Effect of pediatric tuina on hypothalamic metabolites in young rabbits using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Objective: To investigate the changes in the hypothalamic metabolites of lipopolysaccharide(LPS) febrile young rabbits after the treatment with pediatric tuina.Methods: A total of 30 young rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: the normal group, the model group, and the tuina group. Both the model group and the tuina group were injected intravenously with LPS. “Six antipyretic manipulations”(pushing Tianmen, pushing Kangong, kneading Taiyang,kneading Erhougaogu, clearing Tianheshui, and pushing Jizhu) were administered 1 h after the LPS injection in the tuina group. The rectal temperatures of the young rabbits were monitored during the experiment to explore the antipyretic effect. Three hours after the injection, the content of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-a, and prostaglandin E;(PGE;) in the serum was detected. In addition, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) was used for the hypothalamus metabolomics.Results: Compared with the model group, the rectal temperature of the tuina group was decreased at 2 h and 3 h after the LPS injection(P =.04, P =.03, respectively), and the content of IL-1β, TNF-a, and PGE2was decreased(P =.03, P =.003, and P =.008, respectively). The metabolomics results showed that there were 23 potential biomarkers after the tuina intervention, enriching 27 pathways. Lipid metabolites,especially glycerophospholipids, were a majority of the altered metabolites. The primary metabolic pathways affected by tuina included the arachidonic acid metabolism, the GABAergic synapse, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, and the glutamatergic synapse.Conclusion: Pediatric tuina reduced the temperature of the febrile rabbits and downregulated the expression of IL-1β, TNF-a, and PGE2, and the antipyretic mechanism may be related to changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in the hypothalamus.

Randomized controlled study of Tuina in the treatment of insomnia:A Meta-analysis

Objective:To find out the clinical randomized controlled trials of Tuina in the treatment of insomnia,and to incorporate it into the research results of this subject for meta-analysis.While comparing the clinical effects,we can compare the literature and research related to Tuina treatment of insomnia and other treatments of insomnia,and summarize its characteristics and advantages.Methods:Relevant searches were performed on CNKI,VIP,CBMdisc,WanFang,Embase,Cochrance,PubMed,etc.Find out the effects of related massage therapy on the treatment of insomnia.Clinical Randomized Controlled Medical Research Clinical Trials(RCT).According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria,the literature was screened,and then the included literature was extracted as data after screening.RevMan5.3 software was used to integrate and analyze the data.Results:19 randomized controlled trials that met the criteria were classified as studies,with a total of 1625 patients.The results of Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate of massage for insomnia(OR=4.20,95%CI:3.00-5.88,P<0.00001),suggesting that the clinical efficacy of Tuina for insomnia is better than traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,ear point treatment and acupuncture treatment.The difference in experimental effects was statistically significant,and no adverse reactions were found.Conclusion:The use of Tuina methods combined with different types of massage treatments to treat insomnia has a good therapeutic effect and no serious adverse events occurred.However,due to the limitations of this study,more large-sample,multi-center,in-depth clinical studies are needed to provide more reliable evidence-based evidence for the clinic,in order to better serve the development of guidelines.

Five commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of ulcerative colitis:A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Currently,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)formulas are commonly being used as adjunctive therapy for ulcerative colitis in China.Network meta-analysis,a quantitative and comprehensive analytical method,can systematically compare the effects of different adjunctive treatment options for ulcerative colitis,providing scientific evidence for clinical decision-making.AIM To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of commonly used TCM for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC)in clinical practice through a network metaanalysis.METHODS Clinical randomized controlled trials of these TCM formulas used for the adjuvant treatment of UC were searched from the establishment of the databases to July 1,2022.Studies that met the inclusion criteria were screened and evaluated for literature quality and risk of bias according to the Cochrane 5.1 standard.The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using ReviewManager(RevMan)5.4,and a funnel plot was constructed to test for publication bias.ADDIS 1.16 statistical software was used to perform statistical analysis of the treatment measures and derive the network relationship and ranking diagrams of the various intervention measures.RESULTS A total of 64 randomized controlled trials involving 5456 patients with UC were included in this study.The adjuvant treatment of UC using five TCM formulations was able to improve the clinical outcome of the patients.Adjuvant treatment with Baitouweng decoction(BTWT)showed a significant effect[mean difference=36.22,95%confidence interval(CI):7.63 to 65.76].For the reduction of tumor necrosis factor in patients with UC,adjunctive therapy with BTWT(mean difference=−9.55,95%CI:−17.89 to−1.41),Shenlingbaizhu powder[SLBZS;odds ratio(OR)=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39],and Shaoyao decoction(OR=−23.02,95%CI:−33.64 to−13.14)was effective.Shaoyao decoction was more effective than BTWT(OR=0.12,95%CI:0.03 to 0.39),SLBZS(OR=0.19,95%CI:0.08 to 0.39),and Xi Lei powder(OR=0.34,95%CI:0.13 to 0.81)in reducing tumor necrosis factor and the recurrence rate of UC.CONCLUSION TCM combined with mesalazine is more effective than mesalazine alone in the treatment of UC.

