Effect of "needle sensation" and the real-time changes in autonomic nervous system activity during acupuncture analgesia.

Introduction: Acupuncture analgesia (AA) is widely used in clinical practice. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) may be an important pathway for acupuncture signal transduction. However, real-time changes in autonomic function during AA and the effect of "needle sensation" remain unclear. Methods: We established a human pain model in healthy adults and randomly assigned 128 participants to the model, sham acupuncture, and acupuncture groups in a 1:1:2 ratio. Heart rate variability (HRV), including total power (TP), low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), ratio of LF to HF (LF/HF), standard deviation of the normal-normal intervals (SDNN), and root mean square of successive interval differences (RMSSD), were used to assess autonomic function. The visual analog scale (VAS) and efficiency were used to assess the analgesic effect of acupuncture. The Massachusetts General Hospital acupuncture sensation scale (MASS) was used to indicate the intensity of the needle sensation. Anxiety levels were also measured. Finally, the correlation of MASS with HRV, VAS, and anxiety levels was analyzed. Results: VAS decreased after 10 min of needling and 5 min after needle withdrawal in the acupuncture group compared with those in the model group (p = 0.038, p = 0.020). The efficacy rates were 82.0, 50.0, and 61.3% in the acupuncture, model, and sham groups, respectively. These represent significant differences between the acupuncture group and the model and sham acupuncture groups (p < 0.001 in each case). No differences were observed between the model and sham acupuncture groups. HF, TP, SDNN, and RMSSD were all increased in the acupuncture group compared with those in the model group (p = 0.045, p = 0.041, p = 0.002, p = 0.006, respectively). No differences were observed in the sham acupuncture group compared to the model group (p = 0.632, p = 0.542, p = 0.093, p = 0.222, respectively). The LF and LF/HF did not differ among all three groups. A positive correlation was observed between MASS and RMSSD2, LF2, RMSSD4, TP4, VAS5, and anxiety levels. Conclusion: AA was associated with enhanced vagal activity. The intensity of needle sensation was positively correlated with vagal and sympathetic nerve activities. Acupuncture is an effective means of regulating autonomic function, and needle sensation may be an important modulator.

Bacterial vitamin B6 is required for post-embryonic development in C. elegans.

Nutritional intake influences animal growth, reproductive capacity, and survival of animals. Under nutrition deficiency, animal developmental arrest occurs as an adaptive strategy to survive. However, the nutritional basis and the underlying nutrient sensing mechanism essential for animal regrowth after developmental arrest remain to be explored. In Caenorhabditis elegans, larvae undergo early developmental arrest are stress resistant, and they require certain nutrients to recover postembryonic development. Here, we investigated the developmental arrest in C. elegans feeding on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and the rescue of the diapause state with trace supplementation of Escherichia coli. We performed a genome-wide screen using 3983 individual gene deletion E. coli mutants and identified E. coli genes that are indispensable for C. elegans larval growth on originally not nutritionally sufficient bacteria L. plantarum. Among these crucial genes, we confirmed E. coli pdxH, and the downstream metabolite pyridoxal 5-P (PLP, Vitamin B6) as important nutritional factors for C. elegans postembryonic development. Transcriptome results suggest that bacterial pdxH affects host development by coordinating host metabolic processes and PLP binding. Additionally, the developmental arrest induced by the L. plantarum diet in worm does not depend on the activation of FoxO/DAF-16. Altogether, these results highlight the role of microbial metabolite PLP as a crucial cofactor to restore postembryonic development in C. elegans.

Cationic regulation of specificity and activity of defective MCo2O4 nanozyme (M=Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) for colorimetric detection of caffeic acid.

