血府逐瘀汤对狼疮性肾炎患者胸腺肽β4及Ea-RFC的影响

目的探讨血府逐瘀汤辅助治疗狼疮性肾炎(LN)的效果及对患者胸腺肽β4及Ea花环细胞(Ea-RFC)形成率的影响。方法选取河北北方学院附属第二医院2020年1月至2021年6月收治的60例狼疮性肾炎患者,按随机数字表法分为观察组(行血府逐瘀汤联合泼尼松与环磷酰胺治疗)30例与对照组(行泼尼松与环磷酰胺治疗)30例,治疗18个月。观察组治疗后临床效果、中医症状、胸腺肽β4表达、Ea-RFC形成率、肾功能及不良反应。结果观察组治疗总有效率为96.67%,高于对照组的80.00%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,观察组纳少腹胀、腰膝酸软、面色不华、口黏口苦等中医症状积分低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,观察组红细胞沉降率、血清肌酐及胸腺肽β4表达低于对照组,Ea-RFC形成率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,观察组不良反应发生率与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论血府逐瘀汤辅助治疗LN患者疗效确切,能减少患者体内胸腺肽β4表达,提高Ea-RFC,改善肾功能,安全性较高。

Electroacupuncture alleviates ciliary muscle cell apoptosis in lens-induced myopic guinea pigs through inhibiting the mitochondrial signaling pathway

AIM:To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)on the mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signaling pathway in the ciliary muscle of guinea pigs with negative lensinduced myopia(LIM).METHODS:Guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control(NC)group,LIM group,LIM+SHAM acupoint(LIM+SHAM)group,and LIM+EA group.Animals in the NC group received no intervention,while those in other three groups were covered with-6.0 diopter(D)lenses on right eyes.Meanwhile,animals in the LIM+EA group received EA at Hegu(LI4)combined with Taiyang(EX-HN5)acupoints,while those in the LIM+SHAM group were treated at sham points.After treatments for 1,2,and 4wk,morphological changes in ciliary muscles were observed with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining and nick end labeling(TUNEL),and the expression of the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway-related molecules in ciliary muscles was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and Western blot.Additionally,the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)contents were also determined in ciliary muscles.RESULTS:Axial length increased significantly in the LIM and LIM+SHAM groups and decreased in the LIM+EA group.The ciliary muscle fibers were broken and destroyed in both LIM and LIM+SHAM groups,whereas those in the LIM+EA group improved significantly.TUNEL assay showed the number of apoptotic cells increased in the LIM and LIM+SHAM groups,whereas reduced in the LIM+EA group.ATP contents showed a significant decrease in the LIM and LIM+SHAM groups,whereas increased after EA treatment.Compared with the NC group,the dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1),Caspase3,and apoptotic protease activator 1(APAF1)levels were significantly increased in the LIM group and decreased in the LIM+EA group.CONCLUSION:The results provide evidence of EA inhibiting the development of myopia by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway.

GEP核算能代表生态产品价值核算吗?——基于SEEAEA对我国生态系统核算若干问题的探讨

文章介绍了中国GEP核算推行的背景及实施进程,阐述了国内外GEP概念的提出和研究进展,以及SEEA框架下的生态系统核算概念。文章指出:由于没有涉及编制价值量生态系统资产账户、没有扣除生态系统服务供应中产生的任何相关生态系统退化,GEP核算不能反映生态系统资产是否实现可持续利用或生态产品流量供给在数量或质量上是否可持续。文章认为:生态产品就是SEEA框架下的生态系统服务。由于对生态产品等关键概念界定不严谨,没有考虑“供给=使用”核算原则,对按交换价值进行估值等基本核算原则考虑不足,导致GEP核算实物量核算范围过大、价值量核算取价过高。文章特别指出《生态产品总值核算规范》在供给服务指标设计中缺失“供水”这一重要指标。文章结合GEP试算工作中反映出来的部分问题,就中国生态产品价值核算应依据的标准、执行主体、数据来源、核算方法、发展方向与核算重点,给出了针对性的政策建议。

Elaidic acid leads to mitochondrial dysfunction via mitochondria-associated membranes triggers disruption of mitochondrial calcium fluxes