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion;Electroacupuncture

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Electroacupuncture,developed under the leadership of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,was approved by WFAS.This technical benchmark was issued on October 9,2023,and implemented on December 31,2023.The main contents include the scope,normative references,terms and definitions,acupuncture and moxibustion procedures and rules,and safety.This article focuses on the above contents.An outlook on the application,popularization,and update plan of this technical benchmark is proposed.

Elucidating the molecular basis of ATP-induced cell death in breast cancer: Construction of a robust prognostic model

BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a multifaceted and formidable disease with profound public health implications.Cell demise mechanisms play a pivotal role in breast cancer pathogenesis,with ATP-triggered cell death attracting mounting interest for its unique specificity and potential therapeutic pertinence.AIM To investigate the impact of ATP-induced cell death(AICD)on breast cancer,enhancing our understanding of its mechanism.METHODS The foundational genes orchestrating AICD mechanisms were extracted from the literature,underpinning the establishment of a prognostic model.Simultaneously,a microRNA(miRNA)prognostic model was constructed that mirrored the gene-based prognostic model.Distinctions between high-and low-risk cohorts within mRNA and miRNA characteristic models were scrutinized,with the aim of delineating common influence mechanisms,substantiated through enrichment analysis and immune infiltration assessment.RESULTS The mRNA prognostic model in this study encompassed four specific mRNAs:P2X purinoceptor 4,pannexin 1,caspase 7,and cyclin 2.The miRNA prognostic model integrated four pivotal miRNAs:hsa-miR-615-3p,hsa-miR-519b-3p,hsa-miR-342-3p,and hsa-miR-324-3p.B cells,CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells,endothelial cells,and macrophages exhibited inverse correlations with risk scores across all breast cancer subtypes.Furthermore,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed that genes differentially expressed in response to mRNA risk scores significantly enriched 25 signaling pathways,while miRNA risk scores significantly enriched 29 signaling pathways,with 16 pathways being jointly enriched.CONCLUSION Of paramount significance,distinct mRNA and miRNA signature models were devised tailored to AICD,both potentially autonomous prognostic factors.This study's elucidation of the molecular underpinnings of AICD in breast cancer enhances the arsenal of potential therapeutic tools,offering an unparalleled window for innovative interventions.Essentially,this paper reveals the hitherto enigmatic link between AICD and breast cancer,potentially leading to revolutionary progress in personalized oncology.

Brain mechanism of acupuncture for children with anisometropic amblyopia: a resting functional magnetic resonance imaging study based on voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity

AIM:To explore the brain mechanism of acupuncture for children with anisometropic amblyopia using the voxelmirror homotopic connectivity(VMHC)analysis method of resting functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)technology based on clinical effectiveness.METHODS:Eighty children with anisometropic monocular amblyopia were randomly divided into two groups:control(40 cases,1 case of shedding)and acupuncture(40 cases,1 case of shedding)groups.The control group was treated with glasses,red flash,grating,and visual stimulations,with each procedure conducted for 5min per time.Based on routine treatment,the acupuncture group underwent acupuncture of“regulating qi and unblocking meridians to bright eyes”,Jingming(BL1),Cuanzhu(BL2),Guangming(GB37),Fengchi(GB20)acupoints were taken on both sides,with the needle kept for 30min each time.Both groups were treated once every other day,three times per week,for a total of 4wk.After the treatment,the overall curative effect of the two groups and the latency and amplitude changes of P100 wave of pattern visual-evoked potential were counted.At the same time,nine children with left eye amblyopia were randomly selected from the two groups and were scanned with rsfMRI before and after treatment.The differences in the brain regions between the two groups were compared and analyzed with VMHC.RESULTS:Chi-square test showed a notable difference in the total efficiency rate between the acupuncture(94.87%)and control groups(79.49%).Regarding the P100 wave latency and amplitude,the acupuncture group had significantly shorter latency and higher amplitude of P100 wave than the control group.Moreover,the VMHC values of the bilateral temporal lobe,superior temporal gyrus,and middle temporal gyrus were notably increased in the acupuncture group after treatment.CONCLUSION:Acupuncture combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve the corrected visual acuity and optic nerve conduction in children with anisometropic amblyopia.Compared with the conventional treatment,the regulation of acupuncture on the functional activities of the relevant brain areas in the anterior cerebellum may be an effective acupuncture mechanism for anisometropic amblyopia.

