Epigallocatechin gallate enhances the motor neuron survival and functional recovery after brachial plexus root avulsion by regulating FIG4.

The survival of motor neurons (MNs) is the key to recovery of the motor function after brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA). (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) exerts neuroprotective roles in neurons under different pathological conditions. However, the role of EGCG in regulating motor neurons under BPRA remains to be unclear. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of EGCG both in vitro and in vivo. In an in vitro study, we observed that EGCG obviously increased the cell survival rate of MNs and FIG4 protein levels compared with the vehicle control, with a peak level observed at 50 µM; EGCG can also upregulate FIG4 to reduce the cell death of MNs and increase the neurite outgrowth under oxidative stress; moreover, EGCG can upregulate FIG4 to promote the functional recovery and the survival of MNs in the ventral horn in mice after BPRA. These combined results may lay the foundation for EGCG to be a novel strategy for the treatment of BPRA.

Acupuncture-associated pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVES: This article reports on a case and reviews some articles on acupuncture- induced pneumothorax published in Chinese and English medical journals since 1980. CASE: A 35-year-old man presented with left chest pain and dyspnea after receiving acupuncture. The patient was later diagnosed with a 12% pneumothorax of the left lung. He was observed in an emergency room for 24 hours while being treated with oxygen, a painkiller, antibiotics, and bedrest. A follow-up computed tomography scan of his chest 1 week later showed complete resolution of the pneumothorax. CASE ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION: Details of the case are analyzed. A general review of the incidence, causes, symptoms, and outcomes of acupuncture induced pneumothorax is presented. In addition, improved needling methods including needling depth and angle, together with corresponding precautions are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumothorax caused by acupuncture therapy uncommon, but the consequences can be serious. It is important for practitioners to have adequate knowledge so they can implement better prevention of acupuncture-induced pneumothorax.