Objective To explore the correlations of transcranial sonography of substantia nigra(SN-TCS)characteristics with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson disease(PD).Methods Data of SN-TCS an...Objective To explore the correlations of transcranial sonography of substantia nigra(SN-TCS)characteristics with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson disease(PD).Methods Data of SN-TCS and craniocerebral MRI in 120 PD patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into iron deposition positive group(positive group,n=46)and iron deposition negative group(negative group,n=74)according to quantitative susceptibility mapping(QSM)value.Then parameters of SN-TCS and MRI were compared between groups(both P<0.05),and correlation analysis were also performed.Results The proportion of high echo positive,strong echo area and QSM value of substantia nigra,as well as of hyper-substantia nigra area/midbrain area(S/M)in positive group were all higher than those in negative group(all P<0.001).No significant difference of midbrain area was found between groups(P>0.05).Strong echo area of substantia nigra and S/M based on SN-TCS were both low-medium positively correlated with substantia nigra QSM value showed on MRI(r=0.497,0.529,both P<0.001).Conclusion SN-TCS characteristics of PD patients were correlated with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra,among which strong echo area and S/M were valuable for evaluating iron deposition on substantia nigra.展开更多
Objectives: To determine the correlation between dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients and Method: A retrospective study was conducted between April 2022 and March 2023 in cardiolo...Objectives: To determine the correlation between dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients and Method: A retrospective study was conducted between April 2022 and March 2023 in cardiology at Loandjili General Hospital. Were included all adult patients older than 18 years of age presenting with DPN, and divided into two groups according to the presence of CVD. Hypertension (HT), endomyocardial fibrosis, dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy, chronic pulmonary heart, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and valvular heart disease were retained as CVD. Pregnant women, Peutz Jeghers syndrome and all dermatosis with cardiovascular manifestations were excluded. Studied variables were clinico-demographic, hereditary and behavioral. Results: A total of 55 patients were selected. There were 40 patients with CVD, 15 patients without CVD, 43 women (78.1%) and 12 men (21.8%). Mean age was 52 ± 12.6 years (extremes: 22 - 85 years). There was a significant difference between age and sex (P 0.05). There were 34 hypertensive patients, 10 patients with diabetes mellitus, 7 strokes, 2 endomyocardial fibrosis and 2 ischemic heart diseases. Periorbital location was representative was frequently found in the group with CVD. Hereditary and behavioral factors were involved in the development of DPN and CVD. There was a significant correlation between DPN and onset in childhood (P 0.05), between hypertension and use of medication (P 0.05), and between onset in childhood (P 0.05) and use of mercury containing soap (P 0.05). Conclusion: DPN predominates in young women. The occurrence of CVD depends on DPN location. Hereditary and behavioral factors associated with development of DPN are CVD factor risks.展开更多
The Chinese herbs Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Rhizoma Polygonati were injected into Parkinson＇s disease mice established via intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridin...The Chinese herbs Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Rhizoma Polygonati were injected into Parkinson＇s disease mice established via intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride. The selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitor selegiline was used as a positive control drug. After successive administration for 4 weeks, Herba Epimedii could downregulate the expression of caspase-3 and increase the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, as well as increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease mouse models. Rhizoma Polygonaticould downregulate the expression of caspase-3 and FasL, and increase neural growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Fructus Ligustn Lucidi could downregulate caspase-3 expression. Rhizoma Polygonati and Fructus Ligustn Lucidi did not produce obvious effects on tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi yielded similar effects on apoptosis-promoting factors to those elicited by selegiline. Herba Epimedii and Rhizoma Polygonati significantly increased the levels of neurotrophic factors compared with selegiline. Herba Epimedii significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity compared with selegiline. It is indicated that the kidney-tonifying Chinese herbal preparation can downregulate the expression of apoptosis-promoting factors, increase neurotrophic factors levels in the substantia nigra and striatum, as well as increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease mouse models, thereby exerting a stronger or similar neuroprotective effects compared with selegiline.展开更多
The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is a new winter resident in Beijing due to temperature changes.To understand the wintering ecology of this species better, a field survey covering the number of birds of this population...The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is a new winter resident in Beijing due to temperature changes.To understand the wintering ecology of this species better, a field survey covering the number of birds of this population, habitat selection, feeding activity and grouping behavior was conducted at the Shidu Nature Reserve from January 2004 to March 2009. The results show that the Black Stork selected the Juma River at this nature reserve as their new winter habitat. The number of birds in this population decreased from 28 in the 2004/2005 winter to 17 in the 2007/2008 winter with a subsequent recovery to 23 the following year. The wintering flock was formed in mid-November and dispersed in mid-March, but the date changed with seasonal temperature fluctuations. The storks exhibited feeding habitat fidelity and the main food type was fish (＞ 92.4%). There was no significant variation in food composition between adults and sub-adults (Mann-Whitney U test, U = 1.00, p = 0.44). Feeding activity occurred in the morning and at noon during early winter, but concentrated in the afternoon during mid winter, divided into dawn and dusk in late winter. Daily fish intake was 538 g for adults and 449 g for sub-adults if the period of foraging reached six hours in the wild, which was similar to the level under artificial feeding. Agonistic behavior among feeding birds was observed among group members in late winter. The main negative factor for wintering Black Stork was a reduced feeding habitat resulting from increased water depth due to damming of the river to benefit tourism and to wetland exploitation.展开更多
