Advanced Medical Research

Electroacupuncture at the Auricular Concha Regulates the Hippocampal SIRT1/CREB/BDNF Axis and Promotes Neurogenesis in Rats with Post-Stroke Depression

Taohong Chen, Yingsi Zhang, Jinqing Huang, Guangjin Zhou — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Background and Objectives: Post-stroke depression (PSD) arises frequently after cerebral ischemia and worsens functional outcome, yet its pharmacological management remains suboptimal. Auricular-concha electroacupuncture (EA) activates afferents of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and shows antidepressant promise; however, its effect on hippocampal neurogenesis and the underlying signaling cascade is incompletely characterized. This study examined whether EA at the auricular concha relieves depressive-like behavior and neurological deficits in PSD rats by stimulating hippocampal neurogenesis through the SIRT1/CREB/BDNF pathway. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated into Control, Sham, PSD, and PSD + EA groups (n = 10). PSD was induced by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress and single housing. EA (square wave, 0.5 mA, 10/25 Hz, 30 s on/2 min off, 1 h/day, 28 days) was applied to the left auricular concha. Body weight, neurological severity (mNSS), sucrose preference, open-field, and forced-swim tests were evaluated at 24 h, 14 d, and 28 d. Neuronal morphology (HE), cell proliferation (Ki67), and the progenitor marker Nestin were assessed, and SIRT1, CREB, and BDNF expression was quantified by RT-PCR and Western blot. Results: PSD rats displayed higher mNSS, reduced body weight, lower sucrose preference and locomotion, and prolonged immobility (all p < 0.05 vs. Control). EA reversed each abnormality at 14 d and 28 d (p < 0.05 vs. PSD). Histology revealed neuronal loss and disarray in CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus, together with fewer Ki67-positive cells and diminished Nestin immunoreactivity; EA attenuated these changes. At the molecular level, PSD reduced SIRT1, p-CREB, and BDNF expression, which EA partially restored (p < 0.05 vs. PSD). Conclusion: Auricular-concha EA mitigates depressive-like and neurological deficits in PSD rats, an effect linked to enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and re-activation of the SIRT1/CREB/BDNF cascade, supporting further translational evaluation.

Electroacupuncture of the Auricular Vagus Nerve Alleviates Glial Scar Formation in Astrocytes and Promotes Neuroprotection after Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion in Rats via the NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Jiaen Yang, Chuanlin Lu, Lihui Yu, Guangjin Zhou, Ning Jia — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS), delivered as electroacupuncture to the auricular concha, improves neurological outcome after cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R), but the underlying molecular mechanism, particularly its effect on astrocytic reactive gliosis and glial scar formation, remains incompletely defined. Objectives: This study tested the hypothesis that aVNS alleviates astrocytic glial scar formation and promotes neuroprotection after I/R, and that the NF-κB signaling pathway is a key mediator of this effect. Methods: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) and randomly assigned to Sham, Model, PBS (vehicle), and aVNS groups. A separate cohort of IKKβ-knockout (IKKβ-KO) rats was used to dissect the role of NF-κB signaling. Neurological function was assessed by the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and the adhesive-removal somatosensory test (ARST) at 7 and 14 days. Glial scar markers (GFAP, neurocan, phosphacan) and NF-κB pathway components (p-p65, p-IκBα) were quantified by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Results: aVNS significantly improved mNSS and ARST and reduced cortical GFAP, neurocan, and phosphacan mRNA and protein expression compared with the Model group (all p < 0.05). aVNS also reduced phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα, indicating inhibition of NF-κB signaling. In IKKβ-KO rats, the aVNS-mediated suppression of glial scar markers and neuroprotection was largely abolished, confirming the involvement of NF-κB signaling. Conclusions: aVNS alleviates post-ischemic astrocytic glial scar formation and promotes neuroprotection through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings identify NF-κB as a molecular target underlying the therapeutic effect of aVNS and support its clinical translation in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Tumor Metabolic Reprogramming: Mechanisms, Regulatory Networks, And Therapeutic Opportunities