Spinel oxide has great promise in constructing highly active nanozymes due to its tunable crystal structure. However, it still faces the problems of poor specificity and insufficient enzyme activity, which limits its application in the field of analysis. Herein, a series of transition metal spinel oxides were synthesized by cation regulation strategy, and their enzymatic activity and catalytic mechanism were analyzed. Interestingly, FeCo2O4, Co3O4 and NiCo2O4 had oxidase-like activity and peroxidase-like activity, while CuCo2O4 had specific and high oxidase-like activity. Their oxidase-like activities follow the order of FeCo2O4 < Co3O4 < NiCo2O4 < CuCo2O4, which is consistent with their cation radius. The smaller the cation radius of tetrahedral site, the more beneficial it is to increase the oxidase-like activity. The high oxidase-like activity of CuCo2O4 may be attributed to the production of 1O2, •O2- and •OH. EPR results showed the presence of abundant oxygen vacancies in CuCo2O4. Upon the introduction of EDTA, TMB color reaction fades because of oxygen vacancies elimination by EDTA, indicating that oxygen vacancies played an important role in the reaction. Based on the inhibition effect of caffeic acid on the high oxidase-like activity of CuCo2O4, a simple and sensitive caffeic acid colorimetric sensing platform was developed. The linear range for the detection of caffeic acid is 0.02-15 µM, with a detection limit as low as 13 nM. The constructed sensor enables the detection of caffeic acid in caffeic acid tablets and actual water samples, providing a new strategy for the detection of caffeic acid and drug quality control.

Exploratory comparison of flower visiting behavior and pollination ability of mason bees, bumble bees, and honey bees.

This study explored the flower visiting behaviors and pollination abilities of mason bees (Osmia excavata Alfken (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)), bumble bees (Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)), and Italian honey bees (Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola (Hymenoptera: Apidae)) in apple orchards in early spring in Jinan (located in the central region of Shandong) and Yantai (located in the Peninsula of Shandong). We compared the pollen collection patterns, flower visiting behavior, flying speed, and effects on apple pollination of the 3 types of bees. The frequencies of flower visits were significantly higher for mason bees (12.89/min in Jinan and 10.63/min in Yantai) than bumble bees and Italian honey bees in the 2 regions. The single flower residence times were significantly higher for Italian honey bees (8.22 s in Jinan and 9.43 s in Yantai), but Italian honey bees were most affected by the climate. The 3 bees differed significantly in terms of the amount of apple pollen collected and their effects on the fruit setting rate in apples (mason bees > bumble bees > Italian honey bees). The results showed that the mason bee was the most suitable pollinating species for spring apple orchards; Bumble bees were more suitable as alternative pollinators during cloudy and low temperatures; Italian honey bees were able to take advantage of their large number of worker bees in sunny and warm weather. Compared to individual bee species, a combination of 2 or 3 species of bees might be more advantageous in dealing with complex and variable weather conditions.

Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Alleviates Acute Pancreatitis by Regulating Th17 Cell Differentiation: An Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Experimental Validation.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the core targets of Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., (Dahuang-Danshen, DH-DS) and the mechanism underlying its therapeutic efficacy in acute pancreatitis (AP) using a network pharmacology approach and validate the findings in animal experiments. METHODS: Network pharmacology analysis was used to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of DH-DS in AP. The reliability of the results was verified by molecular docking simulation and molecular dynamics simulation. Finally, the results of network pharmacology enrichment analysis were verified by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Sixty-seven common targets of DH-DS in AP were identified and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), protein c-Fos (FOS) were identified as core targets in the protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Gene ontology analysis showed that cellular response to organic substance was the main functions of DH-DS in AP, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the main pathway included Th17 cell differentiation. Molecular docking simulation confirmed that DH-DS binds with strong affinity to MAPK3, STAT3 and FOS. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that FOS-isotanshinone II and STAT3-dan-shexinkum d had good binding capacity. Animal experiments indicated that compared with the AP model group, DH-DS treatment effectively alleviated AP by inhibiting the expression of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and blocking the activation of Th17 cell differentiation (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: DH-DS could inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors and protect pancreatic tissues, which would be functioned by regulating Th17 cell differentiation-related mRNA and protein expressions.

Psychophysical therapy and underlying neuroendocrine mechanisms for the rehabilitation of long COVID-19.