According to different mechanisms of dormancy,seeds of Gagea nigra L.Z.Shue were treated with different methods so as to investigate the effects of different treatments on seed germination of G.nigra.The results showe...According to different mechanisms of dormancy,seeds of Gagea nigra L.Z.Shue were treated with different methods so as to investigate the effects of different treatments on seed germination of G.nigra.The results showed that at 4 ℃,the seeds of G.nigra began to germinate on day 32 with germination period of 80 d and germination rate of 72%;room temperature（25 ℃） and acid and alkali treatments were all unsuitable for the germination of G.nigra seeds;no significant differences were found in germination rate of G.nigra seeds among warm water（50℃）,ultrasound and 200 mg/L GA_3treatments（P 0.05）;seed coat-removing treatment effectively promoted the germination of G.nigra seeds（P =0.002 0.01） with germination rate of 88%;seed coat piercing ＋ 200 mg/L GA_3 and 500 mg/L GA_3＋15% H_2O_2 treatments effectively promoted the germination of G.nigra seeds with germination rates of 84% and 82%,respectively（P0.05）;the germination vigor of G.nigra seeds in the seed coat piercing ＋ 200 mg/L GA_3 treatment was highest,and it was significantly higher than those in the other treatments.展开更多
Accumulating studies suggest that neuroinflammation characterized by microglial overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.As such,inhibition of microglial overactivation might be ...Accumulating studies suggest that neuroinflammation characterized by microglial overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.As such,inhibition of microglial overactivation might be a promising treatment strategy to delay the onset or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.Ginsenoside Rbl,the most active ingredient of ginseng,reportedly exerts neuroprotective effects by suppressing inflammation in vitro.The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rbl in a lipopolysaccharide-induced rat Parkinson’s disease model.Rats were divided into four groups.In the control group,sham-operated rats were intraperitoneally administered normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl group,ginsenoside Rb1(20 mg/kg)was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days after sham surgery.In the lipopolysaccharide group,a single dose of lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra to establish the Parkinson’s disease model.Lipopolysaccharide-injected rats were treated with normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl +lipopolysaccharide group,lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra.Subsequently,ginsenoside Rbl was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days.To investigate the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rbl,behavioral tests were performed on day 15 after lipopolysaccharide injection.We found that ginsenoside Rbl treatment remarkably reduced apomorphine-induced rotations in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.To investigate the neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide and potential protective effect of ginsenoside Rbl,contents of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,ginsenoside Rbl obviously attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced depletion of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum.To further explore the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity,immunohistochemistry and western blot assay of tyrosine hydroxylase were performed to evaluate dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra par compacta.The results showed that lipopolysaccharide injection caused a large loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra and a significant decrease in overall tyrosine hydroxylase expression.However,ginsenoside Rb1 noticeably reversed these changes.To investigate whether the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl was associated with inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation,we examined expression of the microglia marker Iba-1.Our results confirmed that lipopolysaccharide injection induced a significant increase in Iba-1 expression in the substantia nigra;however,ginsenoside Rbl effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial overactivation.To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1,we examined expression levels of inflammatory mediators(tumor necrosis factor-a,interleukin-1β,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and cyclooxygenase 2)and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling-related proteins(IκB,IKK)in the substantia nigra with enzyme-linked immunosorbent and western blot assays.Our results revealed that compared with the control group,phosphorylation and expression of inflammatory mediators IκB and IKK in the substantia nigra of lipopolysaccharide group rats were significantly increased;whereas,ginsenoside Rbl obviously reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced changes on the lesioned side of the substantial nigra par compacta.These findings confirm that ginsenoside Rbl can inhibit inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide injection into the substantia nigra and protect dopaminergic neurons,which may be related to its inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Shandong University of China in April 2016(approval No.KYLL-2016-0148).展开更多
Two new prenylflavonoids, momigrol E（1） and mornigrol F（2） were isolated from Morus nigra L. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR techniques.
