Study on mandibular movement trajectory and virtual occlusal pre-adjustment under light and heavy bite force / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To investigate the influence of light and heavy bite force on the mandibular movement trajectories, and the influence of bite force on virtual occlusal pre-adjustment of digital full crown. Methods: From October 2021 to March 2022, 10 postgraduate volunteers (3 males and 7 females, aged 22-26 years) were recruited from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. Maxillary and mandibular digital models of the participants were obtained by intraoral scanning. Jaw relations were digitally transferred under heavy bite force and mandibular movement trajectories under light and heavy bite force were recorded by jaw motion analyser. Three mandibular markers were chosen, namely the mesial proximal contact point of the central incisor (incisal point) and the mesial buccal cusp tips of the bilateral first molars. The three-dimensional displacements of the markers under two kinds of bite force in the intercuspal position (ICP), the sagittal projection of the three-dimensional displacements in the protrusive edge-to-edge position, and the coronal projection of the three-dimensional displacements in the lateral edge-to-edge position of upper and lower posterior teeth were measured. Single-sample t-test was used to compare the three-dimensional displacements and the corresponding sagittal projection and coronal projection with 0, respectively. The left maxillary central incisor and left mandibular first molar were virtually prepared by the reverse engineering software. Then dental design software was used to design digital full crown using the copy method. The mandibular movement trajectories under light and heavy bite force were separately used to guide virtual occlusal pre-adjustment. The three-dimensional deviations (mean deviations and root mean square) between the lingual surface of the left maxillary central incisor or the occlusal surface of the left mandibular first molar and that of the natural tooth before preparation were calculated (light bite force group and heavy bite force group), and the differences between the two groups were compared by the paired t-test. Results: Under the two kinds of bite force, the three-dimensional displacements of the markers in the ICP were (0.217±0.135), (0.210±0.133) and (0.237±0.101) mm, respectively; the sagittal projection of the three-dimensional displacements of the markers in the protrusive edge-to-edge position were (0.204±0.133), (0.288±0.148) and (0.292±0.136) mm, respectively; the coronal projection of the three-dimensional displacements of the mesial buccal cusp tips of the bilateral first molars in the lateral edge-to-edge position were (0.254±0.140) and (0.295±0.190) mm, respectively. The differences between the above displacements and 0 were statistically significant (P<0.05). The results of occlusal pre-adjustment showed that the mean deviations of the lingual surface of the left maxillary central incisor in the light and heavy bite force groups were (0.215±0.036) and (0.195±0.041) mm (t=3.95, P=0.004), respectively. The mean deviations of the occlusal surface of the left mandibular first molar were (0.144±0.084) and (0.100±0.096) mm (t=0.84, P=0.036), respectively. Conclusions: Both the light and heavy bite force have an influence on the mandibular movement trajectories. Virtual occlusal pre-adjustment of prostheses with mandibular movement trajectories under heavy bite force can obtain morphology of lingual or occlusal surfaces closer to the natural teeth before preparation.

Research progress on mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of irritable bowel syndrome / 中国针灸

The current clinical evidence and underlying mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were summarized, so as to better optimize clinical treatment. The relevant articles of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of IBS in recent years were retrieved and summarized. We found that the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of IBS was relatively reliable. However, the mutual relationships among various mechanisms of action such as abnormal gastrointestinal motility, high visceral sensitivity, intestinal microenvironment disorders, and abnormal intestinal-brain interactions need to be further explored. The authors believe that in-depth explorations of the bidirectional regulation of "gut-brain axis", the law of changes in the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and the establishment of a more ideal animal model of TCM syndrome differentiation are useful ideas for subsequent research.