Elaidic acid(EA)stimulation can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS),accompanied by a large release of Ca^(2+),and ultimately the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells(KCs).Mitochondrial instability or dysfunction may be the key stimulating factors to activate NLRP3 inflammasome,and sustained Ca^(2+)transfer can result in mitochondrial dysfunction.We focused on KCs to explore the damage to mitochondria by EA.After EA stimulation,cells produced an oxidative stress(OS)response with a significant increase in ROS release.Immunoprecipitation experiments and the addition of inhibitors revealed that the increase in the level of intracellular Ca^(2+)led to Ca^(2+)accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix via mitochondria-associated membranes(MAMs).This was accompanied by a significant release of m ROS,loss of MMP and ATP,and a significant increase in mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening,ultimately leading to mitochondrial instability.These findings confirmed the mechanism that EA induced mitochondrial Ca^(2+)imbalance in KCs via MAM,ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction.Meanwhile,EA induced OS and the decrease of MMP and ATP in rat liver,and significant lesions were found in liver mitochondria.Swelling of the inner mitochondrial cristae and mitochondrial vacuolization occurred,with a marked increase in lipid droplets.

Electroacupuncture targeting the immune system to alleviate sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening inflammatory syndrome with high morbidity and mortality rates.However,options for sepsis are still limited to general treatment in intensive care units(ICUs),and effective therapies that improve sepsis survival are required.Immune disturbances play a vital role in the pathology of sepsis and are associated with protracted inflammation,susceptibility to infections,and death.Therefore,many investigators have focused on the potential benefits of immunomodulation therapy for sepsis.Electroacupuncture(EA)has been practiced in clinics for many years and has shown advantages in treating infectious diseases.Over the last few decades,our understanding of the efficacy and mechanisms of EA in sepsis has undergone considerable developments.We searched the literature regarding“CNKI,Wan Fang Data,VIP Database,PubMed,and Ingenta Connect”from 2010 to 2023,using the keywords“sepsis”“septic”and“electroacupuncture”and 336 sources were searched.Finally,we included 82 studies that targeted the immune system to determine EA’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on sepsis.In this review,we found that EA has clinical benefits in relieving septic inflammation,improving immune function,and attenuating related multi-organ injury through several mechanisms,such as activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway(CAP),vagaladrenal axis,inhibition of the nuclear factor Kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling pathway,signal transducers and activators of transcription(STAT)signaling pathway,and improvement of immune cell function.Therefore,EA may be a promising complementary therapy for sepsis treatment.We also expect these data will contribute to further studies on EA in sepsis.

电针调控lncRNA NEAT1减轻类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞炎症反应的研究

目的:观察电针对调控lncRNA NEAT1减轻类风湿关节炎大鼠滑膜成纤维细胞炎症反应的影响。方法:将16只2月龄大鼠应用随机数字表法分为空白对照组和电针组,每组8只。空白对照组大鼠未接受干预,电针组大鼠予以电针干预,分别制备空白对照组、电针组血清。予以连续酶消化法获取3周龄SD大鼠滑膜成纤维细胞,波形蛋白免疫组化染色进行鉴定;再将6孔板中已培养的滑膜成纤维细胞随机分为空白对照组、模型对照组、电针组成纤维细胞。空白对照组成纤维细胞予以空白对照组血清干预,模型对照组成纤维细胞予以含10 ng·mL^(-1)白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)的空白对照组血清诱导滑膜成纤维细胞致炎,电针组成纤维细胞予以含10 ng·mL^(-1)IL-1β的电针组血清干预。Real-time PCR检测各组滑膜成纤维细胞中lncRNA NEAT1水平变化;Western blot检测各组滑膜成纤维细胞基质金属蛋白酶-3(MMP-3)、V-Rel网状内皮增生病毒癌基因同源物A(RELA)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)蛋白表达含量。结果:经波形蛋白免疫组化染色后,大鼠滑膜成纤维细胞波形蛋白染色为阳性,证实成纤维细胞提取成功。与空白对照组比较,模型对照组中lncRNA NEAT1的相对表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);与模型对照组比较,电针组中lncRNA NEAT1相对表达水平显著降低(P<0.05)。Western blot结果显示,与模型对照组比较,电针组MMP-3、RELA、TNF-α蛋白表达含量显著降低(P<0.05)。结论:电针可通过调控lncRNA NEAT1减轻类风湿关节炎大鼠滑膜成纤维细胞炎症反应。

