Understanding the Relationship Between Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Cerebral Ischemic Stroke: A Preclinical Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Background: Cerebral blood flow and vascular structures serve as the fundamental components of brain metabolism and circulation. Acupuncture, an alternative and complementary medical approach, has demonstrated efficacy in treating cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the impact of acupuncture on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function remain uncertain. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the alterations in VSMC function following acupuncture stimulation in CIS models. Methods: The databases PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE were queried until November 2022 using a predetermined search strategy. The FORMAT BY SYRCLE guidelines were adhered to, and the risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using the Risk of Bias tool developed by the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation. The random-effects model was employed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD). Results: Eighteen articles are included in this review. Acupuncture showed significant positive effects on the region cerebral blood flow (SMD=8.15 [95% CI, 4.52 to 11.78]) and neurological deficiency (SMD=-3.75 [95% CI, -5.54 to -1.97]). Descriptive analysis showed a probable mechanism of acupuncture stimulation in CIS rats related to VSMC function. Limitations and publication bias were presented in the studies. Conclusion: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, our findings indicate that acupuncture stimulation has the potential to improve regional cerebral blood flow and alleviate neurological deficits, possibly by regulating VSMC function. However, it is important to exercise caution when interpreting these results due to the limitations of animal experimental design and methodological quality.

Disease spectrum and strategy of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of encephalopathy. / è„‘ç— é’ˆç¸æ²»ç–—çš„ç— è°±ä¸Žç­–ç•¥æ€è€ƒ.

The paper presents the summary of the spectrum of encephalopathy treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and the analysis on the existing questions in its clinical research, and proposes the potential strategies on treatment of encephalopathy with acupuncture and moxibustion. The spectrum of encephalopathy includes 23 diseases of central nervous system (superspinal center) and 33 kinds of mental and behavioral disorders. There are three problems in clinical research of acupuncture and moxibustion for encephalopathy, i.e. lack of high-quality clinical evidences, inadequate support from theoretic study of TCM and limited study on the rules of treatment. Hence, the author proposes five strategies on the treatment of encephalopathy with acupuncture and moxibustion, i.e. ① stimulating the peripheral nerve trunk associated with brain dysfunction, triggering the interaction between peripheral and central nerves and emphasizing the autonomic rehabilitation training to promote the reorganization of brain function; ② improving the cerebral circulation and metabolism by stimulating the trigeminal nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion; ③ stimulating the sites with high-dense distribution of peripheral nerve endings and the large projection area in the somatosensory region of the brain to induce strong brain responses, which may adjust the abnormal operation of the default mode network in the resting state; ④ stimulating the vagus nerve to improve the mood, suppressing the abnormal firing of brain neurons and stimulating the sites with the stellate ganglion distributed to modulate the hypothalamic function; ⑤ delivering the therapeutic regimens in association with the specific conditions and symptoms, and the classification of the physical signs on the base of the treatment of encephalopathy.

Understanding the mechanism of acupuncture in acute cerebral infraction through a proteomic analysis: protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: Acute cerebral infarction (ACI), being the predominant form of stroke, presents challenges in terms of the limited effectiveness of various treatments in improving the neurological function. Although acupuncture shows promise in addressing ACI, the availability of high-quality evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and underlying mechanism remains insufficient. In this study, we design a multicenter, prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with the aim of evaluating the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for ACI, making an attempt to unveil the molecular mechanisms by proteomic. Methods: A total of 132 patients involving four hospitals will be randomized at a 1:1:1 ratio in the acupuncture group, control group, and sham acupuncture group. All the patients will receive basic treatment, and the patients in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups will also receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture treatment, respectively, at six sessions each week for a 2 weeks period, followed by 3 months of follow-up. The primary outcome will be the change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores after treatment. The secondary outcomes will include the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) scale scores and the Barthel Index (BI). Adverse events that occur during the trial will be documented. To discover differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their roles between the ACI subjects and healthy controls, we will also perform 4D-DIA quantitative proteomics analysis, and the DEPs will be confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This study was approved by the institutional review board of the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TYLL2023043). Written informed consent from patients is required. This trial is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300079204). Trial results will be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal. Discussion: The results of this study will determine the preliminary efficacy and safety of acupuncture in ACI patients and whether the mechanism of this form of non-pharmacologic stimulation is mediated by a novel therapeutic target for neurorehabilitation through our proteomic analysis. Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300079204.