With the global epidemic and prevention of the COVID-19, long COVID-19 sequelae and its comprehensive prevention have attracted widespread attention. Long COVID-19 sequelae refer to that three months after acute COVID-19, the test of SARS-CoV-2 is negative, but some symptoms still exist, such as cough, prolonged dyspnea and fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations and insomnia. Its pathological mechanism is related to direct viral damage, immunopathological response, endocrine and metabolism disorders. Although there are more effective methods for treating COVID-19, the treatment options available for patients with long COVID-19 remain quite limited. Psychophysical therapies, such as exercise, oxygen therapy, photobiomodulation, and meditation, have been attempted as treatment modalities for long COVID-19, which have the potential to promote recovery through immune regulation, antioxidant effects, and neuroendocrine regulation. Neuroendocrine regulation plays a significant role in repairing damage after viral infection, regulating immune homeostasis, and improving metabolic activity in patients with long COVID-19. This review uses oxytocin as an example to examine the neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in the psychophysical therapies of long COVID-19 syndrome and proposes a psychophysical strategy for the treatment of long COVID-19.

[Effect and mechanism of Poria cocos polysaccharides on myocardial cell apoptosis in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating Rho-ROCK signaling pathway].

This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Poria cocos polysaccharides(PCP) on myocardial cell apoptosis in the rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MI/RI). Male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group(saline), a model group(saline), low-and high-dose PCP groups(100 and 200 mg·kg~(-1)), and a fasudil group(10 mg·kg~(-1)), with 16 rats in each group. Except for the sham group, the other four groups underwent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 2 h to establish the MI/RI model. The myocardial infarct area was assessed by TTC staining. Histological changes were observed through HE staining. Myocardial cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining. Serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase MB(CK-MB), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß) and IL-18 levels, myocardial superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels were detected by ELISA. Protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein(Bax), cleaved caspase-3, Ras homolog gene A(RhoA), myosin phosphatase target subunit 1(MYPT-1), phosphorylated MYPT-1(p-MYPT-1), and Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase 1(ROCK 1) were measured by Western blot. Pathological staining of myocardial tissue revealed that in the model group, there was focal necrosis of myocardial tissue, myocardial cell swelling, unclear boundaries, and neutrophil infiltration. These pathological changes were alleviated in the low-and high-dose PCP groups and the fasudil group. Compared with the model group, the low-and high-dose PCP groups and the fasudil group showed significantly reduced myocardial infarct area and myocardial cell apoptosis rate. Compared with the sham group, the model group exhibited elevated serum LDH, CK-MB, IL-1ß and IL-18 levels, increased MDA levels, relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, RhoA, ROCK1 and p-MYPT-1, and decreased myocardial SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression. Compared with the model group, the PCP groups and the fasudil group showed lowered serum LDH, CK-MB, IL-1ß and IL-18 levels, decreased MDA levels, relative protein expression of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, RhoA, ROCK1 and p-MYPT-1, and increased myocardial SOD levels and Bcl-2 protein expression. PCP exhibited a certain preventive effect on myocardial tissue pathological damage and myocardial cell apoptosis in MI/RI rats, possibly related to the inhibition of the Rho-ROCK signaling pathway activation, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Efficacy of electro-acupuncture in postpartum with diastasis recti abdominis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Electro-acupuncture (EA) has promising effects on diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA), defined as a separation of the two muscle bellies of rectus abdominis. To study, there is scant knowledge or scarce high-quality evidence. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of EA in treating DRA during postpartum. It was assumed that the improvement of DRA was more obvious in the EA group than in the control group. Design: Randomized, controlled, blinded trial (Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR2100041891). Setting: Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Participants: Females aged 20-45 years without a past medical history of pathological rectus abdominal dissection were recruited from DRA inclusion criteria from 42 days to 1 year postpartum. Intervention: 110 participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a control group with no EA intervention (n = 55), and EA group (n = 55). The EA group received ten sessions of EA combined with physical exercise or only physical exercise for 2 weeks with a 26-week follow-up. Measurements: Outcomes were assessed at baseline, week 2, and week 26. The primary outcome was the change of the inter recti distance (IRD) and electromyographic evaluation of the pelvic floor. Secondary outcomes included elasticity of linea alba (LA), paraumbilical subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) measurement, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (F%), dyspepsia symptoms, menstrual symptoms, quality of life (QoL), pain performance of patients with lower back pain, postnatal depression symptoms (PDS), postpartum self-image, and DRA-related symptom assessment including urine leakage, frequency, and urgency, constipation, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain. Results: A total of 110 maternal (55 in each group) were recruited. The mean difference in IRD from baseline to week 2 and week 26 in all states of the two groups were reduced compared with those before treatment, with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The mean of IRD at the horizontal line of the umbilicus in the end-expiratory state was smaller in the EA group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05) at week 2. The mean of IRD at the horizontal line of the umbilicus in head-up and flexed knee state was smaller in the EA group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) at week 26. Five (9.1%) and thirteen (23.64%) adverse events were reported in EA and control groups, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported. Limitation: The frequency intensity of EA parameters was selected between 4 and 6 because of individual tolerance differences. Conclusion: EA is an effective approach to improve IRD, electromyographic evaluation of the pelvic floor, BMI, the elasticity of LA, paraumbilical SAT, and symptoms of DRA, with durable effects at 26 weeks. Primary funding source: The Construction Fund of Medical Key Disciplines of Hangzhou (Project Number: OO20200097), Hangzhou Medical and Health Science and Technology Project No. A20200483, and Zhejiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Plan Project (Project Number: 2021ZQ065). Clinical trial registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier: ChiCTR2100041891.