Mechanism of bigelovin in treatment of imiquimod-induced psoriasiform mouse model / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effects of bigelovin on mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriatic itch and its mechanism. Methods Psoriasis-like mouse model was established by applying imiquimod cream on the back skin of mouse. Psoriasis area and severity index, pathological changes, the expression levels of inflammatory factors and related molecular biological data were used as effect indicators. The changes of the above parameters were observed after administration of different concentrations of bigelovin. Then the possible mechanism of the effects was further analysed.Results Compared with the model group, bigelovin significantly decreased the symptoms of skin lesions and reduced the PASI score. Bigelovin alleviated epidermal thickening and reduced the expression of Ki67 in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of inflammatory factors were reduced in both skin and serum.The percentage of Th17 cells was reduced and the percentage of Treg cells was increased in the lymph node.In addition, bigelovin also inhibited the phosphorylation of P65 protein and significantly reduced the nuclear localization of P65, suggesting that bigelovin might inhibit the activation of P65 protein. Conclusions The effect of bigelovin on improving the signs and symptoms of imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice may be related to the inhibition of P65 protein phosphorylation in keratinocytes.

Changes of Microglia in Hippocampus of Mice Induced by Maternal Separation with Restraint Stress and Regulatory Effect of Wenyang Jieyu Prescription / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the activation of microglia in hippocampus of depressed and anxious mice induced by maternal separation with acute restraint stress and the expression of interleukin-1<italic>β</italic>（IL-1<italic>β</italic>），interleukin-6（IL-6），tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic>（TNF-<italic>α</italic>）， investigating the mechanism of Wenyang Jieyu prescription in treating anxiety and depression. Method:Eighty four male C57BL offspring were randomly divided into control group， acute restraint stress group and model group on postnatal day 0（PD0）. Maternal separation combined with acute restraint stress was used to prepare anxious and depressed model mice， dividing the model mice into model group， Wenyang， Jieyu， Wenyang Jieyu and fluoxetine group according to random number table method. During the period of PD21-PD90， the control， acute restraint stress and model mice were fed with normal diet， with the other groups fed with corresponding medicine mixed diet. The Wenyang， Jieyu and Wenyang Jieyu groups were given 5.85， 12.03 and 16.71 g·kg^-1·d^-1 respectively. The fluoxetine group was given 2.60 mg·kg^-1·d^-1. Open field， zero maze test and social interaction tests were used to evaluate the anxiety and depression of model mice. The expression of Iba-1 in hippocampal microglia was detected by immunohistochemistry（IHC）. The mRNA expression of IL-1<italic>β</italic>， IL-6， TNF-<italic>α</italic>， Iba-1 and glucocorticoid receptor（GR）were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. Result:Compared with the control group， total movement distance and time spent in central zone in 5 min of the model mice significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）， time spent in opened arm and total movement distance decreased significantly（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）， investigation time during testing and training increased significantly（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The expression of Iba-1 protein and mRNA，IL-1<italic>β</italic>，IL-6，TNF-<italic>α</italic> mRNA significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the expression levels of GR mRNA significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The result of IHC staining showed that microglia were over activated. Compared with the model group， total movement distance and time spent in central zone in 5 min of mice in the Wenyang Jieyu and fluoxetine group significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）.Time spent in opened arm significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Investigation time during testing and training significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The expression of Iba-1 protein and mRNA，IL-1<italic>β</italic>，IL-6，TNF-<italic>α</italic> mRNA significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The expression of GR mRNA increased significantly（<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. IHC staining showed the microglia recovered. Time spent in opened arm of mice in the Wenyang group and Jieyu group significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， time spent investigating during testing decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the expression levels of Iba-1 protein and mRNA，IL-6 mRNA significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05，<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The expression of GR mRNA of mice in the Wenyang group significantly increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the expression of TNF-<italic>α </italic>mRNA significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Total movement distance of mice in the Jieyu group increased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， time spent investigating during training decreased significantly （<italic>P</italic><0.05），the expression level of IL-1<italic>β </italic>mRNA significantly decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. IHC staining showed that microglia recovered partly in both groups. Conclusion:The comprehensive curative effect and pharmacological action of Wenyang Jieyu prescription were better than Wenyang prescription and Jieyu prescription. Wenyang Jieyu prescription can treat anxiety and depression in maternal separation and acute restraint stress mice， its possible mechanism may be related to the decreased activation of microglia， down-regulation of IL-1<italic>β</italic>，IL-6，TNF-<italic>α</italic> expression and up-regulation of GR expression.

