Laurolitsine ameliorates type 2 diabetes by regulating the hepatic LKB1-AMPK pathway and gut microbiota.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent chronic metabolic disease. Effective antidiabetic drugs are needed to improve and expand the available treatments. Using the ob/ob diabetic mouse model, we previously demonstrated that the alkaloid-rich extract from Litsea glutinosa bark (CG) has potent antidiabetic effects and that laurolitsine (LL) is the richest alkaloid in CG. PURPOSE: We conducted a systematic investigation of the antidiabetic effects and potential mechanisms of LL in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The antidiabetic effects of LL and its mechanisms of action were explored in HL-7702 hepatocytes in vitro and in db/db mice in vivo by a series of experiments, including cellular toxicity analysis, glucose consumption analysis, serum/liver biochemical analysis, pathological examinations, Western blots, RNA-seq analysis, and gut microbiota analysis. RESULTS: LL stimulated glucose consumption and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) without inducing lactic acid production or cytotoxicity in vitro. LL had potent antidiabetic effects with hypoglycemic activity in vivo. It improved insulin resistance, glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism; protected liver, renal and pancreatic functions; and promoted weight loss in db/db mice. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that the antidiabetic effects of LL involved the regulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. We further demonstrated that LL effectively activated the hepatic liver kinase B1 (LKB1)/AMPK pathway by regulating the ADP/ATP ratio. Simultaneously, LL significantly modulated the gut microbial community, specifically decreasing the abundances of Mucispirillum schaedleri and Anaerotruncus_sp_G3_2012, which might also contribute to its antidiabetic effects. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LL is a promising antidiabetic drug candidate that may improve glucolipid metabolism via modulation of the hepatic LKB1/AMPK pathway and the gut microbiota.

The characteristics of stroke in Longjiang area and summary of acupuncture treatment thoughts / 国际中医中药杂志

Heilongjiang Province has unique geographical environment, which makes the difference in population morbidity. This paper summarizes the physiological and pathological characteristics of stroke in Longjiang area from the regional factors and dietary factors. The paper also summarizes the treatment thoughts of acupuncture and moxibustion doctors in Longjiang area, mainly including five aspects: Knowing all diseases but treating the essence one, combining theory and practice, combining Chinese and western medicine, combining acupuncture and Chinese medicine, preventing diseases through learning and observing tiny clues. This article aims to summarize the experience of Longjiang acupuncture scholars and enriches the medical connotation of Longjiang area.

Clinical research progress of electroacupuncture treatment as the main method treating dysphagia after stroke / 国际中医中药杂志

This paper reviews the clinical research of electroacupuncture in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. It is found that electroacupuncture is widely used in the treatment of this disease, either alone, or in combination with rehabilitation training, dysphagia therapeutic apparatus, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcranial direct current electrical stimulation, transcranial repeated magnetic stimulation, pricking and bloodletting, auricular point sticking, etc. At present, many methods are used to evaluate the clinical effect, such as water swallow test, video fluoroscopic swallowing study, standard swallowing function evaluation, swallowing disorder evaluation, etc. And electroacupuncture based therapy can effectively improve the swallowing ability of stroke patients.

Clinical research progress of electroacupuncture treatment as the main method treating dysphagia after stroke / 国际中医中药杂志

This paper reviews the clinical research of electroacupuncture in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. It is found that electroacupuncture is widely used in the treatment of this disease, either alone, or in combination with rehabilitation training, dysphagia therapeutic apparatus, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcranial direct current electrical stimulation, transcranial repeated magnetic stimulation, pricking and bloodletting, auricular point sticking, etc. At present, many methods are used to evaluate the clinical effect, such as water swallow test, video fluoroscopic swallowing study, standard swallowing function evaluation, swallowing disorder evaluation, etc. And electroacupuncture based therapy can effectively improve the swallowing ability of stroke patients.

Seven Chinese patients with buckwheat allergy.

Buckwheat is an important crop in China and is also known as an important potent allergen in the population. Here, we report a series of 7 Chinese patients with buckwheat allergy, which has never been reported previously in China. Mean age was 20 years at diagnosis. Patients' symptoms were respiratory, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and anaphylactic. The routes of exposure were varied. Laboratory allergy test showed that buckwheat-specific IgE levels in all patients were remarkably elevated. Allergen avoidance was the best treatment in these cases. The data suggest that buckwheat can induce various clinical manifestations. Anaphylaxis might be characterized by severe symptoms. Buckwheat pillow is an important source of exposure to buckwheat in China and other Asian countries. Therefore, public education with effective avoidance measures should be an integral part of the management strategy.