The light and hypoxia induced gene ZmPORB1 determines tocopherol content in the maize kernel.

Tocopherol is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant beneficial for both human health and plant growth. Here, we fine mapped a major QTL-qVE1 affecting γ-tocopherol content in maize kernel, positionally cloned and confirmed the underlying gene ZmPORB1 (por1), as a protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase. A 13.7 kb insertion reduced the tocopherol and chlorophyll content, and the photosynthetic activity by repressing ZmPORB1 expression in embryos of NIL-K22, but did not affect the levels of the tocopherol precursors HGA (homogentisic acid) and PMP (phytyl monophosphate). Furthermore, ZmPORB1 is inducible by low oxygen and light, thereby involved in the hypoxia response in developing embryos. Concurrent with natural hypoxia in embryos, the redox state has been changed with NO increasing and H2O2 decreasing, which lowered γ-tocopherol content via scavenging reactive nitrogen species. In conclusion, we proposed that the lower light-harvesting chlorophyll content weakened embryo photosynthesis, leading to fewer oxygen supplies and consequently diverse hypoxic responses including an elevated γ-tocopherol consumption. Our findings shed light on the mechanism for fine-tuning endogenous oxygen concentration in the maize embryo through a novel feedback pathway involving the light and low oxygen regulation of ZmPORB1 expression and chlorophyll content.

[Construction of a core outcome set in clinical research of acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of adhesive capsulitis].

This study aims to construct the core outcome set for the clinical trials of adhesive capsulitis treated with acupuncture and moxibustion. Using systematic review, semi-structured interview, Delphi questionnaire survey, analytic hierarchy process and expert consensus meeting, the primary outcomes are obtained, i.e. local tenderness, pain degree during movement, range of motion, changes in range of motion, function score, and score of local symptoms of shoulder joint. The secondary outcomes are myofascial thickness, thickness of the inferior wall of the joint capsule, health status, activity of daily living, incidence of adverse events, laboratory indexes, vital signs, cost-effectiveness, total effective rate, and patient satisfaction. It is expected to provide a reference for the outcome selection in clinical trials and the generation of medical evidences in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis with acupuncture and moxibustion.

Molecular Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Regulating Cerebral Arterial Contractile Protein in Rats with Cerebral Infarction Based on MLCK Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on the vasoconstriction of cerebral artery smooth muscle cells after cerebral infarction. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table: the model group (n=24), the EA group (n=24), and the normal group (n=6). The model and the EA groups were divided into different time subgroups at 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), with 6 rats in each subgroup. MCAO model was established using intraluminal suture occlusion method. The EA group was given EA treatment at acupoint Shuigou (GV 26) instantly after MCAO for 20 min. The contents of cerebrovascular smooth muscle MLCK, the 3 subunits of myosin light chain phosphatase (MLCP) MYPT1, PP1c-δ and M20, as well as myosin-ATPase activity were detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS: The overall expression level of the MYPT1 and PP1c-δ in the model group was significantly higher (P<0.01). After EA intervention, the 0.5 h group expression level was close to that of the normal group (P>0.05), and the other subgroups were still significantly higher than the normal group (P<0.01). After EA intervention, the expression level of each subgroup was significantly lower than the corresponding model group. There was a significant difference between the 0.5 and 1 h subgroups (P<0.01), while a difference was also observed between the 3 and 6 h subgroups (P<0.05). The dynamic change rule gradually increased with the prolongation of infarction time within 6 h after infarction. CONCLUSION: EA intervention can inhibit contraction of cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells and regulate smooth muscle relaxation by regulating MLCK pathway.

Assessment of reporting quality in randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for labor pain.

