Deoxytrichodermaerin, a harziane lactone from the marine algicolous fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum A-WH-20-2.

Three metabolites deoxytrichodermaerin (a new harziane lactone), harzianol A and harzianone were obtained from Trichoderma longibrachiatum A-WH-20-2, an endophyte from marine red alga Laurencia okamurai. Their structures and relative configurations were unequivocally assigned by spectroscopic techniques, and the absolute configuration of deoxytrichodermaerin was established by analysis of the ECD curve aided by quantum chemical calculations. Deoxytrichodermaerin represents the second harziane lactone with an ester linkage between C-10 and C-11. Harzianol A occurs as a natural product of Trichoderma for the first time. Harzianone has been previously discovered from T. longibrachiatum cf-11. These isolates exhibited potent inhibition of some marine plankton species.

A Novel Mediation Strategy of DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice Based on an Iron-Enriched Probiotic and In Vivo Bioluminescence Tracing.

Iron deficiency (ID) caused by blood loss and/or reduced iron absorption is a serious problem influencing health in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, traditional iron supplements may fail to meet no side effect demands for ID of IBD; thus, a new iron supplementation is highly desired to be developed. Herein, for the first time, probiotic Lactobacillus alimentarius NKU556 with an iron-enriching ability was screened from Chinese traditional fermented food then employed to intervene DSS-induced colitis with bioluminescence tracing in mice. As expected, oral administration with NKU556-Fe can remarkably enhance the expression of tight junction proteins and effectively reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as the oxidative stress on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Meanwhile, in comparison with the FeSO4 group, the intake of NKU556-Fe could suppress the expression of hepcidin derived from the liver and reduce the degradation of FPN1, thereby leading to the increase in the iron absorption of colitis in mice. According to the bioluminescence result, it was believed that the beneficial effects of oral administration with NKU556/NKU556-Fe on DSS-induced colitis in mice were hardly related to its metabolites but associated with its own function. These results concluded that the oral administration of NKU556-Fe could relieve colitis inflammation and increase iron absorption. In summary, current work not only proposed a novel mediation strategy for IBD but also offered some inspirations for future treatment of extraintestinal complications.

[Clinical effect of acupoint thread-embedding therapy at different intervals in the intervention of metabolic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of acupoint thread-embedding therapy at different intervals in the treatment of metabolic syndrome, and to find the optimal treatment interval. METHODS: A total of 70 patients with metabolic syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group 1 (n＝35)and treatment group 2(n＝35). Both groups were given acupoint thread-embedding therapy at Zhongwan (CV12), bilateral Liangmen (ST21), bilateral Huaroumen (ST24), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), bilateral Daimai (GB26), Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Dachangshu (BL25), bilateral Pishu (BL20), bilateral Zusanli (ST36), bilateral Yinlingquan (SP9), and bilateral Fenglong (ST40), and the treatment interval was 7 d for treatment group 1 and 14 d for treatment group 2. Each course of treatment was 42 d, and both groups were treated for 2 courses. Waist circumfe-rence (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), body mass index (BMI), serum triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb1Ac) were measured before and after treatment to analyze clinical outcome, and adverse reactions were recorded. RESULTS: After treatment, both groups had significant reductions in WC, HC, WHR, BMI, TG, LDL-C, FPG and Hb1Ac (P<0.05) and a significant increase in HDL-C (P<0.05). Compared with treatment group 1, treatment group 2 had significant increases in WC, WHR, BMI, TG, LDL-C, FPG and Hb1Ac (P<0.05) and a significant reduction in HDL-C (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Under the premise of ensuring efficacy and safety, an interval of 7 d is the optimal interval for acupoint thread-embedding therapy in the clinical intervention of metabolic syndrome.

