PEGylation of Phosphatidylglycerol/Docosahexaenoic Acid Hexosomes with d-α-Tocopheryl Succinate Poly(ethylene glycol)2000 Induces Morphological Transformation into Vesicles with Prolonged Circulation Times.

Considering the broad therapeutic potential of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), here we study the effect of PEGylation of DHA-incorporated hexosomes on their physicochemical characteristics and biodistribution following intravenous injection into mice. Hexosomes were formed from phosphatidylglycerol and DHA with a weight ratio of 3:2. PEGylation was achieved through the incorporation of either d-α-tocopheryl succinate poly(ethylene glycol)2000 (TPGS-mPEG2000) or 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)2000 (DSPE-mPEG2000) at a concentration of 1.5 wt %. Nanoparticle tracking analysis, synchrotron small-angle scattering, and cryo-transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the nanodispersions. The results show that PEGylated lipids induce a structural transition from an inverse hexagonal (H2) phase inside the nanoparticles (hexosomes) to a lamellar (Lα) phase (vesicles). We also followed the effect of mouse plasma on the nanodispersion size distribution, number, and morphology because changes brought by plasma constituents could regulate the in vivo performance of intravenously injected nanodispersions. For comparative biodistribution studies, fluorescently labeled nanodispersions of equivalent quantum yields were injected intravenously into healthy mice. TPGS-mPEG2000-induced vesicles were most effective in avoiding hepatosplenic clearance at early time points. In an orthotopic xenograft murine model of glioblastoma, TPGS-mPEG2000-induced vesicles also showed improved localization to the brain compared with native hexosomes. We discuss these observations and their implications for the future design of injectable lyotropic nonlamellar liquid crystalline drug delivery nanosystems for therapeutic interventions of brain and liver diseases.

Biomedical Analytics of Four Chinese Medicinals in Treatment of Insomnia Based on Network Pharmacology.

Aim: Our aim is to recommend the appropriate Chinese medicinals in clinical treatment of insomnia, which are suanzaorén (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), fúlíng (Poria), and báisháo (Radix Paeoniae Alba). Method: Based on network pharmacology, the active molecules and mechanism of these four Chinese medicinals treating insomnia were sought and analyzed. The components of the four Chinese medicinals with potential activity were collected and screened. Moreover, the recollected human disease-related targets were correlated through Cytoscape 3.8.2, and the network diagram of drug component disease targets was drawn. Based on the human protein-protein interaction database, the above network diagram was imported to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) and composite target pathway (C-T-P) networks. After selecting important information, the pathway analysis was carried out to show the biological process, core target, and core pathway of insomnia treatment. Result: In this study, 44 active components and 81 drug-disease common targets were obtained; 307 key targets were found in the PPI network; a core cluster composed of 14 nodes and 50 functional associations was found. Conclusion: In summary, the four Chinese medicinals' effective components and main mechanism of in the treatment of insomnia may be related to their participation in the regulation of endocrine. Compared with the existing network pharmacological analysis results of SuanZaoRénTang (Sour Jujube Decoction), which is commonly used in insomnia, they have similar effects on the immune system and HPA axis, while the focus of the four Chinese medicinals is mainly on endocrine regulation, and SuanZaoRénTang (Sour Jujube Decoction) is mainly on anti-inflammatory effect.

Assessment of Reporting Quality in Randomized Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Primary Insomnia with CONSORT Statement and STRICTA Guidelines.

AIM: To assess the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for primary insomnia (PI). METHODS: Seven Chinese and English databases were searched for publication reporting RCTs on acupuncture for PI from the inception of the databases to August 6, 2021. The internationally recognized Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement and the International Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines were used to evaluate the reporting quality. The agreement between two researchers was calculated by Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: A total of 102 eligible RCTs were assessed. According to the CONSORT statement (2017), the positive reporting rates of items such as "abstract," "background," "participants," and "numbers analyzed" were above 80%. However, the positive reporting rates of items such as "sample size," "randomization implementation," "Outcomes and estimation," "Ancillary analyses," and "Registration" were below 20%. According to STRICTA guidelines, the positive reporting rates of items such as "style of acupuncture," "reasons for acupuncture treatment," "Number of needles inserted," "Needle retention time," "Treatment regimen," and "precise description of the control intervention" were above 80%. However, the positive reporting rates of items such as "setting and context of treatment" and "practitioner background" were below 20%. CONCLUSION: It is essential to advocate the endorsement of the CONSORT statement and STRICTA guidelines to improve the quality of acupuncture RCT reports.