Objective: To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for labor pain, and to explore relevant factors for facilitating reporting transparency and integrity for future RCTs. Method: Eight Chinese and English databases were systematically searched from their inception until August 31, 2021. General characteristics and methodological quality of the included reports were evaluated based on the CONSORT statement and the STRICTA guidelines. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Cohen's κ-statistics were calculated to assess the agreement of all items between two reviewers. Results: A total of 84 RCTs were included. Based on the CONSORT statement, a positive reporting rate (greater than 80%) was evident for the items "trial design" "participants" "intervention" "outcomes" "numbers analyzed" and "generalizability". The quality of reporting for the items "randomized in the title or abstract" "sample size" "allocation concealment" "implementation" "blinding" "recruitment" "ancillary analyses" "harms" "interpretation" "registration" and "protocol" was poor with positive rates less than 10%. Based on the STRICTA guidelines, the items "extent to which treatment varied" "number of needle insertions per subject per session" and "control or comparator interventions" had poor reporting quality with positive rates of less than 10%. Substantial agreement was observed for most items and excellent agreement for some items. Conclusion: The reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for labor pain is suboptimal generally. Rigorous adherence to the CONSORT statement and the STRICTA guidelines should be emphasized in future studies to improve the quality of acupuncture RCT reports.

Adverse Reaction of Acupuncture and Antihypertensive Drugs for Treatment of Essential hypertension: A Protocol for Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Hypertension, as a high risk factor of cardiovascular disease, has led to a significant upward trend in the population and incidence of the disease. Hypertension patients need to take antihypertensive drugs for life, and therefore people gradually pay more attention to the adverse reactions of antihypertensive drugs. This study protocol outlines a plan to assess the adverse reaction of the different antihypertensive drugs and acupuncture in order for clinical application. Objective: To compare the side effects of different antihypertensive drugs and acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension. Methods: and analysis. We will search the databases containing CNKI, Wan-Fang database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database(VIP), PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of commonly used antihypertensive drugs or acupuncture for primary hypertension will be obtained. Then, Stata14.0 and Gemtc will be used to assess the statistics. Ethics and dissemination. Since no personal patient consent will be required in the study, there is no ethical approval. The results of this reporting will be submitted to a peer-reviewed publication. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020152703.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Vasomotor Symptoms in Rats with Acute Cerebral Infarction Based on Phosphatidylinositol System.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on vasomotor symptoms in rats with acute cerebral infarction, by observing the changes in the expression of factors related to the phosphatidylinositol (PI) system. METHODS: Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table: the control group (n=6), the model group (n=18) and the EA group (n=18). The EA group was given EA treatment at Shuigou (GV 26) instantly after modeling with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method, while the model and control groups were not given any treatment. The degrees of neurological deficiency were evaluated using neurological severity scores (NSS) and the brain blood flow was evaluated by a laser scanning confocal microscope. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of G-protein subtype (Gq) and calmodulin (CaM). Competition for protein binding was conducted to detect the expression level of inositol triphosphate (IP3). Thin layer quantitative analysis was conducted to detect the expression level of diacylglycerol (DAG). The expression level of intracellular concentration of free calcium ion ([Ca2+]i) was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The NSS of the model group was significantly higher than the control group at 3 and 6 h after MCAO (P<0.01), while the EA group was significantly lower than the model group at 6 h (P<0.01). The cerebral blood flow in the model group was significantly lower than the control group at 1, 3 and 6 h after MCAO (P<0.01), while for the EA group it was remarkably higher than the model group at the same time points (P<0.01). The expressions of Gq, CaM, IP3, DAG and [Ca2+]i in the model group were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and those in the EA group were significantly lower than the model group at the same time points (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA treatment at GV 26 can effectively decrease the over-expression of related factors of PI system in rats with acute cerebral infarction, improve cerebral autonomy movement, and alleviate cerebral vascular spasm.

[Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training for balance dysfunction in patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training on balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 105 stroke patients with balance dysfunction were randomly divided into a combined group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a scalp acupuncture group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a suspension training group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The scalp acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at bilateral suboccipital lateral line, parietal midline, upper 1/5 line of anterior oblique line of parietal and temporal and line 1 of the parietal lateral line on the opposite side of hemiplegia. The suspension training group was treated with suspension training. The combined group was treated with suspension training at the same time of scalp acupuncture. All the treatment was given once a day, 30 min each time, 5 days a week, for a total of 6 weeks. The Berg balance scale (BBS) score, balance tester and Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) score were used to evaluate the motor function and balance ability before treatment, 3 and 6 weeks into treatment. The clinical efficacy was evaluated in the 3 groups. RESULTS: The scores of BBS and FMA in each group at 3 and 6 weeks into treatment were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05); the scores of BBS and FMA in the combined group were higher than those in the scalp acupuncture group and the suspension training group (P<0.05). At 3 and 6 weeks into treatment, the length and area of centroid locus of balance tester in each group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05); the length and area of centroid locus of balance tester in the combined group were lower than those in the scalp acupuncture group and the suspension training group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the combined group was 97.0% (32/33), which was higher than 87.5% (28/32) in the scalp acupuncture group and 90.9% (30/33) in the suspension training group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Scalp acupuncture combined with suspension training could improve the balance ability and motor function in stroke patients with balance dysfunction, and the curative effect is better than simple scalp acupuncture and simple suspension training.

