The use of Qigong and Tai Chi in the management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction: A systematic review.

Background and Aims: Qigong and Tai Chi (QTC) are mind-body exercises involving a sequence of graceful movements, which promote self-healing, meditation, and self-cultivation. There is growing evidence that Qigong and/or Tai Chi therapy may improve the physical and psychological health among adults with multiple health conditions including joint movement. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the type and effectiveness of QTC therapies used in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Methods: This systematic review followed the AMSTAR-2 guideline, and it was reported based on guidelines in the PRISMA checklist. The review involved a systematic search of nine electronic databases. After deduplication and screening of the literature retrieved from the search, only one article was included based on the review's inclusion criteria. Data was extracted from this article and synthesized. Results: The only included article was on a non-randomized control trial which investigated the role of Tai Chi Qigong (a form of Qigong) therapy in improving joint mobility and alleviating trismus among 52 survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma who had TMJ disorders. The study reported, at different time intervals (at pretest; at mid-intervention; at posttest; and at follow-up posttest), that no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed concerning mouth opening capacity between the intervention group and the control group. However, over time, less severe deterioration in mouth-opening was noted among the participants in the intervention group (p = 0.181) as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The role of QTC therapies in improving joint mobility and alleviating trismus is not yet fully understood, but it seems promising. The available evidence is inadequate to categorically conclude on the efficacy of these therapies. Further studies will be required to fully assess the effectiveness of QTC therapies in the management of TMJ dysfunction.

Scalp acupuncture regulates functional connectivity of cerebral hemispheres in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.

Background: Stroke is a common cause of acquired disability on a global scale. Patients with motor dysfunction after a stroke have a reduced quality of life and suffer from an economic burden. Scalp acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for motor recovery after a stroke. However, the neural mechanism of scalp acupuncture for motor function recovery remains to be researched. This study aimed to investigate functional connectivity (FC) changes in region of interest (ROI) and other brain regions to interpret the neural mechanism of scalp acupuncture. Methods: Twenty-one patients were included and randomly divided into patient control (PCs) and scalp acupuncture (SAs) groups with left hemiplegia due to ischemic stroke, and we also selected 20 matched healthy controls (HCs). The PCs were treated with conventional Western medicine, while the SAs were treated with scalp acupuncture (acupuncture at the right anterior oblique line of vertex temporal). All subjects received whole-brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan before treatment, and the patients received a second scan after 14 days of treatment. We use the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and the analyses of resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) as the observational indicators. Results: The contralateral and ipsilateral cortex of hemiplegic patients with cerebral infarction were associated with an abnormal increase and decrease in basal internode function. An abnormal increase in functional connectivity mainly exists in the ipsilateral hemisphere between the cortex and basal ganglia and reduces the abnormal functional connectivity in the cortex and contralateral basal ganglia. Increased RSFC was observed in the bilateral BA6 area and bilateral basal ganglia and the connectivity between bilateral basal ganglia nuclei improved. However, the RSFC of the conventional treatment group only improved in the unilateral basal ganglia and contralateral BA6 area. The RSFC in the left middle frontal gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, precuneus, and other healthy brain regions were enhanced in SAs after treatment. Conclusion: The changes in functional connectivity between the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia in patients with cerebral infarction showed a weakening of the bilateral hemispheres and the enhancement of the connections between the hemispheres. Scalp acupuncture has the function of bidirectional regulation, which makes the unbalanced abnormal brain function state restore balance.

Immune-enhancing activity of polysaccharides and flavonoids derived from Phellinus igniarius YASH1.

