Moxibustion Regulates Gastrointestinal Motility via HCN1 in Functional Dyspepsia Rats.

BACKGROUND Moxibustion therapy has been found to ameliorate clinical symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD). We aimed to examine the regulatory effect of moxibustion on the gastrointestinal (GI) motility in FD and explore the underlying mechanism based on the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel 1 (HCN1). MATERIAL AND METHODS Moxibustion therapy was used in FD rats induced by using classic tail-pinch and irregular feeding. Weight gain and food intake were recorded weekly, followed by detecting gastric residual rate (GRR) and small intestine propulsion rate (IPR). Next, western blotting was performed to determine the expression levels of HCN1 in the gastric antrum. qRT-PCR was used to detect HCN1 in the small intestine and hypothalamic satiety center. Double immunolabeling was used for HCN1 and ICCs in gastric antrum and small intestine. RESULTS The obtained results suggested that moxibustion treatment could increase weight gain and food intake in FD rats. The GRR and IPR were compared among the groups, which showed that moxibustion treatment could decrease GRR and increase IPR. Moxibustion increased the expression of HCN1 in the gastric antrum, small intestine, and hypothalamic satiety center. Histologically, the co-expressions of HCN1 and ICCs tended to increase in gastric antrum and small intestine. Meanwhile, HCN channel inhibitor ZD7288 prevented the above-mentioned therapeutic effects of moxibustion. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that moxibustion can effectively improve the GI motility of FD rats, which may be related to the upregulation of HCN1 expression in gastric antrum, small intestine, and satiety center.

[Medication rule for treatment of functional dyspepsia: an analysis of traditional Chinese medicine literature based on China National Knowledge Internet].

By retrieving the clinical research literature of treatment functional dyspepsia by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from January 2004 to December 2014 based on China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), we would establish a TCM decoction database for treating functional dyspepsia in this study. One hundred and sixty-four literature were included, involving 159 prescriptions, 377 medicines, in a total of 1 990 herbs. These herbs can be divided into 18 categories according to the effectiveness; and qi-regulating herbs, blood circulation herbs, and antipyretic herbs ranked top three ones according to the frequency of usage of the herbs, whose medicine usage frequency accounted for 51.81%. Usage frequency of 16 herbs was over 30, and Atractylodes, Radix, Poriaranked top three according to the usage frequency. Medicinal properties were divided into 9 kinds according to the frequency statistics, and the top three were warm, flat, and cold. Taste frequency statistics were classifiedinto 9 kinds, and the top three were acrid, sweet, and bitter. In frequency statistics of the meridian tropism of herbs, it was classifiedinto 11 kinds, and the top three were spleen, stomach, lung. The analysis can provide a reference for treatment and study of TCM of functional dyspepsia.

Effects of electroacupuncture on hippocampal and cortical apoptosis in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on hippocampal and cortical apoptosis in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Mouse models established by repeated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, followed by electroacupuncture at Shenshu, Geshu, and Baihui points. The control group mice were intragastrically administered Hydergine. On day 1 and 7 post-treatment, hippocampal and cortical apoptosis was detected by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and apoptosis images in the hippocampal CA1 zone and cortical area were analyzed. RESULTS: In the model group, apoptotic cells were detected one day after treatment and some cellular fibers were disarrayed. By day 7 post-treatment, there was an increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampal CA1 region. In addition, there were apoptotic cells in the cortical area, the cortical layers were thinner with localized neuronal loss and sieve-like lymphocyte infiltration, as well as glial cell proliferation and visible infarct lesions. However, in the Hydergine and electroacupuncture groups, there was a small number of apoptotic cells. At 7 days post-treatment in the model group, field number, numerical density on area, and surface density were increased. However, in the Hydergine and electroacupuncture groups these parameters were decreased (P < 0.01), with a significant difference between the two treatment groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture treatment inhibited apoptosis and provided neuroprotection.

