with estrogen treatment groups, with treatment lasting for 4 weeks. After 3 weeks of treatment, each group was randomly divided into five subgroups and placed in separate incubators set at 4, 15, 25, and 37°C. Changes in the skin temperature in seven main regions (head, neck, chest, abdomen, back, tail, and paws) for four time intervals (0-3 min, 3-5 min, 5-10 min and 10-15 min) were monitored using infrared thermography. Results All rats showed rapid changes in skin temperature followed by a gradual slowdown under different incubation temperatures. However, changes in ovariectomized rats were significantly different from that in normal rats, and changes on the back, tail and paws were more rapid and lasted longer. Estrogen treatment effectively controlled these abnormalities of ovariectomized rats. Conclusions Temperature responses in the back, tail and paws in ovariectomized rats might be similar to the face, neck and upper chest in menopausal women, where the symptoms of hot flashes are most obvious, which suggests that the back, tail and paws could be regarded as the focus of research on hot flashes, and offer theoretical foundations for mechanisms behind the occurrence of hot flashes in specific regions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••-••.

More than 90% of HIV-positive children come from mother-to-child transmission, so mother-to-child interdiction is the main measure to prevent AIDS in children. Relevant data show that the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV usually fluctuates between 15% and 50% without intervention. Standardized and effective comprehensive intervention can reduce the transmission rate of mother to child to less than 1%. At present, it is believed that mother-to-child transmission of AIDS can be blocked by comprehensive intervention, and its mechanism has been clearly studied. Combined with highly effective antiviral treatment, safe labor and artificial feeding, the mother to child transmission rate can be reduced to less than 1%. However, due to the effect of drugs on mother-to-child transmission of AIDS may lead to some changes in the main biochemical indicators of mother-to-child, there is no systematic analysis of the viral load, T lymphocyte subsets and major biochemical indicators of HIV/AIDS pregnant women before and after maternal-to-child transmission. In this study, the viral load, T lymphocyte subsets and major biochemical indicators of HIV/AIDS pregnant women before and after maternal-infant blockade were dynamically analyzed. It is hoped that this study will help to observe the basic physical fitness and disease development of pregnant women with HIV/AIDS during pregnancy, to provide a strong basis for the treatment and evaluation of maternal-infant blockade of HIV/AIDS pregnant women, and to establish a complete set of laboratory indicators to understand the body status of pregnant women at all stages to minimize the probability of fetal transmission, which will make good economic and social benefits.

Objective: To investigate the application value of electrostimulation biofeedback therapy in combination with vaginal dumbbell therapy to postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 200 cases of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction patients discharged from the hospital from January 2016 to March 2019 as study subjects who were excluded other underlying diseases and were randomly divided into two groups of 100 cases per group, using electrostimulation biofeedback therapy combined vaginal dumbbell therapy as a treatment group. The treatment of electrostimulation biofeedback therapy in combination with kegel was treated as a control group. Then the curative effects of the two groups were compared and statistically analyzed. Results: There was no significant difference in EMG value of postpartum pelvic floor treatment, type I muscle strength, type II muscle strength, muscle type I fatigue, type II fatigue and POP-Q detection results between the two groups before treatment, p > 0.05. There were significant differences in type I muscle strength, type II muscle strength and muscle type I fatigue between the pelvic floor muscles and the muscles at the end of the treatment day, the sixth month and one year after treatment, p 0.05; while after the treatment of six months and one year, the difference was statistically significant, p 0.05. In addition, the treatment group and the control group were compared before and after treatment, the difference of myoelectric potential value, pelvic floor muscle type I muscle strength, type II muscle strength, muscle type I fatigue degree, type II fatigue degree and POP-Q test result were significant, and the changes in the indicators before and after treatment in the treatment group were significantly higher than the control group. Comparison of urinary incontinence between the two groups before and after treatment, the difference between pre-treatment and the end of treatment day was not statistically significant, p > 0.05; there was significant difference between half a year and one year after treatment (p 0.05, respectively). Comparing the satisfaction with sexual life after the time of treatment day, half a year and one year after the end of treatment, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Electrical stimulation biofeedback therapy combined with vaginal dumbbell therapy has a good effect in the treatment of postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction, and it is worthy of popularization and application.