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)Clinical Practice Guideline on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD)recommendation summaries

The Clinical Practice Guideline on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease(GERD)(WFAS 007.9-2023),officially released by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)on October 9,2023,represents the inaugural acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice guideline dedicated to GERD globally.This guideline outlines its purpose,scope,target audience,and relevant environments,along with detailing the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment methodology for GERD,as well as the guideline development process and recommendations.This article specifically emphasizes the recommendations of the guideline,highlighting the crucial importance of both the dissemination and adherence to this guideline to standardize acupuncture and moxibustion treatments for GERD.Such standardization plays a pivotal role in the advancement and widespread utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion in the management of GERD.

Feasibility of acupuncture as an adjunct intervention for ovulatory disorder infertility:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Acupuncture(AT)is widely used in treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility(ODI),but the safety and efficacy of AT for ODI still lack an evidence-based basis.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of AT as an adjunct intervention for ODI.METHODS The Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed,VIP,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,and Chinese biomedical literature databases were searched from inception to January 20,2024.Two reviewers independently selected studies,collected data,and evaluated methodological quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.Revman 5.4 was used for meta-analysis,and the Grade system was performed to evaluate the level of evidence for the outcomes of the meta-analysis.RESULTS A total of 20 randomized controlled trials with 1677 ODI patients were included.Compared with the clomiphene citrate(CC)group,the AT plus CC group exhibited significant improvement of the pregnancy rate[relative risk(RR)=1.68,95%confidence interval(CI):1.45-1.95,P<0.00001,I^(2)=23%],ovulation rate(RR=1.34,95%CI:1.22-1.47,P<0.00001,I^(2)=32%),serum E2 level[mean difference(MD)=31.36,95%CI:21.83-40.88,P<0.00001,I^(2)=97%],thickness of endometrium(MD=1.76,95%CI:0.71-2.81,P=0.001,I^(2)=98%)and decreasing miscarriage rate(RR=0.25,95%CI:0.09-0.65,P=0.005,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-2.10,95%CI:-3.27 to-0.94,P=0.0004,I^(2)=99%),serum luteinizing hormone level(MD=-6.94,95%CI:-9.89 to-4.00,P<0.00001,I^(2)=100%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-1.66,95%CI:-2.98 to-0.34,P=0.01,I^(2)=96%).The AT group had a more favorable effect than CC group for improving pregnancy rate(RR=1.52,95%CI:1.33-1.73,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),thickness of endometrium(MD=2.48,95%CI:2.15-2.81,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%)and reducing miscarriage rate(RR=0.23,95%CI:0.13-0.44,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-0.55,95%CI:-0.86 to-0.24,P=0.0005,I^(2)=0%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-0.24,95%CI:-0.28 to-0.20,P<0.00001).However,the level of evidence was predominantly assessed as very low to moderate.CONCLUSION AT can improve the pregnancy outcomes and sex hormone levels for patients with ODI.However,further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Electroacupuncture Alleviates Memory Deficits in APP/PS1 Mice by Targeting Serotonergic Neurons in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus

Objective Alzheimer’s disease(AD)has become a significant global concern,but effective drugs able to slow down AD progression is still lacked.Electroacupuncture(EA)has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive impairment in individuals with AD.However,the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood.This study aimed at examining the neuroprotective properties of EA and its potential mechanism of action against AD.Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were employed to evaluate the protective effects of EA on Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20).Chemogenetic manipulation was used to activate or inhibit serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN).Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests.Golgi staining,western blot,and immunostaining were utilized to determine EA-induced neuroprotection.Results EA at Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20)effectively ameliorated learning and memory impairments in APP/PS1 mice.EA attenuated dendritic spine loss,increased the expression levels of PSD95,synaptophysin,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus.Activation of serotonergic neurons within the DRN can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD by activating glutamatergic neurons mediated by 5-HT1B.Chemogenetic inhibition of serotonergic neurons in the DRN reversed the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and memory.Conclusion EA can alleviate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by activating serotonergic neurons in the DRN.Further study is necessary to better understand how the serotonergic neurons-related neural circuits involves in EA-induced memory improvement in AD.

Scientific exploration and hypotheses concerning the meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine

The meridian theory is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine,playing a crucial role in disease diagnosis,treatment,and health preservation.Serving as the media for the effects of acupuncture,moxibustion,herbal medicine,and acupressure massage,meridians exert undeniable impact on the human body.However,the essence of meridians remains a topic of debate.Recent research has primarily focused on their anatomical structures,leading to numerous hypotheses.Simultaneously,other researchers have approached this subject from an energetic perspective,discovering information interactions within the meridian system.These findings suggest that meridians possess both physical and information dimensions,indicating that a singular approach to their study is insufficient.To bridge this gap,a shift from purely structural research toward an exploration of the information aspects of meridians is necessary.By integrating this information approach with traditional meridian theory,it may be possible to develop a new,modernized meridian theory that is aligned with contemporary concepts,making it more accessible and applicable in clinical settings.

Mechanism of acupuncture for limb spasm of post-stroke spasticity based on GABA and BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke limb spasm model rats and the underlying mechanism.Methods:A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups,Control group(10),Model group(20)and Zhishen Tiaoxing(ZSTX)acupuncture group(20).Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in SD rats to establish post-stroke limb spasm rats,which were treated with ZSTX acupuncture.Behavioral assays were determined by the Narrow ally test,the limb muscle tension was detected by the BL-420S test system,and infarct volume was assessed after the cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Heterogeneous neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and its receptors GABAA and GABAB in the cerebral cortex of the infarct area were determined by immunofluorescence assay.The release of Trkb and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2 was detected by an immunofluorescence double labeling study.Western Blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and Trkb.Results:The results showed that the behavioral assays in post-stroke limb spasm rats were significantly improved by the treatment of ZSTX acupuncture.14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can effectively inhibit muscle tone and decrease Infarct volume,which was measured with BL-420S biological function experiment system and triphenyltetrazolium chloride.Meanwhile,the results of Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays showed that ZSTX acupuncture improved the expression of GABA,GABAA,GABAB,BDNF,and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2.Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays and WB results showed that 14 days ZSTX acupuncture declined the expression of Trkb.Conclusions:Our results suggest that 14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can significantly improve post-stroke limb spasm.Meanwhile,the pathogenesis of post-stroke limb spasm and the efficacy of ZSTX acupuncture involve metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters,and electro-acupuncture can treat post-stroke limb spasm by regulating BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway.

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)Clinical Practice Guideline on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Migraine recommendation summaries

Clinical Practice Guideline on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Migraine(WFAS 007.9-2023)is a clinical practice guideline officially released by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)on October 9,2023,and is the first international guideline on the treatment of migraine with acupuncture.This international standard was developed under the guidance of rigorous evidence-based methodology,and it contains guideline purpose,scope,applicable population,applicable settings,overview of acupuncture for migraine,guideline development process and recommendations.For promoting the understanding and application of this guideline,this article summarizes a total of 18 recommendations in order to assist clinical decisions for migraine with acupuncture.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of osteochondral lesions of talus (2004-2021)