[Electroacupuncture of "Shuigou"(GV26) improves neurological function by promoting angioge-nesis and Shh signaling in ischemic cerebral tissue of rats with cerebral infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Shuigou" (GV26) on the activities of sonic hedgehog(Shh) signaling molecules (Shh, Ptch, Smo，Gli and Gli2) in ischemic brain tissues in rats with cerebral ischemia (CI), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CI. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group(n=10), sham operation group (n=90), model group(n=90) and EA group (n=90). The CI model was established by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCAO). According to the postoperative time points of MCAO, the later three groups were further divided into 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h, and 3, 7 and 12 d subgroups, with 10 rats in each subgroup. EA (15 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to GV26 for 20 min. The 1 h to 24 h subgroups were treated immediately after modeling, the 3-12 d subgroups treated one time a day. The neurological severity score (NSS, 0 to 18 points) was used to evaluate the rats' neurological function, and TTC staining was employed to assess the cerebral ischemic volume (percentage of cerebral infarct volume, CIV). Western blot was employed to detect the expression of Shh, Ptch, Smo, Gli1 and Gli2 proteins in the ischemic cerebral tissue. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the NSS scores of the model group increased at all time points (P<0.01). The percentages of CIV of the model group from 3 h to 12 d were obviously higher than those of the sham operation group (P<0.01). The NSS scores at 3, 7 and 12 d and the percentages of CIV at 1, 3, 7 and 12 d after MCAO were significant lower in the EA group than in the model group (P<0.05). The protein expression levels of Shh from 12 h to 12 d (i.e. 12 h, 24 h, 3, 7 and 12 d), Ptch from 6 h to 12 d, Smo from 9 h to 12 d, Gli1 at 9 h, 12 h, and from 3 d to 12 d, Gli2 at 6, 9 and 12 h, and 3 d were significantly higher in the model group than in the sham operation group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while those of Shh at 3, 7 and 12 d, Ptch from 24 h to 7 d, Smo from 12 h to 7 d, Gli1 from 24 h to 7 d, Gli2 at 12 h, 3 and 7 d were significantly higher in the EA group than in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). No statistical significances were found between the sham operation and the blank control groups in all the indexes mentioned above (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of GV26 can improve neurological function and reduce infarct volume in MCAO rats, which may be related to its function in up-regulating the activities of Shh signaling pathway in the ischemic cerebral tissues.

[Research progress on mechanisms of bidirectional regulation of acupuncture].

Bidirectional regulation is one of the key function of acupuncture. The stimulator, mediator and receptor are the basis while the specificity of acupoints and the multi-target regulation of receptors receiving stimulation signals are the essential link of the bidirectional regulation of acupuncture. The possible mechanisms of bidirectional regulation of acupuncture are discussed in 4 aspects, i.e. homeostasis mechanism, stress reaction, central adaptive regulation and autonomic nerve regulation. Knowing the limitations of bidirectional regulation and exploring suitable researchmethods are proposed to be the key points in future researches.