Molecular Characteristics of Cell Pyroptosis and Its Inhibitors: A Review of Activation, Regulation, and Inhibitors.

Pyroptosis is an active and ordered form of programmed cell death. The signaling pathways of pyroptosis are mainly divided into canonical pathways mediated by caspase-1 and noncanonical pathways mediated by caspase-11. Cell pyroptosis is characterized by the activation of inflammatory caspases (mainly caspase-1, 4, 5, 11) and cleavage of various members of the Gasdermin family to form membrane perforation components, leading to cell membrane rupture, inflammatory mediators release, and cell death. Moderate pyroptosis is an innate immune response that fights against infection and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of the normal function of the immune system. However, excessive pyroptosis occurs and leads to immune disorders in many pathological conditions. Based on canonical pathways, research on pyroptosis regulation has demonstrated several pyroptotic inhibitors, including small-molecule drugs, natural products, and formulations of traditional Chinese medicines. In this paper, we review the characteristics and molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis, summarize inhibitors of pyroptosis, and propound that herbal medicines should be a focus on the research and development for pyroptosis blockers.

Long-term alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) establishment could alleviate phosphorus limitation induced by nitrogen deposition in the carbonate soil.

Phosphorus (P) limitation is a widespread problem of primary production in dryland submitted to persistent nitrogen (N) deposition. The legume alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), which can fix N2, might potentially strengthen P limitation in dryland ecosystems and is widely distributed as forage. However, there is still unclear how alfalfa grassland mobilizes the soil P to meet its demand. In this experiment, alfalfa introduction was used for long-term revegetation to evaluate the P uptake of plants from deep soil and assess the P limitation induced by N deposition compared with fallow. Our results showed that alfalfa introduction increased the soil P storage significantly at 0-2.4 m soil depth (+0.74 Mg ha-1), whereas it decreased at 2.4-4.8 m soil depth (-0.21 Mg ha-1) after 15-year establishment. Alfalfa establishment increased soil organic P concentration (180.9 mg kg-1 vs. 67.2 mg kg-1) and its relative contribution to total P (19.64% vs. 8.08%) at 0-4.8 m. Alfalfa establishment also increased the concentration and proportion of labile and intermediate P fractions at 0-4.8 m (9.12 mg kg-1 vs. 6.87 mg kg-1, 1.12% vs. 0.98%; 16.06 mg kg-1 vs. 8.39 mg kg-1, 1.69% vs. 1.17%). Alfalfa introduction decreased the concentrated HCl-Pi (250.66 mg kg-1 vs. 229.32 mg kg-1, 36.81% vs. 28.91%) in 2.4-4.8 m soil depth. These results indicated that the deep root system of alfalfa grassland could promote the P mobilization from deep to shallow soil. The concentrated HCl-Pi may be the main potential P source of alfalfa from 2.4-4.8 m to 0-2.4 m of soil depth, and long-term establishment of alfalfa can alleviate P limitation caused by N deposition in carbonate soil. Our results suggested that species with deep roots (such as alfalfa) could be selected as an economical way to mitigate nitrogen deposition in drylands.