Levodopa is the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson＇s disease. However, although it alleviates the clinical symptoms, it cannot delay the progressive apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons or prevent motor complications...Levodopa is the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson＇s disease. However, although it alleviates the clinical symptoms, it cannot delay the progressive apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons or prevent motor complications in the long term. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Shudipingchan granule on neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of Parkinson＇s disease, established by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area. We then administered levodopa （20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, twice daily） with or without Shudipingchan granule （7.5 mL/kg intragastrically, twice daily）, for 4 weeks. The long-term use of levodopa accel- erated apoptosis of nigral cells and worsened behavioral symptoms by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and downstream apoptotic factors. However, administration of Shudipingchan granule with levodopa reduced expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Bax, increased tyrosine hydroxylase and Bcl-2, reduced apoptosis in the substantia nigra, and markedly improved dyskinesia. These findings suggest that Shudipingchan granule suppresses neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the hyper- phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and downregulating expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Shudipingchan granule, used in combination with levodopa, can effectively reduce the symptoms of Parkinson＇s disease.展开更多
Recent researches have found that 7 Tesla SWI can detect the alteration of substantia nigra hyperintensity in Parkinson's disease(PD),multiple system atrophy(MSA),and progressive supranuclear palsy(PSP).The aim of...Recent researches have found that 7 Tesla SWI can detect the alteration of substantia nigra hyperintensity in Parkinson's disease(PD),multiple system atrophy(MSA),and progressive supranuclear palsy(PSP).The aim of this study was to investigate whether 3 Tesla SWI(3T SWI)can visualize anatomical alterations occurring in a hyperintense structure of the substantia nigra in PD and vascular parkinsonism(VP),and whether the evaluation of abnormal signal can be used as a factor in the differential diagnosis of PD and VP.Using 3 Tesla MRI,we evaluated 38 healthy subjects,33 patients with PD and 34 patients with VP.Two blinded readers independently assessed the images.We found that the dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity was absent in 31 of 33 patients with PD and 15 of 34 patients with VP.The dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity was present in 19 of 34 patients with VP and 35 of 38 healthy controls.Group comparisons of absence of dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity revealed significant differences between the patients with PD and those with VP(P<0.001).The sensitivity of SWI for PD was 93.9%and the specificity was 92.1%.Visual assessment of dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity on high-field SWI scans may serve as a new simple diagnostic imaging marker for PD.And our study results indicate that 3T SWI can be used as a tool to identify PD and VP.展开更多
Rare earth elements have been used for 30 years in Chinese agriculture to improve growth and yield. Numerous scientific studies have shown improvements in physiology, mineral nutrition, and growth, though deleterious ...Rare earth elements have been used for 30 years in Chinese agriculture to improve growth and yield. Numerous scientific studies have shown improvements in physiology, mineral nutrition, and growth, though deleterious effects may also occur. Very few studies have been performed on woody species. We exponentially fertilized one-year old black walnut （Juglans nigra L.） seedlings with 0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 mg lanthanum （La） and 800 mg nitrogen （N） as NaNO3, （NH4）2SO4, NH4NO3, or no N. One month following final fertilization, growth, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and nitrate reductase activity were assessed. Plants fertilized with the highest level of La had reduced fine root growth, concentrations of magnesium, calcium, nickel, and phosphorus, photosynthesis levels, and chlorophyll a content. Foliar La concentration showed an interaction effect, with three to four times greater concentration in plants fed at 100 mg La to those given 10 mg La for （NH4）2SO4 and NHaNO3 treatments. The results suggested no beneficial effects of La addition at levels used in this study and interactions between N source and La levels did not have an important impact on the growth, mineral nutrition, or physiology of black walnut seedlings.展开更多
To investigate the serum substantia nigra neuron autoantibody and its effect in the patients with Parkinson disease (PD), substantia nigra slices and a rat model of injection of serum from PD patients in unilateral si...To investigate the serum substantia nigra neuron autoantibody and its effect in the patients with Parkinson disease (PD), substantia nigra slices and a rat model of injection of serum from PD patients in unilateral side substantia nigra were applied. The results showed that the positive rate of substantia nigra neuron autoantibody in PD patients was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (36.67 % vs 6.67 %, P <0.01), but no significant difference was found between PD group and myasthenia gravis (MG) group (26.67 %, P >0.05). The sera from PD patients positive for substantia nigra neuron autoantibody could decrease the number of the dopaminergic neurons more seriously than those from MG and the healthy once respectively (both P <0.01). The results suggested that the immunological mechanism might partly play a role in the development of PD.展开更多
Acupuncture for the treatment of Parkinson＇s disease has a precise clinical outcome. This study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture at Fengfu （GV16） and Taichong （LR3） acupoints in rat models of Parkin...Acupuncture for the treatment of Parkinson＇s disease has a precise clinical outcome. This study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture at Fengfu （GV16） and Taichong （LR3） acupoints in rat models of Parkinson＇s disease induced by subcutaneous injection of rotenone into rat neck and back. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression was significantly increased in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson＇s disease, and that abnormal behavior of rats was significantly improved following electroacupuncture treatment. These results indicated that electroacupuncture treatment upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson＇s disease. Thus, electroacupuncture may be useful in the treatment of Parkinson＇s disease.展开更多
An enriched environment protects dopaminergic neurons from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine（MPTP）-induced neuronal injury, but the underlying mechanism for this is not clear. Growth associated protein-43...An enriched environment protects dopaminergic neurons from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine（MPTP）-induced neuronal injury, but the underlying mechanism for this is not clear. Growth associated protein-43（GAP-43） is closely associated with neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration during neural development. We speculate that an enriched environment can reduce damage to dopaminergic neurons by affecting the expression of GAP-43. This study is designed to test this hypothesis. Three-month-old female senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8（SAMP8） mice were housed for 3 months in an enriched environment or a standard environment. These mice were then subcutaneously injected in the abdomen with 14 mg/kg MPTP four times at 2-hour intervals. Morris water maze testing demonstrated that learning and memory abilities were better in the enriched environment group than in the standard environment group. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays showed that m RNA and protein levels of GAP-43 in the substantia nigra were higher after MPTP application in the enriched environment group compared with the standard environment group. These findings indicate that an enriched environment can increase GAP-43 expression in SAMP8 mice. The upregulation of GAP-43 may be a mechanism by which an enriched environment protects against MPTP-induced neuronal damage.展开更多