Ang Gao, Jiye Liu, Hong Liang — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Metabolic reprogramming is one of the basic hallmarks of malignant tumors—that is, a whole set of adaptive responses by which tumor cells organize their metabolism in a way that suits fluctuating microenvironments, permits unchecked growth, and helps them withstand treatment pressures. Contrary to normal cells, which in general depend upon mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation for energy generation under aerobic circumstances, tumor cells usually get their energy via glycolysis even if they are exposed to large amounts of oxygen (a situation called the Warburg effect).But now it is clear that tumor metabolic reprogramming is not just an exaggerated form of glycolysis, nor merely a localized change—rather, it entails an organized readjustment of several pathways (of glucose, of lipids, of amino acids, or of nucleotides). From the molecular standpoint, the basic regulatory factors HIF-1, MYC, p53, and mTORC1 are part of a complex signaling system which brings together nutrient sensing and signals for cancer as well as for transcriptional control. At the microenvironment level, interactions of all three kinds—tumor cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts linked to cancer—help to shape (often unfavorably) the local immunological situation. From the standpoint of clinical translational research, a number of approaches—lactate transporter inhibitors, fatty acid synthase inhibitors, and glutaminase inhibitors—related to metabolic vulnerability are now being tested clinically. The present work analyzes in detail the molecular bases, control circuits, interactions with the microenvironment, and treatment options for tumor metabolic reprogramming, as well as the main difficulties and likely developments connected with this area of study.

Virtual Reality in Non-Cancer Palliative Care: A Review of Current Applications and Future Directions

Shengli Huang, Jiye Liu — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Palliative care has traditionally focused on cancer patients, yet non-cancer serious illnesses such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and dementia account for a substantial proportion of end-of-life care needs. Virtual reality (VR) technology is emerging as a promising non-pharmacological intervention that may address the complex physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of suffering in this population. This review synthesizes current evidence on VR applications in non-cancer palliative care. Key findings indicate that VR can effectively reduce pain, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life across multiple non-cancer conditions. Specific applications include nature-based immersive experiences for symptom management in COPD, personalized VR distraction for pain relief in advanced heart failure, and synchronized dyadic interventions that simultaneously support both patients and caregivers. Meta-analytic evidence shows moderate-to-large effect sizes for pain reduction, though the evidence base remains limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and a lack of randomized controlled trials specifically targeting non-cancer populations. Distraction is frequently cited as the primary mechanism, but emerging evidence suggests that VR may facilitate deeper processes including restoration of autonomy, symbolic connection, and spiritual meaning-making. Safety and tolerability are generally favorable. Future research priorities include adequately powered randomized controlled trials targeting specific non-cancer conditions, elucidation of therapeutic mechanisms, and development of standardized implementation protocols.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Psychological and Academic Status among Medical Students

Yaxin Deng, Ruihan Peng, Guan Wang — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study investigated the current status of medical students’ psychological status (depression, anxiety) and academic adjustment (academic burnout, academic procrastination), analyzed their detection rates, demographic group differences and internal correlations, so as to provide empirical evidence for targeted mental health education and academic support in medical colleges. Using PHQ-9, GAD-7, SBI and BEPS scales, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 729 full-time undergraduates from freshmen to seniors in a clinical medical college. Descriptive statistics, Shapiro-Wilk normality test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were adopted for data analysis. The results showed distinct detection rates of negative emotions and academic maladjustment: the detection rates of moderate and above depression, anxiety, academic burnout and academic procrastination were 11.66%, 8.78%, 41.84% and 50.62% respectively. Significant inter-group differences existed across symptom severity levels. Depression, anxiety, academic burnout and procrastination were significantly positively correlated pairwise (r = 0.470~0.854, p < 0.001). Depression and academic burnout positively predicted anxiety, while anxiety, burnout and procrastination jointly predicted depression. Only 26.9% of students reported clear distress and support demands, and merely 35% of high-risk students were willing to seek help actively, revealing a prominent mismatch between actual needs and help-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: Medical students suffer more severe academic maladjustment than emotional symptoms. Psychological distress and academic problems reinforce each other into a vicious cycle, and most students avoid seeking psychological help. Medical colleges should establish closed-loop mental health warning systems and hierarchical academic support services, deliver precise interventions for different student groups, and popularize mental health knowledge to reduce stigma.