[Electroacupuncture preconditioning relieves cutaneous passive anaphylaxis by down-regulating IP3 mediated ROS/TRPM2 signaling pathway and inhibiting mast cell degranulation in rats with urticaria].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning of "Quchi" (LI11) and "Xuehai" (SP10) on mast cell (MC) degranulation, and expressions of inositol triphosphate(IP3), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transient receptor potential (TRP) M2, calmodulin (CaM) in rats with urticaria, so as to reveal its molecular mechanism under-lying improving urticaria. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, preconditioning of EA (Pre-EA) and medication groups (n=8 rats/group). The urticaria model was established by intradermal injection of dilute allogeneic antioalbumin serum at the spots of the bilateral symmetry of the spine on the back, and followed by tail venous injection of mixture solution of egg albumin diluent, plus 0.5% Evans blue and normal saline. Ten days before the end of modeling, rats of the pre-EA group received EA stimulation of LI11 and SP10 for 20 min, once a day for 10 consecutive days, and those of the medication group received gavage of loratadine tablets diluted solution (1 mg/kg) once a day for 10 days. The times of rat's scratching the sensitized skin were recorded, the diameter of the sensitized blue spots was measured and the degranulation rate of skin MCs was counted under microscope after toluidine blue staining. The expression levels of IP3, ROS, TRPM2 and CaM in the skin tissue were measured by immunohistochemistry and western blot, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the scratching times, diameter of the sensitized blue spots, degranulation rate of MCs, and the expression levels of ion channel related proteins (IP3, ROS, TRPM2 and CaM) were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the scratching times, diameter of sensitized blue spot, degranulation rate of MCs, and the expression levels of IP3, ROS, TRPM2 and CaM in both pre-EA and medication groups were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant differences were found between Pre-EA and medication groups in down-regulating the levels of the above-mentioned 7 indexes. CONCLUSION: EA-LI11 and SP10 preconditioning can reduce the cutaneous anaphylaxis in urticaria rats, which may be related to its effects in inhibiting the degranulation of MCs, and the expression of TRP channel related proteins.

[The Impact of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expression of 5-HTR 1 B/2 C Genes in Mice under Radiation Stimulation from Mobile Phone].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Yifen" (TE 17), "Shenshu" (BL 23) on the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1 B (5-HTR 1 B) mRNA and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2 C (5-HTR 2 C) mRNA in the cochlear nucleus tissue in mice experiencing radiation from mobile phone, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of tinnitus. METHODS: Thirty Kunming mice were randomly divided into control group (n = 6) and modeling group (n = 24). The tinnitus model was established by giving the mice with mobile phone-radiation for 1 h in the morning and 1 h in the afternoon, continuously for 40 days. EA stimulation was applied to "Yifeng" (TE 17) group (n = 6) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) group (n = 6) for 20 min, once a day for 7 days. The expression of 5-THR 1 B/2 C mRNA in the cochlear nucleus was assayed by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real time-PCR). RESULTS: The expression level of 5-HTR 1 B was significantly lower in the model group than in the control group (P < 0.05), while that of 5-HTR 2 C mRNA significantly increased (P < 0.01). TE 17 group received a significant acupoint intervention effect (P < 0.01). Compared with TE 17 group, BL 23 group received a weaker effect (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of TE 17 can up-regulate expression level of 5-HTR 1 B and down-regulate expression level of 5-HTR 2 C in the cochlear nucleus in mice experiencing mobile-phone radiation.

[Effect of electro-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) and Lieque (LU7) on the expression of protein kinases in cardiomyocytes of myocardial ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC6) and Lieque (LU7) on the expression of protein kinases in cardiomyocytes of myocardial ischemia (MI) rats. METHODS: Healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the Neiguan point group, the Lieque point group, and the non-meridian non-acupoint group, 10 in each group by random digit table. The MI rat model was established by injecting isoprenaline hydrochloride (85 mg/kg). EA at Neiguan (PC6), Lieque (LU7), and non-meridian non-acupoint were respectively performed. Changes of the expression of protein kinases [such as protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), protein kinase G (PKG)] in rat cardiomyocytes were observed using Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, expression levels of PKA, PKC, and PKG increased obviously in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, expression levels of PKA, PKC, and PKG decreased in the Neiguan point group and the Lieque point group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Expression levels of PKA decreased in the non-meridian non-acupoint group (P < 0.01). Compared with the Neiguan point group, expression levels of PKA, PKC, and PKG increased in the non-meridian non-acupoint group and the Lieque point group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared with the Lieque point group, expression levels of PKA, PKC, and PKG increased in the non-meridian non-acupoint group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at Neiguan (PC6) and Lieque (LU7) could decrease protein expression levels of PKA, PKC and PKG in rat myocardial cells, and the effect of acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) was better than that obtained by EA at Lieque (LU7).

The Beneficial Effects of Electro-acupuncture at PC6 (Neiguan-point) of Gene and Protein Expressions of Classical Inward-rectifier Potassium Channels in Myocardial Ischemic Rats.