Introduction: Phellinus igniarius (P. igniarius) (Sanghuang) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine fungus, and its natural products have great potential for clinical application in immune enhancement. This study aimed to explore the immune-enhancing activity and underlying mechanisms of the polysaccharides and flavonoids derived from Phellinus igniarius (P. igniarius) and to provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the development of novel drugs. Methods: Wild P. igniarius YASH1 from the Loess Plateau in Yan'an region was collected, and polysaccharides and total flavonoids were extracted, isolated and identified from mycelium and sporophore. In vitro antioxidant activity was detected through the scavenging activity of hydroxyl radicals and total antioxidant capacity. Cell Counting Kit-8 and trypan blue detection kit were used to detect the effect of extract polysaccharides and flavonoids on the proliferation and phagocytosis ability of immune cells. To assess the effect of the drugs on cytokine secretion by immune cells and immune recovery in immunocompromised mice, the expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were examined at the cellular and animal levels. The species composition, abundance of gut microbiota and the altered content of short-chain fatty acids in the feces were analyzed to elucidate the possible mechanisms of drugs by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) amplifiers sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Both polysaccharides and flavonoids derived from mycelium or sporophore had antioxidant activity and may stimulate the expression and secretion of IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ in immune cells while inhibiting TNF-α expression and secretion and increasing IL-2, IL-6, and IFN- γ expression levels in mice. Furthermore, polysaccharides and flavonoids from mycelium and sporophore showed different effects on the metabolic response of intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in mice, and the use of these drugs remarkably changed the species composition and abundance of intestinal flora in mice. Discussion: Polysaccharides and flavonoids from P. igniarius YASH1 mycelium and sporophore have in vitro antioxidant activity, and they affect the promotion of cell proliferation, stimulation of IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ secretion, and inhibition of TNF-α expression in immune cells. Polysaccharides and flavonoids from P. igniarius YASH1 may enhance immunity in immunocompromised mice and remarkably affect the intestinal flora and content of SCFAs.

Effect of Shixiao San on inflammatory factors and pain in rats with endometriosis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In the practice of traditional Chinese medicine, endometriosis is believed to be caused by blood stasis and is characterised by dysmenorrhea, which is difficult to control. Shixiao San (SXS) has a long history of use in the treatment of gynaecological diseases. The prescriptions composed of SXS include Typhae Pollen and Faeces Trogopterori, both of which have anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, Typhae Pollen can be used to treat many kinds of blood stasis diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of SXS on pain relief in rats with endometriosis and to preliminarily explore its mechanism of action in alleviating pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten rats received sham operation as the Sham group, and 30 endometriosis model rats were randomly divided into three groups: the Model, Shixiao San-Low (SXS-L), and Shixiao San-High (SXS-H) groups. The rats were administered the appropriate treatment via intragastric gavage for 4 weeks. The thermal radiation pain and mechanical pain thresholds of the rats were measured every 7 days after treatment. Finally, the distribution density of nerve fibres in endometrial tissue, the inflammatory infiltration of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), the expression of TRPV1 in the DRG, and the expression of IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 in ectopic tissue were measured. RESULTS: After SXS treatment, the growth of ectopic tissue in rats with endometriosis was significantly suppressed, their thermal radiation pain and mechanical pain thresholds increased, the density of nerve fibres and the expression of inflammatory factors in ectopic tissues reduced, and inflammatory cells infiltration in the DRG of the animals alleviated. Meanwhile, the expression of TRPV1 in the DRG was downregulated in rats with endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: SXS could possibly inhibit the development of endometriosis and relieve pain in patients with endometriosis by reducing inflammatory responses in ectopic tissue and the DRG.