Comparison of Efficacy between Acupuncture Therapies in Improving Sacroiliac Joint Malposition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: To provide available quantitative evidence of efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatments for improving sacroiliac joint malposition. METHODS: Databases such as the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (CQVIP), Wanfang Database (Wanfang), China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc), PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched by computer to collect the reports on acupuncture treatment of sacroiliac joint malposition from the database creation to July 20, 2021. The selection of included studies, data extraction and coding, and bias risk assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers. RevMan5.4 software was used for meta-analysis, and the results were expressed as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD), with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. RESULTS: A total of 10 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) with 1019 participants were included. Their overall quality of methodology was not high, and there may be publication bias. Meta-analysis showed that the total effective rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (OR = 2.74, 95% CI 2.00 to 3.74, P < 0.00001). The treatment group was better than the control group in improving VAS score (WMD = -1.56, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.94, P < 0.00001). The ODI score of the treatment group was lower than that of the control group (WMD = -6.04, 95% CI -7.05 to -5.02, P < 0.00001). With the improvement of the JOA score, the difference of iliac transverse diameter of sacroiliac joint dislocation and the index of sacroiliac joint malposition in the treatment group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may have therapeutic advantages in improving sacroiliac joint malposition. Acupuncture and acupotomy provide a safe way to improve the related clinical symptoms and functional disorders in activity of sacroiliac joint dislocation. However, due to the low quality of the included literature, this conclusion still needs to be further verified by more high-quality and large-sample RCTs.

The abnormal reward network associated with insomnia severity and depression in chronic insomnia disorder.

Previous research has shown that acute sleep deprivation can influence the reward networks. However, it is unclear whether and how the intrinsic reward network is altered in chronic insomnia disorder (CID). In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the reward network is altered in patients with CID using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. Forty-two patients with CID and 33 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled and underwent resting-state fMRI. Nucleus accumbens (NAc) - based functional connectivity (NAFC) was evaluated to explore the differences in the reward network between the CID and HC groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the clinical significance of altered NAFC networks. Compared to those in the HC group, increased NAFC was found in the salience and limbic networks, while decreased NAFC was found in the default mode network (DMN) and within the reward circuit in patients with CID. In addition, decreased FC between the NAc and DMN was associated with insomnia severity, while NAFC within the reward network was associated with depression symptoms in patients with CID. These findings showed that the reward network is dysfunctional and associated with depression symptom in patients with CID. Future studies of CID should consider both insomnia and depression symptoms to disentangle the role of insomnia and depression in the relationship under study.

Ferrocene-functionalized nanocomposites as signal amplification probes for electrochemical immunoassay of Salmonella typhimurium.

An electrochemical immunosensor based on ferrocene (Fc)-functionalized nanocomposites was fabricated as an efficient electroactive signal probe to amplify electrochemical signals for Salmonella typhimurium detection. The electrochemical signal amplification probe was constructed by encapsulating ferrocene into S. typhimurium-specific antimicrobial peptides Magainin I (MI)-Cu3(PO4)2 organic-inorganic nanocomposites (Fc@MI) through a one-step process. Magnetic beads (MBs) coupled with antibody were used as capture ingredient for target magnetic separation, and Fc@MI nanoparticles were used as signal labels in the immunoassays. The sandwich of MBs-target-Fc@MI assay was performed using a screen-printed carbon electrode as transducer surface. The immunosensor platform presents a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3 CFU·mL-1 and a linear range from 10 to 107 CFU·mL-1, with good specificity and precision, and was successfully applied for S. typhimurium detection in milk. Graphical abstract One-pot process antimicrobial peptides Magainin I-Cu3(PO4)2 organic-inorganic nanocomposites (Fc@MI) were used as ideal electrochemical signal label, integrating both essential functions of biological recognition and signal amplification. Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was used as the electrochemical system for Salmonella typhimurium detection.