This study is aim to investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture at PC6 (Neiguan-point) on the gene and protein expressions of classical inward-rectifier potassium channels (Kir) in myocardial ischemia (MI) rats induced by isoproterenol (ISO). With ten for each one, 50 rats were divided into 5 groups which were control group, MI group, PC6 group, LU7 (Lieque-point) group and non-acupoint group. The control group was injected normal saline solution (85 mg/kg), the other groups were injected ISO (85 mg/kg). All the rats were injected once daily for two days and recorded electrocardiograms (ECGs) after every injection. Electro-acupuncture (EA) was operated at PC6, LU7 and non-acupoint respectively in the rats of PC6 group, LU7 group and non-acupoint group after twice injections. EA was performed to these three groups with disperse-dense wave (4-20 Hz), pulse amplitude of 14V, 20 mins a day remaining 7 days. The gene and protein expressions of Kir2.1, Kir2.2 and Kir2.3 were analyzed by Western Immunoblotting Technology (Western Blot) and Real-time Fluorescence Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). But it is regrettable that we did not detect meaningful gene and protein expressions Kir2.3, and the expressions of Kir2.1 and Kir2.2 in MI induced groups were lower [The gene and protein decreased 39.4 ± 27.3% and 38.7 ± 17.1% respectively.] than control group (P < 0.05). Compared with MI group, the results of PC6 group and LU7 group increased [PC6 group: the gene and protein increased 42.9 25.0% and 42.2 ± 10.0% respectively. LU7 group: the gene and protein increased 23.8 ± 50.1% and 21.1 ± 32.5% respectively.] obviously (P < 0.05) after EA, furthermore the expressions of PC6 group were higher [The gene and protein increased 15.4 ± 16.7% and 17.3 ± 60% respectively.] than LU7 group (P < 0.05). The results show that PC6 has a better positive effect than LU7 on MI rats, and the mechanism is probably that EA at PC6 can significantly increase the gene and protein expressions of Kir2.1 and Kir2.2.

[Anti-arrhythmic research situation and thinking of traditional Chinese medicine monomer].

The basic physiological function of anti-arrhythmic drugs is affects myocardial cell membrane ion channels. Change the ion flow and affect cell electrophysiological properties, change the conduction velocity, eliminate retrace, inhibit autorhythmicity and trigger events, inhibit the occurrence of arrhythmia, but will trigger a new activities, new retrace, produce new arrhythmia. In recent years, with the improvement of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine and the production of new research methods, Chinese medicine treatment of arrhythmia has a new development. This article summarized the recent decades of which Chinese medicine monomer anti-arrhythmic drugs that had been proved by the influence of monomer anti-arrhythmic drugs, lists the differents traditional Chinese medicinal materials which chemical composition and the effective of the anti-arrhythmic effects, shows the unique advantages of Chinese medicine in the aspect of anti-arrhythmic, and points out that the current Chinese medicine in anti-arrhythmic (monomer) existing problems and solutions.

The beneficial effect of electro-acupuncture given at PC6 (Neiguan-point) by the increase in cardiac transient outward K+ current channel which depends on the gene and protein expressions in artificially induced myocardial ischemia rats.

This study explored the mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) at PC6 to improve the heart function by regulating the cardiac transient outward potassium current (= Ito) channel in myocardial ischemia (MI). Kv1.4 is the main component of the slow Ito (Ito.s) channel. Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 are the main components of the fast Ito (Ito.f) channel. KChIP2 is a compound protein of Ito channel. In this experiment, MI was induced by injecting isoproterenol in rats, and the gene and protein expressions of Kv1.4, Kv4.2, Kv4.3 and KChIP2 were lower [The gene and protein decreased (42.8 ± 4.3)% and (37.2 ± 4.7)% respectively.] than the control rats significantly (p < 0.05). After MI induction, the MI rats were divided into three groups, including PC6, LU7 (Lieque-point) and Non-acupoint group which were acupunctured at once a day for 7 days respectively. After EA at PC6 and LU7, the gene and protein expressions showed obvious increased [EA at PC6: the gene and protein increased (50.24 ± 5.4)% and (39.14 ± 5.3)% respectively. EA at LU7: the gene and protein increased (24.6 ± 2.8)% and (22.04 ± 5.5)% respectively] and they are all higher than MI rats significantly (p < 0.05). EA at PC6 and LU7 showed the same variation, and the effects of EA at PC6 and LU7 were better than Non-acupuncture-point (p < 0.05). The effects of EA at PC6 were significantly better [The gene and protein increased (19.74 ± 2.7)% and (14.14 ± 4.4)% respectively] than LU7 (p < 0.05). PC6 is an acupoint of the pericardium meridian, and the pericardium meridian which corresponds to adrenal gland according to Omura Y's research, can affect the heart function directly LU7 belong to the lung meridian, and the lung plays an important factor in blood circulation according to TCM. So PC6 is more effective than LU7 on heart function regulation. The results suggested that PC6 showed the target effect of meridian specificity on regulating the Kv channel in MI.

