ObjectiveTo study the differentially expressed proteins of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in hippocampus of Pentetrazol (PTZ) -induced epileptic rats, and to provide a basis for exploring the pathogenesis of epilepsy and seeking new therapeutic targets. Methods Twelve 6~8-week-old Sprague Dawley rats that weighted 230~250 g were randomly divided into two groups: PTZ group, PTZ+ EPO group. The differential proteins of recombinant human EPO in hippocampus of pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic rats were analyzed and identified by TMT technique based on mass spectrometry.Results 139 differentially expressed protein sites were detected in hippocampal tissues of epileptic rats, of which 55 were up-regulated and 84 down-regulated. Conclusion Recombinant human erythropoietin can inhibit many differentially expressed proteins in the hippocampus of pentaerythraze-induced eclampsia rats by upregulation of Isocitrate dehydrogenase (NADP), Reduced nicotinamide purine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), Thioredoxin reductase 2 mitochondrial (TrxR), reduce nerve cell damage.
Objective To understand the status quo of medical staffs engaged in epilepsy and EEG in Shanxi Province, analyze the existing problems, and summarize the improvement and development direction of epilepsy and EEG in Shanxi Province. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among medical staff of epilepsy and electroencephalogram specialty in public hospitals at or above county level in whole province and municipalities. Results ① Generally speaking, there are 17 males and 473 females in this study, with an average age of 38.7 years, the youngest was 23 years-old and the oldest was 70 years-old; ② The regional distribution has a tendency of decrease from Taiyuan in Shanxi Province to the remote areas of southeast, northwest and northwest China, and the epilepsy treatment in some poverty-stricken areas have not even been carried out; ③ The shortest time of working is 3 months and the longest is more than 40 years. The proportion of junior collage students, undergraduates, masters and doctors is 24%, 50%, 25% and 1% respectivel. The professional titles of primary, medium-level, vice-senior and senior are 24%, 39%, 26% and 11% respectively. Conclusion The number of medical workers engaged in EEG specialty in Shanxi Province is insufficient, the regional development is not balanced, and the number of junior and medium-level professional titles is large. We can formulate a mobile policy to encourage experienced medical personnel to communicate with weak areas, so as to improve the overall level of epilepsy and EEG professional development in Shanxi Province.
Objective To explore the pathogenesis of epilepsy (EP) and predict traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions based on the concept of reverse network pharmacology. MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) in EP were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was constructed to identify genes with the highest expression variability, which were then compared with EP target genes obtained from databases including GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), and Therapeutic Target Database (TTD). Core targets were screened using the STRING platform. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the pathogenesis and signaling pathways of EP. After converting core targets using the UniProt database, active ingredients and corresponding TCM herbs were reversely collected from relevant databases. Cytoscape software was used for visualization and construction of the core target-active ingredient-TCM herb network. Molecular docking verification between core targets and core ingredients was conducted using CB-DOCK2 software, and TCM herbs with high degree values were finally determined. ResultsA total of 131 EP targets were obtained, and 30 key targets were selected based on degree values. GO enrichment analysis yielded 30 main entries, and KEGG enrichment analysis identified 10 signaling pathways. Seven blood-absorbable ingredients and 20 TCM herbs were matched from the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) based on degree values. Molecular docking verification was performed between 6 core target proteins and 7 core ingredients with high degree values, and the results were stable and favorable. A total of 20 TCM herbs were screened out, including Corydalis Rhizoma, Daturae Flos, Bruceae Fructus, and Corydalis Decumbentis Rhizoma. ConclusionThe application of reverse network pharmacology thinking and molecular docking technology to predict targets, pathways, ingredients, and TCM prescriptions for epilepsy provides new ideas and theoretical basis for clinical treatment and research.