Objective:To investigate antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Alpinia nigra leaves.Methods:The study was done by using various in vitro methods such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),2,2-azino-bis(3-ethyl...Objective:To investigate antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Alpinia nigra leaves.Methods:The study was done by using various in vitro methods such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS),nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays.Phytochemical constituents,total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extract at different concentrations(10-500μg/mL)were determined.Results:Alpinia nigra leaves showed high free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by the low IG_(50)values in DPPH(64.51μg/mL),in ABTS(28.32μg/mL),in nitric oxide(80.02μg/mL)and in H_2O_2(77.45μg/mL)scavenging assays.Furthermore the TPC and TFC of the extract were found to be 69.25 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and 78.84 mg quercetin equivalent per gram of extract respectively.Conclusions:The results of present comprehensive analysis demonstrated that Alpinia nigra leaves possess high phenolic,flavonoid contents and potential antioxidant activity,and could be used as a viable source of natural antioxidants and might be exploited for functional foods and neutraceutical applications.展开更多
The role of plant eIF5A proteins in multiple biological processes, such as protein synthesis regulation, translation elongation, mRNA turnover, programmed cell death and stress tolerance is well known. Toward using th...The role of plant eIF5A proteins in multiple biological processes, such as protein synthesis regulation, translation elongation, mRNA turnover, programmed cell death and stress tolerance is well known. Toward using these powerful proteins to increase stress tolerance in agricultural plants, in the present study, we cloned and characterized PsneIFSA2 and PsneIFSA4 from young poplar （P. simonii × P. nigra） leaves. The deduced amino acid sequences of PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 were 98 % similar to each other, and they are orthologs of eIF5A 1 in Arabidopsis. In a subcellular localization analysis, PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 proteins were localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, qRT-PCR analysis showed that PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 were transcribed in poplar flowers, stem, leaves, and roots. In addition, they were also induced by abiotic stresses. Transgenic yeast expressing PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 had increased salt, heavy metal, osmotic, oxidative tolerance. Our results suggest that PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 are excellent candidates for genetic engineering to improve salt and heavy metal tolerance in agricultural plants.展开更多
BACKGROUND： To date, a complete protein expression profile of the midbrain substantia nigra in a mouse model of chronic Parkinson＇s disease, induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP）, does ...BACKGROUND： To date, a complete protein expression profile of the midbrain substantia nigra in a mouse model of chronic Parkinson＇s disease, induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP）, does not exist. In addition, there are no reports of analysis of differential protein expression. OBJECTIVE： To separate and evaluate MPTP-induced differential protein expression through the use of proteomics in the substantia nigra of a mouse model of chronic Parkinson＇s disease. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING： Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University. MATERIALS： Sixteen 8-10-week old, healthy, male, C57BL mice, weighing 20-25 g, and of clean grade, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University. The experimental animals were disposed according to ethical criteria. MPTP was provided by Sigma Company, USA; Pdquest 2D image analysis software and gelatum/irradiance image analysis system （ChemiDoc XRS） by Bio-Rad, USA; and Voyager DE-PROMALD1-TOF-MS mass spectroscopy analyzer by AB1 Company, USA. METHODS： This study was performed in Chongqing Neurological Laboratory between November 2006 and July 2007. Mice were randomly divided into model and control groups, with 8 mice in each group. Mice in the model group were received a subcutaneous injection of MPTP （25 mg＆g）, twice a week, for five successive weeks, to establish a chronic Parkinson＇s disease model. Mice in the control group received the same volume of a subcutaneous saline injection at the same time points. Mice were sacrificed by anesthesia to rapidly obtain the midbrain for protein separation of the substantia nigra. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） 2-ED handbook （Bio-Rad Company） was referenced for two-dimensional electrophoresis, （2） PDQUEST8,0 analytical electrophoresis pattern was adopted to evaluate differential protein expression. （3） Peptide mass finger print map and data were retrieved on http：//www.prospector.ucsf.edu to compare differential substantia nigral protein expression in the two groups. RESULTS： Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of substantia nigra tissue indicated that there were 33 differential protein expressions between the two groups. Three new proteins were evaluated, including α -enolase, which exhibited regulated expression, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 4, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B. CONCLUSION： There are three proteins that exhibit differential expression in the substantia nigra- α -enolase, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 4, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B.展开更多
文摘Objective To explore the correlations of transcranial sonography of substantia nigra(SN-TCS)characteristics with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra in patients with Parkinson disease(PD).Methods Data of SN-TCS and craniocerebral MRI in 120 PD patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into iron deposition positive group(positive group,n=46)and iron deposition negative group(negative group,n=74)according to quantitative susceptibility mapping(QSM)value.Then parameters of SN-TCS and MRI were compared between groups(both P<0.05),and correlation analysis were also performed.Results The proportion of high echo positive,strong echo area and QSM value of substantia nigra,as well as of hyper-substantia nigra area/midbrain area(S/M)in positive group were all higher than those in negative group(all P<0.001).No significant difference of midbrain area was found between groups(P>0.05).Strong echo area of substantia nigra and S/M based on SN-TCS were both low-medium positively correlated with substantia nigra QSM value showed on MRI(r=0.497,0.529,both P<0.001).Conclusion SN-TCS characteristics of PD patients were correlated with MRI iron deposition on substantia nigra,among which strong echo area and S/M were valuable for evaluating iron deposition on substantia nigra.