Efficacy and Safety of Bushen Huoxue Formula in Patients with Discogenic Low-Back Pain: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Bushen Huoxue Formula (BSHXF) for the treatment of discogenic low-back pain (DLBP). METHODS: This was a parallel, double-blind, randomized, clinical trial performed between May 2019 and June 2020. Seventy patients were assigned by computerized random number table to the treatment group (lumbar traction and BSHXF, 35 cases) or the control group (lumbar traction and placebo, 35 cases). The patients received intervention for 3 weeks. Assessment was conducted before treatment and at week 1, 2, 3 during treatment. Primary outcome was the self-reported score of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS), clinical efficacy rate by minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as well as lumbar tenderness, muscle tone and lumbar spine mobility. Adverse reactions were recorded. Follow-up was performed at 1 and 3 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: In the treatment group, ODI score was significantly decreased compared with baseline (P<0.05) and the control group at 2- and 3- week treatment. Similarly, VAS score decreased compared with the baseline (P<0.05) and was lower than that in the control group at 2- and 3- week treatment (P<0.05). The clinical efficacy rate of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group after treatment [32.35% (11/34) vs. 3.13% (1/32), P<0.05). Moreover, the tenderness, and muscle tone, as well as the back extension and left flexion in lumbar spine mobility in the treatment group at 3-week treatment were significantly improved compared with the control group (P<0.05). Follow-up showed that at 1-month after treatment, the treatment group had better outcomes than the control group with regard to a total score of ODI and VAS scores, as well as clinical efficacy rate (all P<0.05). Moreover, VAS score was still significantly lower than the control group at 3-month follow-up (P<0.05). No adverse reactions were reported during the study. CONCLUSION: BSXHF combined with lumbar traction can significantly improve the clinical symptoms including pain intensity, functionality, muscle tone, and lumbar spine mobility in DLBP patients. (Registration No. ChiCTR1900027777).

Bai-Hu-Tang regulates endothelin-1 and its signalling pathway in vascular endothelial cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Bai-Hu-Tang (BHT) is traditionally used to treat human and animal fever syndrome with four symptoms: large and vigorous pulse, large thirst, high sweat, and high heat. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate the mechanism of vasodilation regulation of Bai-Hu-Tang in primary vascular endothelial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hydrophilic concentrate of BHT was prepared, and the main components of mangiferin and timosaponin BⅡ were determined by HLPC analysis. The rabbit fever model was constructed by intravenous injection of LPS (15 µg/kg body weight), and BHT was gavaged to treat febrile rabbits. After treatment for 6 h, animal peripheral blood was collected, and serum was isolated for endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide (NO) assays. Rabbit vascular endothelial cells (RVECs) were isolated and stimulated with 1 µg/mL LPS, and then inflammatory cells were treated with 125 or 250 µg/mL BHT for 24 h. The supernatant cytokines TNF-ɑ, IL-1ß, IL-6, and ET-1 were detected by ELISA kits. Gene expression levels of endothelin receptor type B (ETB receptor) were analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and protein expression levels of PI3K and Akt were detected by Western blot. A nitrite assay was used to measure intracellular nitric oxide (NO) production, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was measured by the T-NOS colorimetric method. RESULTS: Animal experiments demonstrated that BHT significantly restored ET-1 and NO in animal peripheral blood, which were disordered in LPS-induced fever rabbits. Moreover, a cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that BHT ≤700 µg/mL is innoxious to RVECs. BHT significantly repressed cellular TNF-α, IL-1ß, and ET-1, which were originally elevated by LPS in RVECs. Meanwhile, BHT elevated the gene expression level of the ETB receptor and promoted NOS and NO production in RVECs induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: BHT can inhibit excessive ET-1 secretion induced by LPS in vascular endothelial cells and activate the classic ET-1 signalling pathway to promote NO production, which may facilitate vasodilation of smooth muscle cells.