Menopausal symptoms can affect the physical and mental health of females and are often related to abnormal function of the hypothalamus. In this study, we evaluated changes in the hypothalamus transcriptome in ovariectomized mice to identify key mRNAs, and systematically elucidated the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the menopausal syndrome to provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Forty-six adult female C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into SHAM and OVX groups, 23 mice per group. Eight weeks after the procedure, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hypothalamus were identified through RNA-sequencing. DEGs were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) analyses. Key DEGs were then evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining.Compared with SHAM group, 7295 genes were upregulated, and 8979 genes were downregulated in the hypothalamus of OVX mice with a fold change of 1.5 (log2 fold change ≥0.585). GO and KEGG analyses suggested these key genes were involved in thermoregulation, food intake, glucose and lipid metabolism, cardiovascular regulation, biological rhythm, and endocrine regulation.Differential expression of genes in the hypothalamus of OVX mice involved in thermoregulation, eating, sleeping, homeostasis, and endocrine regulation 8 weeks after ovariectomy suggest potential roles in the pathogenesis of climacteric syndrome.

RATIONALE Pyrotinib is an irreversible EGFR/HER2 inhibitor that has shown antitumor activity and tolerance in the treatment of breast cancer. Studies focused on its metabolic pathways and major metabolites are insufficient. In the evaluation of drug safety and therapeutic use, metabolite characterization is critical. The metabolism of pyrotinib in vitro was studied utilizing rat, dog and human hepatocytes in this study. METHODS Pyrotinib (10 μM) was incubated with hepatocytes in Williams' E medium. The metabolites were examined and profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. The metabolite structures were deduced by comparing their precise molecular weights, fragment ions and retention times with those of the parent drug. RESULTS A total of 16 metabolites, including 6 novel ones, were discovered and structurally described under the present conditions. Oxidation, demethylation, dehydrogenation, O-dealkylation and glutathione (GSH) conjugation were all involved in the metabolism of pyrotinib in hepatocytes. The most predominant metabolic route was identified as GSH conjugation (M5). CONCLUSIONS This study generated valuable metabolite profiles of pyrotinib in several species, which will aid in the understanding of the drug's disposition in various species and in evaluating the contribution of metabolites to overall effectiveness and toxicity of pyrotinib.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by motor symptoms as a result of a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), accompanied by chronic neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, formation of α-synuclein aggregates. Celastrol, a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative pentacyclic triterpene, has emerged as a neuroprotective agent. However, the mechanisms by which celastrol is neuroprotective in PD remain elusive. Here we show that celastrol protects against dopamine neuron loss, mitigates neuroinflammation, and relieves motor deficits in MPTP-induced PD mouse model and AAV-mediated human α-synuclein overexpression PD model. Whole-genome deep sequencing analysis revealed that Nrf2, NLRP3 and caspase-1 in SNc may be associated with the neuroprotective actions of celastrol in PD. By using multiple genetically modified mice (Nrf2-KO, NLRP3-KO and Caspase-1-KO), we identified that celastrol inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation, relieves motor deficits and nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration through Nrf2-NLRP3-caspase-1 pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that Nrf2-NLRP3-caspase-1 axis may serve as a key target of celastrol in PD treatment, and highlight the favorable properties of celastrol for neuroprotection, making celastrol as a promising disease-modifying agent for PD.

Qian-Zheng-San, a traditional Chinese prescription consisting of Typhonii Rhizoma, Bombyx Batryticatus, Scorpio, has been found to play an active therapeutic role in central nervous system diseases. However, it is unclear whether Qian-Zheng-San has therapeutic value for peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, we used Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate this. A sciatic nerve crush injury model was induced by clamping the right sciatic nerve. Subsequently, rats in the treatment group were administered 2 mL Qian-Zheng-San (1.75 g/mL) daily as systemic therapy for 1, 2, 4, or 8 weeks. Rats in the control group were not administered Qian-Zheng-San. Rats in sham group did not undergo surgery and systemic therapy. Footprint analysis was used to assess nerve motor function. Electrophysiological experiments were used to detect nerve conduction function. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess axon counts and morphological analysis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe myelin regeneration of the sciatic nerve and the number of motoneurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively, the sciatic nerve function index, nerve conduction velocity, the number of distant regenerated axons and the axon diameter of the sciatic nerve increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. At 2 weeks postoperatively, nerve fiber diameter, myelin thickness, and the number of motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord anterior horn increased in the Qian-Zheng-San treatment group compared with the control group. These results indicate that Qian-Zheng-San has a positive effect on peripheral nerve regeneration.

