Catgut implantation at acupoints increases the expression of glutamate aspartate transporter and glial glutamate transporter-1 in the brain of rats with spasticity after stroke

Catgut implantation at acupoints has been shown to alleviate spasticity after stroke in rats.However,the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.In this study,we used the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke.Three days after surgery,absorbable surgical catgut sutures were implanted at Dazhui（GV14）,Jizhong（GV6）,Houhui,Guanyuan（CV4）and Zhongwan（CV12）.The Zea Longa score was used to assess neurological function.The Modified Ashworth Scale was used to evaluate muscle tension.The 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride assay was used to measure infarct volume.Immunohistochemical staining was performed for glutamate aspartate transporter（GLAST）and glial glutamate transporter-1（GLT-1）expression.Western blot assay was used to analyze the expression of GLAST and GLT-1.Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction were carried out to assess the expression of GLAST and GLT-1m RNAs.After catgut implantation at the acupoints,neurological function was substantially improved,muscle tension was decreased,and infarct volume was reduced in rats with spasticity after stroke.Furthermore,the expression of GLAST and GLT-1 m RNAs was increased on the injured（left）side.Our findings demonstrate that catgut implantation at acupoints alleviates spasticity after stroke,likely by increasing the expression of GLAST and GLT-1.

Influence of catgut implantation at acupoints on splenic lymphocyte nuclear factor (NF-κB p65) and correlated signaling molecules (β2AR) in rats with experimental colitis

Objective To investigate the mechanisms of catgut implantation at acupoints on ulcerative colitis. Methods Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group （NC）, a model group （MO） and a catgut implantation group （CI） with 6 rats in each group. Animals in group MO and group CI were treated by trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid （TNBS） to establish model with colitis. No other treatment was given to the rats in group MO, but catgut was implanted at ＂Shàngjùxū＂ （上 巨虚 ST 37）, ＂Tiānshū＂ （天枢 ST 25） and ＂Dàchángshū＂ （大肠俞 BL 25） in the rats in group CI. The symptoms of diarrhea and bloody stool, and changes in histopathology were detected 15 days after the treatment. Expressions of splenic lymphocyte nuclear factor κB p65（NF-κB p65）and correlated signaling molecules（β2AR）were detected by the western blot method. Results Diarrhea and mucus bloody purulent stool were soon controlled, and mucous injures were obviously improved in group CI. The NF-κB p65 value of splenic lymphocytes was signifi cantly increased （P0.01） and expression of β2AR remarkably reduced in group MO （P0.01）, compared with group NC. But, the NF-κB p65 value was significantly decreased （P0.01） and expression of β2AR remarkably increased in group CI （P 0.01） , compared with group MO. Conclusion Catgut implantation at acupoints is obviously effective in treating experimental colitis. Modulation of NF-κB p65 and the correlated signaling molecules β2AR may be involved in the mechanisms.

Catgut Implantation at Acupoints for Allergic Rhinitis:A Systematic Review

Objective： To assess the effectiveness and the possible adverse effects of catgut implantation at acupoints for allergic rhinitis （AR）. Methods： This systematic review was carried out in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook version 5.1.0 and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta- Analyses statement. Extensive literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Excerpta Medical Databases, the Cochrane Library, the China National Infrastructure, Wanfang Chinese Digital Periodical and Conference Database, and the Weipu Chinese Science and Technique Journals Database. The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Center was also searched for ongoing trials up to September 2012. Randomized controlled trials （RCTs） or quasi-RCTs were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias. Results： Five RCTs with 285 participants were found from 49 relevant studies, but there was just one RCT which met the inclusion criteria for this review. The study showed that treatment of catgut implantation at acupoints could lead to a better alleviation of the signs and symptoms of AR than the crude herb moxibustion. No adverse events were reported in this study. Conclusions： Because of the methodological shortcoming and the risk of bias of the included trial catgut implantation was proved with only limited evidence for the treatment of AR. Robust RCTs with high quality and larger sample size in this field are hoped to be carried out in the future.