Shaofu Zhuyu decoction for primary dysmenorrhea: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD), one of the common gynecological diseases, is more common in adolescent women. According to epidemiological investigation, the incidence of PD accounts for about 60% of all patients with dysmenorrhea, and its symptoms seriously affect the normal working life of women, so it is important to find a more safe and effective treatment. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has made a lot of achievements in the treatment of female PD, among which a number of clinical studies have shown that Shaofu Zhuyu decoction (SFZY) can significantly improve the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and improve the therapeutic effect. Therefore, we intend to conduct a systematic review to further clarify the efficacy and safety of SFZY in the treatment of PD. METHODS: We will search each database from the built-in until May 2021. The English literature mainly searches Cochrane Library, PubMed, excerpt medica database, and Web of Science, while the Chinese literature comes from China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese biomedical literature database, VIP, and Wanfang database. Simultaneously we will retrieval clinical registration tests and grey literatures. This study only screen the clinical randomized controlled trials about XFZY for PD to assess its efficacy and safety. The 2 researchers worked independently on literature selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. The dichotomous data is represented by relative risk, and the continuous is expressed by mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference, eventually the data is synthesized using a fixed effect model or a random effect model depending on whether or not heterogeneity exists. The clinical efficacy and the score of dysmenorrhea symptoms were evaluated as the main outcomes. The artery pulsatility index (API), resistance index (RI), peak systolic/diastolic peak (S/D) were secondary outcomes. Finally, meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan software version 5.3. RESULTS: This study will provide high-quality evidence for treatment of PD with SFZY in terms of effectiveness and safety. CONCLUSION: This systematic review aims to provide new options for SFZY treatment of PD in terms of its efficacy and safety. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study does not require ethical approval. We will disseminate our findings by publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER: DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/DXZHR.

Characteristics and performances of microalgal-bacterial consortia in a mixture of raw piggery digestate and anoxic aerated effluent.

The piggery digestate of high ammonia was mixed with the anoxic aerated effluent of high nitrate and phosphorus, to cultivate a microalgal-bacterial consortium for simultaneous pollution removal and resource recovery. The highest removal of total inorganic nitrogen was achieved at 324.77 mg/L in 40% piggery digestate mixed with 60% anoxic aerated effluent, along with the most microalgae biomass production. The crude protein and fatty acids of C14-C20 in microalgae cells were 21.80% and 69.78%, indicating that this mixing strategy could produce abundant microalgal biomass suitable for biofuel generation and animal feed. High-throughput sequencing showed that microbial diversity increased and Paenibacillus, Thiopseudomonas and Pseudomonas were the dominant species promoting microalgal growth. Overall, these results provided a new insight of mixing two types of wastewaters for cultivating microalgal-bacterial consortia, to remove contamination and recover nutrients simultaneously.

Complete genome sequence of Echinicola rosea JL3085, a xylan and pectin decomposer.

Marine Bacteroidetes are well known for their functional specialization on the decomposition of polysaccharides which results from a great number of carbohydrate-active enzymes. Here we represent the complete genome of a Bacteroitedes member Echinicola rosea JL3085T that was isolated from surface seawater of the South China Sea. The genome is 6.06 Mbp in size with a GC content of 44.1% and comprises 4613 protein coding genes. A remarkable genomic feature is that the number of glycoside hydrolase genes in the genome of E. rosea JL3085T is high in comparison with most of the sequenced members of marine Bacteroitedes. E. rosea JL3085T genome harbored multi-gene polysaccharide utilization loci (PUL) systems involved in the degradation of pectin, xylan and arabinogalactan. The large diversity of hydrolytic enzymes supports the use of E. rosea JL3085T as a candidate for biotechnological applications in enzymatic conversion of plant polysaccharides.

Proliposomes for oral delivery of total biflavonoids extract from Selaginella doederleinii: formulation development, optimization, and in vitro-in vivo characterization.