文摘Objectives: To determine the correlation between dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients and Method: A retrospective study was conducted between April 2022 and March 2023 in cardiology at Loandjili General Hospital. Were included all adult patients older than 18 years of age presenting with DPN, and divided into two groups according to the presence of CVD. Hypertension (HT), endomyocardial fibrosis, dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy, chronic pulmonary heart, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and valvular heart disease were retained as CVD. Pregnant women, Peutz Jeghers syndrome and all dermatosis with cardiovascular manifestations were excluded. Studied variables were clinico-demographic, hereditary and behavioral. Results: A total of 55 patients were selected. There were 40 patients with CVD, 15 patients without CVD, 43 women (78.1%) and 12 men (21.8%). Mean age was 52 ± 12.6 years (extremes: 22 - 85 years). There was a significant difference between age and sex (P 0.05). There were 34 hypertensive patients, 10 patients with diabetes mellitus, 7 strokes, 2 endomyocardial fibrosis and 2 ischemic heart diseases. Periorbital location was representative was frequently found in the group with CVD. Hereditary and behavioral factors were involved in the development of DPN and CVD. There was a significant correlation between DPN and onset in childhood (P 0.05), between hypertension and use of medication (P 0.05), and between onset in childhood (P 0.05) and use of mercury containing soap (P 0.05). Conclusion: DPN predominates in young women. The occurrence of CVD depends on DPN location. Hereditary and behavioral factors associated with development of DPN are CVD factor risks.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, No. 2009J06018
文摘The Chinese herbs Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Rhizoma Polygonati were injected into Parkinson＇s disease mice established via intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride. The selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitor selegiline was used as a positive control drug. After successive administration for 4 weeks, Herba Epimedii could downregulate the expression of caspase-3 and increase the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, as well as increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease mouse models. Rhizoma Polygonaticould downregulate the expression of caspase-3 and FasL, and increase neural growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Fructus Ligustn Lucidi could downregulate caspase-3 expression. Rhizoma Polygonati and Fructus Ligustn Lucidi did not produce obvious effects on tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi yielded similar effects on apoptosis-promoting factors to those elicited by selegiline. Herba Epimedii and Rhizoma Polygonati significantly increased the levels of neurotrophic factors compared with selegiline. Herba Epimedii significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity compared with selegiline. It is indicated that the kidney-tonifying Chinese herbal preparation can downregulate the expression of apoptosis-promoting factors, increase neurotrophic factors levels in the substantia nigra and striatum, as well as increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease mouse models, thereby exerting a stronger or similar neuroprotective effects compared with selegiline.
基金funded by the Beijing Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
文摘The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is a new winter resident in Beijing due to temperature changes.To understand the wintering ecology of this species better, a field survey covering the number of birds of this population, habitat selection, feeding activity and grouping behavior was conducted at the Shidu Nature Reserve from January 2004 to March 2009. The results show that the Black Stork selected the Juma River at this nature reserve as their new winter habitat. The number of birds in this population decreased from 28 in the 2004/2005 winter to 17 in the 2007/2008 winter with a subsequent recovery to 23 the following year. The wintering flock was formed in mid-November and dispersed in mid-March, but the date changed with seasonal temperature fluctuations. The storks exhibited feeding habitat fidelity and the main food type was fish (＞ 92.4%). There was no significant variation in food composition between adults and sub-adults (Mann-Whitney U test, U = 1.00, p = 0.44). Feeding activity occurred in the morning and at noon during early winter, but concentrated in the afternoon during mid winter, divided into dawn and dusk in late winter. Daily fish intake was 538 g for adults and 449 g for sub-adults if the period of foraging reached six hours in the wild, which was similar to the level under artificial feeding. Agonistic behavior among feeding birds was observed among group members in late winter. The main negative factor for wintering Black Stork was a reduced feeding habitat resulting from increased water depth due to damming of the river to benefit tourism and to wetland exploitation.