[Clinical trials of acupuncture treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of "Tiaoshen Zhitong" (mental regulating and pain relieving) needling and its influence on serological indicators in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain, so as to provide new therapeutic thoughts and approach for post-stroke shoulder pain. METHODS: A total of 80 inpatients with post-stroke shoulder pain were randomly divided into a control group (routine needling, 39 cases) and an observation group ("Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling, 41 cases) according to the random number table. Patients of the two groups accepted basic medication treatment including anticoagulants, hypotensive drugs, hypoglycermic drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, etc. In addition, patients of the control group were also treated by routine acupuncture stimulation (uniform reinforcing-reducing stimulation) of Jianyu (LI15), Jianqian (EX-UE12), Jianhou (Extra), Jianliao (TE14), Waiguan (TE5) and Hegu (LI4) on the affected side, and those of the observation group also treated by "Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling of Ear-Shenmen (MA-TF1), bilateral Neiguan (PC6, lifting-thrusting-reducing method), Shuigou (GV26, lifting-thrusting-reducing method), and Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao(TE14), Jianzhen (SI9) and Yanglingquan (GB34, the latter 4 points were stimulated with uniform reinforcing-reducing method) on the affected side. The treatment was given once every day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks. The pain severity was assessed by using visual analogue scale (VAS), the upper limb function evaluated by using Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale, the shoulder-joint function evaluated by using Constant-Murley score (CMS) questionnaire, and the daily living ability assessed by using Barthel index (BI) scale. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of serum beta-endorphin (ß-EP), enkephalin (ENK) and dynorphin (Dyn). The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated by using Nimodipine scale method. RESULTS: Of the 39 and 41 cases in the control and observation groups, 7(17.95%) and 12(29.27%) were basically cured, 12(30.77%) and 13(31.71%) experienced marked improvement, 8(20.51%) and 11(26.83%) were effective, 12(30.77%) and 5 (12.19%) failed, with the total effective rate being 69.23% and 87.80%, respectively. The effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the VAS score was obviously reduced (P<0.01), and the scores of FMA scale, CMS questionnaire and BI scale, and contents of serum ß-EP, ENK and Dyn were all increased obviously in the two groups compared with their own pre-treatment (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of "Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling was significantly superior to that of the routine needling in lowering VAS, and in raising scores of FMA scale, CMS questionnaire and BI scale and in up-regulating serum ß-EP, ENK and Dyn levels (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: "Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling is effective in reducing post-stroke shoulder pain and improving the motor function of the upper limb and shoulder-joint as well as the quality of daily life in stroke patients with shoulder pain. Its analgesic effect is probably related to the increase of the levels of serum ß-EP, ENK and Dyn.

[Changes of transport sugar content in different organs of Rehmannia glutinosa].

Raffinose series oligosaccharides are the transport and storage sugars of many plants, Rehmannia glutinosa is one of the commonly used Chinese herbal medicines, medicinal parts ist he roots. Root and tuber of R. glutinosa contains stachyose, raffinose and other oligosaccharides, but the study about the process of growth and development of other organs in the non-structural changes in sugar content is rare.In this study, leaves, stems and roots of R. glutinosa were used as materials to analyze the diurnal variation and the changes of sugar content of sucrose, raffinose and stachyose in different organs of R. glutinosa. The results showed that the content of sucrose in R. glutinosa leaves gradually increased from seedling stage.However, the content of stachyose did not change much at the early stage of growth, and the stachyose rapidly increased at the later stage of growth. The raffinose content gradually decreased throughout the growing season, young leaves of R. glutinosa have higher ability to sucrose synthesis than mature leaves, while mature leaf has higher raffinose and stachyose synthesis ability than young leaves. Sucrose and stachyose content in stem gradually increased, while there was little change in raffinose content. The content of raffinose and stachyose in root increased rapidly from the beginning of fast growing period, while the content of sucrose did not change much. The content of sucrose in leaves of R. glutinosa did not change much at day and night, while the daily changes of raffinose and stachyose contents were very obvious. The contents of raffinose and stachyose in daytime were higher than those at night. The content of raffinose in root and stem was not changed much, but the change of stachyose in root, stem and leaf was very obvious, especially in stem and leaf. In summary, the leaf is the main synthetic organ of raffinose, leaves, stems and roots are stachyose synthesis organ. Sucrose, raffinose and stachyose are the major transport forms of carbohydrates in R. glutinosa.

