Neuroprotective effects of Blume on promoting M2 microglial polarization by inhibiting JNK/TLR4/T3JAM/NF-κB signaling after transient ischemic stroke in rats.

Background: Blume, also called Tian Ma (TM), has been used to treat stroke for centuries. However, its effects on inflammation in acute cerebral ischemic injury and underlying mechanisms involved in microglial polarization remain unknown. The present study explored the effects of the TM extract on the modulation of microglial M1/M2 polarization 2 days after transient cerebral ischemia.

Electroacupuncture at the Dazhui and Baihui acupoints and different frequencies (10 and 50 Hz) protects against apoptosis by up-regulating ERK1/2-mediated signaling in rats after global cerebral ischemia.

Objectives: This study assessed the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at different frequencies at the Dazhui and Baihui acupoints in the subacute phase after transient global cerebral ischemia (GCI).

Materials And Methods: Rats were subjected to GCI for 25 min, followed by reperfusion for 7 days. EA at acupoints was performed at 10, 30, or 50 Hz, 1 day after reperfusion and then once daily for 6 consecutive days.

Neuroprotective Effects of Miq against Mitochondria-Related Apoptosis by the Interactions between Upregulated p38 MAPK Signaling and Downregulated JNK Signaling in the Subacute Phase of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion in Rats.

Apoptosis in the penumbra region is the major cell death mechanism occurring during ischemia-reperfusion injury's early phase. Here, we evaluated how the Miq (AOM) affects mitochondria-related apoptosis 3 days after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and examined the mechanisms underlying the regulation of MAPK-mediated mitochondria-related apoptotic signaling in the peri-infarct cortex in rats. The rats were administered the AOM extract intraperitoneally at doses of 0.

Medicinal Herbs and Their Derived Ingredients Protect against Cognitive Decline in In Vivo Models of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has pathological hallmarks including amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque formation. Currently approved single-target drugs cannot effectively ameliorate AD. Medicinal herbs and their derived ingredients (MHDIs) have multitarget and multichannel properties, engendering exceptional AD treatment outcomes.

Alpinia oxyphylla Miq extract reduces cerebral infarction by downregulating JNK-mediated TLR4/T3JAM- and ASK1-related inflammatory signaling in the acute phase of transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Background: Post-ischemic inflammation is a crucial component in stroke pathology in the early phase of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Inflammation caused by microglia, astrocytes, and necrotic cells, produces pro-inflammatory mediators and exacerbates cerebral I/R injury. This study evaluated the effects of the Alpinia oxyphylla Miq [Yi Zhi Ren (YZR)] extract on cerebral infarction at 1 day after 90 min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated inflammatory cascades in the penumbral cortex.

Angelica sinensis extract promotes neuronal survival by enhancing p38 MAPK-mediated hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic growth in the chronic phase of transient global cerebral ischemia in rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (ASD), commonly known as Dang Gui, is a popular Chinese herb that has long been used to treat ischemic stroke. However, the effects of ASD in chronic cerebral ischemia and its underlying mechanisms still remain unclear.

Integrated analysis of cell shape and movement in moving frame.

The cell's movement and morphological change are two interrelated cellular processes. An integrated analysis is needed to explore the relationship between them. However, it has been challenging to investigate them as a whole.

Acorus tatarinowii Schott extract reduces cerebral edema caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: involvement in regulation of astrocytic NKCC1/AQP4 and JNK/iNOS-mediated signaling.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the Acorus tatarinowii Schott [Shi Chang Pu (SCP)] extract administered at the start of 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), followed by 3 d of reperfusion, and to determine mechanisms involved in anti-edema effects in the penumbra of the cerebral cortex.

Method: Rats were intraperitoneally administered the SCP extract at a dose of 0.25 g/kg (SCP-0.

Angelica sinensis extract protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the hippocampus by activating p38 MAPK-mediated p90RSK/p-Bad and p90RSK/CREB/BDNF signaling after transient global cerebral ischemia in rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, commonly known as Dang Gui (DG), is one of the most popular traditional Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of stroke. However, the effects of DG on transient global cerebral ischemia (GCI) and its precise mechanisms remain unclear.

Ferulic Acid Exerts Anti-apoptotic Effects against Ischemic Injury by Activating HSP70/Bcl-2- and HSP70/Autophagy-Mediated Signaling after Permanent Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats.