Background In this study, the ovariectomized rat model was used to explore the impact of menopause on rats' dorsal lingual epithelium; at the same time, the curative effects of Remifemin and estradiol were also observed. Methods 28 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups randomly, including sham-operated group (SHAM), an ovariectomized group (OVX), an ovariectomized treated with estradiol (OVX + E), an ovariectomized treated with Remifemin (OVX + iCR). Variation and possible mechanisms were studied via morphology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscope. Results The results showed that the dorsal lingual epithelium became thinner significantly in the apex part in OVX group, as well as the levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) were lower than that in other three groups. However, they could reverse close to normal after estradiol and Remifemin treatment respectively. Conclusion The thinning in the apex of dorsal lingual epithelium might be due to the reduced proliferation in the germinal layer led by the abating of estrogen level, instead of apoptosis. This might play an important role in the pathogenesis of the menopause female tongue burning sensation. Remifemin had certain curative effect on the dorsal lingual mucosa, but a little more inferior than estrogen.

Background The prevalence of hypertension in young women is lower than that in age-matched men while the prevalence of hypertension in women is significantly increased after the age of 50 (menopause) and is greater than that in men. It is already known that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide regulate vascular tone with opposing effects. This study aimed to explore the effects of ovariectomy and estrogen supplementation on the ceramide/S1P rheostat of the aorta in rats, and to explore a potential mechanism for perimenopausal hypertension and a brand-new target for menopausal hormone therapy to protect vessels. Methods In total, 30 female adult SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: The sham operation group (SHAM), ovariectomy group (OVX) and ovariectomy plus estrogen group (OVX + E). After 4 weeks of treatment, the blood pressure (BP) of the rats was monitored by a noninvasive system; the sphingolipid content (e.g., ceramide and S1P) was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS); the expression of the key enzymes involved in ceramide anabolism and catabolism was measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR); and the expression of key enzymes and proteins in the sphingosine kinase 1/2 (SphK1/2)-S1P-S1P receptor 1/2/3 (S1P1/2/3) signaling pathway was detected by qPCR and western blotting. Results In the OVX group compared with the SHAM group, the systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) increased significantly, especially the SBP and PP (P P P P > 0.05). Conclusions Ovariectomy resulted in the imbalance of the aortic ceramide/S1P rheostat in rats, which may be a potential mechanism underlying the increase in SBP and PP among perimenopausal women. Besides, the ceramide/S1P rheostat may be a novel mechanism by which estrogen protects vessels.

The aim of the present study was to develop a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method for the determination of olaparib in rat plasma. The plasma samples were processed using one-step protein precipitation with acetonitrile and then separated on Waters Acquity BEH C18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, particle size 1.7 μm) using water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile as mobile phase with optimized gradient elution. Mass spectrometric detection was carried out by selective reaction monitoring mode via positive ESI mode with precursor-to-product transitions of m/z 435.3 > 367.1 and m/z 443.1 > 375.2 for olaparib and 2 H8 -olaparib (internal standard). The method was linear over the concentration range 0.1-2000 ng/ml with correlation coefficient >0.9987. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.1 ng/ml. The method showed excellent accuracy and precision, negligible matrix effect and high extraction recovery. The validated method was subsequently utilized to determine the concentration of olaparib in rat plasma and further applied to the pharmacokinetic study of olaparib in rat plasma. Our results demonstrated that olaparib showed gender-dependent pharmacokinetics in rats. Compared with that in males, olaparib showed high plasma exposure, long half-life, low clearance and high bioavailability in females.

Studies have shown that estrogen can protect the function of the sublingual gland, but the specific mechanism is still unclear. Besides, the STIM1/Orai1 pathway is important to secretion in the salivary gland. Here, we explore the possible effects of estrogen on sublingual gland function by observing changes of STIM1 and Orai1 levels in the sublingual glands of ovariectomized rats.42 adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: SHAM, OVX, and OVX+E (n = 14 per group). Two weeks after ovariectomy, rats were treated with estrogen (β-estradiol). The expression of STIM1 and Orai1 in the sublingual gland were observed by double label-immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Calcium imaging was conducted to observe changes in cellular Ca²⁺ levels.IHC and IF showed that the levels of both STIM1 and Orai1 decreased following ovariectomy, but increased to SHAM levels after estrogen treatment. By IF, STIM1 and Orai1 exhibited perfect co-localization. Calcium imaging results showed that the Ca²⁺ in the cells decreased after ovariectomy. Estrogen intervention returned levels of these proteins and Ca²⁺ to the same as those in the control group.This study demonstrates that low estrogen status significantly reduced the expression of STIM1 and Orai1 in the sublingual gland of rats, along with cellular Ca²⁺ levels. These data provide insight into the likely mechanisms underlying sublingual gland secretion dysfunction during menopause.