Chloroquine, a FDA-approved Drug, Prevents Zika Virus Infection and its Associated Congenital Microcephaly in Mice.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has become a global public health emergency due to its rapidly expanding range and its ability to cause severe congenital defects such as microcephaly. However, there are no FDA-approved therapies or vaccines against ZIKV infection. Through our screening of viral entry inhibitors, we found that chloroquine (CQ), a commonly used antimalarial and a FDA-approved drug that has also been repurposed against other pathogens, could significantly inhibit ZIKV infection in vitro, by blocking virus internalization. We also demonstrated that CQ attenuates ZIKV-associated morbidity and mortality in mice. Finally, we proved that CQ protects fetal mice from microcephaly caused by ZIKV infection. Our methodology of focusing on previously identified antivirals in screens for effectiveness against ZIKV proved to be a rapid and efficient means of discovering new ZIKV therapeutics. Selecting drugs that were previously FDA-approved, such as CQ, also improves the likelihood that they may more quickly reach stages of clinical testing and use by the public.

The total triterpenoid saponins of Xanthoceras sorbifolia improve learning and memory impairments through against oxidative stress and synaptic damage.

BACKGROUND: X. sorbifolia is a widely cultivated ecologicalcrop in the north of China which is used to produce biodiesel fuel. It also possesses special medicinal value and has attracted keen interests of researchers to explore its bioactivity. PURPOSE: To extract the total triterpenoid saponins from the husk of X. sorbifolia (TSX) and investigate its effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD). STUDY DESIGN: TSX was prepared via modern extraction techniques. Its effects on two AD animal models, as well as the preliminary mechanism were investigated comprehensively. METHODS: The behavioral experiments including Y maze test, Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test were performed to observe the learning and memory abilities of the animals. ELISA assays, transmission electron microscope observation and Western blotting were employed in mechanism study. RESULTS: TSX, the main composition of X. sorbifolia, accounted for 88.77% in the plant material. It could significantly increase the spontaneous alternation in Y maze test (F (6, 65)=3.209, P<0.01), prolong the swimming time in the fourth quadrant in probe test of Morris water maze test (F (6, 71)=4.019, P<0.01), and increase the escape latency in passive avoidance test (F (6, 65)=3.684, P<0.01) in AD model animals. The preliminary mechanism research revealed that TSX could significantly increase the contents of hippocampal Ach and ChAT, and enhance activity of ChAT in hippocampus of quinolinic acid injected rats (F (5, 61)=3.915, P 0.01; F (5, 61)=3.623, P<0.01, F (5, 61)=4.344, P<0.01, respectively). It could also increase the activities of T-AOC and T-SOD, and decrease the content of MDA in hippocampus of Aß1-42 injected mice (F (5, 30)=5.193, P<0.01, F (5, 30)=2.865, P<0.05, F (5, 30)=4.735, P<0.01, respectively). Moreover, it significantly increased the expressions of SYP, PSD-95 and GAP-43 in hippocampus (F (4, 27)=3.495, P<0.05; F (4, 27)=2.965, P<0.05; F (4, 27)=4.365, P<0.01, respectively), and improved the synaptic ultra-structure damage in model rats. CONCLUSION: TSX could significantly improve the impairments of learning and memory. The preliminary mechanism might associate with its protection effects against oxidative stress damage, cholinergic system deficiency and synaptic damage. TSX are perfectly suitable for AD patients as medicine or functional food, which would be a new candidate to treat AD.

[Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial for Analyzing Effect of "Spleen-Stomach Regulation Nee- dling" on Oxidative Stress Level in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "spleen-stomach needling" on changes of plasma malondialdehyde. (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO, an oxidative stress damage biomaker), 8-hydroxyguanine (8-OHdG, an indicator of oxidative DNA damage) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in patients with diabetic nephropathy, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improving diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: Diabetic nephropathy patients were randomized into routine acupuncture (control) group (n = 72) and spleen-stomach needling (observation) group (n = 70) according to a random digits table and by using multi-centers, randomized and blind methods in the present study. All the patients were received routine medication. In addition, patients of the control group were treated by acupuncture stimulation of Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Guanyuan (CV 4), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5), Yangxi (LI 5), Liangqiu (ST 34), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Neiting (ST.44), Huaroumen (ST 24), and Dachangshu (BL 25), and those of the observation group treated by acupuncture stimulation of Zhongwan (CV 12), Quchi (LI 11), HQgu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Fenglong (ST 40), Diji (SP 8), Sanyinjiao (SP 6),Taichong (LR 3), Gaohuang (BL 43), Shenshu (BL 23), Baihuanshu (BL 30) and Zhongji (CV 3) with spleen-stomach needling method. The treatment of both groups was conducted twice a day for six weeks except Sundays. Plasma MDA, PCO and 8-OHdG contents were detected by using ELISA, and SOD detected using xanthine oxidase method. RESULTS: After 3 weeks' treatment, plasma MDA, PCO and 8-OHdG contents were significantly increased in both control and observation groups, and plasma SOD was obviously reduced in both groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the plasma MDA, PCO and 8-OHdG contents (P > 0.05). While after 6 weeks' treatment, plasma MDA, PO and 8-OHdG contents were significantly decreased (turning to the normal levels) and plasma SOD level in the observation group was significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01). Following 3 weeks' treatment, of the 72 and 70 patients in the control and observation groups, 10 and 20 cases experienced marked improvement, 22 and 15 were improved, and 40 and 35 invalid, respectively. After 6 weeks' treatment, of the 72 and 70 patients in the control and observation groups, 12 and 39 experienced marked improvement, 28 and 20 cases were improved, 32 and 11 invalid, respectively. The therapeutic effect of the observation group was obviously superior to that of the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture treatment with spleen-stomach regulation needling can down-regulate plasma MDA, PCO, 8-OHdG contents and up-regulate SOD activity in diabetic nephropathy patients, which may contribute to its effect in improving the patients' symptoms probably by resisting the oxidative stress damage.

Xanthoceraside ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction contributing to the improvement of learning and memory impairment in mice with intracerebroventricular injection of aß1-42.

The effects of xanthoceraside on learning and memory impairment were investigated and the possible mechanism associated with the protection of mitochondria was also preliminarily explored in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice model induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Aß1-42. The results indicated that xanthoceraside (0.08-0.32 mg/kg) significantly improved learning and memory impairment in Morris water maze test and Y-maze test. Xanthoceraside significantly reversed the aberrant decrease of ATP levels and attenuated the abnormal increase of ROS levels both in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus in mice injected with Aß1-42. Moreover, xanthoceraside dose dependently reversed the decrease of COX, PDHC, and KGDHC activity in isolated cerebral cortex mitochondria of the mice compared with Aß1-42 injected model mice. In conclusion, xanthoceraside could improve learning and memory impairment, promote the function of mitochondria, decrease the production of ROS, and inhibit oxidative stress. The improvement effects on mitochondria may be through withstanding the damage of Aß to mitochondrial respiratory chain and the key enzymes in Kreb's cycle. Therefore, the results from present study and previous study indicate that xanthoceraside could be a competitive candidate for the treatment of AD.

[Study on distribution and dynamic accumulation of catalpol and total iridoid in fresh Rehmannia glutinosa].

Iridoid glycosides were the main active ingredient of Rehmannia glutinosa, of which catalpol has the highest content. This work will provide theoretical basis for metabolic study and cultivation of iridoids on the basis of the dynamic accumulation of catalpol and total iridoids in the growth of R. glutinosa. The samples of rehmannia 85-5 were gathered in the same filed from July to October. The contents of catalpol and total iridoid glycosides were measured by HPLC and specteophotometric, respectively. The results showed that youngest leaves had the higher content of catalpol and total iridoid glyosides than that of the other two leaf ages in the same growth stage from July to September, while their content of catalpol and total iridoid glycosides were all decreased as the growth of leaves of R. glutinosa. The content of catalpol didn't differ significantly from July to September, whereas it has significantly increased in October in the three leaf stage. In the same stage, the wider the root diameter is, the higher content of the effective components are. In August and September, the total iridoid glycosides have the fastest accumulation. The content of catalpol was increased as the accumulation of total iridoid glycosides.