文摘According to different mechanisms of dormancy,seeds of Gagea nigra L.Z.Shue were treated with different methods so as to investigate the effects of different treatments on seed germination of G.nigra.The results showed that at 4 ℃,the seeds of G.nigra began to germinate on day 32 with germination period of 80 d and germination rate of 72%;room temperature（25 ℃） and acid and alkali treatments were all unsuitable for the germination of G.nigra seeds;no significant differences were found in germination rate of G.nigra seeds among warm water（50℃）,ultrasound and 200 mg/L GA_3treatments（P 0.05）;seed coat-removing treatment effectively promoted the germination of G.nigra seeds（P =0.002 0.01） with germination rate of 88%;seed coat piercing ＋ 200 mg/L GA_3 and 500 mg/L GA_3＋15% H_2O_2 treatments effectively promoted the germination of G.nigra seeds with germination rates of 84% and 82%,respectively（P0.05）;the germination vigor of G.nigra seeds in the seed coat piercing ＋ 200 mg/L GA_3 treatment was highest,and it was significantly higher than those in the other treatments.
基金supported by the Medical and Health Technology Development Plan of Shandong Province of China,No.2011HD009(to AHW)the Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Development Plan Project of Shandong Province of China,No.2017-163(to AHW)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.ZR2016HP23(to AHW)the Science and Technology Development Plan Project of Taian City of China,No.2017NS0151(to XCS)
文摘Accumulating studies suggest that neuroinflammation characterized by microglial overactivation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.As such,inhibition of microglial overactivation might be a promising treatment strategy to delay the onset or slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease.Ginsenoside Rbl,the most active ingredient of ginseng,reportedly exerts neuroprotective effects by suppressing inflammation in vitro.The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of ginsenoside Rbl in a lipopolysaccharide-induced rat Parkinson’s disease model.Rats were divided into four groups.In the control group,sham-operated rats were intraperitoneally administered normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl group,ginsenoside Rb1(20 mg/kg)was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days after sham surgery.In the lipopolysaccharide group,a single dose of lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra to establish the Parkinson’s disease model.Lipopolysaccharide-injected rats were treated with normal saline for 14 consecutive days.In the ginsenoside Rbl +lipopolysaccharide group,lipopolysaccharide was unilaterally microinjected into the rat substantial nigra.Subsequently,ginsenoside Rbl was intraperitoneally injected for 14 consecutive days.To investigate the therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rbl,behavioral tests were performed on day 15 after lipopolysaccharide injection.We found that ginsenoside Rbl treatment remarkably reduced apomorphine-induced rotations in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats compared with the lipopolysaccharide group.To investigate the neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide and potential protective effect of ginsenoside Rbl,contents of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography.Compared with the lipopolysaccharide group,ginsenoside Rbl obviously attenuated the lipopolysaccharide-induced depletion of dopamine and its metabolites in the striatum.To further explore the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl against lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity,immunohistochemistry and western blot assay of tyrosine hydroxylase were performed to evaluate dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra par compacta.The results showed that lipopolysaccharide injection caused a large loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the substantia nigra and a significant decrease in overall tyrosine hydroxylase expression.However,ginsenoside Rb1 noticeably reversed these changes.To investigate whether the neuroprotective effect of ginsenoside Rbl was associated with inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial activation,we examined expression of the microglia marker Iba-1.Our results confirmed that lipopolysaccharide injection induced a significant increase in Iba-1 expression in the substantia nigra;however,ginsenoside Rbl effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial overactivation.To elucidate the inhibitory mechanism of ginsenoside Rb1,we examined expression levels of inflammatory mediators(tumor necrosis factor-a,interleukin-1β,inducible nitric oxide synthase,and cyclooxygenase 2)and phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling-related proteins(IκB,IKK)in the substantia nigra with enzyme-linked immunosorbent and western blot assays.Our results revealed that compared with the control group,phosphorylation and expression of inflammatory mediators IκB and IKK in the substantia nigra of lipopolysaccharide group rats were significantly increased;whereas,ginsenoside Rbl obviously reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced changes on the lesioned side of the substantial nigra par compacta.These findings confirm that ginsenoside Rbl can inhibit inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide injection into the substantia nigra and protect dopaminergic neurons,which may be related to its inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.This study was approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Shandong University of China in April 2016(approval No.KYLL-2016-0148).
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.20572133).
