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The α4β2 nAChRs are crucial ion channels that control neurotransmitter release and play a role in various physiologic and pathologic processes. CHRNA4 encodes the α4-nAChRs, while CHRNB2 encodes the β2-nAChRs. Recent studies have found different variants of α4β2-nAChRs in individuals with conditions such as AD, ADHD, ALS, PD, and brain abnormalities. We conducted a scoping review following a six-stage methodology structure and adhering to PRISMA guidelines. We systematically reviewed articles using relevant keywords up to October 2, 2023. In this summary, we cover the clinical symptoms reported, the genes and protein structure of CHRNA4 and CHRNB2, mutations in these genes, inheritance patterns, the functional impact of mutations and polymorphisms in CHRNA4 and CHRNB2, and the epidemiology of these diseases. Recent research indicates that nAChRs may play a significant role in neurodegenerative disorders, possibly impacting neuronal function through yet undiscovered regulatory pathways. Studying how nAChRs interact with disease-related aggregates in neurodegenerative conditions may lead to new treatment options for these disorders., (© 2024 International Society for Neurochemistry.)

Background: The long-term effects of aerobic exercise on the cardiorespiratory system have been studied extensively. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aerobic exercise with and without external loads on blood glucose, cardiovascular, respiratory, and body temperature indices in patients with type II diabetes., Methods: The present randomized control trial recruited participants from the Diabetes Center of Hamadan University through advertisement. Thirty individuals were selected and divided into an aerobic exercise group and a weighted vest group via block randomization. The intervention protocol included aerobic exercise on the treadmill (0 slopes) with an intensity of 50% to 70% of the maximum heart rate. The exercise program for the weighted vest group was identical to that of the aerobic group, except that the subjects wore a weighted vest., Results: The mean age of the study population was 46.77±5.11 years in the aerobic group and 48±5.95 years in the weighted vest group. After the intervention, blood glucose in the aerobic group (167.07±72.48 mg/dL; P<0.001) and the weighted vest group (167.75±61.53 mg/dL; P<0.001) was decreased. Additionally, resting heart rate (aerobic: 96.83±11.86 bpm and vest: 94.92±13.65 bpm) and body temperature (aerobic: 36.20±0.83 °C and vest: 35.48±0.46 °C) were increased (P<0.001). Decreased systolic (aerobic: 117.92±19.27 mmHg and vest: 120.91±12.04 mmHg) and diastolic (aerobic: 77.38±7.54 mmHg and vest: 82.5±11.32 mmHg) blood pressure and increased respiration rate (aerobic: 23.07±5.45 breath/min and vest: 22±3.19 breath/min) were seen in both groups but were not statistically significant., Conclusion: One aerobic exercise session with and without external loads reduced blood glucose levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in our 2 study groups., (Copyright © 2023 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences.)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is important in improving wound healing. We evaluated the effect of sensory (direct current, 600 microamperes) and motor (monophasic current, pulse duration 300 microseconds, 100 Hz, 2.5-3.0 mA) intensities of cathodal electrical stimulation (ES) current to release VEGF in muscle and skin in the wound site. We randomly assigned 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats into one control and two experimental groups (sensory and motor ESs). A full-thickness skin incision was made on each animal's dorsal region. The experimental groups received ES for 1 h/day every other day. In the control group, no current was applied. VEGF expression was measured in muscle and skin on the third and seventh days after surgical incision. Our outcomes demonstrated that no difference was found in the VEGF levels among groups on the third day. However, on the seventh day, the skin VEGF levels in the sensory group were significantly higher than those levels of the other groups (p < 0.05). No difference was found in the muscle VEGF levels on the third and seventh days. The results showed that sensory ES increases the release of more VEGF in skin. This mechanism may be one through which a sensory type of current is more effective in promoting wound healing.