Ultrastructural observation on pulmonary fibrosis in E9 rats treated with compound Carapax trionycis formula.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ultrastructural changes in pulmonary tissue of a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis following treatment with compound Carapax trionycis (C. trionycis; Biejia in Chinese) formula. METHODS: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=15): compound C. trionycis formula high-, middle-, and low-dose groups as well as model group. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by bleomycin. Five rats from each group were sacrificed on day 7, 14 and 28 of the drug treatment, respectively. The pulmonary tissue was harvested followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and subsequent transmission electron microscopy. The Szapiel's method was used to assess the degree of alveolitis and pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the compound C. trionycis formula groups had slighter pulmonary alveolitis after the 7-day treatment and also had alleviated alveolar inflammation and pulmonary fibrosis after the 14-day treatment. After the 28-day treatment, the compound C. trionycis formula groups showed deposition of a small amount of fibrous tissue and lesions occupying less than 21% of the whole lung area, while the model group showed focal or diffuse fibrous deposition, narrow alveolar cavity, disordered lung structure, and lesions in larger than 51% of the whole lung area. CONCLUSIONS: The compound C. trionycis formula can inhibit the proliferation of collagen fibers and resist pulmonary fibrosis.

[RP-HPLC fingerprint of milk Stellera chamaejasme].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a RP-HPLC fingerprint of milk Stellera chamaejasme. METHODS: The gradient elution mode was applied in chromatographic separation, and data were analysed by "Computer Aided Similarity Evaluation" software to compare the quality of milk Stellera chamaejasme samples from different habitats. RESULTS: Samples from different habitats were of high similarity, and analysied milk Stellera chamaejasme chromone and E15 in the atlas. CONCLUSION: The method is repeatable, and can be used in quality assessment of milk Stellera chamaejasme.

Celastrus orbiculatus extract induces mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the apoptotic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of Celastrus orbiculatus (C. orbiculatus) extract in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS: Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCLM6) were treated with C. orbiculatus extract (COE) at different nontoxic concentrations (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 microg/mL). The effect of COE on HCCLM6 viability was examined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Cellular apoptosis following COE treatment was assessed by flow cytometry and western blot analysis. RESULTS: COE significantly inhibited cell viability and induced apoptosis of HCCLM6 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was accompanied by increased Bax expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression. In addition, COE treatment led to the release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Furthermore, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 kinase, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and down-regulation of Akt phosphorylation was observed. CONCLUSION: COE induces mitochondrial-mediated, caspase-dependent apoptosis in HCCLM6 cells, which might be attributed to the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inhibition of Akt signaling pathways. These data suggest that COE may be a potential treatment for human hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Randomized controlled study on dysphagia after stroke treated with deep insertion of Chonggu (EX-HN 27) by electroacupuncture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of dysphagia after stroke treated with different depth of Chonggu (EX-HN 27) by electroacupuncture. METHODS: Two hundreds and eighty-three cases of dysphagia after stroke were randomly divided into Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group (99 cases), Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group (94 cases) and traditional acupuncture group (90 cases) based on multi-central randomized control and blinding methods. Besides routine therapy, Chonggu (EX-HN 27) and Lianquan (CV 23) were selected in the Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group and the Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group; the needles were inserted for 60-75 mm and 30 mm respectively and the electroacupuncture was applied in both groups; in traditional acupuncture group, Fengchi (GB 20), Yifeng (TE 17), Wangu (GB 12) and Lianquan (CV 23), etc. were selected. The needles were retained for 30 min, twice a day and 30 treatments totally in 3 groups. The clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated by Kubota's Water Drinking Test Scale, Standard Swallowing Function Scale and TCM Scale of Dysphagia After Stroke. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 97.0% (96/99) in the Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group, superior to that of 64.9% (61/94) in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group and 70.0% (63/90) in traditional acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). Compared with the scores before and after treatment, significant differences were presented statistically in score reduction of TCM Scale in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group (P < 0.01); the scores of Kubota's Water Drinking Test Scale, Standard Swallowing Function Scale and TCM Scale of Dysphagia After Stroke were obviously reduced in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group and traditional acupuncture group (all P < 0.01); compared with the scores between groups after treatment, the reduction of scores in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) deep insertion group was superior to those in Chonggu (EX-HN 27) shallow insertion group and traditional acupuncture group ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01) respectively. CONCLUSION: Puncture at Chonggu (EX-HN 27) can improve the dysfunction of swallowing after stroke; it is safe and effective, and the needle should be inserted deeply.