化学发光法检测EB VCA和EB EA IgA的方法学性能评价

目的对新产业MAGLUMI X8检测系统应用化学发光法检测EB VCA和EB EA IgA的分析性能进行方法学评价。方法选取2020年4—6月到中山大学附属肿瘤医院就诊的患者和体检人群各20例为研究对象,并收集其全血标本。分为鼻咽癌(nasopharyngeal cancer,NPC)组(经病理诊断确诊的鼻咽癌患者20例)和健康对照(healthy control,HC组)(健康体检人群20例),参考美国临床实验室标准化协会(Clinical Laboratory Standardization Institute,CLSI)系列文件及国内卫生部行业标准,制定方法学评价方案,通过MAGLUMI X8检测系统测定EB VCA和EB EA IgA的精密度、敏感性与特异性、方法学比对、线性范围和参考区间。结果EB VCA IgA低、高值质控品分析总精密度CV分别为3.978%和2.337%,EB EA IgA低、高值质控品分析总精密度CV分别为6.078%和4.131%;EBV VCA IgA和EBV EA IgA血清学检测结果针对鼻咽癌样本检测阳性率(敏感性)分别为100%和86.36%,累计阳性率(敏感性)达100%,针对体检样本检测的特异性是95.24%;针对所有试验样本,VCA IgA临床准确性为97.56%;EA IgA准确性为90.70%。两者联合检测可以达到100%;EB VCA IgA与EBV EA IgA线性相关系数均≥0.95,线性范围验证通过。结论新产业MAGLUMI X8检测系统测定EB VCA和EB EA IgA的方法学性能良好,能够满足临床检测的需要。

Effects of electroacupuncture on corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity

AIM: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH) in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus of rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity.METHODS: A rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity was generated according to the internationally accepted method of colorectal balloon dilatation. In the 7th week after the procedure, rats were randomly divided into a model group(MG), electroacupuncture group(EA), and sham electroacupuncture group(S-EA). After treatment, the abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR) score was used to assess the behavioral response of visceral hyperalgesia. Immunohistochemistry(En Vision method), ELISA, and fluorescence quantitative PCR methods were applied to detect the expression of CRH protein and m RNA in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus.RESULTS: The sensitivity of the rats to the colorectal distension stimulus applied at different strengths(20-80 mm Hg) increased with increasing stimulus strength, resulting in increasing AWR scores in each group. Compared with NG, the AWR score of MG was significantly increased(P < 0.01). After conducting EA, the AWR scores of the rats were decreased compared with MG rats. The relative expression of CRH m RNA in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus of MG rats was significantly increased compared with NG rats(P < 0.01). CRH m RNA in the colon and spinal cord of EA and S-EA rats was decreased to varying degrees(P > 0.05) compared with normal rats(NG). However, the decrease in EA compared with MG rats was statistically significant(P < 0.01). The average optical density of CRH expression in the colon of the MG rats was significantly enhanced compared with NG(P < 0.05), while the average optical density of CRH expression in the EA and S-EA rats was significantly decreased compared with MG rats(P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Compared with MG rats, the CRH concentration in the spinal cord of EA rats was significantly reduced(P < 0.01), but there was no significant change in S-EA rats(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at the Shangjuxu acupoint was able to significantly reduce the visceral hypersensitivity in rats, and regulated the expression of CRH protein and m RNA in the colon, spinal cord and hypothalamus at different levels, playing a therapeutic role in this model of irritable bowel syndrome.