Optimization and implementation of clinical trial of acupuncture: reflection on the successful case of acupuncture for postprandial distress syndrome / 中国针灸

Taking the clinical trial of acupuncture in treatment of postprandial distress syndrome as an example, this paper proposes that the acupuncture clinical trial protocol should be optimized in view of acupuncture prescription, acupuncture frequency and outcomes. Besides, the data quality of acupuncture clinical trial should be improved in consideration of data sharing and electronic data capture so as to provide a reference for the majority of researchers to optimize and implement acupuncture clinical trial.

Effect of acupuncture on knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score in patients with knee osteoarthritis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To verify the clinical effect of acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#Forty-two patients with KOA were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (21 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a sham acupuncture group (21 cases, 1 case dropped off). The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture at 5-6 local acupoints [Dubi (ST 35), Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Heding (EX-LE 2), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), etc.] and 3-4 distal acupoints [Fengshi (GB 31), Waiqiu (GB 36), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zulinqi (GB 41), etc.]. The patients in the sham acupuncture group were treated with shallow needling technique at non-acupoint. The needles were retained for 30 min in both groups. All the treatment was given three times a week for 8 weeks. Knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were recorded before and after treatment and 18-week follow-up.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the scores of 5 dimensions of KOOS [pain, symptoms (except pain), daily activities, sports and entertainment, and quality of life] were increased after treatment and during follow-up in the two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture can reduce the pain symptoms and improve daily activities in patients with KOA.

Application and reflection on pilot study in acupuncture clinical research / 中国针灸

Pilot study is essential prerequisite for large-scale research. Acupuncture is a complex intervention measure. The factors of its clinical effect and effect mechanism are complicated. Hence, the resource waste is easily induced in research if the large-scale clinical research is rashly carried out before scientific verification. Currently, there is still a lack of high-quality evidence of clinical research, which affects the promotion and application of the curative effect of acupuncture. The pilot study of acupuncture can evaluate the feasibility and the process coordination of trial, optimize program and process and provide the basis of sample size calculation prior to launching a full-scale trial. Thereby, the methodological quality of acupuncture research and the reliability of trial results can be improved. In the paper, the arguments focus on the definition, design and report of pilot study so as to provide the approaches and references for the design and implementation of pilot study of clinical research of acupuncture.

Early constant observation of the effect of deferoxamine mesylate on improvement of vascularized bone regeneration in SD rat skull critical size defect model / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of local administration of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO) on vascularization and osteogenesis and its ability to maintain the activity of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), by constantly observing early changes of vessel-like structures and bone tissues during bone defects healing.@*METHODS@#Skull critical bone defect models were constructed on a total of thirty male SD rats (6-8 weeks old). The rats were randomly divided into experimental group (DFO group) or control group (normal saline group). 300 μL 200 μmol/L DFO solution or normal saline was locally injected on the 4th day after the defect was made. On the 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th, and 28th days after surgery, three rats in each group were sacrificed respectively. HE staining and Masson staining were performed to observe new bone formation and mineralization. HIF-1α immunohistochemistry staining was performed to examine relative expression of protein. Qualitative analysis and comparation were performed by t-tests on relative expression of HIF-1α, numbers of blood vessels and percentages of mineralization tissues of new bone areas.@*RESULTS@#On the 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th and 28th days after surgery, the average numbers of blood vessels were 30.40±12.15, 62.00±17.87, 73.43±15.63, 40.00±7.84, 48.71±11.64 in the DFO group, and 18.75±6.63, 19.13±2.80, 51.35±16.21, 27.18±7.32, 30.88±13.43 in the control group. The number of blood vessels in the DFO group was significantly higher than that of the control group at each time point (P < 0.05). The mass of new bone in the DFO group was higher than that in the control group on the 14th and 28th days after surgery. The percentage of mineralization tissues of new bone area on the 14th and 28th days after injection were (27.73±5.93)% and (46.53±3.66)% in the DFO group, and (11.99±2.02)% and (31.98±4.22)% in the control group. The percentage of mineralization tissues in the DFO group was significantly higher than that of the control group at each time point (P < 0.001). The relative expression of HIF-1α in the DFO group compared with the control group was 2.86±0.48, 1.32±0.26, 1.32±0.32, 1.28±0.38 and 1.05±0.34 on the 5th, 7th, 10th, 14th and 28th days, with significant expression difference on the 5th day (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Use of DFO in bone defects promotes vascularization and osteogenesis in the defect area, and maintains the protein activity of HIF-1α temporarily.