[Effect of spleen-stomach regulation-needling on nerve conduction activity in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture on the nerve conduction function in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Eighty diabetic patients were equally randomized into acupuncture group and medication group. Uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulation of acupuncture for regulating both spleen and stomach was applied to bilateral Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), Xuehai (SP10), Diji (SP8), Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), Yinlingquan (SP9), etc., for 30 min, once daily for 4 weeks. Patients of the medication group were treated with intramuscular injection of Mecobalamine (500 microg), once daily for 4 weeks. The sensory conduction velocity (SCV), motor conduction velocity (MCV), the amplitude and latency of the evoked potential of the tibial nerve were detected before and after the treatment by using an Electromyograph and Evoked Potential Equipment. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 40 cases in the medication and acupuncture groups, 12 (30.0%) and 24 (60.0%) were cured basically, 12 (30.0%) and 10 (25.0%) experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 9 (22.5%) and 4 (10.0%) were effective, and 7 (17.5%) and 2 (5.0%) failed in the treatment, with the total effective rates being 82.5% and 95.0% respectively. The therapeutic effect of the acupuncture group was significantly superior to that of the medication group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the ptre-treatment, the SCV, MCV, amplitude and latency of the evoked potential of the tibial nerve in the acupuncture group were improved significantly after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the medication group, the SCV, the amplitude and the latency of the tibial nerve in the acupuncture group were also improved significantly after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Manipulation of acupuncture for regulating spleen-stomach function has a better effect on the conduction function of the tibial nerve than Mecobalamine in the treatment of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Antioxidant and immunity activity of water extract and crude polysaccharide from Ficus carica L. fruit.

The antioxidative activities of water extract (WE) and crude hot-water soluble polysaccharide (PS) from Ficus carica L. fruit were investigated using various assays in vitro, including scavenging abilities on DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and reducing power. The immunity activities of PS were evaluated using the carbon clearance test and serum hemolysin analysis in mice. In addition, total phenolics and flavonoids contents were also determined. Both WE and PS have notable scavenging activities on DPPH with the EC(50) values of 0.72 and 0.61 mg/ml, respectively. The PS showed higher scavenging activity than WE on superoxide radical (EC(50), 0.95 mg/ml) and hydroxyl anion radical (scavenging rate 43.4% at concentration of 4 mg/ml). The PS (500 mg/kg) also has a significant increase in the clearance rate of carbon particles and serum hemolysin level of normal mice. The results indicate that both WE and PS might be applicable in healthy medicine and food industry.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture for treatment of stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the effect and mechanism of the nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture for treatment of stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. Nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture treatment was used and Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Guanyuan (CV 4) etc. were selected in observation group, routine acupuncture was applied on Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11), Huantiao (GB 30) and Futu (ST 32) etc. in control group. The scale of Ashworth and score of Fugel-Meyer of the spastic lateral upper and lower limbs and the changes of the EMG F-wave in spastic upper limb of patients in two groups were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: The Ashworth scale and Fugel-Meyer score of the upper and lower limbs were obviously improved, the amplitude was decreased, the duration was shorten and the threshold of the EMG F-wave of the spastic upper limb was increased (all P < 0.01) in the observation group. The observation group was superior to the control group in Fugel-Meyer score of the upper and lower limbs of the patients the Ashworth scale of the lower limb, and the amplitude, duration and threshold of the EMG F-wave of the spastic upper limb (all P < 0.01). The total effective rate of 90.0% in observation group was superior to that of 50.0% in control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The nuchal acupuncture and abdominal acupuncture treatment can decrease the muscle tension of the stroke patients with spastic hemiplegia.