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Post-partum With Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study Protocol.

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is one of the common complications during pregnancy and post-partum, which has psychological and physical effects on post-partum women. Acupuncture, a worldwide alternative therapy, has attracted wide attention in preventing and treating diseases related to pregnancy and childbirth. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with physical training in treating post-partum rectus muscle dissociation. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled trial of DRA in post-partum conducted at Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine. The primary purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and physical training on DRA in post-partum women. The study will be conducted from March 2022 to March 2023. The acupuncture group received acupuncture and physical training (n = 48), the sham acupuncture group received sham acupuncture and physical training (n = 48), and the physical training group received physical training (n = 48). These experiments perform once/day, five times a week for 2 weeks, followed up for half a year after the end of the course of treatment. Our tests perform a course of treatment, which includes a total of 10 consecutive treatments. Furthermore, the patient will be followed up for half a year after the treatment. Primary and secondary indicators, including inter recti distance (IRD), linea alba (LA) tension, the MOS item short-form health survey (SF-36), short-form McGill pain questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), leeds dyspepsia questionnaire (LDQ), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), 10 items of edinburgh post-natal depression scale (EPDS-10), the modified body self-image scale (MBIS), international consultation incontinence questionnaire short-form (ICIQ-SF) and hernia-related quality-of-life survey (HerQles), which will be evaluated before and after treatment and half a year after treatment. Adverse events and side effects during each treatment will be collected and recorded. Discussion: There is evidence that acupuncture and physical training can treat DRA in post-partum. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-partum with DRA.

Qihuzha granule attenuated LPS-induced acute spleen injury in mice via Src/MAPK/Stat3 signal pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Qihuzha granule (QHZG), is one of traditional Chinese patent medicines composed of eleven edible medicinal plant, which has been used in the clinic for the treatment of indigestion and anorexia in children caused by deficiency of the spleen and stomach. Yet it is noteworthy that QHZG has therapeutic effect on recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) in children. However, its potential molecular mechanisms remained unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of QHZG on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute spleen injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute spleen injury model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg) and safe doses of QHZG was administered by gavage once a day for 23 days before LPS treatment. Serum inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were tested by ELISA. Related protein levels were detected by Western blotting. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to observe the histological alterations. The distribution of macrophages and neutrophils in the mouse spleen was examined by immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: QHZG pretreatment significantly abolished the increased secretion of cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which were attributable to LPS treatment. Immunofluorescence staining and Histological analysis of spleen tissue revealed the protective effect of QHZG against LPS-induced acute spleen injury in mice. Further study indicated that pretreatment with QHZG significantly inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of Src. Accordingly, the increased phosphorylation of Src downstream components (JNK, ERK, P38 and STAT3) induced by LPS was remarkably diminished by QHZG, suggesting the involvement of Src/MAPK/STAT3 pathway in the inhibitory effects of QHZG on spleen injury in mice. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that QHZG protected mice from LPS-induced acute spleen injury via inhibition of Src/MAPK/Stat3 signal pathway. These results suggested that QHZG might serve as a new drug for the treatment of LPS-stimulated spleen injury.

[Efficacy and safety of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction for lumbar disc herniation: systematic review and Meta-analysis].