Improvement in dyspepsia related symptoms treated with acupuncture in 278 patients with postprandial distress syndrome: a secondary analysis of a multi-center randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture for the improvements in various dyspeptic symptoms of postprandial distress syndrome.@*METHODS@#The secondary analysis on the data of a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. 278 patients with postprandial distress syndrome were randomized into an acupuncture group (138 cases) and a sham-acupuncture group (140 cases). In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. In the sham-acupuncture group, 6 sites, neither located on meridians nor belonged to meridian acupoints, were selected and punctured shallowly. The duration of treatment was 20 min each time, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks totally in the two groups. The follow-up visit lasted for 12 weeks. The scores of dyspeptic symptoms were compared between the two groups before treatment, during treatment (in week 1, 2, 3 and 4) and during follow-up (in week 8, 12 and 16) separately.@*RESULTS@#Besides the scores of early satiety and vomiting in the sham-acupuncture group in week 1, the scores of the other dyspepsia symptoms during treatment and follow-up were all reduced in the two groups as compared with those before treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture remarkably relieves postprandial fullness, early satiety, upper abdominal bloating and belching in patients with postprandial distress syndrome.

Reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for vascular dementia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for vascular dementia.@*METHODS@#The RCTs of acupuncture for vascular dementia were systematically retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP and Wanfang databases from the date of establishment to October 31, 2018. The reporting quality of RCT was evaluated based on the internationally-recognized Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) statement and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA).@*RESULTS@#A total of 33 RCTs were included. According to the CONSORT statement, 12 items had a reporting rate of 0%, including important changes to methods after trial commencement, sample size, blind method, trial registry, etc.; 5 items had a reporting rate of below 10%, including trial design, type of randomization, random allocation sequence, randomization implementation and participant flow. The reporting rate was 36.36% for baseline data and 57.58% for randomization sequence generation. According to the STRICTA statement, the reporting rate was 21.21% for description of acupuncture depth, 60.61% for description of acupuncture response, 27.27% for description of additional intervention details and 0% for qualification of acupuncturists, respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#At present, the reporting quality of RCTs of acupuncture for vascular dementia is generally low. In the future, the RCTs of acupuncture for vascular dementia should be normatively reported according to the CONSORT statement and STRICTA statement.

Effect of acupuncture on emotional disorder in patients with chronic pain: a Meta-analysis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To systematically review the effect of acupuncture on emotional disorder in the patients with migraine and knee osteoarthritis and its effect time limit.@*METHODS@#The randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for migraine or knee osteoarthritis were retrieved from the databases, starting from the time of establishment through to December, 2018, i.e. the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP and Wanfang. The bias risk assessment tool of Cochrane Review Manual 5.1.0 was adopted to evaluate the quality of trials in methodology. RevMan 5.3 software was used for the Meta-analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 12 articles were included, with 2450 cases. Regarding the immediate effect, the score of the emotional function subscale of migraine-specific quality-of-life questionnaire (MSQ) in the acupuncture group was higher than the control group (6.38[2.78,9.98], =25%). In view of the emotional function subscale of the short-form of health survey (SF-36/SF-12), and the scores of the mental function and negative mode scale in Spain's index of quality of life (PQLC), there were no significant differences in the scores between the acupuncture group and the control group. In 3 months of treatment, the score of the emotional function subscale of MSQ in the acupuncture group was higher than the control group (9.66 [3.06,16.25], =44%). The difference in the score of the mental health subscale of SF-36 and SF-12 was not significant between the acupuncture group and the control group. In 3 to 6 months of treatment, as well as in over 6 months of treatment, the score of every scale was not different statistically between the acupuncture group and the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture effectively maintains the healthy emotion in the patients with migraine and the effect is sustainable for 3 months after treatment. But the improvement of acupuncture is not remarkable in emotional disorder induced by knee osteoarthritis.

