Effects of the oligostilbenes from Iris lactea Pall. var. chinensis (Fisch.) Koidz on the adipocytes differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells.

The dried seeds of Iris lactea Pall. var. chinensis (Fisch.) Koidz, an important traditional Chinese medicine, are regarded to have effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness and pharyngitis and so on. It has been used in the treatment of jaundice, diarrhea, leucorrhea and carbuncles. Previous phytochemical studies of Iris species showed the presence of flavones, isoflavones, triterpenes and stilbenes. In our previous research, we isolated five known oligostilbenes, vitisin A, vitisin B, vitisin C, vitisin D, and cis-vitisin A were successfully isolated from Iris lactea for the first time. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of these oligostilbenes on the differentiation and adipogenes in 3T3-L1 cells. Our results showed that vitisin A, vitisin B, cis-vitisin A significantly inhibited adipocytes differentiation and reduced lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. In addition, vitisin A, vitisin B, cis-vitisin A strongly suppressed the expression levels of adipocyte-specific genes including peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-α (C/EBPα) and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4). In contrast, vitisin C and vitisin D significantly promoted adipogenesis and increased intracellular lipid accumulation, while the two oligostilbenes markedly increased the expression of adipocyte marker genes. In the present study, we found that vitisin A, vitisin B and cis-vitisin A inhibit the adipogenesis and adipocytes differentiation by their influence on the expression of PPARγ, which leads to subsequenet downregulation of PPARγ mediated adipocyte-specific gene during adipogenesis.

Acupoints for Headache with Blood Stasis Syndrome: a Literature Study Based on Data Mining Technology.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the features and underlying principles of acupuncture points used in the treatment of headaches associated with blood stasis syndrome. Methods: Literature on the treatment of blood stasis headache with acupuncture and moxibustion was searched across three Chinese databases and one English database from January 1st, 2000, to January 1st, 2024. Relevant data including titles, journals, authors, keywords, interventions, main acupoints, and outcomes were extracted for further analysis. Results: A total of 112 papers with 102 complete prescriptions were analyzed. Of the 77 acupoints examined, 72 were meridian points, and 5 were extraordinary points, used 699 times in total. The top ten acupoints by frequency were Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Baihui (GV20), Hegu (LI4), Shuaigu (GB8), Taichong (LR3), Xuehai (SP10), Touwei (ST8), Geshu (BL17), and Waiguan (TE5). Yang meridian points were used more frequently than Yin meridian points (82.8% vs 17.2%), with the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang being the most common. Nearly half of the acupoints (49.9%) were on the head and neck, and 23.1% on the lower limbs. Specific acupoints accounted for 53.5% of the total frequency. Fengchi (GB20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5) showed the highest correlation. Association rule mining highlighted combinations like Fengchi (GB20) with Taiyang (EX-HN5) and Baihui (GV20). Cluster analysis yielded five clusters. Conclusion: The study provides insights into selecting effective acupoints and combinations for clinical acupuncture practice and experimental studies in treating blood stasis headaches. Acupoints like Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Baihui (GV20) may be effective for clinical treatment, but further studies are needed to validate their efficacy.

MiR-506 suppresses tumor proliferation and invasion by targeting FOXQ1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that play important roles in various biological processes including tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the expression and function of miR-506 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we showed that miR-506 was downregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell lines and tissues. Ectopic expression of miR-506 dramatically suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion. Moreover, we identified the Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) gene as a novel direct target of miR-506. MiR-506 exerts its tumor suppressor function through inhibition of the FOXQ1, which was involved in tumor metastasis and proliferation in various cancers. Furthermore, the expression of FOXQ1 is up-regulated in NPC cell lines and tissues. Taken together, our results indicate that miR-506 functions as a tumor suppressor miRNA in NPC and that its suppressive effects are mediated chiefly by repressing FOXQ1 expression.

[Commentary on PU Xiang-cheng's experimental verses of acupuncture and moxibustion].

Pu Xiang-cheng, a famous TCM physician in Sichuan Province, were engaged in medicine for dozens of years, with complete and systematical theory and great academic attainments. He summarized whole course of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment by means of verses with easy to be understood and easy to be read aloud, from examination of acupoints, location of acupoints, needling depth, manipulation, reinforcing and reducing to treatment of diseases in departments of internal medicine, surgery, gynecology and five sense organs, etc., and treatment of fainting during acupuncture. This is valuable medical book in recent time and clinically, it has profound inductive significance for later generations.