This study assessed the anti-apoptotic effects of the administration of ferulic acid (FrA) in rats 30 min before middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) followed by 3 d of ischemia and the involvement of 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70)-mediated signaling in the penumbral cortex. Our results demonstrated that FrA pretreatment at doses of 80 mg/kg (FrA-80 mg) and 100 mg/kg (FrA-100 mg) effectively ameliorated neurological functions and reduced the numbers of cytochrome c-, cleaved caspase-3-, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in the penumbral cortex 3 d after ischemia. Moreover, FrA-80 mg and FrA-100 mg pretreatment markedly upregulated cytosolic HSP70, Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) A/B-II and autophagy-related protein 5 (Atg5) expression; cytosolic and mitochondrial X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) expression and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio.

Ferulic acid ameliorates cerebral infarction by activating Akt/mTOR/4E‑BP1/Bcl‑2 anti‑apoptotic signaling in the penumbral cortex following permanent cerebral ischemia in rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ferulic acid (FerA) administered immediately following the onset of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and then 7 days of ischemia, and also to explore the involvement of protein kinase B (Akt)‑induced signaling in the penumbral cortex. Immediately following the onset of MCAo, FerA was intravenously administered to rats at a dose of 60 mg/kg (FerA‑60 mg), 80 mg/kg (FerA‑80 mg), or 100 mg/kg (FerA‑100 mg). FerA‑80 mg and FerA‑100 mg effectively ameliorated cerebral infarction and neurological deficits 7 days following permanent cerebral ischemia.

Angelica sinensis Exerts Angiogenic and Anti-apoptotic Effects Against Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Activating p38MAPK/HIF-1[Formula: see text]/VEGF-A Signaling in Rats.

This study evaluated the effects of Angelica sinensis extract [Dang Gui (DG)] administered before 60[Formula: see text]min of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 3[Formula: see text]d of reperfusion and investigated the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1[Formula: see text] signaling in the cortical ischemic penumbra. DG was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 0.25[Formula: see text]g/kg (DG-0.

Harnessing the hygroscopic and biofluorescent behaviors of genetically tractable microbial cells to design biohybrid wearables.

Cells' biomechanical responses to external stimuli have been intensively studied but rarely implemented into devices that interact with the human body. We demonstrate that the hygroscopic and biofluorescent behaviors of living cells can be engineered to design biohybrid wearables, which give multifunctional responsiveness to human sweat. By depositing genetically tractable microbes on a humidity-inert material to form a heterogeneous multilayered structure, we obtained biohybrid films that can reversibly change shape and biofluorescence intensity within a few seconds in response to environmental humidity gradients.

Long-Term Intake of Reduces S100B and RAGE Protein Levels in Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures Rats.

Epileptic seizures are crucial clinical manifestations of recurrent neuronal discharges in the brain. An imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory neuronal discharges causes brain damage and cell loss. Herbal medicines offer alternative treatment options for epilepsy because of their low cost and few side effects.

Neuroprotective Effect of Paeonol Mediates Anti-Inflammation via Suppressing Toll-Like Receptor 2 and Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathways in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injured Rats.

Paeonol is a phenolic compound derived from Andrews (MC) and Pall (PL). Paeonol can reduce cerebral infarction volume and improve neurological deficits through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory pathway of paeonol remains unclear.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Traditional Chinese Medicines against Ischemic Injury in In Vivo Models of Cerebral Ischemia.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of acute ischemic stroke. In the ischemic cascade, resident microglia are rapidly activated in the brain parenchyma and subsequently trigger inflammatory mediator release, which facilitates leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in inflammation. Activated leukocytes invade the endothelial cell junctions and destroy the blood-brain barrier integrity, leading to brain edema.

Ferulic Acid Administered at Various Time Points Protects against Cerebral Infarction by Activating p38 MAPK/p90RSK/CREB/Bcl-2 Anti-Apoptotic Signaling in the Subacute Phase of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ferulic acid (FA) administered at various time points before or after 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) followed by 7 d of reperfusion and to examine the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in the cortical penumbra.

Methods: FA was intravenously administered to rats at a dose of 100 mg/kg 24 h before ischemia (B-FA), 2 h before ischemia (P-FA), immediately after ischemic insult (I-FA), 2 h after reperfusion (R-FA), or 24 h after reperfusion (D-FA).