Challenges and enlightenments of SPARC program on acupuncture and moxibustion researches in China / 中国针灸

The advantages of western medical research were analyzed and the differences between skin nerve stimulation in western medicine and acupuncturemoxibustion in TCM were compared, so as to inspire the scientific researches of acupuncture and moxibustion in China. The related literature was searched and the research basis, content and achievements of the American stimulating peripheral activity to relief condition (SPARC) program were systematically summarized. From the perspectives of theoretical system, stimulation site, stimulation method and mechanism of action, the similarities and differences between skin nerve stimulation in western medicine and acupuncturemoxibustion in TCM were compared. Through comparative analysis, it is found that the systematic construction of SPARC "high-resolution neural circuit map" is essentially the upgraded version of the traditional distribution map of meridians and acupoints in China, which is similar to the research on origin of nervous system and stimulation site of acupuncturemoxibustion of TCM. Under the impact of "localization of traditional Chinese medicine" in other countries, learning from the international advanced research technology, gathering top-level talents, and encouraging openness and innovation will be the necessary pathway to improve the quality of acupuncturemoxibustion research and master the power of knowledge initiative.

Comparison of residual cement between CAD/CAM customized abutments and stock abutments via digital measurement in vitro / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the residual cement between computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing customized abutments (CCA) and stock abutments (SA), and to evaluate the feasibility of digital measurement for residual cement volume by three-dimensional scanning.@*METHODS@#Twenty master models needed in this study were all taken from one 47-year-old patient with arrested periodontitis, who had already had an implant placed at his right upper central incisor site in the Department of Periodonto-logy, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. After 4 weeks of soft tissue conditioning by means of customized healing abutment, the height of peri-implant soft tissue was measured, from the implant platform to mucosal margin, as 5 mm. Using customized impression coping, the impression was taken and twenty models were fabricated and allocated to 4 groups according to the type of abutments: CCA1 (5 mm transmucosal height CCA, with margin at tissue level), CCA2 (4 mm transmucosal height CCA, with 1 mm submucosal margin), SA1 (3 mm transmucosal height SA, with 2 mm submucosal margin) and SA2 (1 mm transmucosal height SA, with 4 mm submucosal margin). Crowns were cemented to the abutments, which were seated on the working models. Excess cement was removed by a prosthodontic specialist. Thereafter, the volume of residual cement was evaluated by using three-dimensional scanning technique. The area proportion of residual cement was calculated on photographs taken by a single lens reflex camera. The weight of residual cement was weighed by an analytical balance. And the correlation of residual cement volume data with residual cement area proportion or weight of residual cement acquired by traditional methods was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Residual cement was observed on all the experiment samples. The residual cement volume of CCA was significantly less than that of SA [(0.635 3±0.535 4) mm3 vs. (2.293 8±0.943 8) mm3, P < 0.001]. Consistently, CCA had less residual cement area proportion and weight than those of SA [area proportion: 7.57%±2.99% vs. 22.68%±10.06%, P < 0.001; weight: (0.001 5±0.001 0) g vs. (0.003 7±0.001 4) g, P < 0.001]. The residual cement volume was strongly correlated with the residual cement area proportion and residual cement weight (r>0.75, P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#These in vitro results suggest that CCA minimized the residual cement more effectively than SA. The method to digitally evaluate the residual cement volume is feasible, but its validity and reliability need to be further studied.

Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture at "experienced ten acupoints" for postprandial distress syndrome / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture at "experienced ten acupoints" for postprandial distress syndrome.@*METHODS@#A total of 62 patients with postprandial distress syndrome were randomly divided into an observation group (31 cases, 5 cases dropping off) and a control group (31 cases, 6 cases dropping off ). Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Tianshu (ST 25), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Gongsun (SP 4), Danzhong (CV 17) in the observation group. In the control group, 6 non-acupoint points were intervened with shallow puncture. The treatment was given 20 min each time, once every other day, 3 times a week for a total of 4 weeks in the two groups. Symptom index of dyspepsia (SID) and Nepean dyspepsia index (NDI) scores were compared before and after treatment, and the efficacy was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The effective rate in the observation group was 76.9% (20/26), which was higher than 28.0% in the control group (7/25, <0.01). After treatment, the SID and NDI scores in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (<0.01, <0.05), and the SID and NDI scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at "experienced ten acupoints" can significantly reduce the symptoms of dyspepsia and improve the quality of life in patients with postprandial distress syndrome.

Researches status on time-effect of acupuncture / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the research status and influencing factors of the time-effect of acupuncture and to explain and analyze the optimal effect timing of acupuncture, and provide reference for obtaining the best clinical therapeutic effect.@*METHODS@#Literature regarding the studies of the time-effect of acupuncture published from January 2000 to August 2018 was searched, concluded and analyzed in CNKI, WANFANG, VIP and PubMed databases.@*RESULTS@#A total of 43 papers were included. The time-effect relationship of acupuncture was studied from various aspects: immediate effect, post-effect and total time-effect. The influencing factors of time-effect of acupuncture included needle retention time, acupoint types, number of acupoints and frequency of acupuncture treatment.@*CONCLUSION@#Even though preliminary achievements have been made in the study of the time-effect of acupuncture, there are many limitations and deficiency. These studies are mostly isolated and unsystematic, and the observation time of needle retention time and post-effect is not long enough to observe the exact best induction period, half-life period and residual effect period of acupuncture.In the future, we should combine the existing research experience and achievements to formulate a more reasonable research plan and observe the entire period of acupuncture in a longitudinal direction.

Effects of Acupuncture on the Level of Inflammatory Cytokines and Toll-like Receptor 4 in Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture on the level of inflammatory cytokines and toll-like receptor 4 in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of SHR; To investigate the mechanisms of acupuncture in reduction of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in SHR. Methods Thirty 10-week old SHR were randomly divided into SHR group, acupuncture group and non-acupoint group, with 10 rats in each group. 10 WKY rats were set as control group. Acupuncture group received bilateral acupuncture in "Taichong" acupoint, and twisting and diarrhea method was used to stimulate; non-acupoint group received acupuncture at the back of feet, and soothing and diarrhea with twisting method was used to stimulate. Materials were taken two weeks later. The mean arterial pressure of rats was detected every day; the expression of TLR4 mRNA in PVN was detected by RT-PCR; The expression of TLR4 protein in PVN was detected by Western blot; The levels of TNF-αa nd IL-6 were detected. Results Compared with control group, the mean arterial pressure of SHR group increased; TLR4 mRNA and protein expression in PVN increased significantly; the level of TNF-α and IL-6 increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with SHR group, the mean arterial pressure of acupuncture group decreased significantly;TLR4 mRNA and protein expression in PVN decreased significantly; the level of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased significantly (P<0.05). There was no significant change in non-acupoint group. Conclusion Acupuncture in"Taichong" acupoint can attenuate blood pressure of SHR by inhibiting expression of TLR4 in PVN and reducing the levels of TNF-α and IL-6.