[Influence of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Glutamic Acid and Ca2+ Contents and Expression of NMDA Receptor Protein in Hippocampus in Vascular Dementia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on hippocampal glutamate (Glu) and Ca2+ contents, and expression of Glu-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor(NMDAR) and the learning-memory ability in vascular dementia (VD) rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of VD. METHODS: SD rats were rando-mized into sham operation (sham) group (n=9), model group (n=11) and EA groups (n=10). The VD model was established by repeated bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion and reperfusion plus intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside. EA (2 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20)-"Housanli" (ST 36) and "Geshu" (BL 17)-"Dazhui" (GV 14) for 10 min, once a day for 15 consecutive days. The neurological function was assessed by using stroke index (0-10 points) and neurological deficit scaling(0-10 points). The learning-memory ability was evaluated by using step-down tests. The contents of Glu and Ca2+ in the right hippocampal tissue were determined by using aspectrophotometer and the expression of NMDAR protein in the right hippocampus was detected by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the stroke index and neurological deficit scores, and the reaction latency and the error times of step-down tests, as well as the contents of Glu and Ca2+ and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the step-through latency was considerably decreased (P<0.01), suggesting a neurological disorder and a cognitive decline. After EA intervention, the reaction latency and error times of step-down tests, the contents of Glu and Ca2+ and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly down-regulated, and the step-through latency was notably increased in comparison with the model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA intervention is able to improve the cognitive ability of VD rats, which may be associated with its effects in reducing the excitatory neurotoxicity of hippocampal Glu-NMDAR and lowering cellular Ca2+ load to resist neuronal injury.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention on levels of SOD, GSH, GSH-Px, MDA, and apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in substantia Nigra in rats with Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on superoxide (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, contents of glutathione (GSH) and malondiadehyde (MDA), and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and apoptosis of Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in Substantia Nigra of rats with Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal (10 rats), model (11 rats), EA (11 rats) and medication (11 rats) groups. The PD model was established by i.h. of Rotenone (0.8 mg/kg) for 28 days. EA stimulation (2 Hz/80 Hz, 2 mA) was applied at "Baihui" (GV 20), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Taichong" (LR 3) acupoints for 10 min, once per day for 14 times. For rats in the medication group, Madopar suspension fluid (1.67 mg/kg) was given by gavage for 14 days. Xanthine oxidase method and colorimetric ana- lysis method were used to examine the SOD, GSH-Px activity and contents of GSH and MDA in the Substantia Nigra tissue of the right brain, respectively. Immunohistochemical technique was used to detect the TH positive neurons and TUNEL method was used to examine the apoptosis of DA neurons of the Substantia Nigra in the left brain. RESULTS: Following the intervention, the decreased SOD and GSH-Px activity, GSH contents, and the increased MDA content of the Substantia Nigra in PD rats were obviously reversed by EA intervention (P < 0.05) but not by medication except MDA content (P > 0.05). In comparison with the model group, the decreased TH immunoactivity, and the increased numbers of apoptotic cells of DA neurons were apparently suppressed in both EA and medication groups (P < 0.05), but without significant differences between the EA and the medication groups (P > 0.05). In addition, HE stain showed that EA intervention could improve PD-induced impairment of Substantia Nigra neurons (mild swelling of neurons with large nucleus and deranged fibers). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can reduce pathological changes of Substantial Nigra in PD rats, which is probably associated with its effects in up-regulating the SOD and GSH-Px activity, GSH contents, and down-regulating MDA level, and reducing the apoptosis of DA neurons of the Substantia Nigra, suggesting an anti-oxidative stress effect of EA therapy.