PURPOSE: Amentoflavone, robustaflavone, 2'',3''-dihydro-3',3'''-biapigenin, 3',3'''-binaringenin and delicaflavone are five major active ingredients in the total biflavonoids extract from Selaginella doederleinii (TBESD) with favorable anticancer properties. However, the natural-derived potent antitumor agent of TBESD is undesirable due to its poor solubility. The present study was to develop and optimize a proliposomal formulation of TBESD (P-TBESD) to improve its solubility, oral bioavailability and efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: P-TBESD containing a bile salt, a protective hydrophilic isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs) coating, were successfully prepared by thin film dispersion-sonication method. The physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of P-TBESD were characterized, and the antitumor effect was evaluated using the HT-29 xenograft-bearing mice models in rats. RESULTS: Compared with TBESD, the relative bioavailability of amentoflavone, robustaflavone, 2'',3''-dihydro-3',3'''-biapigenin, 3',3'''-binaringenin and delicaflavone from P-TBESD were 669%, 523%, 761%, 955% and 191%, respectively. The results of pharmacodynamics demonstrated that both TBESD and P-TBESD groups afforded antitumor effect without systemic toxicity, and the antitumor effect of P-TBESD was significantly superior to that of raw TBESD, based on the tumor growth inhibition and histopathological examination. CONCLUSION: Hence, IMOs-modified proliposomes have promising potential for TBESD solving the problem of its poor solubility and oral bioavailability, which can serve as a practical oral preparation for TBESD in the future cancer therapy.

Characterization of genipin-crosslinked gelatin/hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel membranes and loaded with hinokitiol: In vitro evaluation of antibacterial activity and biocompatibility.

Hydrogel membranes are often used as physical barriers in oral tissue reconstruction and facial surgery to isolate connective and epithelial tissues and form a closed space for undisturbed bone healing. In this study, gelatin and hyaluronic acid were crosslinked with genipin and loaded with a hinokitiol additive as a bacteriostatic agent for potential applications as regeneration membranes. This bifunctional membrane had biocompatibility and antibacterial activities on each membrane side for proper biodegradation. Different membrane groups of gelatin/hyaluronic acid were obtained via a solution casting technique and were genipin crosslinked. The membrane groups were further loaded with adequate hinokitiol at a loading concentration of up to 0.16 g/L (hinokitiol to phosphate buffered saline). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that gelatin and hyaluronic acid were crosslinked with genipin through cross-linking amide bond (CONH) formation with a cross-linking degree of over 84%. The groups with hinokitiol showed substantial antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, the addition of hinokitiol on hydrogel membranes did not significantly affect the tensile strength. However, it decreased the solubility of the membranes by slowing down the relaxation and degradation of their molecular junctions as hinokitiol is a hydrophobic compound with low permeability. Consequently, the degradation of hydrogel membranes with hinokitiol was delayed. In vitro cytocompatibility indicated that the cell viability of the groups with hinokitiol increased with incubation time, demonstrating that cell viability and proliferation were not affected by cell culture testing.

[Evidence-based medicine research on low-back pain with sham-acupuncture controlled design and the analysis on dynamic acupoint positioning].

To explore the positioning of acupoints, a research was done with PubMed for system reviews and clinical trials on treatment of low-back pain with sham-acupuncture controlled design from January 1, 2010 to October 27, 2017. Six system reviews and 12 sham-controlled acupuncture random trials were found. The statistical difference was not found in all the 6 trials with standard acupoint compared with the sham-acupuncture among the 8 penetrating skin sham-control trials. The statistical difference was found in the two trials with penetrating skin sham control, who was used individualized treatment, twirling for qi arrival or palpation for ashipoint. It is considered that sham-acupuncture penetrating skin is not a placebo, and needling with standard or dynamic acupoint may reduce low-back pain, and dynamic acupoint positioning may be better than standard acupoint positioning.