Efficacy evaluation and mechanism study of electroacupuncture intervention in acute phase of IFP: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies had already reported the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment for idiopathic facial nerve palsy (IFP) in a recovery phase; however, the initial use of electroacupuncture in the acute phase remains controversial. Hence, in the present study, we will add electroacupuncture intervention based on oral prednisone tablets in the acute phase of IFP and compare the clinical effects with simple oral prednisone tablets. Besides, the prognosis and safety will be evaluated. The present study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy, prognosis, and safety of electroacupuncture combined with oral prednisone tablets in the acute phase of IFP, using surface electromyography (sEMG) to objectively observe the recovery of facial expression muscle function. In addition, the morphological changes of the facial nerve were observed dynamically by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the acute phase to reveal the effect mechanism of this therapy. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials will be conducted in the first teaching hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China from September 2020 to April 2021. The treatment will be carried out in two phases, including the acute phase and the recovery phase. Eighty IFP patients will be recruited and randomized into two groups with a 1:1 ratio. Subjects in the acute phases of the control group will be given oral prednisone tablets, based on the control group, and subjects of the experimental group will be given electroacupuncture therapy simultaneously in the acute phase. Both groups will be stopped taking prednisone tablets and turn to electroacupuncture therapy in a recovery phase. Patients in the experimental group will receive treatment at least 6 times in the acute phase and both groups will receive treatment 9 times in the recovery phase, and there will be a follow-up period of 15 days after the treatment. The primary outcome is supposed to be related to the changes observed in the Sunnybrook (Toronto) Facial Grading System (SFGS) on the baseline and day 30 after the onset. Secondary outcome measures will include House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System (H-B), measurement of Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), Facial Disability Index scale (FDI, including physical function subscore, FDIP, and social functioning and well-being subscore, FDIS), surface electromyogram (sEMG), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adverse events will be recorded for safety assessment. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will allow the present study to compare the difference in efficacy and prognosis between the strategy of combined electroacupuncture in the acute phase and only oral prednisone tablets. The findings from this trial will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CHICTR ChiCTR2000038472 . Registered on 23 September 2020.

[Acupotomy combined with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy in treatment of sensory impairment in the recovery stage of cerebral infarction: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect on sensory impairment in the recovery stage of cerebral infarction between the combined treatment of acupotomy and Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy (for regaining consciousness and opening the orifices) and the simple application of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with cerebral infarction in the recovery stage were randomized into an observation group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (40 cases, 1 case dropped off). On the basis of the conventional treatment of internal medicine, in the control group, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy was adopted at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc., once daily, 6 times a week. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, acupotomy was used at extraoccipital protuberance, posterior atlas nodules, cervical facet ligaments and posterior transverse nodules, once a week. The total treatment duration was 4 weeks. The scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were observed before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, FMA scores were increased and VAS scores were decreased in the patients of the two groups (P<0.05). The increase range of FMA score and the decrease range of VAS score in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 89.5% (34/38) in the observation group, higher than 76.9% (30/39) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of acupotomy and Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy relieves sensory impairment and pain symptoms in the patients with cerebral infarction in the recovery stage and its therapeutic effect is better than the simple use of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture therapy.

Phenotypic Plasticity Contributes to Maize Adaptation and Heterosis.

Plant phenotypic plasticity describes altered phenotypic performance of an individual when grown in different environments. Exploring genetic architecture underlying plant plasticity variation may help mitigate the detrimental effects of a rapidly changing climate on agriculture, but little research has been done in this area to date. In the present study, we established a population of 976 maize F1 hybrids by crossing 488 diverse inbred lines with two elite testers. Genome-wide association study identified hundreds of quantitative trait loci associated with phenotypic plasticity variation across diverse F1 hybrids, the majority of which contributed very little variance, in accordance with the polygenic nature of these traits. We identified several quantitative trait locus regions that may have been selected during the tropical-temperate adaptation process. We also observed heterosis in terms of phenotypic plasticity, in addition to the traditional genetic value differences measured between hybrid and inbred lines, and the pattern of which was affected by genetic background. Our results demonstrate a landscape of phenotypic plasticity in maize, which will aid in the understanding of its genetic architecture, its contribution to adaptation and heterosis, and how it may be exploited for future maize breeding in a rapidly changing environment.