Effects of Acupuncture on Inflammation in Prefrontal Cortex of Vascular Dementia Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture on TLR4, inflammation factors IL-1β and IL-6 expressions in the prefrontal cortex of vascular dementia (VD) rats; To investigate the brain protective mechanisms of acupuncture. Methods A total of 50 rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, acupuncture group, and placebo-acupuncture group. The animal model of VD was replicated by permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) in rats. Acupuncture was performed at three days after surgery, once daily for two weeks. Morris water maze was used to test the cognitive function. The expressions of Iba1 and TLR4 were assessed by immunohistochemical method. Inflammation factors IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expressions were tested by RT-PCR. Results Compared with sham-operation group, the model group rats showed impaired spatial learning and memory ability, and expression of Iba1, TLR4, and IL-1β, IL-6 increased. Compared with the model group, the spatial learning and memory abilities of the acupuncture group were improved, and the expression of Iba1, TLR4 and IL-1β, IL-6 in the prefrontal cortex decreased. These effects were not found in the placebo-acupuncture group. Conclusion The effect of acupuncture may be achieved by inhibiting microglia activate, decreasing the expressions of TLR4, IL-1β and IL-6 in the prefrontal cortex, resulting in improving spatial learning and memory ability of VD rats.

Research of berberine to proliferation and apoptotic mechanism of human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of berberine on the proliferation and apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cell (SKOV3). Methods:Cell proliferation was detected by MTT method. The cell apoptosis was detected by FCM Annexin V/PI double staining and transmission electron microscopy. The methylation status of hMLH1 gene promoter CpG island was analyzed by methylation specific PCR. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Survivin and hMLH1 gene mRNA were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR. Results:The berberine could significantly inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells(P<0. 05) in dose-and time-de-pendent manner. When combined with cisplatin, berberine showed synergistic anticancer effects. Berberine could induce SKOV3 cells apoptosis significantly, it might lower the expression of Bcl-2 and Survivin gene and enhance the expression of Bax gene. In addition, berberine could restore the hMLH1 promoter methylation status and increase the expression of hMLH1 mRNA. Conclusion:Berberine can inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and induce apoptosis, which show that the synergistic enhancement anticancer effects with cisplatin.

Research of berberine to proliferation and apoptotic mechanism of human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of berberine on the proliferation and apoptosis of human ovarian cancer cell (SKOV3). Methods:Cell proliferation was detected by MTT method. The cell apoptosis was detected by FCM Annexin V/PI double staining and transmission electron microscopy. The methylation status of hMLH1 gene promoter CpG island was analyzed by methylation specific PCR. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Survivin and hMLH1 gene mRNA were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR. Results:The berberine could significantly inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells(P<0. 05) in dose-and time-de-pendent manner. When combined with cisplatin, berberine showed synergistic anticancer effects. Berberine could induce SKOV3 cells apoptosis significantly, it might lower the expression of Bcl-2 and Survivin gene and enhance the expression of Bax gene. In addition, berberine could restore the hMLH1 promoter methylation status and increase the expression of hMLH1 mRNA. Conclusion:Berberine can inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and induce apoptosis, which show that the synergistic enhancement anticancer effects with cisplatin.

Liver and cardiac iron overload is harmful to HLA-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in thalassemia children: an MRI detection / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: The majority of children with β-thalassemia major have iron overload, and iron overload may have negative effects on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of liver and cardiac iron overload detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2* on HLA-identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children with β-thalassemia major. METHODS: Eighty-one children with β-thalassemia major who were over 3 years of age and could cooperate with MRI detection were subjected to liver and heart MRI T2* tests before or after HLA-identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. According to the test results, we calculated the liver and cardiac iron content, defined as an indicator of liver and heart iron overload. Then, there was a correlation analysis between the liver and cardiac iron content and serum ferritin, time of hematopoietic reconstitution, mortality rate, implantation rate and the morbidity of transplantation related complications, such as graft-versus-host disease, infections, autoimmune hemolysis, pancytopenia, hepatic veno-occlusive disease, septicemia. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The liver iron content was positively correlated with the time of hemoglobin implantation (r=0.229, P=0.043), and the cardiac iron content were positively correlated with the mortality rate (r=0.266, P=0.017); the serum ferritin level was negatively correlated with the implantation rate (r=-0.289, P=0.009), and positively correlated with the morbidity of septicemia (r=0.251, P=0.024) and pancytopenia (r=0.276, P=0.013). Therefore, iron overload exerts negative effects on HLA-identical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in β-thalassemia major children, and it is necessary to detect serum ferritin level and assess liver and cardiac iron overload before cell transplantation.