[Randomized controlled study on effects of the needling method for regulating spleen-stomach on coronary heart disease complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture on coronary heart disease complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (CDM) and the mechanism. METHODS: Using multi-central, randomized, controlled and blind methods, 120 cases of CDM were divided into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in each group. They were treated by routine therapy for diabetes mellitus, and in the observation group, acupuncture at Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Fenglong (ST 40). Diji (SP 8), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. were added with the needling method for regulating spleen-stomach; while in the control group, acupuncture was given at Weiwanxiashu (EX-B 3), Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc. The treatment was given twice a day in the two groups. Clinical therapeutic effects were assessed according to clinical symptoms and signs, frequency and lasting time of angina pectoris, quantity of taking Glycerol Trinitrate, blood sugar, blood lipids, urinary albumin excretion rate, urinary beta2-microglobulin, urinary monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), ECG, heart color Doppler, etc. RESULTS: The needling method for regulating spleen-stomach not only could improve the symptoms and signs of the patient, but also could improve the degree of ST segment moving down and the function of left artrium relaxation, and had benign regulative effect on glycometabolism, lipids metabolism and urinary albumin level, with significant differences as compared with the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The markedly effective rate for improvement of ECG was 50.00% in the observation group and 13.79% in the control group. CONCLUSION: The needling method for regulating spleen-stomach can improve the damage of heart and blood vessels induced by abnormal sugar and lipids, decrease the level of urinary protein, inhibit MCP-1 excessive expression, relieve myocardial load and raise cardiac output in the patient of coronary heart disease complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus.

[Multi-central randomized controlled trials of electroacupunture at Zhigou (TE 6) for treatment of constipation induced by stagnation or deficiency of qi].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic effect and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zhigou (TE 6) on constipation induced by stagnation or deficiency of qi. METHODS: Multi-central randomized controlled trials were adopted and the patients conforming to the criteria for diagnosis, enrolling and excluding were divided into an observation group and a control group according to random number table. The observation group were treated with EA at Zhigou (TE 6) and the control group with EA at non-acupoint for 4 weeks. The cumulative score of clinical symptoms, colon transmission test and various safety indexes were assessed. The following-up was carried out 1 and 3 months after the end of treatment. RESULTS: EA at Zhigou (TE 6) could obviously improve clinical symptoms and colon transmission time, decrease using rate of Kaisailu and cathartics, with an effective rate of 94.4%, which was better than 61.3% in the control group (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: EA at Zhigou (TE 6) has a function of regulating qi and relaxing the bowels and it is an effective method for treatment of constipation with safety and no adverse effect.

[Randomized and controlled study on needling method of harmonizing spleen-stomach for early intervention of diabetic nephropathies and the mechanism of protecting kidney].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture on diabetic nephropathies and the mechanism. METHODS: Using multi-central, randomized and blind methods, 130 cases of diabetic nephropathy were divided into an observation group and a control group, 65 cases in each group. They were treated by routine diabetic therapy, and in the observation group, acupuncture at Quchi (LI 11), Zhigou (TE 6), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Fenglong (ST 40), Diji (SP 8), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Gaohuang (BL 43), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zhongji (CV 3) were added with needling method of harmonizing spleen-stomach. While in the control group, acupuncture at Shenshu (BL 23), Taixi (KI 3), Sanyingjiao (SP 6), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Guanyuan (CV 4), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5), Yangxi (LI 5), Liangqiu (ST 34), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Neiting (ST 44), Huaroumen (ST 24), Dachangshu (BL 25). The treatment was given twice a day in the two groups. Clinical therapeutic effects were assessed according to clinical symptoms and signs, blood sugar, blood lipids, urinary albumin excretion rate, urinary monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow, etc.. RESULTS: The needling method of harmonizing spleen-stomach not only could improve symptoms and signs of the patients, and also had benign regulative action on metabolism of blood sugar and lipids, and GFR, renal blood flow and urinary albumin level, with significant or very significant differences as compared with the control group ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The needling method of harmonizing spleen-stomach is an effective method for diabetic nephropathies, which can improve progressive renal lesion induced by abnormal metabolism of blood sugar and lipids, improve renal blood flow and GFR, decrease urinary albumin secretion, inhibit over expression of MCP-1, protect glomerulus and renal tubules, so as to improve renal function and delay renal lesion.