Essential oil from Fructus Alpinia zerumbet (fruit of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt.et Smith) protected against aortic endothelial cell injury and inflammation in vitro and in vivo.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fructus Alpinia zerumbet (FAZ), a dry and ripe fruit of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith, is widely used as a spice to treat cardiovascular diseases in clinic as a miao folk medicine in Guizhou Province of China. Essential oil extracted from FAZ (EOFAZ) is the key bioactive ingredients. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of EOFAZ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial cell injury, inflammation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the in vitro study, LPS-treated human aortic endothelial cells were used to perform PCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. For the in vivo study, male mouse were divided into four groups, vehicle control group and LPS group received 0.5% Tween-80 in saline; and two EOFAZ groups receive different dose of EOFAZ (90 mg kg -1·day-1, 180 mg kg -1·day-1) respectively. Each group was fed for 7 days by intragastrical administration at daily base. Then, except vehicle control group received saline, mice in other three groups were administered with LPS (1 mg kg -1, dissolved in saline) by intraperitoneal injection. 24 h later, Aorta tissue was collected and frozen immediately in liquid N2, stored at -80 °C for western blot analysis. RESULTS: We found that EOFAZ completely prevented LPS-induced HAEC activation and inflammation in vitro and in vivo, as assessed by expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Similarly, EOFAZ significantly blunted LPS-induced endothelial injury, as tested by MTT assay, LDH release and caspase-3 activation. We further demonstrated that TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling may be involved in the process. CONCLUSION: EOFAZ protected against LPS-induced endothelial cell injury and inflammation likely via inhibition of TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling.

Essential Oil from Fructus Alpiniae Zerumbet Protects Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells In Vitro from Injury Induced by High Glucose Levels by Suppressing Nuclear Transcription Factor-Kappa B Signaling.

BACKGROUND In China, the essential oil of the fruit, Fructus Alpiniae zerumbet (FAZ), is used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Recent in vitro studies have shown that the essential oil of FAZ (EOFAZ) can protect endothelial cells from injury. Because of the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and its effects on the cardiovascular system, the aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of the effects of EOFAZ on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with high levels of glucose in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay was used to detect HUVEC injury. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit DNA-binding activity was detected. The expression of NF-κB pathway-associated proteins, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was studied by Western blotting. The cellular location of NF-κB in HUVECs was evaluated using immunofluorescence. RESULTS Cell viability and LDH leakage assays showed that high glucose-induced HUVEC injury was reduced by EOFAZ. High glucose-induced secretion of IL-8, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 was reduced, and translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB to the endothelial cell nucleus was inhibited by EOFAZ. Western blotting confirmed that EOFAZ blocked the activation of NF-κB induced by high glucose levels. EOFAZ reduced high glucose-induced p65/DNA binding to inhibit NF-κB activation. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this in vitro study showed that treatment of HUVECs with EOFAZ had a protective role against the effects of high glucose levels via the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Baicalin inhibits the metastasis of highly aggressive breast cancer cells by reversing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting ß-catenin signaling.

Metastasis is the main cause of death in breast cancer patients, which is due partly to the lack of effective treatment. Baicalin, a flavonoid compound isolated from the roots of Scutellaria lateriflora Georgi (Huang Qin), has recently been confirmed as an effective agent for the treatment of a variety of cancers. Yet, the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of baicalin in regards to the metastasis of breast cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we found that baicalin had the potential to suppress the migration and invasion of highly aggressive breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner but had no impact on the viability of these cancer cells. Additionally, baicalin reversed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, as evaluated by EMT markers in breast cancer cell lines with a change from a mesenchymal feature to an epithelial type. At the same time, the expression of ß-catenin mRNA and protein was dose-dependently downregulated by baicalin in highly invasive breast cancer cell lines, and overexpression of ß-catenin by adenoviruses abolished these beneficial effects of baicalin in regards to the migration and invasion, and EMT of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, using a xenograft mouse model, baicalin markedly reduced liver and lung metastasis of breast cancer, inhibited expression of ß-catenin, and degraded the EMT molecules vimentin and Slug in the orthotopic tumor tissues. Taken together, all these results indicate that baicalin effectively suppresses the metastasis of breast cancer by reversing EMT, which may be mediated by downregulation of ß-catentin expression.

Optimization of formulation and processing of Moringa oleifera and spirulina complex tablets.