Background:Osteochondral lesions of the talus(OLTs)are a significant challenge for foot and ankle specialists,which could cause pain and decrease patient function.Researchers can use the findings of this study to shape future directions for research by exploring global trends and hotspots in OLT.Methods:Web of Science Core Collection was used to retrieve literature related to OLT between 2004 and 2021.This report covers the current state of OLTs,such as publications,journals,trends,hotspots,and the performances of relevant countries,institutions and authors.The co-citation analysis,the coauthorship analysis,the cooccurrence analysis,and the bibliographic coupling analysis were conducted with the Bibliometrix R package,VOSviewer v1.6.10.0,and CiteSpace 5.8.R3.Results:During an 18-year review,717 articles and 76 review articles on OLT published from 2004 to 2021 were reviewed.The USA has made the largest contribution to the OLT-related literature,and a significant contribution has been made by Kennedy JG(48/6.05%)and van Dijk CN(30/3.78%).In terms of total link strength,Foot&Ankle International was the leading journal.Analysis showed that the global research hotspots of OLTs focused on the pathogenesis,diagnosis,clinical research,and surgical treatment of OLT.It would be significant to pay close attention to future research on osteochondral autograft transplantation and management,surgery,multidisciplinary integration and mechanisms of OLT,and its related diseases.Conclusions:The study provides information about the current status and hotspots of research in the domain of OLT over the past 18 years that will assist researchers in identifying potential perspectives on hot topics and research frontiers.

Acupuncture at Waiguan(SJ5) and sham points influences activation of functional brain areas of ischemic stroke patients: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group （true acupuncture at right Waiguan （SJ5）） and sham point group （sham acupuncture）. Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 7 and 19）, the right temporal lobe （Brodmann area 39）, the right limbic lobe （Brodmann area 23） and bilateral oc-cipital lobes （Brodmann area 18）. Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes （Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45）, right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 1 and 5） and left temporal lobe （Brodmann area 21 ） were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe （Brodmann area 7） and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus （Brodmann area 10） was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex （Brodmann area 5） is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.

Effect of electroacupuncture on glial fibrillary acidic protein and nerve growth factor in the hippocampus of rats with hyperlipidemia and middle cerebral artery thrombus

Electroacupuncture(EA)has been shown to reduce blood lipid level and improve cerebral ischemia in rats with hyperlipemia complicated by cerebral ischemia.However,there are few studies on the results and mechanism of the effect of EA in reducing blood lipid level or promoting neural repair after stroke in hyperlipidemic subjects.In this study,EA was applied to a rat model of hyperlipidemia and middle cerebral artery thrombosis and the condition of neurons and astrocytes after hippocampal injury was assessed.Except for the normal group,rats in other groups were fed a high-fat diet throughout the whole experiment.Hyperlipidemia models were established in rats fed a high-fat diet for 6 weeks.Middle cerebral artery thrombus models were induced by pasting 50%FeCl3 filter paper on the left middle cerebral artery for 20 minutes on day 50 as the model group.EA1 group rats received EA at bilateral ST40(Fenglong)for 7 days before the thrombosis.Rats in the EA1 and EA2 groups received EA at GV20(Baihui)and bilateral ST40 for 14 days after model establishment.Neuronal health was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining in the brain.Hyperlipidemia was assessed by biochemical methods that measured total cholesterol,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein in blood sera.Behavioral analysis was used to confirm the establishment of the model.Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and nerve growth factor in the hippocampal CA1 region.The results demonstrated that,compared with the model group,blood lipid levels significantly decreased,glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity was significantly weakened and nerve growth factor immunoreactivity was significantly enhanced in the EA1 and EA2 groups.The repair effect was superior in the EA1 group than in the EA2 group.These findings confirm that EA can reduce blood lipid,inhibit glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and promote nerve growth factor expression in the hippocampal CA1 region after hyperlipidemia and middle cerebral artery thrombosis.All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Animal Use and Management Committee of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine,China(approval No.BUCM-3-2018022802-1002)on April 12,2018.