Changes of plasma acetylcholine and inflammatory markers in critically ill patients during early enteral nutrition: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Acetylcholine (Ach) is the key anti-inflammatory transmitter in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In this study, critically ill patients treated with early enteral nutrition (EEN) were observed to explore whether EEN affected Ach levels and inflammation. METHODS: One hundred thirteen patients were included in this prospective observational study. All patients were provided the early enteral nutrition protocol 24-48 h after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Blood samples were collected, and the plasma levels of Ach, cholecystokinin (CCK), and inflammatory markers (tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1beta (IL1-ß), and IL6) were measured on Days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7. Nutritional intervention data were recorded within one week, including the number of patients receiving nutrition, the number of days nutrition was provided, the caloric intake and protein intake, feeding intolerance and prokinetic drug administration. Other collected data included the sequential organ failure assessment score (SOFA score), the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, the use of mechanical ventilation (the number of patients and the duration), use of vasoactive drugs and the number of renal replacement treatments (RRT) received by each patient during their ICU stay. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Additionally, we analysed the correlation between plasma Ach levels and inflammation, as well as the correlation between plasma Ach and CCK levels. Moreover, a multivariate regression analysis was performed to examine the independent effects of different variables on 28-day mortality and Ach levels. RESULTS: The overall 28-day mortality was 28.3% (32/113). Eighty-two patients tolerated enteral nutrition. Compared with Day 0 15.6 (2.8) nmol/l, the plasma Ach level was significantly increased on Day 3 18.6 (6.7) nmol/l, Day 5 19.3 (6.2) nmol/l and Day 7 19.7 (4.3) nmol/l (p < .001). Compared with Day 0176.2 (50.4) pg/ml, the plasma TNF-α level was significantly decreased on Day 3144.0 (77.4) pg/ml, Day 5127.3 (51.8) pg/ml and Day 7111.4 (42.5) pg/ml (p < .05). Compared with Day 0, the plasma IL1-ß level was significantly decreased on Day 7 (p < .05). The plasma IL6 level was significantly decreased on Day 5 and Day 7 (p < .05) compared with Day 0. Compared with Day 0, the plasma CCK level was significantly increased on Day 3, 5 and 7 (p < .001). The correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between Ach levels and inflammation (p < .001), and a positive correlation between CCK and Ach levels (r = 0.775, p < .001). A comparison of patients who did or did not tolerate EEN revealed significant differences in the plasma levels of Ach, TNF-α, IL6 and CCK (p < .05). Significant differences in plasma levels of Ach, TNF-α, IL1-ß, IL6 and CCK were observed between 28-day survivors and non-survivors (p < .05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified vasopressor support, RRT, the administration of EEN, SOFA score, APACHE II score at ICU admission and plasma Ach levels as independent determinants of 28-day mortality. Additionally, the multivariate linear regression analysis identified EEN, plasma lactate, mechanical ventilation, the SOFA score and plasma CCK levels as independent determinants of plasma Ach levels. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of EEN to critically ill patients contributed to the increased plasma Ach levels and decreased inflammatory markers. The effect of EEN on Ach levels is partially attributed to the increase in CCK levels. Elevated plasma Ach levels indicate a better prognosis. Clinical trials identifier: NCT03612206.

Immunoassay for pathogenic bacteria using platinum nanoparticles and a hand-held hydrogen detector as transducer. Application to the detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

An innovative approach is presented for portable and sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria. A novel synthetic hybrid nanocomposite encapsulating platinum nanoparticles, as a highly efficient catalyst, catalyzes the hydrolysis of the ammonia-borane complex to generate hydrogen gas. The nanocomposites are used as a label for immunoassays. A portable hand-held hydrogen detector combined with nanocomposite-induced signal conversion was applied for point-of-care testing of pathogenic bacteria. A hand-held hydrogen detector was used as the transducer. Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157: H7), as detection target, formed a sandwich structure with magnetic beads and hybrid nanocomposites. Magnetic beads were used for separation of the sandwich structure, and hybrid nanocomposites as catalysts to catalyze the generation of hydrogen from ammonia-borane. The generated hydrogen was detected by a hydrogen detector using an electrochemical method. E. coli O157:H7 has a detection limit of 10 CFU·mL-1. The immunosensor made the hand-held hydrogen detector a point-of-care meter to be used outdoors for the detection and quantification of targets beyond hydrogen. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of one-pot synthetic peptide-Cu3(PO4)2 hybrid nanocomposites embedded PtNPs (PPNs), encapsulating many Pt particles. The PPNs acts as an ideal immunoprobe for hand-held H2 detector signal readouts, by transforming pathogenic bacteria recognition events into H2 signals.

Disposable syringe-based visual immunotest for pathogenic bacteria based on the catalase mimicking activity of platinum nanoparticle-concanavalin A hybrid nanoflowers.