Objective: To prepare a more comprehensive nutrition, more balanced proportion of natural nutritional supplement tablets with Moringa oleifera leaves and spirulina the two nutrients which have complementary natural food ingredients. Method: On the basis of research M. oleifera leaves with spirulina nutrient composition was determined on M. oleifera leaves and spirulina ratio of raw materials, and the choice of microcrystalline cellulose, sodium salt of caboxy methyl cellulose(CMC),magnesium stearate excipient, through single factor and orthogonal experiment, selecting the best formula tablets prepared by powder direct compression technology, for preparation of M. oleifera and spirulina complex tablets. Results: The best ratio of raw material for the M. oleifera leaves powder: spirulina powder was 7:3, the best raw materials for the tablet formulation was 88.5%, 8.0% microcrystalline cellulose, CMC 2.0%, stearin magnesium 1.5%, the optimum parameters for the raw material crushing 200-300 mesh particle size, moisture content of 7%, tableting pressure 40 kN. Conclusion: Through formulation and process optimization, we can prepare more comprehensive and balanced nutrition M. oleifera and spirulina complex tablets, its sheet-shaped appearance, piece weight variation, hardness, friability, disintegration and other indicators have reached the appropriate quality requirements.

Impact of tea drinking upon tuberculosis: a neglected issue.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health issue posing serious harm to the human health. Many studies have suggested that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are risk factors for TB. Laboratory evidence suggests that EGCG in tea leaves can arrest the growth of tubercle bacillus. Can drinking tea lead to decreased susceptibility of TB in humans? METHODS: A total of 574 TB patients and 582 healthy controls were recruited to participate in this case-control study. Self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data. Unconditioned logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the associations between tea drinking and TB. RESULTS: Tea drinking has a negative association with TB, with OR = 0.583(0.423, 0.804) and P < 0.05. Drinking black tea, oolong and green tea are all negative association with TB, with OR being 0.683(0.517, 0.902), 0.674(0.508, 0.894) and 0.534(0.349, 0.817) respectively and P < 0.05. Trend χ (2) test indicated a decreasing risk for TB with increased tea consumption, with P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: There is a significance negative association between tea drinking and TB. Promoting the consumption of tea as the daily drink among populations, particularly those with high TB risk, may reduce the incidence of TB in the populations.

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 2 reverses impaired cognition and neuronal remodeling caused by chronic stress.

Chronic stress and neuronal vulnerability have recently been recognized as factors contributing to cognitive disorders. One way to modify neuronal vulnerability is through mediation of phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2), an enzyme that exerts its action on cognitive processes via the control of intracellular second messengers, cGMP and, to a lesser extent, cAMP. This study explored the effects of a PDE2 inhibitor, Bay 60-7550, on stress-induced learning and memory dysfunction in terms of its ramification on behavioral, morphologic, and molecular changes. Bay 60-7550 reversed stress-induced cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze, novel object recognition, and location tasks (object recognition test and/or object location test), effects prevented by treatment with 7-NI, a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase; MK801, a glutamate receptor (NMDAR) inhibitor; myr-AIP, a CaMKII inhibitor; and KT5823, a protein kinase G inhibitor. Bay 60-7550 also ameliorated stress-induced structural remodeling in the CA1 of the hippocampus, leading to increases in dendritic branching, length, and spine density. However, the neuroplasticity initiated by Bay 60-7550 was not seen in the presence of 7-NI, MK801, myr-AIP, or KT5823. PDE2 inhibition reduced stress-induced extracellular-regulated protein kinase activation and attenuated stress-induced decreases in transcription factors (e.g., Elk-1, TORC1, and CREB phosphorylation) and plasticity-related proteins (e.g., Egr-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Pretreatment with inhibitors of NMDA, CaMKII, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, and protein kinase G (or protein kinase A) blocked the effects of Bay 60-7550 on cGMP or cAMP signaling. These findings indicate that the effect of PDE2 inhibition on stress-induced memory impairment is potentially mediated via modulation of neuroplasticity-related NMDAR-CaMKII-cGMP/cAMP signaling.