Additional file 3: Table S1. Primer sets of targeted genes.

Background Hot flashes (HF) caused by low estrogen in menopause result from changes in thermoregulatory processes in the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA). In the POA, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) participates in heat dissipation processes. Studies suggest that TRPV1 expression may be regulated by norepinephrine (NE)-activated α2-adrenergic receptors (α2-ADR) in the dorsal root ganglia. The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between NE-regulated TRPV1 expression in the POA of ovariectomized rats and the development of HF. Methods Ninety female adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: SHAM, OVX and E2 (n = 30 per group). The numbers of TRPV1- and α2-ADR-positive cells and the expression of TRPV1 and α2-ADR in the POA of each group were determined using immunohistochemical staining after 4 weeks of estrogen treatment. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TRPV1 and α2-ADR in the POA tissue, and NE content in the POA tissue was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography. In addition, the coexpression of TRPV1 and α2-ADR in POA neurons was investigated using immunofluorescent staining. Results In the POA of ovariectomized rats, the number of TRPV1-positive cells and TRPV1 expression increased while NE content decreased. Concomitantly, the number of α2-ADR-positive cells and α2-ADR expression decreased. Estrogen treatment reversed these changes in the POA of ovariectomized rats. In addition, we found that TRPV1 and α2-ADR were coexpressed in POA neurons. Conclusions Under low-estrogen conditions, NE-activated α2-ADR regulated TRPV1 expression in the POA, and increased expression of TRPV1 may be an important factor for triggering HF.

Junhao Yan,1 Xinling Ding,2 Lili Xiong,3 E Liu,1 Yixuan Zhang,1 Yingjie Luan,1 Lihua Qin,1 Changman Zhou,1 Weiguang Zhang1 1Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Anatomy, Chifeng Medical College, Neimenggu 024000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Anatomy, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People’s Republic of China Objectives: In this study, the effects of team-based learning (TBL) method on the anatomy course for students in People’s Republic of China were assessed. Methods: The students were randomly divided into the traditional lecture-based teaching group (traditional learning [TL] group, 99 students) and TBL teaching group (98 students). The TBL method required the students to prepare the assigned content in advance and discuss some specific topics in small groups. The test scores and questionnaire were applied to evaluate the effects of the two methods. Results: The students in TBL group had higher examination scores (81.70±8.53 vs 74.41±8.27, F[1,195] =124.6, p

The menopausal period, an inevitable physiological process for women, is frequently associated with physiological and psychological dysfunction attributable to substantial fluctuation and gradual decrease in female hormones induced by ovarian failure, leading to corresponding symptoms and diseases that impact multiple systems in the body to varying degrees. As prior studies have focused primarily on menopausal syndrome-related pathophysiological changes and hormone replacement therapy effects, here we approached menopausal disease incidence risk and pathogenesis through systemic plasma proteomics analysis. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, ovariectomized, and estrogen treatment after ovariectomy groups (n=9 per group). Tandem Mass Tag quantitative proteomics analysis of their plasma identified over 900 proteins by MS. Between group fold change of >1.2 and p

Aims To investigate the efficacy of chitin biological absorbable catheters in a rat model of autologous nerve transplantation. Methods A segment of sciatic nerve was removed to produce a sciatic nerve defect, and the sural nerve was cut from the ipsilateral leg and used as a graft to bridge the defect, with or without use of a chitin biological absorbable catheter surrounding the graft. The number and morphology of regenerating myelinated fibers, nerve conduction velocity, nerve function index, triceps surae muscle morphology, and sensory function were evaluated at 9 and 12 months after surgery. Results All of the above parameters were improved in rats in which the nerve graft was bridged with chitin biological absorbable catheters compared with rats without catheters. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that use of chitin biological absorbable catheters to surround sural nerve grafts bridging sciatic nerve defects promotes recovery of structural, motor, and sensory function and improves muscle fiber morphology.