Effects of five parent-and-child risk factors on salivary cortisol levels and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in school-age, critically ill children: pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the contributions of risk factors to the psychological and neuroendocrine status of children admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and explored the feasibility of a full-scale study of these risk factors. METHODS: A prospective, correlational design was used. Risk factors included parental stress, parental anxiety, child anxiety, severity of the child's illness, and invasive procedures administered to the child. Outcomes variables were pediatric posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and salivary cortisol levels. Measures were taken at 3 time points over 3 months. RESULTS: The mothers' state anxiety significantly increased over time, whereas the children's PTSD symptoms decreased. Most children with average or high anxiety demonstrated varying degrees of PTSD symptomatology, whereas children with low anxiety exhibited doubtful or mild symptoms of PTSD. As the severity of PTSD symptoms increased over time, the level of salivary cortisol decreased at two weeks and three months after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Predicted trends in data were found and warrant further investigation, using a similar methodology in a full-scale study with an emphasis on recruiting the most seriously ill children.

Effects of integrated trauma treatment on outcomes in a racially/ethnically diverse sample of women in urban community-based substance abuse treatment.

This study presents findings from a quasiexperimental, nonequivalent, group-design study with repeated measures that explored the effects of integrated trauma-informed services on the severity of substance abuse, mental health, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology among women with histories of trauma in urban, community-based substance abuse treatment. The study also explored if the model of integrated services was equally beneficial for women of various racial/ethnic groups. Participants in the study were 342 women receiving substance abuse treatment in intervention and comparison sites. Results indicated that at 6 and 12 month follow-ups, those in the trauma-informed intervention group, in contrast to the comparison group, had significantly better outcomes in drug abstinence rates in the past 30 days as well as in mental health and PTSD symptomatology. Results also showed that, overall, integrated services were beneficial for women across the different racial/ethnic groups in substance abuse treatment, although some differences appear to exist across racial/ethnic groups in improving addiction severity and mental health and PTSD symptomatology.

Child custody and visitation decisions when the father has perpetrated violence against the mother.

This research evaluated the effectiveness of statutes mandating a presumption against custody to a perpetrator of domestic violence (DV) and judicial education about DV. Across six states, the authors examined 393 custody and/or visitation orders where the father perpetrated DV against the mother and surveyed 60 judges who entered those orders. With the presumption, more orders gave legal and physical custody to the mother and imposed a structured schedule and restrictive conditions on fathers' visits, except where there was also a "friendly parent" provision and a presumption for joint custody. The presumption is effective only as part of a consistent statutory scheme. Although 86% of judges had received DV education, they scored no better in knowledge or attitudes. More of their orders gave mothers sole physical custody, and knowledge was associated with maternal custody, yet fewer structured or restricted fathers' visitation. Quality of DV education is more important than statutory mandate.

HIV prevention community planning: enhancing data-informed decision-making.

The primary purpose of this study was to test the impact of the first year of a 3-year intervention designed to enhance the use of behavioral data in the Massachusetts HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (MPPG). A one-group, pretest-posttest, nonequivalent independent variables, quasi-experimental design was used to assess changes before and after the first year of implementing strategies to enhance the use of behavioral data in decision-making. Over 90% of the CPG members completed surveys at baseline and at the end of the first year of the intervention. Consistent with the focus of the MPPG intervention in Year One, significant improvements were found from baseline to follow-up in member perceptions of decision-making structure and leadership, satisfaction with prevention planning processes, and intervention prioritization decisions. Findings provide preliminary evidence for the impact on member satisfaction of changes in CPG organizational structures and processes, including redistribution of power and broader constituent representation.

HIV prevention community planning: challenges and opportunities for data-informed decision-making.

The use of data in decision-making by the Massachusetts Prevention Planning Group (MPPG) was assessed using multiple methods: in-depth interviews, member surveys, directed observations, and archival review. Three factors known to influence group decision-making were of interest: (1) member characteristics, (2) group structure, and (3) data inputs. Membership characteristics were not related to reliance on data. However, group structure factors and data inputs were directly related to reliance on data. Most members accepted an advisory role and felt participation was worthwhile. About half were dissatisfied with decision-making processes, citing member conflicts and distrust. Incompleteness of data, inadequate presentation quality, and lengthy intervals between presentations and actual decision-making were identified as deficits. Although most members reported skills with HIV- and intervention-related data, most also reported deficiencies in interpreting evaluation and cost-effectiveness studies. Member trust and use of data in decision-making could be improved by clarifying decision-making structures and processes, assuring high-quality data presentations, and supporting or training members to better interpret and use data.

Heterosexual behavioral maintenance and change following HIV counseling and testing.

This study investigated heterosexual HIV risk behaviors, changes in stage of change for safer sex and factors associated with such changes, among a diverse sample of 560 heterosexually active individuals presenting at publicly funded HIV C&T sites. Questionnaires were administrated before HIV C&T, and three months afterwards. Positive serostatus was the most significant predictor of safer behavior after C&T. Many seronegative participants stopped sex with non-main partners. Behaviors with main partners were particularly resistant to change. Predictors of change varied by stage at pre-test. C&T services should tailor approaches and referrals based on stage of change and other client characteristics.