Antidepressant-like effects of ferulic acid: involvement of serotonergic and norepinergic systems.

Ferulic acid is a polyphenol that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The present study analyzed the antidepressant-like potential of ferulic acid using two well-validated mouse models of despair test, tail suspension and forced swim tests. The results suggested that ferulic acid treatment at doses of 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly reduced the immobility time in both of these two tests. These doses that affected the depressive-like behaviors did now show any effect on locomotion counts. The further neurochemical assays suggested that ferulic acid increased monoamine neurotransmitter levels in the brain regions that are relative to mood disorders: the hippocampus and frontal cortex. The increased tend to serotonin and norepinephrine was also found in the hypothalamus after higher dose of ferulic acid treatment. The subsequent study suggested that monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity was inhibited in the frontal cortex and hippocampus when treatment with 40 and 80 mg/kg ferulic acid; while MAO-B activity did not change significantly. The current study provides the first lines of evidence that serotonin and norepinephrine, but not dopamine levels were elevated in mouse hippocampus and frontal cortex after ferulic acid treatment. These changes may be attributable to the inhibition of MAO-A activities in the same brain regions.

[Effects of acupotomy, electroacupuncture or round-sharp acupuncture needle interventions on expression of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 proteins of rectus femoris in rabbits with knee ostarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupotomy, electroacupuncture (EA) or round-sharp acupuncture needle intervention on the expression of Bcl-2,Bax and Caspase-3 proteins in the rectus femoris in rabbits with knee ostarthritis (KOA), so as to explore their mechanisms underlying improvement of braking-induced joint damage from the cellular apoptosis. METHODS: Forty-five New Zealand rabbits were equally and randomized into control group, model group, acupotomy (AP) group, EA group and round-sharp acupuncture needle (RSAN) group (n = 9 in each group). The knee-joint injury model was established by fixing the left knee joint in extention position with plaster bandage. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 3 mA, 20 min each time) was applied to the left "Yanglingquan" (GB 34)- "Yinlingquan" (SP 9) and left "Neixiyan" (EX-LE 4)- "Waixiyan"(ST 35) for rabbits in the EA group. The EA treatment was given once daily, 3 times a week, 3 weeks in total. For rabbits of the AP group, a needle-knife was held to insert into the front edge of the midpoint, the starting point and the stopping point of the left medial collateral ligamen, lateral collateral ligament and the patellar ligament of the knee to make a loosening manipulation for 5 times in a session of treatment, once a week, 3 times altogether. For rabbits of the RSAN group, a round-sharp needle was performed in the same way to the needle-knife including the stimulation point, the manipulation method and treatment sessions. At the end of the experiment, the left rectus femoris was taken out for detecting the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 proteins with Western blot. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the passive range of motion (PROM) level was significantly decreased 4, 8 and 12 weeks after modeling (P < 0.01), and the expression levels of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins in the rectus femoris were considerably upregulated in the model group (P < 0.05), while the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was notably down-regulated (P < 0.05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the PROM level at week 12 after modeling in the AP, EA and RSAN groups were significantly increased (P < 0.01); while Bax and Caspase-3 expression levels in both AP and RSAN groups were considerably downregulated (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the five groups in Bcl-2 expression levels (P > 0.05), and between the EA and model groups in Bax and Caspase-3 expression levels and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: AP, RSAN and EA interventions are effective in improving the knee-joint motion range in KOA rabbits, and this effect of both AP and RSAN is closely associated with their actions in lowering the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins of the rectus femoris and in raising ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein (reducing muscular cellular apoptosis). The mechanism of EA intervention in improving PROM may be different.