Disposable syringes were used in a novel point-of-care visual test for detecting pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium). Hybrid nanoflowers composed of platinum nanoparticles and concanavalin A (Pt-nanoflowers) were prepared through a one-pot reaction and were found to be viable catalase mimics. They catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to generate O2. When used as labels in immunoassays, they integrate both the functions of biological recognition and signal amplification. The disposable syringe pressure readout was combined with Pt-nanoflower signal conversion and successfully applied to a visual bacteria detection scheme. Both Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhimurium can be quantified with detection limits of as low as 15 and 7 CFU·mL-1, respectively. Graphical abstract One-pot synthetic platinum nanoparticle (PtNP)-concanavalin A hybrid nanoflowers (Pt-nanoflowers), have been used as ideal signal labels for immunoassays and integrating both essential functions of biological recognition and signal amplification. Disposable syringes were used as a readout to detect pathogenic bacteria.

Hemin-incorporated nanoflowers as enzyme mimics for colorimetric detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria.

Rapid, sensitive and point-of-care detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria is essential for food safety. In this study, we found that hemin-concanavalin A hybrid nanoflowers (HCH nanoflowers), as solid mimic peroxidase, could catalyze oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) in the presence of H2O2 to a green-colored product. HCH nanoflowers, integrating the essential functions of both biological recognition and signal amplification, meet the requirements of signal labels for colorimetric immunoassay of bacteria. In view of the excellent peroxidase mimetic catalytic activity of HCH nanoflowers, a colorimetric biosensing platform was newly constructed and applied for sensitive detection of foodborne Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7). The corresponding detection limits was as low as 4.1 CFU/mL with wide linear ranges (101-106 CFU/mL).

An effectiveness comparison of acupuncture treatments for insomnia disorder: A bayesian network meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture (ACU) is used frequently in the management of insomnia disorder in China. Whereas there is variability in practice regarding the selection of ACU treatments, most choices are made based on personal experience or preference of clinician. This study uses network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of different forms of ACU for insomnia and assesses the evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. METHODS: A comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ACU treatments for insomnia disorder will be carried out in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China BioMedical Literature (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP (CQVIP), and Wanfang, from their inceptions to April 2018. The quality of the included RCTs will be evaluated with the risk of bias (ROB) tool and evidence will be evaluated by GRADE. STATA 13.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 through the GeMTC package will be used to perform a network meta-analysis to synthesize direct and indirect evidence. RESULTS: The results of this network meta-analysis (NMA) will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. CONCLUSION: The results of our study will provide the best possible ACU choice for clinicians, and the best possible strength of the evidence with the GRADE approach.

The imbalanced anterior and posterior default mode network in the primary insomnia.

Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the brain is altered both structurally and functionally in patients with primary insomnia (PI). However, most previous hypothesis-driven studies of PI might bias observations. Here, we use global functional connectivity density (gFCD), a hypothesis-free approach, to investigate the brain functional alteration in patients with PI. Forty-eight patients with PI and 51 matched healthy control (HC) subjects were recruited and underwent a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. Analyses of group differences of gFCD in the whole brain and the clinical significances of abnormal brain function were conducted. Compared with the HC group, patients with PI showed increased gFCD in the executive control network, salience network, dorsal attention network, and visual network. Interestingly, the gFCD in the anterior default mode network (DMN) is increased in the PI group, whereas the gFCD in the posterior DMN is decreased. In addition, the increased gFCD in the insula is associated with higher Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores in the PI group. The gender and duration of disease have no significant effects on abnormal gFCD network. This study is the first attempt to explore the gFCD feature in patients with PI. Our findings support the hyperarousal model of insomnia and suggest an imbalanced neural spontaneous fluctuation between anterior and posterior DMN in the resting state in patients with PI. These findings expand our understanding of the neuropathological mechanism of primary insomnia.

The role of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 in B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Previously we showed that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1A1) is a new mediator for resistance of DLBCL to CHOP and a facility predictor of clinical prognosis. In the present study, knockdown and inhibitor of ALDH1A1 were applied to identify the role of ALDH1A1 in Raji cells. CCK-8 and clone formation assay were applied to determine the CHOP sensitivity and clone formation ability. Caspase colorimetric assay and Annexin V/FITC staining was performed to determine the degree of apoptosis. Western blot analysis was used to detect the NF-κB/STAT3 signaling proteins and apoptotic-associated proteins. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to identify the differential expression of ALDH1A1 between NHL patients and healthy donors. We demonstrated that inhibition of ALDH1A1 increased the sensitivity of Raji cells to CHOP, as indicated by increased cytotoxicity, reduced clonogenicity, activated caspase-3/-9, decreased NF-κB/STAT3 signaling and increased pro-apoptosis signaling, ad increased apoptosis rate. Moreover, we found high ALDH1A1 expression was associated with poor prognosis in NHL patients. Our data revealed the critical role of ALDH1A1 in NHL and provides a theoretical basis for the use of ALDH1A1 inhibitors in NHL patients.

