Antidepressant Effect of Paeoniflorin Is Through Inhibiting Pyroptosis CASP-11/GSDMD Pathway.

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)-associated neuroinflammation mediated by activated microglia is involved in the pathogenesis of depression. The role of the pore-forming protein gasdermin D (GSDMD), a newly identified pyroptosis executioner downstream of NLRP3 inflammasome mediating inflammatory programmed cell death, in depression has not been well defined. Here, we provide evidence that paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside compound derived from Paeonia lactiflora, ameliorated reserpine-induced mouse depression-like behaviors, characterized as increased mobility time in tail suspension test and forced swimming test, as well as the abnormal alteration of synaptic plasticity in the depressive hippocampus.

Effects of Single Versus Multiple Bouts of Resistance Training on Maximal Strength and Anaerobic Performance.

This study examined the effects of one single bout daily versus triple bouts of resistance exercise for 12 weeks on muscular strength and anaerobic performance of the upper body. Twenty young male adults (age: 22.0 ± 1.

Moderate exercise based on artificial gravity preserves orthostatic tolerance and exercise capacity during short-term head-down bed rest.

Numerous countermeasures have been proposed to minimize microgravity-induced physical deconditioning, but their benefits are limited. The present study aimed to investigate whether personalized aerobic exercise based on artificial gravity (AG) mitigates multisystem physical deconditioning. Fourteen men were assigned to the control group (n=6) and the countermeasure group (CM, n=8).

Simulated Microgravity Promotes Angiogenesis through RhoA-Dependent Rearrangement of the Actin Cytoskeleton.

Background/aims: Microgravity leads to hydrodynamic alterations in the cardiovascular system and is associated with increased angiogenesis, an important aspect of endothelial cell behavior to initiate new vessel growth. Given the critical role of Rho GTPase-dependent cytoskeleton rearrangement in cell migration, small GTPase RhoA might play a potential role in microgravity-induced angiogenesis.

Methods: We examined the organization of actin filaments by FITC-conjugated phalloidin staining, as well as the expression and activity of RhoA by quantitative PCR and Western blot, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under normal gravity and simulated microgravity.

The Impact of Simulated Weightlessness on Endothelium-Dependent Angiogenesis and the Role of Caveolae/Caveolin-1.

Background/aims: The potential role of caveolin-1 in modulating angiogenesis in microgravity environment is unexplored.

Methods: Using simulated microgravity by clinostat, we measured the expressions and interactions of caveolin-1 and eNOS in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Results: We found that decreased caveolin-1 expression is associated with increased expression and phosphorylation levels of eNOS in endothelial cells stimulated by microgravity, which causes a dissociation of eNOS from caveolin-1 complexes.

Clinorotation enhances autophagy in vascular endothelial cells.

Individuals exposed to extended periods of spaceflight or prolonged 6° head-down-tilt bed rest often suffer from health hazards represented by cardiovascular deconditioning. Many studies have reported that alterations in vascular endothelial cells contribute to cardiovascular dysfunction induced by microgravity. Autophagy, a lysosomal degradation pathway, serves an adaptive role for survival, differentiation, and development in cellular homeostasis, and can be triggered by various environmental stimuli.

Effects of sweet cassava polysaccharide extracts on endurance exercise in rats.

Background: Sweet cassava tubers have abundant carbohydrates consisting of monosaccharides and polysaccharides. In addition, polysaccharides extracted from plants improve sports performance, according to recent studies. We therefore examined whether the administration of sweet cassava polysaccharides (SCPs) benefited endurance performance in rats

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30, 7 weeks old) were divided into three groups: control (C), exercise (Ex), and exercise plus SCPs administration (ExSCP) (at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight by gastric intubation for six days in addition to standard rat food and water).

Effects of different exercise intensities with isoenergetic expenditures on C-reactive protein and blood lipid levels.

We investigated the effects of different exercise intensities on C-reactive protein (CRP), and whether changes in CRP levels correlated with blood lipid levels. Ten men exercised at 25%, 65%, and 85% of their maximum oxygen consumption rates. Participants' blood was analyzed for CRP and blood lipid levels before and after the exercise sessions.

Effects of simulated microgravity on human umbilical vein endothelial cell angiogenesis and role of the PI3K-Akt-eNOS signal pathway.

Endothelial cells are very sensitive to microgravity and the morphological and functional changes in endothelial cells are believed to be at the basis of weightlessness-induced cardiovascular deconditioning. It has been shown that the proliferation, migration, and morphological differentiation of endothelial cells play critical roles in angiogenesis. However, the influence of microgravity on the ability of endothelial cells to foster angiogenesis remains to be explored in detail.

Artificial gravity with ergometric exercise preserves the cardiac, but not cerebrovascular, functions during 4 days of head-down bed rest.

Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning occurring in long-term spaceflight requires new strategies to counteract these adverse effects. We previously reported that a short-arm centrifuge produced artificial gravity (AG), together with ergometer, has an approving effect on promoting cardiovascular function. The current study sought to investigate whether the cardiac and cerebrovascular functions were maintained and improved using a strategy of AG combined with exercise training on cardiovascular function during 4-day head-down bed rest (HDBR).

Artificial gravity with ergometric exercise can prevent enhancement of popliteal vein compliance due to 4-day head-down bed rest.