[Effects of encircled needling plus electroacupuncture on hyperplastic mammary glands and serum sex hormones in the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of encircled needling plus electroacupuncture (EA) of the second pair of nipples on hyperplastic mammary glands, serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) contents, estrogen receptor (ER) expression of the mammary glands in mammary hyperplasia rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were equally randomized into normal control, model, acupuncture and medication groups. Mammary gland hyperplasia model was established by intramuscular injection of diethylstilbestrol (0.5 mg/kg, once daily for 25 days) and progesterone (4 mg/kg, once daily for 5 days). For rats of the acupuncture group, 4 filiform needles were inserted into the surrounding tissues of the second pair of breasts, respectively, followed by giving the animal with EA stimulation for 30 min. Another one acupuncture needle was inserted into "Danzhong" (CV 17) and retained for 30 min. For rats of the medication group, tamoxifen solution (1.8 mg/kg) was given by gavage. Both medication and EA intervention were given once daily for 30 days. The diameter and height of the second pair of nipples were measured before and on the 10th, 20th and 30th days of the treatment. Serum E2, P, PRL and T levels were assayed by radioimmunoassay, and the tissues of the second pair of nipples were stained with H. E. method. Estrogen receptor immunoactivity of the breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The diameter and height of the second pair of nipples, serum E2, PRL and T contents, and breast ER protein expression level were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05), while serum P content was remarkably lower in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, the diameter and height of the second pair of nipples, serum E2, PRL and T contents, and breast ER protein expression level were considerably lower in both acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.05), and serum P contents were significantly higher in the latter two groups (P<0.05). In addition, H.E. staining showed that the numbers of the lobule, alveolus and ducts of mammary glands were significantly increased, and the expansion of the acinar lumina and ducts was found in the model group. These pathological changes were relatively milder in both acupuncture and medication groups. CONCLUSION: Encircled needling plus EA stimulation of the surrounding tissues of the nipples can improve the hyperplasic nipples and pathological changes of the breast tissue in mammary gland hyperplasia rats, which is closely associated with its functions in lowering serum estradiol, prolactin, testosterone contents and estrogen receptor protein expression of the breast, and in increasing serum progesterone level.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on lipid metabolism in male and female obesity rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on lipid metabolism in both sexes of obesity model rats. METHODS: A total of 30 male and 30 female SD rats were randomized into normal control, model and EA groups respectively, with 10 rats in each group. EA (2 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to the ipsilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36)-"Sanyin-jiao"(SP 6) and bilateral "Fenglong" (ST 40) for 30 min, once daily for 28 days. In addition,"Quchi" (LI 11),"Zhongwan" (CV 12) and "Guanyuan" (CV 4) were punctured with filiform needles and stimulated by manipulating the needle for 1 min, separately. Obesity model was duplicated by subcutaneous injection of 15% glutamic sodium (0.2 mL/10 g) once daily for 5 days and by feeding the animal with high fat forage for 36 days. Lee's index was calculated, and plasma triglyeride (TG) concentration detected by glycerol-phosphoric acid oxidase-peroxydase method, total cholesterol (TC) detected by cholesterol oxidase method, and plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) contents were assayed by one-step method, respectively. RESULTS: In both male and female rats, compared to their own normal groups, the Lee's index, plasma TG, TC and LDL-C contents were increased significantly and plasma HDL-C contents decreased obviously in the model groups (P<0.01), while compared to their own model groups, the Lee's index, plasma TG, TC and LDL-C levels in the EA groups were down-regulated considerably and plasma HDL-C contents up-regulated remarkably after the treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). The efficacies of the EA intervention were obviously better in reducing Lee's index for male rats, and in down-regulating plasma TG and TC contents in female rats (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between male and female rats in EA intervention for plasma LDL-C and HDL-C levels. CONCLUSION: EA intervention can effectively regulate obesity rats' Lee's index and plasma TG, TC, LDL-C and HDL-C levels. The effects are different in male and female rats.

[Effects of acupuncture combined with dietary adjustments and aerobic exercise on body weight, body mass index and serum leptin level in simple obesity patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with dietary adjustments and aerobic exercise on the body weight, body mass index (BMI) and serum leptin content of patients with simple obesity, so as to evaluate the efficacy of the present therapy in the treatment of simple obesity. METHODS: A total of 61 cases of out-patients were randomly divided into control (n=30) and treatment (n=31) groups. Patients in the control group were treated with dietary adjustments and aerobic exercise everyday (30 min/d), continuously for 51 days, and those of the treatment group were treated with acupuncture [Zhong-wan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), etc.] plus dietary adjustment and aerobic exercise everyday, with 15 days being a course of treatment, 3 days' interval between every two courses, and 3 courses altogether. Serum leptin content was detected by using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, the body weight and BMI and serum leptin levels in the control and treatment groups were all decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Comparison between the two groups showed that the body weight at the end of the 1st and 3rd course of treatment, the BMI at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment, and serum leptin level after the treatment in the treatment group were all significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The difference values of body weight and BMI between pre-treatment and post-treatment of the treatment group were obviously higher than those of the control group (P < 0.01), suggesting a better therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with dietary adjustments and aerobic exercise in the treatment of simple obesity. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with dietary adjustments and aerobic exercise can reduce the body weight, BMI and serum leptin level, which is better than dietary adjustments plus aerobic exercise.