Application of CdSe quantum dots for the direct detection of TNT.

CdSe quantum dots were synthesized through a simple, green organic-phase method. Paraffin was used as the reaction solvent and a reducing agent, oleic acid was the reaction ligand, and oleyl amine was the stabilizer. Based on the phenomenon of TNT quenched oil-soluble CdSe quantum dot fluorescence, a simple, fast, and direct method of TNT detection was established. Under optimum conditions, the degree of fluorescence quenching of oil-soluble CdSe quantum dots had a good linear correlation with TNT concentration in the 1.0×10(-7)-5.0×10(-5) mol/L range, and the correlation coefficient was 0.9990. TNT detection limit was 2.1×10(-8)mol/L. The method was successfully used to determine TNT-explosion dust samples, results were satisfactory. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of oil-soluble CdSe quantum dots by TNT was also discussed.

CdTe/ZnS quantum dots as fluorescent probes for ammonium determination.

Novel CdTe/ZnS quantum dot (QD) probes based on the quenching effect were proposed for the simple, rapid, and specific determination of ammonium in aqueous solutions. The QDs were modified using 3-mercaptopropionic acid, and the fluorescence responses of the CdTe/ZnS QD probes to ammonium were detected through regularity quenching. The quenching levels of the CdTe/ZnS QDs and ammonium concentration showed a good linear relationship between 4.0 × 10(-6) and 5.0 × 10(-4) mol/L; the detection limit was 3.0 × 10(-7) mol/L. Ammonium contents in synthetic explosion soil samples were measured to determine the practical applications of the QD probes and a probable quenching mechanism was described. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Professor CHEN Quan-xin's experience for treatment of insomnia: regulating spirit and quieting heart to help sleep].

This article describes the experiences of professor CHEN Quan-xin, an old famous TCM doctor, in the treatment of insomnia. He believes that insomnia stems from incoordination between nutrient qi and defensive qi and deficient cultivation of cardiac spirit, and treatment of insomnia need to regulate spirit and quiet heart coherently. Painless acupuncture method of Chen's flying needling is adopted including to select Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Anmian (Extra) as the main points and take special needling technique and grading reinforcing and reducing manipulations. During treatment, he pays attention to understanding patients' psychological and mental status through "watching one's expressions and weighing his words carefully".

[Sleep disorder treated mainly with flying needling therapy: a clinical randomized controlled research].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy on sleep disorder in the intervention of flying needling therapy and compare the efficacy difference among flying needling therapy, estazolam and non-acupoint acupuncture. METHODS: Three hundred and fifteen cases of sleep disorder were randomized into a flying needling group (110 cases), an estazolam group (107 cases) and a non-acupoint acupuncture group (98 cases). In the flying needling group, the flying needling therapy was applied to Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Anmian (EX HN22), Shenmen (HT 7) and so on. Additionally, vitamin B1 was prescribed for oral administration and the intradermal needle method was given at the Back-shu points. In the estazolam group, estazolam was prescribed for oral administration. Also the non-acupoint acupuncture and the acupoint sticking therapy on the Back-shu points were given additionally. In the non-acupoint acupuncture group, the non-acupoint acupuncture, oral administration of vitamin B1 and the acupoint sticking therapy on the Back-shu points were applied. The treatment of 2 weeks were required in all the groups. The efficacy and the score of PSQI (Pittsburgh sleep quality index) were observed in the 2-week follow-up visit. RESULTS: The total effective rate in the flying needling group was 84.1% (90/107), which was superior to 59.7% (62/104) in the estazolam group and 25.0% (24/96) in the non-acupoint acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). In the follow-up observation, the score of each item and the total score of PSQI were lower apparently than those before treatment in each group (all P < 0.05), and those in the flying needling group were lower apparently than those in the other two groups (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The flying needling therapy as the chief therapeutic method effectively improves the sleep quality for the patients with sleep disorder, which is apparently superior to estazolam and non-acupoint acupuncture.

[Clinical observation on abdominal acupuncture plus Madopa for treatment of Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To find out an effective therapy for Parkinson's disease. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into an abdominal acupuncture group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The abdominal acupuncture group were treated with Madopa and abdominal acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Qi-hai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), etc. ; and the control group were treated with Madopa. RESULTS: After treatment of 3 courses, the effective rate was 90.0% in the abdominal acupuncture group and 83.3% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Abdominal acupuncture combined with Madopa can elevate therapeutic effect of Madopa and reduce adverse effects of Madopa for the patient of primary Parkinson's disease.