[Involvement of hippocampal NO/PKG signaling pathway in the accumulative analgesic effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of "Zusanli" (ST 36)-"Yanglingquan"(GB 34) in chronic neuropathic pain rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli"(ST 36)-"Yanglingquan"(GB 34) on pain behavior and expression of hippocampal neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) mRNA in rats with chronic neuropathic pain so as to analyze its mechanism underlying analgesia. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, CCI model, EA-2 Hz, EA-2 Hz/15 Hz, EA-100 Hz groups, with 8 cases in each group. Chronic neuropathic pain model was established by ligature of the left sciatic nerve under anesthesia (Urethane + Alpha-Chloralose) except rats in the control group. EA(2 Hz, 2 Hz/15 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli"(ST 36)-"Yanglingquan"(GB 34) for 30 min, once each day for 2 weeks. The thermal and mechanical paw withdrawal latencies (pain thresholds) of the bilateral limbs were detected before and after EA interventions. The hippocampal tissue of the rat was collected for detecting the expression levels of nNOS, INOS and PKG genes using quantitative real-time-PCR technique. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the thermal and mechanical pain thresholds of the model group were decreased obviously (P<0. 05).Compared with the model group, both thermal and mechanical pain thresholds of the EA-2 Hz, EA-2 Hz/15 Hz and EA-100 Hz groups were markedly increased after EA intervention for 3, 7, 10 and 14 days (P<0. 05). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of hippocampal nNOS and PKG mRNA were significantly and moderately up-regulated in the model group (P<0. 05). While in comparison with the model group, the expression levels of hippocampal nNOS and PKG mRNA in the EA-2 Hz, EA-2 Hz/15 Hz and EA-100 Hz groups were markedly down-regulated (P<0. 05). No significant differences were found among the EA-2 Hz, EA-2 Hz/15 Hz and EA-100 Hz groups in the analgesic effect and in down-regulating hippocampal nNOS and PKG mRNA expression (P>0.05). However, the recovery state of the pain reaction of both EA-2 Hz and EA-2 Hz/ 15 Hz groups was relatively better than that of the EA-100 Hz group from day 3 to 10 after EA intervention. CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of "Zusanli"(ST 36)-"Yanglingquan"(GB 34) at 2 Hz, 2 Hz/15 Hz and 100 Hz can significantly suppress chronic neuropathic pain induced in CCI rats, which may be closely associated with its effects in down-regulating hippocampal nNOS and PKG mRNA expression levels.

[Effects of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture interventions on contents of serum inflammatory cytokines in rats with chronic adjuvant arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) or manual acupuncture of unilateral or bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) on the contents of serum inflammatory factors interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and anti-inflammatory factors interleukin 2 (IL-2), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interleukin 10 (IL-10), so as to reveal their mechanism underlying improvement of chronic arthritis. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, model, electroacupuncture (EA)-left (L) Zusanli (ST 36), EA-bilateral (Bi)-ST 36,and manual acupuncture (MA)-L-ST 36 groups (12 rats/group). Arthritis model was established by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (0.1 mL)into the hindpaw. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 1-3 mA, pulse duration: 0.6 ms/0.2 ms) or manual needle stimulation was applied to the left or bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min, twice every week for 4 weeks. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the contents of serum IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the contents of serum inflammatory factors IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10 were increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.001). In comparison with the model group, serum IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-4 and IL-10 contents were down-regulated considerably in the EA-L-ST 36, EA-Bi-ST 36 and MA-L-ST 36 groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.005). Serum IL-2 content had no apparent changes after modeling in comparison with the normal group (P > 0.05). While serum IL-2 contents were markedly higher in the EA-L-ST 36, EA-Bi-ST 36 and MA-L-ST 36 groups than in the model group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among the EA-L-ST 36, EA-Bi-ST 36 and MA-L-ST 36 groups in serum IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 contents (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA or manual acupuncture stimulation of single or bilateral ST 36 can effectively down-regulate serum inflammatory factors IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels, and upregulate anti-inflammatory factor IL-2 level in chronic arthritis rats, which may contribute to their effects in relieving chronic arthritis.