文摘Two new prenylflavonoids, momigrol E（1） and mornigrol F（2） were isolated from Morus nigra L. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic methods, especially 2D-NMR techniques.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81302926,30472207the Major Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission of China,No.15401970100the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning of China,No.ZY3-RCPY-2-2005
文摘Levodopa is the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson＇s disease. However, although it alleviates the clinical symptoms, it cannot delay the progressive apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons or prevent motor complications in the long term. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Shudipingchan granule on neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of Parkinson＇s disease, established by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area. We then administered levodopa （20 mg/kg intraperitoneally, twice daily） with or without Shudipingchan granule （7.5 mL/kg intragastrically, twice daily）, for 4 weeks. The long-term use of levodopa accel- erated apoptosis of nigral cells and worsened behavioral symptoms by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway and downstream apoptotic factors. However, administration of Shudipingchan granule with levodopa reduced expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Bax, increased tyrosine hydroxylase and Bcl-2, reduced apoptosis in the substantia nigra, and markedly improved dyskinesia. These findings suggest that Shudipingchan granule suppresses neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the hyper- phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and downregulating expression of anti-apoptotic genes. Shudipingchan granule, used in combination with levodopa, can effectively reduce the symptoms of Parkinson＇s disease.
文摘Recent researches have found that 7 Tesla SWI can detect the alteration of substantia nigra hyperintensity in Parkinson's disease(PD),multiple system atrophy(MSA),and progressive supranuclear palsy(PSP).The aim of this study was to investigate whether 3 Tesla SWI(3T SWI)can visualize anatomical alterations occurring in a hyperintense structure of the substantia nigra in PD and vascular parkinsonism(VP),and whether the evaluation of abnormal signal can be used as a factor in the differential diagnosis of PD and VP.Using 3 Tesla MRI,we evaluated 38 healthy subjects,33 patients with PD and 34 patients with VP.Two blinded readers independently assessed the images.We found that the dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity was absent in 31 of 33 patients with PD and 15 of 34 patients with VP.The dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity was present in 19 of 34 patients with VP and 35 of 38 healthy controls.Group comparisons of absence of dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity revealed significant differences between the patients with PD and those with VP(P<0.001).The sensitivity of SWI for PD was 93.9%and the specificity was 92.1%.Visual assessment of dorsolateral nigral hyperintensity on high-field SWI scans may serve as a new simple diagnostic imaging marker for PD.And our study results indicate that 3T SWI can be used as a tool to identify PD and VP.
文摘Rare earth elements have been used for 30 years in Chinese agriculture to improve growth and yield. Numerous scientific studies have shown improvements in physiology, mineral nutrition, and growth, though deleterious effects may also occur. Very few studies have been performed on woody species. We exponentially fertilized one-year old black walnut （Juglans nigra L.） seedlings with 0, 0.1, 1, 10, or 100 mg lanthanum （La） and 800 mg nitrogen （N） as NaNO3, （NH4）2SO4, NH4NO3, or no N. One month following final fertilization, growth, mineral nutrition, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, and nitrate reductase activity were assessed. Plants fertilized with the highest level of La had reduced fine root growth, concentrations of magnesium, calcium, nickel, and phosphorus, photosynthesis levels, and chlorophyll a content. Foliar La concentration showed an interaction effect, with three to four times greater concentration in plants fed at 100 mg La to those given 10 mg La for （NH4）2SO4 and NHaNO3 treatments. The results suggested no beneficial effects of La addition at levels used in this study and interactions between N source and La levels did not have an important impact on the growth, mineral nutrition, or physiology of black walnut seedlings.
文摘To investigate the serum substantia nigra neuron autoantibody and its effect in the patients with Parkinson disease (PD), substantia nigra slices and a rat model of injection of serum from PD patients in unilateral side substantia nigra were applied. The results showed that the positive rate of substantia nigra neuron autoantibody in PD patients was significantly higher than in the healthy control group (36.67 % vs 6.67 %, P <0.01), but no significant difference was found between PD group and myasthenia gravis (MG) group (26.67 %, P >0.05). The sera from PD patients positive for substantia nigra neuron autoantibody could decrease the number of the dopaminergic neurons more seriously than those from MG and the healthy once respectively (both P <0.01). The results suggested that the immunological mechanism might partly play a role in the development of PD.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30973787,30973809the Open Research Fund of Zhejiang First-foremost Key Subject-Acupuncture & Moxibustion,No.ZTK2010A10+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province,No.2009CDA068the Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine project by the Health Department of Hubei Province,No.2010Z-Z01
文摘Acupuncture for the treatment of Parkinson＇s disease has a precise clinical outcome. This study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture at Fengfu （GV16） and Taichong （LR3） acupoints in rat models of Parkinson＇s disease induced by subcutaneous injection of rotenone into rat neck and back. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression was significantly increased in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson＇s disease, and that abnormal behavior of rats was significantly improved following electroacupuncture treatment. These results indicated that electroacupuncture treatment upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson＇s disease. Thus, electroacupuncture may be useful in the treatment of Parkinson＇s disease.