[Effect of manual acupuncture of "Shuigou" (GV26)"Neiguan" (PC6) on neurological function and expression of apoptosis-related factors in brain tissues surrounding hematoma in intracerebral hemorrhage rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of manual acupuncture stimulation of "Shuigou" (GV26) and "Neiguan" (PC6) on neurological function and expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 in brain tissues around the intracerebral hematoma in rats with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), so as to explore its possible mechanisms underlying improvement of ICH. METHODS: Ninety-six male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control, model, acupoint and non-acupoint (24 rats in each group). The ICH model was established by injection of the rat's autologous blood into the caudate nucleus. According to the time-points of 6, 24, 48 and 72 h after ICH, each of the 4 groups was further divided into 4 subgroups. For rats of the acupoint group, the PC6 on both sides was manually stimulated by manipulating the needle with lifting-thrusting-twisting reducing techniques, while the GV26 was stimulated with strong "sparrow-pecking" method for 10 times, then, left the needles in the acupoints for 30 min. For rats of the non-acupoint group, two non-acupoints: mid-spot below the bilateral axilla and the spot 3 mm above the left side of the coccyx tip were stimulated with the same methods to PC6 and GV26, respectively. For rats of the 6 h and 24 h subgroups, the intervention was given once after waking up from modeling, and for those of the 48 and 72 h subgroups, the intervention was conducted once a day for 2 or 3 times, respectively. The neurological severity score (NSS) was used to evaluate the degree of neurological function. The immunoactivity (expression) of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins of the hematoma focus of the brain was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Following modeling, the NSS and the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins in the brain tissues surrounding the hematoma at each time-points (6, 24, 48 and 72h) after modeling were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the NSS at 72h and the expression levels of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins at 6, 24, 48 and 72h were significantly down-regulated in the acupoint group (P<0.05) rather than in the non-acupoint group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture of GV26 and PC6 can improve the neurological function in rats with ICH, which may be related to its function in reducing the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 proteins (apoptosis-related proteins) in the brain.

Gentle Manual Acupuncture Could Better Regulate Gastric Motility and Vagal Afferent Nerve Discharge of Rats with Gastric Hypomotility.

The variation of stimulus intensity of manual acupuncture (MA) may produce diverse acupuncture effects. However, the intensity-effect relationship and the underlying mechanism of MA are still elusive. In this study, the effects of MA regulation of gastric motility were investigated after lifting-thrusting MA treatment with four different frequencies (1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, and 4 Hz) at ST36. The experiments were conducted on rats with gastric hypomotility caused by atropine. The results showed that the gastric motility amplitude decreased after atropine injection, while the treatment of four types of MA affected the gastric motility amplitude in varying degrees. Specifically, 2 Hz MA exhibited the most effective results, while 4 Hz MA had the least effect; the effects of 1 Hz MA and 3 Hz MA were between the effects induced with 2 Hz and 4 Hz. Furthermore, the response of gastric vagal afferent nerve discharge and gastric motility was examined after MA treatment with frequencies of 2 Hz and 4 Hz, respectively, on ST36 in order to elucidate the mechanism of MA regulation of gastric motility. The results showed that 2 Hz MA was able to increase the amplitude of gastric motility and discharge frequency of gastric vagal afferent nerves, while 4 Hz MA exhibited seldom effects. These findings suggest that gentle MA (2 Hz) has more stimulating effects than strong stimulation with MA (4 Hz) on gastric hypomotility. In addition, gastric motility regulated by MA was associated with vagal afferent nerve activation.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on morphology of neovascularization and expression of angiogenesis-related factors in ischemic brain tissue of cerebral ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the change of neovascular morphology and angiogenesis related factors in the ischemic cerebral area after cerebral infarction and the intervention effect of electroacupuncture (EA). METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group(n=90), EA group(n=90), sham operation group(n=90) and control group(n=10). The first three groups were further divided into 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 7 d and 12 d subgroups(n=10 in each subgroup). The cerebral infarction model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO). EA(15 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Shuigou"(GV26) for 20 min in the EA group. The 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 h subgroups were treated immediately after modeling, the 3, 7, 12 d subgroups were treated once daily for 3, 7 or 12 days. The neovascular endothelial cells were displayed by immunofluorescence double labeling staining. Quantitive real-time PCR and Western blot were applied to detect the changes of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), angiogenin (Ang) -1, 2, platelet-derived growth factor b (PDGF-b) in ischemic brain tissue, respectively. RESULTS: After modeling, CD31 and Ki67 positive cells were first observed at 24 h in the model group, and reached the peak at 3 d, decreased at 7 d. While in the EA group, the CD31 and Ki67 positive cells were first observed at 12 h, and reached the peak at 3 d, and gradually decreased until 12 d. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expressions of bFGF at 9 h-12 h, Ang-1 at 12 h-12 d, Ang-2 at 1 h-12 d and PDGF-b at 1 h, 6 h, 9 h, 24 h-12 d were increased in the model group(P<0.01, P<0.05). After EA, the mRNA expressions of bFGF at 24 h-12 d, Ang-1 at 3 d-12 d, Ang-2 at 3 h-24 h and PDGF-b at 3 h, 6 h, 3 d-12 d were increased(P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison with the control group, the proteins of bFGF at 24 h, Ang-1 at 6 h-12 d, Ang-2 at 1 h-12 d and PDGF-b at 1 h-7 d were increased in the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01). After EA, the proteins of bFGF at 3 d-12 d, Ang-1 at 3 d-12 d, Ang-2 at 3 h-12 h and PDGF-b at 6 h, 3 d-12 d were increased compared with the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can up-regulate the expression of angiogenesis-related factors in MCAO rats, which has an important role in the establishment of blood vessel regeneration and collateral circulation, and thus promote the recovery of neurological function.