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, in order to provide evidence for its clinical application. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang, VIP, CBM and Clinical Trials.gov databases were sysmatically retrieved. Two researchers independently searched, screened and extracted data. Randomized controlled trials in line with the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The article quality was assessed with the bias risk tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. A total of 604 articles were obtained from the retrieval, and 824 patients in 9 studies were finally selected through screening. The course of treatment was about 1 month, and all of the studies were completed in China. Meta-analysis showed that the efficacy of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation was better than that of the control group(RR=1.19, 95%CI[1.12, 1.26], P<0.000 01), including the comparison with Yaotongning Capsules(RR=1.10, 95%CI[1.02, 1.19], P=0.01) and diclofenac sodium tablets(RR=1.26, 95%CI[1.11, 1.44], P=0.000 4). In VAS pain score, Shentong Zhuyu Decoction had also obvious advantages(MD=-3.70, 95%CI[-6.31,-1.09], P=0.005). In addition, the number of adverse events in the Shentong Zhuyu Decoction group was lower than that in the control group. Shentong Zhuyu Decoction can effectively alleviate discomfort symptoms of patients with LDH. It has an obvious clinical efficacy and less adverse reactions. However, restricted by the quality of the included literatures, prospective, multi-center, large-sample-size randomized controlled trials are still needed to further improve the clinical evidence of the effect of Shentong Zhuyu Decoction in the treatment of LDH.

[Anti-inflammatory mechanism of Crepis crocea based on NF-κB signaling pathway and ~1H-NMR metabonomics].

Based on ~1H-NMR metabonomics technique and Western blot assay, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Crepis crocea was discussed. In this study, male SD rats were treated with water extract(2.5 g·kg~(-1)) and dexamethasone acetate(6.25×10~(-4) g·kg~(-1)) for one week, and the inflammation model was induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Then the counts of inflammatory cells white blood ceel(WBC), eosinophil(EO), lymphocyte(LY), basophils(BA) and neutrophils(NE) in whole blood of rats were observed. The levels of serum inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1ß(IL-1ß), IL-6 and the expression of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling pathway p65 and p-IκBα proteins in lung tissues were detected, and the change rules of serum endogenous metabolites were analyzed by ~1H-NMR metabonomics technique. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and NF-κB signaling pathway p65 and p-IκBα proteins were combined with ~1H-NMR metabonomics to study the anti-inflammatory mechanism of C. crocea. The results showed that the water extract of C. crocea significantly decreased the number of WBC, NE, EO, increased the number of BA and LY, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and the expression of p65 and p-IκBα protein in NF-κB signaling pathway, and effectively alleviated the inflammatory symptoms. In the correlation analysis of differential metabolites regulated of C. crocea, four significant metabolites were obtained, including glycine, creatine, methionine and succinic acid. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of C. crocea may be related to the decrease of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 levels and the protein expression of NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the regulation of glycine, creatine, methionine and succinic acid metabolism.

[Analysis of chemical components of Huanbei Zhike Prescription based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS technology].

To characterize the chemical constituents of Huanbei Zhike Prescription by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). A Thermo Syncronls C18 column( 2. 1 mm×100 mm,1. 7 µm) was used with methanol( A)-0. 1% formic acid solution( B) as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The injection volume was 2 µL; the column temperature was 40 ℃; the flow rate was 0. 3 m L·min-1; and electrospray ionization( ESI) source was used to collect data in positive and negative ion modes. The ion scanning range was m/z 50-1 200,with capillary voltage of 3 000 V,ion source temperature of100 ℃,atomization gas flow rate of 50 L·h-1,desolvent gas flow rate of 800 L·h-1,desolvent temperature of 400 ℃,cone hole voltage of 40 V,with argon as the collision gas and the collision energy was 20-35 V. The excimer ion peak information was analyzed by Waters UNIFI data processing software. The molecular formula with error within 1×10-5 was compared with the data in database to identify the compounds. The secondary fragment ion information of the target compound was selected,and then compared with the retention time and fragmentation patterns provided by the database and the existing literature to further confirm the compositions and structures of the compounds. A total of 68 main compounds in Huanbei Zhike Prescription were identified,including 38 flavonoids,10 organic acids,6 terpenoids and 10 nitrogen-containing compounds,of which 12 compounds were verified by the control substances. This method is rapid and accurate,which provides a new strategy for the qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents of Huanbei Zhike Prescription,and lays a foundation for the further study and quality control of the compound pharmacodynamic substance.

Enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus activation with an optimized bacterial community by endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari in paddy soil.

The endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambari play a key role in habitat adaptation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) with potential multiple beneficial. However, our previous published work on this subject remains incomplete. Here, we performed a soil nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) transformation with related functional genes and elucidated how rhizosphere microbiota vary their response to P. liquidambari interaction throughout the plant's life cycle under field conditions by Illumina Miseq sequencing platforms in a nutrient-limited paddy soil. Our results showed that P. liquidambari symbiosis decreased the nitrogen and phosphorus loss by 24.59% and 17.46% per pot, respectively. Additionally, we suggest that the application of P. liquidambari altered the activation of soil nitrogen and phosphorus functional genes to accelerate nutrient turnover in the rice rhizosphere. High-throughput sequencing with co-occurrence network and species-related network analysis further revealed that P. liquidambari colonization influenced the patterns of microbiota shift in the rhizosphere, especially during the heading stages. This led to an optimized microbial community through the promotion and inhibition of indigenous soil microbes with a higher level of available nutrient supplies. Our study strongly proposes rice-P. liquidambari symbiosis as a useful candidate for improving N and P acquisition and utilization.

[Effect of total triterpenoids of Chaenomeles speciosa on PPARγ/SIRT1/NF-κBp65 signaling pathway and intestinal mucosal barrier of ulcerative colitis induced by DSS in mice].

To observe the effect of total triterpenoids of Chaenomeles speciosa on PPARγ/SIRT1/NF-κBp65 signaling pathway and intestinal mucosal barrier of ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group, model group, total triterpenoids of C. speciosa (50, 100 mg·kg⁻¹) groups and sulfasalazine (250 mg·kg⁻¹) group. The ulcerative colitis (UC) model was induced by orally administering 2.5% DSS to the experimental mice, and the corresponding drugs were given to each group 3 days before the administration with 2.5% DSS. The normal group and the model group were given the equal volume of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution by gavage continuously for 10 days, q.d. The general conditions of the mice were observed on a daily basis, and the disease activity index (DAI) score was recorded. On the 10th day after the treatment, mice were put to death, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in the blood were detected, colon length was measured, colon mucosa damage index (CMDI) score was calculated, and MPO activity detection and histomorphology analysis were conducted. Real-time PCR was applied to detect the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin, occluding,MUC2 and TFF3; the protein expressions of SIRT1, IKKß, p-IKKß, IκBα, p-IκBα and cytosol and nucleus PPARγ, NF-κBp65 in intestinal tissue were detected by western blot. The results indicated that total triterpenoids of C. speciosa (50, 100 mg·kg⁻¹) could significantly improve the general conditions of UC mice, reduce the DAI, CMDI and histopathological scores, increase the colon length, reduce the colonic mucosa ulcers, erosion and inflammatory infiltration, restore the normal intestinal mucosal barrier function, reduce the contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IFN-γ, increase the contents of IL-4 and IL-10 in the blood, inhibit MPO activity in colon tissue, up-regulate the mRNA expressions of E-cadherin, occludin, MUC2 and TFF3 in colon tissue, down-regulate the protein expressions of cytosol PPARγ, tissue p-IKKß, p-IκBα and nucleus NF-κBp65 in the colon tissue, decrease the p-IKKß/IKKß and p-IκBα/IκBα ratios, up-regulate the protein expressions of nucleus PPARγ, tissue SIRT1 and cytosol NF-κBp65 (P<0.05 or P<0.01, respectively), with a dose-effect relationship between the total triterpenoids of C. speciosa treated groups. These findings suggested that total triterpenoids of C. speciosa had a significantly therapeutic effect on UC mice induced by DSS, its mechanism might be related to the regulation of PPARγ/SIRT1/NF-κBp65 signaling pathway, the inhibition of pro-inflammatory factor formation and the up-regulation of protein expression of protective factors.