To investigate the effects of black cohosh and estrogen on the temperature in ovariectomized rats, the core body temperature (CBT) and tail-skin temperature (TST) were simultaneously monitored and the relationship between these two temperatures was explored.Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX treated with estradiol valerate (OVX + E), and OVX treated with isopropanolic black cohosh extract (OVX + ICR). Rats were sham-operated or ovariectomized and were implanted with telemetry transmitters with dual thermistor probes. Two weeks after surgery, the animals were treated with drugs for 4 weeks. During the last week of the treatments, the dynamic temperature profiles of the CBT and TST were collected.The average CBT and TST, TST fluctuation frequency, and the average amplitude fluctuation were significantly higher in OVX than in SHAM rats. In addition, dramatic fluctuations of TST in OVX rats occurred at the time points of the day when the CBTs were lower in OVX rats than in SHAM rats. Treatment of OVX rats with estradiol valerate or isopropanolic black cohosh extract markedly decreased the average CBT and TST, TST fluctuation frequency, and the average amplitude fluctuation. Moreover, CBT was found to be significantly higher, while TST was lower in OVX + E than in OVX + ICR rats.Both black cohosh and estradiol treatments ameliorated the abnormal thermoregulation in OVX rats. In particular, black cohosh reduced CBT better than estradiol and estradiol reduced TST better than black cohosh.

New Findings What is the central question of this study? We investigated the effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the stellate ganglion, cardiac noradrenaline pathway and Ca2+–calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in ovariectomized rats. What is the main finding and its importance? The right stellate ganglion, but not the left, may be associated with decreased left ventricular noradrenaline content in ovariectomized rats. Oestrogen can reverse all changes caused by ovariectomy. Cimicifuga racemosa did not affect left ventricular noradrenaline, but decreased protein expression of β1-adrenergic receptor and Ca2+–calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II. The results might explain potential effects of C. racemosa on the cardiovascular system and provide new insights into cardiovascular protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oestrogen and Cimicifuga racemosa on the stellate ganglion, cardiac noradrenaline (NA) pathway and Ca2+–calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II). Forty adult female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: sham operated (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX); ovariectomized with oestrogen treatment (E2); and ovariectomized with C. racemosa treatment (iCR). After 4 weeks of treatment, the NA content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) and noradrenaline transporter (NET) expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to determine NET, β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) and CaMK II expression. Compared with the SHAM group, body weights, DBH and NET expression in the right stellate ganglia, and NET, β1-AR and CaMK II expression in the left ventricles of the OVX group were increased, whereas left ventricular NA content was decreased; DBH and NET expression in the left stellate ganglion was not significantly different. The indexes of the E2 group were similar to those of the SHAM group. Moreover, in the iCR group, DBH, NET, β1-AR and CaMK II expression was decreased; NET expression and NA content of the left ventricle remained unchanged. Our conclusions are as follows. First, the right stellate ganglion, but not the left, may be associated with decreased left ventricular NA content in OVX rats. Second, oestrogen increases the left ventricular NA content and adjusts the expression of DBH and NET in the right stellate ganglion and restores β1-AR and CaMK II protein expression to normal levels. Third, C. racemosa does not affect left ventricular NA, but decreases the protein expression of β1-AR and CaMK II.

To investigate the lipid metabolism dysregulation in the liver of ovariectomized (OVX) rats and effects of estradiol valerate (E) and remifemin (ICR) thereon, forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (SHAM), OVX, OVX+E, and OVX+ICR group. After 4 weeks’ E or ICR treatment, serum estrogen, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels; lipid droplets in hepatocytes; hepatocyte morphology; and the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα), liver X receptor (LXR), and sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in the liver of the rats were assessed. OVX rats had significantly decreased serum estrogen levels, which significantly increased after treatment with E but not with ICR. Serum triglyceride levels and the amount of lipid droplets in hepatocytes increased after ovariectomy, and significantly decreased after E treatment. In addition, ICR treatment markedly increased serum triglyceride levels and lipid droplet size. No significant differences in the serum cholesterol levels were observed among the four groups. After ovariectomy, hepatocyte mitochondria became hypertrophic and misformed, which were reversed with E or ICR treatment. ICR-treated rats also showed endoplasmic reticulum disorganization. After ovariectomy, ERα and LXR levels significantly decreased while SREBP expression increased. E treatment increased ERα and LXR levels while ICR treatment only increased LXR expression. E treatment decreased SREBP-1c levels, whereas SREBP-1c levels increased with ICR treatment. Treatment with E significantly reversed the ovariectomy-induced dysregulation of hepatocyte lipid metabolism, which was, however, exacerbated with ICR treatment. The effects of E and ICR on hepatocyte lipid metabolism may involve the regulation of LXR and SREBP-1c.