[Effects of acupuncture combined with diet adjustment and aerobic exercise on weight and waist-hip ratio in simple obesity patients].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects of acupuncture combined with diet adjustment and aerobic exercise and simple diet adjustment combined with aerobic exercise for treatment of simple obesity, in order to scientifically evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with diet adjustment and aerobic exercise for simple obesity. METHODS: Sixty-one cases were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The control group was treated with diet adjustment combined with aerobic exercise, on the basis of this, the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) etc., once a day, 15 days constituting one course. After three course of treatment, the changes of body weight and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in both groups were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: After one course of treatment, both the body weight and WHR in the observation group were obviously lower than those of control group (both P < 0.05); after two courses of treatment, there were no significant differences of body weight and WHR between two groups (both P > 0.05); after three courses of treatment, the body weight of observation group was obviously lower than that of control group (P < 0.05), there was no significant difference of WHR between two groups (P > 0.05); the body weight and WHR of both groups were obviously decreased after treatment (both P < 0.01); the difference comparison of the body weight in observation group was obviously higher than that of control group before and after treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Both two treatments can decrease the body weight and WHR of patients with simple obesity, while the effect of acupuncture combined with diet adjustment and aerobic exercise is more obvious in the early stage of the treatment for body weight and WHR.

[Effect of high-frequency electroacupuncture on lipid metabolism in obesity rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of high-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on lipid metabolism in obesity rats. METHODS: Fifty-one SD rats were randomized into control group (n=13), model group (n=19) and EA group (n=19). Obesity model was duplicated by feeding the rats with high fat forage and subcutaneous injection of 15% glutamate sodium solution. EA (100 Hz, 3-5 mA) was applied to "Housanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Zhongwan" (CV 12) for 10 min everyday and for 28 days. Lee's index, body weight, area and the number of the adipose cells around the left kidney were detected. Blood samples were collected for assaying serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) with cholesterol oxidase phenol 4-aminoantipyrine peroxidase (CHOD-PAP) method, glycerol phosphate oxidase-p-aminophenazone (GPO-PAP) methods, high density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C) with phosphotungstic acid- Mg2+ method, low density lipid-cholesterol (LDL-C) with polyvingel sulfate (PVS) sedimentation method and plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) with immunoturbidmetry endpoint method, and serum insulin and leptin contents with radioimmunoassay respectively. RESULTS: After modeling, in comparison with control group, Lee's index, serum TG, TC, LDL-C, fat weight, adipose cell area, serum leptin and insulin contents in model group increased considerably (P<0.05, 0.01), while serum HDL-C, plasma LPL, adipose cell number decreased significantly (P<0.05, 0.01). Following EA, compared with model group, Lee's index, serum TG, TC, LDL-C, fat weight, adipose cell area, serum leptin and insulin levels decreased significantly in EA group (P<0.05, 0.01), whereas serum HDL-C, plasma LPL, and adipose cell number increased apparently (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: High frequency EA can effectively improve abnormal lipid metabolism, and reduce fat accumulation in obesity rats, which may be closely associated with its effect in regulating the balance between leptin and insulin levels.

[Effects of electroacupuncture of different frequencies on slimming effect in the rat of experimental obesity].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the slimming effects of electroacupuncture of different frequencies. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an acupuncture group I (30 Hz), and an acupuncture group II (100 Hz). Acupoints selected were "Housanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Guanyuan" (CV 4), "Zhongwan" (CV 12). The changes of Lee's index, fat weight around the left kidney and the volume of the fat cell, blood lipids, insulin and leptin before and after treatment were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, Lee's index, fat weight around the left kidney and the volume of the fat cell, blood lipids significantly changed in the two acupuncture groups (P<0.01), with the acupuncture group II being more change than that of the acupuncture group I (P<0.05); and compared with the model group, the leptin level decreased in the two acupuncture group (P<0.01) and the serum insulin level decreased (P<0.05) , with no significant difference between the acupuncture group I and the acupuncture group II (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture of different frequencies has different effects on fat metabolism in fat rats, and electroacupuncture of 100 Hz has a better effect than 30 Hz on obesity.