Effect of Compound Laser Acupuncture-Moxibustion on Blood Glucose, Fasting Insulin and Blood Lipids Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion on blood glucose,fasting insulin and blood lipids levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)rats.Methods:Forty male Wistar rats were ran domly divided into 4 groups,in eluding the no rmal group,model control group,laser group and sham laser group(n=10 per group).The rats in the normal group were fed with a standard diet.Rats in other groups were fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 4 weeks,then intraperitoneally injected with 1%streptozotocin to induce T2DM model.The laser group was irradiated by 10.6 μm and 650 nm compound laser on bilateral Pishu(BL 20),Shenshu(BL 23)and Sanyinjiao(SP 6)for 5 min,6 times a week for 5 weeks.The sham laser group received the same treatment as the laser group,but without laser output.The model control group and normal group were not treated.Blood glucose levels were measured before and after 1,2,3,4 and 5 weeks of treatment.The serum levels of fasting insulin,total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein(LDL),and high-density lipoprotein(HDL)were analyzed after the last treatment.Results:The blood glucose levels in the model control group in creased duri ng the 5 weeks of treatment compared with the no rmal group(P<0.05),while those in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after weekly treatment(P<0.01 or P<0.05).After 1,2 and 3 weeks of treatment,the blood glucose levels in the laser group decreased obviously compared with the sham laser group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared with the normal group,the levels of fasti ng in suli n,TC and LDL in the model control group notably in creased(P<0.01 or P<0.05),while their levels in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after 5 weeks of treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01).However,no statistically significant differences were observed in TG or HDL levels among the 4 groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion of 10.6μm and 650 nm had positive effects on the regulati on of hyperglycemia and insulin resista nee in T2DM rats,which may be a potential treatment for T2DM,and also provide an alternative to the traditional acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.

Acupuncture with reinforcing and reducing twirling manipulation inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

To observe the effects of different acupuncture manipulations on blood pressure and target organ damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats（SHRs）, this study used the reinforcing twirling method（1.5–2-mm depth; rotating needle clockwise for 360° and then counter clockwise for 360°, with the thumb moving heavily forward and gently backward, 60 times per minute for 1 minute, and retaining needle for 9 minutes）, the reducing twirling method（1.5–2-mm depth; rotating needle counter clockwise for 360° and then clockwise for 360°, with the thumb moving heavily backward and gently forward, 60 times per minute for 1 minute, and retaining needle for 9 minutes）, and the needle retaining method（1.5–2-mm depth and retaining the needle for 10 minutes）. Bilateral Taichong（LR3） was treated by acupuncture using different manipulations and manual stimulation. Reinforcing twirling, reducing twirling, and needle retaining resulted in a decreased number of apoptotic cells, reduced Bax m RNA and protein expression, and an increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the hippocampus compared with the SHR group. Among these groups, the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio was highest in the reducing twirling group, and the Bcl-2/Bax m RNA ratio was highest in the needle retaining group. These results suggest that reinforcing twirling, reducing twirling, and needle retaining methods all improve blood pressure and prevent target organ damage by increasing the hippocampal Bcl-2/Bax ratio and inhibiting cell apoptosis in the hippocampus in SHR.

Moxibustion inhibits interleukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor alpha and modulates intestinal flora in rat with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on intestinal flora and release of interleukin-12 (IL-12) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from the colon in rat with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: A rat model of UC was established by local stimulation of the intestine with supernatant from colonic contents harvested from human UC patients. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: normal (sham), model (UC), herb-partition moxibustion (HPM-treated), and positive control sulfasalazine (SA-treated). Rats treated with HPM received HPM at acupuncture points ST25 and RN6, once a day for 15 min, for a total of 8 d. Rats in the SA group were perfused with SA twice a day for 8 d. The colonic histopathology was observed by hematoxylin-eosin. The levels of intestinal flora, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), were tested by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect bacterial 16S rRNA/DNA in order to determine DNA copy numbers of each specific species. Immunohistochemical assays were used to observe the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the rat colons. RESULTS: HPM treatment inhibited immunopathology in colonic tissues of UC rats; the general morphological score and the immunopathological score were significantly decreased in the HPM and SA groups compared with the model group [3.5 (2.0-4.0), 3.0 (1.5-3.5) vs 6.0 (5.5-7.0), P < 0.05 for the general morphological score, and 3.00 (2.00-3.50), 3.00 (2.50-3.50) vs 5.00 (4.50-5.50), P < 0.01 for the immunopathological score]. As measured by DNA copy number, we found that Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are associated with a healthy colon, were significantly higher in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (1.395 ± 1.339, 1.461 ± 1.152 vs 0.045 ± 0.036, P < 0.01 for Bifidobacterium, and 0.395 ± 0.325, 0.851 ± 0.651 vs 0.0015 ± 0.0014, P < 0.01 for Lactobacillus). On the other hand, E. coli and B. fragilis, which are associated with an inflamed colon, were significantly lower in the HPM and SA groups than in the model group (0.244 ± 0.107, 0.628 ± 0.257 vs 1.691 ± 0.683, P < 0.01 for E. coli, and 0.351 ± 0.181, 0.416 ± 0.329 vs 1.285 ± 1.039, P < 0.01 for B. fragilis). The expression of TNF-α and IL-12 was decreased after HPM and SA treatment as compared to UC model alone (4970.81 ± 959.78, 6635.45 ± 1135.16 vs 12333.81 ± 680.79, P < 0.01 for TNF-α, and 5528.75 ± 1245.72, 7477.38 ± 1259.16 vs 12550.29 ± 1973.30, P < 0.01 for IL-12). CONCLUSION: HPM treatment can regulate intestinal flora and inhibit the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in the colon tissues of UC rats, indicating that HPM can improve colonic immune response.

