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SUBJECT: The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncture reducing weight via tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (Tsc1) promoter methylation, inhibiting the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into chow-fed group (chow group) or high-fat diet group (HF group) for 14 weeks. The obesity rats in HF group were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group (EA group) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) group, which received EA stimulation on bilateral ST25, RN12, SP6, and ST36 for 4 weeks or no further treatment, respectively. Methylation of the Tsc1 gene promoter and expression of agouti-related protein (AgRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and proopiomelanocortin (PoMC) were detected at the 18th week. RESULTS: At week 18, weight, body fat, and the body fat rate in DIO group were significantly higher than those of the chow and EA group. Compared with the chow group, the DIO group had increased methylation of the Tsc1 gene promoter and expression of mTORC1, AgRP, and NPY gene and decreased PoMC in the hypothalamus; after EA, methylation of the Tsc1 gene promoter, mRNA, and protein of the mTORC1 and expression of AgRP and NPY gene decreased and PoMC increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Our study could shed light on the potential pathway where EA exerts effects on the mechanism of EA treatment for obesity through the hypothalamic Tsc1 promoter demethylation and inhibition of the activity of mTORC1 signaling pathway.
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OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of Sancai powder in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with single oral metformin in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS: A total of 132 patients with T2DM were enrolled in the study, who only took metformin (500-1000 mg/day) for at least three months and with inadequate glycemic control (7.0% ≤ hemoglobin A1c ≤ 9.0% ) in the past three months. The patients stopped taking metformin with lifestyle interventions for three weeks, and 105 patients qualified for the program. They were randomly divided into the Sancai powder group and the metformin group (1500 mg/day). The follow-up period was for 12 weeks. Comparisons of several variables were analyzed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the two groups in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2 h post-meal glucose (2hPG), although they had decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Homeostasis model assessment of beta cell function index was significantly improved in Sancai powder group (P < 0.01), and there were significant differences in the changes of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity index in the two groups (P < 0.05). Sancai powder significantly reduced triglyceride level (P < 0.05), although there was no significant difference in the body weight and body mass index in the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this 12-week study, Sancai powder could significantly reduce hemoglobin A1c, FPG and 2hPG levels, improved beta-cell function and insulin resistance of the T2DM inadequately controlled with metformin.