Antidepressant effect of electroacupuncture regulates signal targeting in the brain and increases brain- derived neurotrophic factor levels

Electroacupuncture improves depressive behavior faster and with fewer adverse effects than antidepressant medication. However, the antidepressant mechanism of electroacupuncture remains poorly understood. Here, we established a rat model of chronic unpredicted mild stress, and then treated these rats with electroacupuncture at Yintang(EX-HN3) and Baihui(DU20) with sparse waves at 2 Hz and 0.6 m A for 30 minutes, once a day. We found increased horizontal and vertical activity, and decreased immobility time, at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Moreover, levels of neurotransmitters(5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and γ-aminobutyric acid) and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-related proteins(Trk B, protein kinase A, and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein) were increased in the hippocampus. Similarly, protein kinase A and Trk B m RNA levels were increased, and calcium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II levels decreased. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture increases phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels by regulating multiple targets in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein signaling pathway, thereby promoting nerve regeneration, and exerting an antidepressive effect.

ELECTROACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF MENIERE'S DISEASE

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on Meniere's disease. Methods: A total of 114 cases (38 males and 76 females) of Meniere's disease were treated with EA of Ermen (耳门 TE 21), Tinggong (听宫SI 19), Tinghui (听会GB 2), Yifeng (NFDB1风TE 17), Fengchi (风池GB 20) and Baihui (百会GV 20). The treatment was given 3 times a week,9 times altogether. Follow-up was made at the end of the 3rd, 6th and 12th months after treatment. Results: Follow-up in 114 patients showed that after EA treatment, 63 cases (55.26%) were cured, 30 (26.31%) had remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 10 (8.77%) responded with improvement and 11 (9.65%) failed in the treatment, with a total effective rate of 90.35%. Conclusion: EA treatment was effective in controlling Meniere's disease patients' symptoms and reducing attack.

Pretreatment of emulational manual acupuncture versus electroacupuncture against visceral traction pain in rats

BACKGROUND:Acupuncture and moxibustion against visceral noxious stimulation present different mechanisms in the peripheral and central nervous systems,involving release of neurotransmitter substance P,acetylcholine esterase,leucine-enkephalin,and c-Fos protein expression.However,there are few reports addressing changes in neurotransmitter expression following manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture against visceral traction pain.OBJECTIVE:To explore changes in neurotransmitter expression in the ileum and protein expression in the medullary visceral zone of visceral traction pain rats undergoing pretreatment of emulational manual acupuncture,and to investigate the differences between emulational manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture.DESIGN,TIME AND SETTING:The randomized,controlled study was performed at the Biomedical Engineering Laboratory,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Shanghai,China from August 2008 to July 2009.MATERIALS:G6805 electroacupuncture apparatus(Shanghai Medical Electronic Machine Factory,China) and ZSF-I acupuncture manipulation simulation therapeutic system(Chinese Medical Engineering Room,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Shanghai China) were used in the present study.METHODS:A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were equally and randomly assigned to sham surgery,model,emulational manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture groups.In the emulational manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture groups,emulational manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture were applied at bilateral Zusanli(ST 36) acupoints for 30 minutes,and models of visceral traction pain were established immediately.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Substance P expression,c-Fos and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression were measured using immunohistochemistry.Acetylcholine esterase activity was examined utilizing a colorimetric method.Leucine-enkephalin content was detected using a radioimmune assay.Degree of pain in rats was assessed by pain score.RESULTS:Pain score,substance P expression in the ileum,acetylcholine esterase activity,expression of c-Fos protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the medullary visceral zone were significantly decreased following pretreatment of emulational manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture in rats with visceral traction pain(P < 0.05).Compared with the electroacupuncture group,the leucine-enkephalin content was significantly increased,and pain score was significantly diminished in the emulational manual acupuncture group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Emulational manual acupuncture pretreatment decreases acetylcholine esterase activity,increases leucine-enkephalin release,downregulates expression of c-Fos protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein and ultimately inhibits visceral traction pain by reducing substance P release.The effectiveness in inhibiting visceral traction pain is greater when using emulational manual acupuncture compared with electroacupuncture.This is because emulational manual acupuncture effectively increases leucine-enkephalin release.