Changes of venous compliance may contribute in part to postflight orthostatic intolerance. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether intermittent artificial gravity exposure with ergometric exercise could prevent venous compliance changes in the lower limbs due to simulated weightlessness. Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to simulated microgravity for 4 days of head-down bed rest (HDBR).

Artificial gravity with ergometric exercise as a countermeasure against cardiovascular deconditioning during 4 days of head-down bed rest in humans.

We have shown previously that combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training preserved several physiologically important cardiovascular functions in humans. We hypothesized that artificial gravity (AG) and exercise is effective to prevent changes of physical problems during head-down bed rest (HDBR). To test this hypothesis, 12 healthy male subjects had undergone 4 days of 6° HDBR.

Combined short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training improves cardiovascular function and physical working capacity in humans.

Background: Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning occurring in long-term spaceflight gives rise to the needs to develop new strategies to counteract these adverse effects. Short-arm centrifuge combined with ergometer has been proposed as a strategy to counteract adverse effects of microgravity. This study sought to investigate whether the combination of short-arm centrifuge and aerobic exercise training have advantages over short-arm centrifuge or aerobic exercise training alone.

Effect of thigh cuffs on haemodynamic changes of the middle cerebral artery and on orthostatic intolerance induced by 10 days head-down bed rest.

Thigh cuffs are used by cosmonauts to limit fluid shift during space flight, but the appropriate level of cuff pressure and the duration of application to optimize their beneficial effects require further detailed investigations. In the present study, 10 days head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest was performed to assess the effects of thigh cuffs (40 mmHg, 10 h/day) on haemodynamic changes of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and on orthostatic tolerance in six healthy male volunteers. Another six healthy male volunteers without thigh cuffs served as the control group.

[Effects of self-generated LBNP training on cardiovascular function and lower body negative pressure (LBNP) tolerance].

Objective: To explore the changes of cardiac function and lower body negative pressure tolerance after self-generated Lower Body Negative Pressure device training and provide experimental evidences for its appliance.

Method: Twelve healthy male subjects were randomly divided into two groups, and received training on two conditions for entirely closing the valve or opening to -30 mmHg of peak LBNP separately. The group A was trained for five days and three minutes per day.

Effect of lower body negative pressure on orthostatic tolerance and cardiac function during 21 days head-down tilt bed rest.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes of orthostatic tolerance and cardiac function during 21 d head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest and effect of lower body negative pressure in the first and the last week in humans. Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to -6 degrees HDT bed rest for 21 d. Six subjects received -30 mmHg LBNP sessions for 1 h per day from the 1st to the 7th day and from the 15th to the 21st day of the HDT, and six others served as control.

Effect of lower-body negative pressure on cerebral blood flow velocity during 21 days head-down tilt bed rest.

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity in humans during 21 days of head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest with and without lower-body negative pressure (LBNP).

Material/methods: Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to -6 degrees HDT bed rest for 21 days. Six subjects received -30 mmHg LBNP sessions for 1 h per day from the 1st to the 7th day and from the 15th to the 21st day of HDT, and six others served as controls.

[Effects of repeated lower g exposures on high-G induced memory and balance changes in rats].

Objective: To study the protective effects of repeated +4 Gz/3 min exposures on memory and balance changes induced by +10 Gz/5 min exposure in rats.

Method: 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (C) ; +10 Gz/5 min group (10 Gz); 3 d training group (3 d) ; 5 d training (5 d) group (exposed to +4 Gz/3 min per day for 3 or 5 days before +10 Gz/5 min exposure). Changes of memory and balance in rats of all the 4 groups were observed after +10 Gz/5 min exposure.

[Development of self-generating lower body negative pressure device].

Objective: To develop a kind of self-generating lower body negative pressure device.

Method: The device consists of a flexible bellows, reinforced by several steel rings and sealed by gasproof adhesive plaster. An adjustable valve, a one-way flap valve, shoulder straps and handles are incorporated on the top of the bellows.

[Effects of +Gz exposure time on memory and behavior in rats].

Objective: To explore the effect of +Gz exposure time on memory and behavior in rats.

Method: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (A), +10 Gz/3 min group (B) and +10 Gz/5 min group (C). Rats in group A and B were exposed to +10 Gz for 3 min or 5 min respectively.

[Development and application of self-powered short arm human centrifuge].

Objective: To present the development and application of a self-powered short arm human centrifuge.

Method: Self-powered short arm human centrifuge consisted of human power, adjustable resistance trig, short arm and supporting construction parts. It was driven by human power.

[Changes of serum alkaline phosphatase and electrolytes during 21 d head down bed-rest].

Objective. To investigate the effect of simulated weightlessness on serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, magnesium, chlorine and phosphorus. Method.

[Effects of lower body negative pressure in the first and last week during 21 d head-down bed rest on orthostatic tolerance and cardiac function].

Objective: To investigate the changes of orthostatic tolerance and cardiac function during 21 d head-down tilt (HDT) bed rest and effect of lower body negative pressure (LBNP) in the first and the last weeks in humans.

Method: Twelve healthy male volunteers were exposed to -6 degrees HDT bed rest for 21 d. Six subjects received -30 mmHg LBNP sessions for 1 h/d from the 1st to the 7th day and from the 15th to the 21st day of the HDT, and the other six who did not receive LBNP served as control.