基金supported by a grant from the Health Department of Hebei Province of China,No.20120056,20140314the Funding Project for Introduced Abroad Study Personnel of Hebei Province of China,No.C2011003039
文摘An enriched environment protects dopaminergic neurons from 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine（MPTP）-induced neuronal injury, but the underlying mechanism for this is not clear. Growth associated protein-43（GAP-43） is closely associated with neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration during neural development. We speculate that an enriched environment can reduce damage to dopaminergic neurons by affecting the expression of GAP-43. This study is designed to test this hypothesis. Three-month-old female senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8（SAMP8） mice were housed for 3 months in an enriched environment or a standard environment. These mice were then subcutaneously injected in the abdomen with 14 mg/kg MPTP four times at 2-hour intervals. Morris water maze testing demonstrated that learning and memory abilities were better in the enriched environment group than in the standard environment group. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays showed that m RNA and protein levels of GAP-43 in the substantia nigra were higher after MPTP application in the enriched environment group compared with the standard environment group. These findings indicate that an enriched environment can increase GAP-43 expression in SAMP8 mice. The upregulation of GAP-43 may be a mechanism by which an enriched environment protects against MPTP-induced neuronal damage.
基金Supported by DST-INSPIRE division,New Delhi(Grant No:100/IFD/10684/2010-2011 dated 10.01.2011
文摘Objective:To investigate antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Alpinia nigra leaves.Methods:The study was done by using various in vitro methods such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS),nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging assays.Phytochemical constituents,total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of the extract at different concentrations(10-500μg/mL)were determined.Results:Alpinia nigra leaves showed high free radical scavenging activity as evidenced by the low IG_(50)values in DPPH(64.51μg/mL),in ABTS(28.32μg/mL),in nitric oxide(80.02μg/mL)and in H_2O_2(77.45μg/mL)scavenging assays.Furthermore the TPC and TFC of the extract were found to be 69.25 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and 78.84 mg quercetin equivalent per gram of extract respectively.Conclusions:The results of present comprehensive analysis demonstrated that Alpinia nigra leaves possess high phenolic,flavonoid contents and potential antioxidant activity,and could be used as a viable source of natural antioxidants and might be exploited for functional foods and neutraceutical applications.
基金supported by the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(No.NCET-12-0808)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31370661)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2572014AA26)
文摘The role of plant eIF5A proteins in multiple biological processes, such as protein synthesis regulation, translation elongation, mRNA turnover, programmed cell death and stress tolerance is well known. Toward using these powerful proteins to increase stress tolerance in agricultural plants, in the present study, we cloned and characterized PsneIFSA2 and PsneIFSA4 from young poplar （P. simonii × P. nigra） leaves. The deduced amino acid sequences of PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 were 98 % similar to each other, and they are orthologs of eIF5A 1 in Arabidopsis. In a subcellular localization analysis, PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 proteins were localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, qRT-PCR analysis showed that PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 were transcribed in poplar flowers, stem, leaves, and roots. In addition, they were also induced by abiotic stresses. Transgenic yeast expressing PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 had increased salt, heavy metal, osmotic, oxidative tolerance. Our results suggest that PsneIF5A2 and PsneIF5A4 are excellent candidates for genetic engineering to improve salt and heavy metal tolerance in agricultural plants.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30370499
文摘BACKGROUND： To date, a complete protein expression profile of the midbrain substantia nigra in a mouse model of chronic Parkinson＇s disease, induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP）, does not exist. In addition, there are no reports of analysis of differential protein expression. OBJECTIVE： To separate and evaluate MPTP-induced differential protein expression through the use of proteomics in the substantia nigra of a mouse model of chronic Parkinson＇s disease. DESIGN： Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING： Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University. MATERIALS： Sixteen 8-10-week old, healthy, male, C57BL mice, weighing 20-25 g, and of clean grade, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University. The experimental animals were disposed according to ethical criteria. MPTP was provided by Sigma Company, USA; Pdquest 2D image analysis software and gelatum/irradiance image analysis system （ChemiDoc XRS） by Bio-Rad, USA; and Voyager DE-PROMALD1-TOF-MS mass spectroscopy analyzer by AB1 Company, USA. METHODS： This study was performed in Chongqing Neurological Laboratory between November 2006 and July 2007. Mice were randomly divided into model and control groups, with 8 mice in each group. Mice in the model group were received a subcutaneous injection of MPTP （25 mg＆g）, twice a week, for five successive weeks, to establish a chronic Parkinson＇s disease model. Mice in the control group received the same volume of a subcutaneous saline injection at the same time points. Mice were sacrificed by anesthesia to rapidly obtain the midbrain for protein separation of the substantia nigra. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： （1） 2-ED handbook （Bio-Rad Company） was referenced for two-dimensional electrophoresis, （2） PDQUEST8,0 analytical electrophoresis pattern was adopted to evaluate differential protein expression. （3） Peptide mass finger print map and data were retrieved on http：//www.prospector.ucsf.edu to compare differential substantia nigral protein expression in the two groups. RESULTS： Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of substantia nigra tissue indicated that there were 33 differential protein expressions between the two groups. Three new proteins were evaluated, including α -enolase, which exhibited regulated expression, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 4, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B. CONCLUSION： There are three proteins that exhibit differential expression in the substantia nigra- α -enolase, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 4, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B.