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Weiwanxiashu and Zusanli Points on Blood Glucose and Plasma Pancreatic Glucagon Contents in Diabetic Rabbits

The Effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) and Zusanli (ST 36) points on blood glucose (BG) and plasma pancreatic glucagon (PG) contents were dynamically observed in diabetic rabbits induced by Alloxan. It is found that acupuncture at Weiwanxiashu point can significantly lower the BG content and inhibit release of PG; no significant changes in BG and PG are found when acupuncture is given at Zusanli (ST 36) point alone, however BG and PG contents decrease more obviously when acupuncture employed at both Zusanli and Weiwanxiashu, suggesting that Zusanli has a marked synergetic action with Weiwanxiashu.

Contralateral S1 function is involved in electroacupuncture treatment-mediated recovery after focal unilateral M1 infarction

Acupuncture at acupoints Baihui(GV20)and Dazhui(GV14)has been shown to promote functional recovery after stroke.However,the contribution of the contralateral primary sensory cortex(S1)to recovery remains unclear.In this study,unilateral local ischemic infarction of the primary motor cortex(M1)was induced by photothrombosis in a mouse model.Electroacupuncture(EA)was subsequently performed at acupoints GV20 and GV14 and neuronal activity and functional connectivity of contralateral S1 and M1 were detected using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recording techniques.Our results showed that blood perfusion and neuronal interaction between contralateral M1 and S1 is impaired after unilateral M1 infarction.Intrinsic neuronal excitability and activity were also disturbed,which was rescued by EA.Furthermore,the effectiveness of EA treatment was inhibited after virus-mediated neuronal ablation of the contralateral S1.We conclude that neuronal activity of the contralateral S1 is important for EA-mediated recovery after focal M1 infarction.Our study provides insight into how the S1-M1 circuit might be involved in the mechanism of EA treatment of unilateral cerebral infarction.The animal experiments were approved by the Committee for Care and Use of Research Animals of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(approval No.20200407009)April 7,2020.

Eighty Cases of Injury of the Superior Cluneal Nerve Treated by Electroacupuncture

Injury of the superior cluneal nerve is acommonly encountered affection in clinical practice.The author treated 80 cases of injury of the superiorcluneal nerve by electr0acupuncture from August1991 to August 1998,with other 77 cases treated byacupuncture as the controls.The result is reported asfollow.General Data157 OUtpatients were randomly diVided into thetreatment group and the control group.Among

Electroacupuncture treatment improves motor function and neurological outcomes after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Electroacupuncture(EA)has been widely used for functional restoration after stroke.However,its role in post-stroke rehabilitation and the associated regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood.In this study,we applied EA to the Zusanli(ST36)and Quchi(LI11)acupoints in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.We found that EA effectively increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor tyrosine kinase B,synapsin-1,postsynaptic dense protein 95,and microtubule-associated protein 2 in the ischemic penumbra of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.Moreover,EA greatly reduced the expression of myelin-related inhibitors Nogo-A and NgR in the ischemic penumbra.Tyrosine kinase B inhibitor ANA-12 weakened the therapeutic effects of EA.These findings suggest that EA can improve neurological function after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion,possibly through regulating the activity of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase B signal pathway.All procedures and experiments were approved by the Animal Research Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,China(approval No.PZSHUTCM200110002)on January 10,2020.

Mediated protective effect of electroacupuncture pretreatment by miR-214 on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

