Publications by authors named "Yi-Qing Rao"

The subnucleus reticularis dorsalis (SRD), also known as the dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt) or dorsal medullary reticular nucleus (MdD), which resides at the caudal end of the medulla, plays a pivotal role in regulating pain perception. Despite extensive research efforts to unravel its mechanisms, the operational intricacies of SRD remain poorly understood. Advances in experimental methodologies such as brain imaging and chemogenetics have facilitated deeper investigations into the involvement of SRD in various pain disorders.

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Anxiety disorders, characterized by persistent apprehension, somatic symptoms and fatigue, are leading causes of disability worldwide. The burgeoning therapeutic potential of aerobic exercise has gained prominence as a leading non-pharmacological strategy, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in alleviating anxiety across diverse conditions. This review synthesizes current research to clarify the molecular mechanisms through which aerobic exercise ameliorates anxiety in terms of the effects of exercise on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the hepatic-brain axis and epigenetics; electroencephalographic alterations; inflammatory pathways; the balance between oxidative and nitrogenous stress; various substances, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and opioid peptides; and the 5-HT2C receptor and cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1R), among others, reflecting the positive modulatory effects of aerobic exercise on anxiety.

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