Results: Our study results indicated that P-FA, I-FA, and R-FA effectively reduced cerebral infarct areas and neurological deficits.

Electric stimulation of the ears ameliorated learning and memory impairment in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Ear acupuncture enhances the secretion of acetylcholine, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Here we want to investigate the effect of electric stimulation (ES) of the ears on learning and memory impairment in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. At 24 h after reperfusion, 2-Hz ES was applied to the ears for 20 min/day (10 min for each ear) for 7 days continuously.

The History, Mechanism, and Clinical Application of Auricular Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Auricular therapy includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, lasering, cauterization, moxibustion, and bloodletting in the auricle. For 2500 years, people have employed auricular therapy for treating diseases, but the methods have been limited to bloodletting and cauterization. Only after 1957, the international scientific community became aware that the map of the ear resembles an inverted fetus, its introduction has led to auricular acupuncture (AA) becoming a more systemic approach, and, following the identification and standardization of more precise points, AA has been employed in clinical applications.

Electroacupuncture at different frequencies (5Hz and 25Hz) ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats: possible involvement of p38 MAPK-mediated anti-apoptotic signaling pathways.

Background: This study aimed to determine the effects of electroacupuncture stimulation at the Baihui (GV20) and Fengfu (GV16) acupoints, at frequencies of 5Hz (EA-5Hz) and 25Hz (EA-25Hz), 7 days after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, and to evaluate the possible signaling mechanisms involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.

Methods: Rats were subjected to 30 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) followed by 7 days of reperfusion. EA-5Hz or EA-25Hz was applied immediately after MCAo and then once daily for 7 consecutive days.

Electroacupuncture-like stimulation at the Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) acupoints protects rats against subacute-phase cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injuries by reducing S100B-mediated neurotoxicity.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture-like stimulation at the Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) acupoints (EA at acupoints) during the subacute phase of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and to establish the neuroprotective mechanisms involved in the modulation of the S100B-mediated signaling pathway.

Methods: The experimental rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) for 15 min followed by 1 d or 7 d of reperfusion. EA at acupoints was applied 1 d postreperfusion then once daily for 6 consecutive days.

Electroacupuncture-like stimulation at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints exerts neuroprotective effects through activation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-mediated MEK1/2/ERK1/2/p90RSK/bad signaling pathway in mild transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture-like stimulation at Baihui (GV20) and Dazhui (GV14) acupoints (EA at acupoints) following mild cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Furthermore, we investigated whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway is involved in the neuroprotection induced by EA at acupoints.

Methods: Rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) for 15 min followed by reperfusion for 3 d.

Paeonol Protects Memory after Ischemic Stroke via Inhibiting β-Secretase and Apoptosis.

Poststroke dementia commonly occurs following stroke, with its pathogenesis related to β-amyloid production and apoptosis. The present study evaluate the effects of paeonol, one of the phenolic phytochemicals isolated from the Chinese herb Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (MC), on protection from memory loss after ischemic stroke in the subacute stage. Rats were subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo) with 10 min of ischemia.

2 Hz electro-acupuncture at yinlingquan (SP9) and ququan (LR8) acupoints induces changes in blood flow in the liver and spleen.

According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, channels and collaterals within the body provide pathways through which qi and blood travel, and each channel or collateral is linked with a specific organ. The Yinlingquan (spleen 9, SP9) and Ququan (liver 8, LR8) acupoints represent the sea points of the spleen and liver meridians, respectively, from which qi and blood flow into their specific visceral organs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in blood flow/perfusion in the liver and spleen resulting from the application of 2 Hz electro-acupuncture (EA) to the Yinlingquan (SP9) or Ququan (LR8) acupoints.

The 2 Hz and 15 Hz electroacupuncture induced reverse effect on autonomic function in healthy adult using a heart rate variability analysis.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at different frequencies on autonomic function. Twenty healthy adult volunteers were studied, and underwent 4 sessions of EA (sham, 2 Hz, 15 Hz, and 50 Hz). Sham, 2 Hz, 15 Hz, and 50 Hz EA was applied to the bilateral Leg Three Li ( zú sān lǐ, ST-36) and Upper Great Hollow ( shàng jù xū, ST-37) acupoints.