BackgroundElectroacupuncture 预告的处理在损害和 microRNAs (miRNAs ) 能在心脏的功能的各种各样的方面上扮演的心肌的 ischemia/reperfusion (I/R ) 起一个保护的作用。然而，在由心肌的 I/R 损害上的 electroacupuncture 预告的处理的 cardioprotection 的 miRNAs 的角色仍然保持未知。学习的目的是检验 miR-214 是否被 electroacupuncture.MethodsUsing 老鼠涉及 cardioprotection 心肌的 I/R 模型，我们在心肌的 I/R 损害检验了 electroacupuncture 预告的处理的角色并且在 miR-214 的表示分析了变化。另外， I/R 被在 I/R 损害上在 electroacupuncture 预告的处理的 H9c2 房间文化，和效果上执行氧葡萄糖剥夺(OGD ) 在 vitro 模仿以及 miR-214 的表现水平在 vitro 被检验。而且， miR-214 模仿是进 对待OGD 的 H9c2 房间的 transfected ，我们分析了房间 apoptosis ，喂奶脱氢酶( LDH )和肌酸 kinase ( CK )活动，细胞内部的免费 Ca 2+集中([ Ca 2+]i)以及钠/钙 exchanger 的相对蛋白质层次 1 ( NCX1 )，象BCL2一样 11 ( BIM )，calmodulin依赖的蛋白质 kinase IIδ ；( CaMKIIδ ；)并且在 vivo 结果的 Cyclophilin D ( CypD ) .ResultsThe 表明与 I/R 组相比， electroacupuncture 预告的处理组显示出重要减少的心肌的梗塞尺寸，以及心脏的功能的增加的索引包括心率，意味着动脉的压力， left ；为左室的压力升起并且衰退的室的收缩压力和最大的率( ± ； dp/dt 最大)。另外， electroacupuncture 预告的处理能禁止 I/R 损害导致的 LDH 和 CK 活动的举起。量的 PCR (qPCR ) 结果证明 electroacupuncture 预告的处理能在老鼠对心肌的 I/R 损害向 cardioprotection 提供 miR-214 起来规定。在 vitro，同时， electroacupuncture 预告的处理保护了 H9c2 房间免于导致 OGD 的损害。miR-214 的 Transfection 由减少 apoptosis，减少的 LDH 和 CK 活动在对 H9c2 房间的导致 OGD 的损害上模仿显示出的保护的效果，导致 OGD 的 Ca 2+ 和下面调整的提高的蛋白质 NCX1 铺平的 rescuing， BIM， CaMKIIδ；并且 CypD.ConclusionsOur 调查结果第一证明那个 electroacupuncture 预告的处理在心肌的 I/R 损害支持 miR-214 的表示， miR-214 在心肌的 I/R 损害上贡献 electroacupuncture 的保护的效果。

Influence of Electroacupuncture on the mRNA of Heat Shock Protein 70 and 90 in Brain after Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion of Rats

Summary: To explore the anti-apoptotic role of electroacupuncture (EA) and its molecular mecha-nisms after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) of rats, by using animal model of middle cerebralartery occlusion (MCAO), the changes of the cleavage of PARP were observed by Western blot andthe mRNA of heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 and Hsp90β detected by competitive RT-PCR after cere-bral IR and EA treatment. The results were as follows: (1) The cleavage of PARP was increased inischemic hippocampus, and EA treatment could attenuate the level of the cleavage remarkably; (2)The mRNA expression of Hsp70 was increased in the ischemic cortex and hippocampus and was fur-ther increased after EA treatment; (3) The mRNA expression of Hsp90β was decreased in ischemiccortex and hippocampus and the decrease was relatively slight after EA treatment. The above resultsdemonstrated EA treatment could protect neurons from apoptosis after cerebral IR. One of the molec-ular mechanisms was the promotion of the inducible expression of Hsp70 and the improvement of theinhibition of the expression of Hsp90.

Effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli(ST36) on inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of smokeinduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE:Improvement in lung function was reported after acupuncture treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Because an immune response imbalance could be seen in COPD,we hypothesize that electroacupuncture(EA) may play a role in regulating inflammatory cytokines and contribute to lung protection in a rat model of smoke-induced COPD. METHODS:A COPD model using male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to cigarette smoke was established.The rats were randomly divided into four groups(control,sham,COPD,and COPD plus EA),and COPD model was evaluated by measuring pulmonary pathological changes and lung function.EA was applied to the acupuncture point Zusanli(ST36) for 30 min/d for 14 d in sham and COPD rats.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was used to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),and malonaldehyde(MDA). RESULTS:Compared with the control rats,COPD rats had significant changes in lung resistance(R_L) and lung compliance(C_L)(both P<0.01),bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction(P<0.01),and levels of MDA,TNF-α,and IL-1β(P<0.01).There were no significant differences between the control and the sham groups.Compared with the COPD rats,the COPD plus EA rats had decreased R_L and increased C_L(both P<0.05),and reduced bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction(P<0.05,P<0.01,respectively),while levels of TNF-α,IL-1β, and MDA in BALF were lowered(P<0.05 and P<0.01,respectively).However,TNF-αand IL-1βlevels of the EA group rats remained higher than those of the control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION:EA at ST36 can reduce lung injury in a COPD rat model,and beneficial effects may be related to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines.The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects mav prolong the clinical benefit of EA.

Effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture at PC6 on frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation in cats

AIM: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at neiguan (PC6) on gastric distention-induced transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and discuss the mechanisms of this treatment. METHODS: ProtocolⅠ: Twelve healthy cats underwent gastric distention for 60 min on the first day. Electrical acupoint stimulation was applied at the neiguan or a sham point on the hip in randomized order before gastric distention, on the third day and fifth day. Those cats that underwent EA at neiguan on the fifth day were named "Neiguan Group" and the cats that underwent EA at a sham acupoint on the fifth day were named "Sham Group" (control group). During the experiment the frequency of TLESRs and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure were observed by a perfused sleeve assembly. Plasma levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Nitrite/nitrate concentration in plasma and tissues were measured by Griess reagent. The nuclei in the brain stem were observed by immunohistochemistry method of c-Fos and NADPH-d dyeing. Protocol Ⅱ: Thirty six healthy cats were divided into 6 groups randomly. We gave saline (2 mL iv. control group), phaclofen (5 mg/kg iv. GABA-B antagonist), cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) (1 μg/kg per hour iv.), L-Arginine (200 mg/kg iv.), naloxone (2.5 μmol/kg iv.) and tacrine (5.6 mg/kg ip. cholinesterase inhibitor) respectively before EA at Neiguan and gastric distention. And the frequencies of TLESRs in experimental groups were compared with the control group.RESULTS: ProtocolⅠ: Not only the frequency of gastric distention-induced TLESR in 60 min but also the rate of common cavity during TLESRs were significantlydecreased by EA at neiguan compared to that of sham acupoint stimulation. C-Fos immunoreactivity and NOS reactivity in the solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) were significantly decreased by EA at neiguan compared to that of the sham group. However, the positive nuclei of C-Fos and NOS in reticular formation of the medulla (RFM) were increased by EA at neiguan. Protocol Ⅱ: The inhibited effect of EA at neiguan on TLESR’s frequency was completely restored by pretreatment with CCK (23.5/h vs 4.5/h, P < 0.05), L-arginine (17.5/h vs 4.5/h, P < 0.05) and naloxone(12/h vs 4.5/h, P < 0.05). On the contrary, phaclofen (6/h vs 4.5/h, P > 0.05) and tacrine (9.5/h vs 4.5/h, P > 0.05) did not influence it. CONCLUSION: Electric acupoint stimulation at Neiguan significantly inhibits the frequency of TLESR and the rate of common cavity during TLESR in cats. This effect appears to act on the brain stem, and may be mediated through nitric oxide (NO), CCK-A receptor and mu-opioid receptors. But the GABAB receptor and acetylcholine may not be involved in it.

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE OF ACUPOINTS OF THE HEART MERIDIAN ON ECG, SMALL INTESTINAL ELECTROGRAM AND EEG IN THE RABBIT WITH MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA

In the present paper, effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of 3 points of the Heart Meridian and other 3 points of the Lung Meridian on changes of electrocardiogram (ECG), small intestinal electrogram (SIG) and electroencephalogram (EEG) in intravenous drip of pituitrin induced myocardial ischemia rabbits. The three points of the Heart Meridian are "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Lingdao" (HT 4) and one point between HT 7 and HT 4, the 3 points of the Lung Meridian are "Taiyuan"(LU 9), Lieque (LU 7) and one point between LU 9 and LU 7. These points are punctured with filiform needles and stimulated electrically by setting the parameters being frequency of 2.5 Hz, dense sparse waves and duration of 10 min. Results display that the regulative effect of EA of the Heart Meridian is superior to that of EA of the Lung Meridian on the three indexes, showing a closer correlation between the whole Heart Meridian and activities of ECG, SIG and EEG.