Association between physical activity and digestive-system cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Physical activity(PA)may have an impact on digestive-system cancer(DSC)by improving insulin sensitivity and anticancer immune function and by reducing the exposure of the digestive tract to carcinogens by stimulating gastrointestinal motility,thus reducing transit time.The current study aimed to determine the effect of PA on different types of DSC via a systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods:In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)guidelines,we searched for relevant studies in PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure.Using a random effects model,the relationship between PA and different types of DSC was analyzed.Results:The data used for meta-analysis were derived from 161 risk estimates in 47 studies involving 5,797,768 participants and 55,162 cases.We assessed the pooled associations between high vs.low PA levels and the risk of DSC(risk ratio(RR)=0.82,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.79-0.85),colon cancer(RR=0.81,95%CI:0.76-0.87),rectal cancer(RR=0.88,95%CI:0.80-0.98),colorectal cancer(RR=0.77,95%CI:0.69-0.85),gallbladder cancer(RR=0.79,95%CI:0.64-0.98),gastric cancer(RR=0.83,95%CI:0.76-0.91),liver cancer(RR=0.73,0.60-0.89),oropharyngeal cancer(RR=0.79,95%CI:0.72-0.87),and pancreatic cancer(RR=0.85,95%CI:0.78-0.93).The findings were comparable between case-control studies(RR=0.73,95%CI:0.68-0.78)and prospective cohort studies(RR=0.88,95%CI:0.80-0.91).The meta-analysis of 9 studies reporting low,moderate,and high PA levels,with 17 risk estimates,showed that compared to low PA,moderate PA may also reduce the risk of DSC(RR=0.89,95%CI:0.80-1.00),while compared to moderate PA,high PA seemed to slightly increase the risk of DSC,although the results were not statistically significant(RR=1.11,95%CI:0.94-1.32).In addition,limited evidence from 5 studies suggested that meeting the international PA guidelines might not significantly reduce the risk of DSC(RR=0.96,95%CI:0.91-1.02).Conclusion:Compared to previous research,this systematic review has provided more comprehensive information about the inverse relationship between PA and DSC risk.The updated evidence from the current meta-analysis indicates that a moderate-to-high PA level is a common protective factor that can significantly lower the overall risk of DSC.However,the reduction rate for specific cancers may vary.In addition,limited evidence suggests that meeting the international PA guidelines might not significantly reduce the risk of DSC.Thus,future studies must be conducted to determine the optimal dosage,frequency,intensity,and duration of PA required to reduce DSC risk effectively.

Electroacupuncture regulates the stress-injury-repair chain of events after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Inflammation after stroke is the main cause of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cascading events after injury can lead to cell death. Heat shock protein 70 and other endogenous injury-signaling molecules are released by damaged cells, which can lead to systemic stress reactions. Protecting the brain through repair begins with the stress-injury-repair signaling chain. This study aimed to verify whether acupuncture acts through this chain to facilitate effective treatment of ischemic stroke. Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by Zea Longa＇s method, and injury sites were identified by assessing neurological function, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Electroacupuncture at acupoints Baihui（DU20） and Zusanli（ST36） was performed in the model rats with dilatational waves, delivered for 20 minutes a day at 2–100 Hz and an amplitude of 2 m A. We analyzed the blood serum from the rats and found that inflammatory cytokines affected the levels of adrenotrophin and heat shock protein 70, each of which followed a similar bimodal curve. Specifically, electroacupuncture lowered the peak levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone and heat shock protein 70. Thus, electroacupuncture was able to inhibit excessive stress, reduce inflammation, and promote the repair of neurons, which facilitated healing of ischemic stroke.