[Selection of optimized treatment plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis].

OBJECTIVE: To select the optimized treatment plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis by using multiple indexes decision-making method based on the clinical evidence. METHODS: The randomized control trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis in the CNKI database, CBM database, WANFANG database, VIP database, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase published before December 31, 2017 were comprehensively collected. The modified Jadad scale was used to evaluate the quality of the RCTs. Then the evaluation indexes were selected and the dimensions of evaluation indexes were standardized by using extreme difference transformation method. The weight of each index was determined by using relative comparison method and the standardized matrix was weighted. Thus, the ideal solution and the negative ideal solution were obtained, and the relatively degree of each treatment plan to the ideal solution was calculated to propose the optimized plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis. RESULTS: A total of 18 RCTs were included, the optimized plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis was using thin fire needle to rapidly prick the abnormal skin region with fast needle insertion-withdrawal technique; the fire needle was applied repeatedly; intensive pricking to form a treatment area; the treatment was given once every 5 days. CONCLUSION: Based on the current clinical evidence, the optimized plan of acupuncture for lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis is using thin fire needle to prick the abnormal skin region; the multiple methods of plum-blossom needling met the characteristic of lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis and is suitable for clinical selection. The main acupoints are ashi points in the abnormal skin area or the acupoints in the foot-yangming meridian and foot-shaoyang meridian, combined with lumbar Jiaji (EX-B2) points.

The Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Zhike-Houpu Herbal Pair on Depressive Behaviors and Hippocampal Serotonin 1A Receptors in Rats After Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.

OBJECTIVE: Zhike-Houpu herbal pair (ZKHPHP) is a well-known Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal motility dysfunction. Recently, many researchers have found that some of the compounds of ZKHPHP such as meranzin hydrate and magnolol have antidepressant effects. However, little is known about the antidepressant mechanism of ZKHPHP. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to evaluate the antidepressant-like effects of ZKHPHP and its possible mechanism of action on 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (HTR1A) in the hippocampus CA1 region in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. METHODS: Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following six groups: normal, model, ZKHPHP (3 g/kg), ZKHPHP (10 g/kg), ZKHPHP (20 g/kg), and ZKHPHP (30 g/kg); n = 8 per group. We exposed the rats to chronic unpredictable mild stress and then assessed antidepressant-like effects of ZKHPHP by measuring weight change, observing the open-field test, and measuring sucrose water consumption. The antidepressant mechanism was examined by measuring the effect of ZKHPHP on HTR1A protein expression and HTR1A mRNA expression in the hippocampus CA1 region by using immunohistochemistry analysis, Western blotting, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: ZKHPHP (10 or 20 g/kg) reduced the incidence of depressive-like behaviors and increased HTR1A protein and HTR1A mRNA expression in the hippocampus CA1 in rats displaying depressive behavior, whereas ZKHPHP (3 or 30 g/kg) had no obvious effect on the measured depression indicators. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that ZKHPHP has antidepressant-like effects based on a chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression model in rats. ZKHPHP may be attractive as an antidepressant because of its beneficial effects on depression and the absence of gastrointestinal dysregulation, which is a frequently observed unintended effect of many commonly used antidepressive medications.