An Extensively Hydrolyzed Formula Supplemented with Two Human Milk Oligosaccharides Modifies the Fecal Microbiome and Metabolome in Infants with Cow's Milk Protein Allergy.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a prevalent food allergy among infants and young children. We conducted a randomized, multicenter intervention study involving 194 non-breastfed infants with CMPA until 12 months of age (clinical trial registration: NCT03085134). One exploratory objective was to assess the effects of a whey-based extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF) supplemented with 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) and lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) on the fecal microbiome and metabolome in this population. Thus, fecal samples were collected at baseline, 1 and 3 months from enrollment, as well as at 12 months of age. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) supplementation led to the enrichment of bifidobacteria in the gut microbiome and delayed the shift of the microbiome composition toward an adult-like pattern. We identified specific HMO-mediated changes in fecal amino acid degradation and bile acid conjugation, particularly in infants commencing the HMO-supplemented formula before the age of three months. Thus, HMO supplementation partially corrected the dysbiosis commonly observed in infants with CMPA. Further investigation is necessary to determine the clinical significance of these findings in terms of a reduced incidence of respiratory infections and other potential health benefits.

Folic acid ameliorates alcohol-induced liver injury via gut-liver axis homeostasis.

The gut-liver axis (GLA) plays an important role in the development of alcohol-induced liver injury. Alcohol consumption is typically associated with folic acid deficiency. However, no clear evidence has confirmed the effect of folic acid supplementation on alcohol-induced liver injury via GLA homeostasis. In this study, male C57BL/6J mice were given 56% (v/v) ethanol and 5.0 mg/kg folic acid daily by gavage for 10 weeks to investigate potential protective mechanisms of folic acid in alcohol-induced liver injury via GLA homeostasis. Histopathological and biochemical analyses showed that folic acid improved lipid deposition and inflammation in the liver caused by alcohol consumption and decreased the level of ALT, AST, TG, and LPS in serum. Folic acid inhibited the expression of the TLR4 signaling pathway and its downstream inflammatory mediators in the liver and upregulated the expression of ZO-1, claudin 1, and occludin in the intestine. But compared with the CON group, folic acid did not completely eliminate alcohol-induced intestine and liver injury. Furthermore, folic acid regulated alcohol-induced alterations in gut microbiota. In alcohol-exposed mice, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota was significantly increased, and the relative abundance of unclassified_Lachnospiraceae was significantly decreased. Folic acid supplementation significantly increased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Akkermansia, and decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria. The results of Spearman's correlation analysis showed that serum parameters and hepatic inflammatory cytokines were significantly correlated with several bacteria, mainly including Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, and unclassified_Lachnospiraceae. In conclusion, folic acid could ameliorate alcohol-induced liver injury in mice via GLA homeostasis to some extent, providing a new idea and method for prevention of alcohol-induced liver injury.

Effectiveness of six-step complex decongestive therapy for treating upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is currently recommended as the standard treatment for lymphedema. CDT is a four-step detumescence therapy that can effectively treat upper limb lymphedema after breast cancer surgery, and is considered non-invasive, painless and without side effects. AIM: To determine the effectiveness of a six-step CDT involving a foam granule bandage for the treatment of upper extremity lymphedema pressure after breast cancer surgical intervention. METHODS: The study included 100 patients with upper extremity lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. The surgical methods were mastectomy plus axillary lymph node dissection and breast preservation plus sentinel lymph node biopsy. The study population was further divided into the experimental group and control group with 50 cases in each group. The control group was given conventional CDT (four-step method), which included skin care, freehand lymphatic drainage, foam granule pressurized bandage, and functional exercise. In the experimental group, a six-step CDT method was applied that involved a foam particle bandage combined with air wave pressure therapy in addition to the four steps of conventional CDT. Patients in both groups were given one course of treatment daily (20 times), and the changes in body moisture and subjective symptoms were measured before and after treatment, preoperatively and 20 times after treatment. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in 50-Hz bioelectrical impedance and extracellular moisture ratio were observed between the two groups before treatment, suggesting comparability of the baseline data. After treatment, the 50-Hz bioelectrical impedance of the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the extracellular moisture ratio was significantly lower than that in the control group. A comparison of the differences between the two groups before and after treatment indicated that the treatment effect in the experimental group was better than that in the control group. After 20 treatments, according to subjective evaluations, the tightness and swelling of the limbs in the experimental group were significantly reduced as compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION: The six-step CDT method can effectively reduce lymphedema, promote lymphatic circulation, and alleviate the subjective symptoms of patients, and thereby improve the quality of life and treatment compliance among patients.

Effects of vitamin E supplementation on the risk and progression of AD: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: The association between vitamin E supplementation and Alzheimer's disease (AD) was controversial because of conflicting data in the literature. This study was designed to systematically evaluate evidence about the efficacy of vitamin E supplementation not only on the risk but also on the progression of AD. Design: Five electronic databases were searched for studies published up to June 2017. Articles reporting vitamin E supplementation and AD were included, and the random-effect model was performed for the meta-analysis about the relationship between vitamin E supplementation and AD. Results: Five cohort studies and three randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies (total n = 14,262) involving 1313 cases about vitamin E effects on the risk of AD and 244 cases about effects on progression of AD. The pooled RR for vitamin E supplemental and risk of AD was 0.81 [95% CI: 0.50-1.33, I 2 = 69.2%]. Suitable data could not be extracted to do meta-analysis as there was no unified standard of outcome measure for studies on AD progression. We carefully analyzed and evaluated the authenticity and accuracy of every single trial, while reliable evidence could not be obtained. Conclusions: From what we do, neither the synthetic data on risk of AD nor the critical review on progression of AD could provide enough evidence on our research. Thus, we cannot draw a specific conclusion on the association or correlation between Vitamin E and AD.

Joint replenishment of zinc and folic acid enhances the anti-depressive effect of paroxetine via increasing serum calcium and copper and decreasing serum arsenic.

Insufficient zinc and folic acid levels are associated with depression and poor response to antidepressants. This study aimed to investigate the influences of combined zinc and folic acid replenishment on the anti-depressive effect of paroxetine. Male rats were randomly divided into five groups: control (C), model (M), paroxetine (MP), zinc + folic acid (MZnF), and zinc + folic acid + paroxetine (MZnFP) groups. Rats were exposed to mild unpredictable stress for 3 weeks as a depression model. The combinations of drug and supplements were applied via daily gavage for 4 weeks. The open field test was conducted to observe behavioral changes. A chemiluminescence method was used to detect folacin, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to detect serum elements. Supplementation of zinc and folic acid significantly improved behavior responses to paroxetine, including movement speed, total distance, and central zone frequency. In addition, higher calcium and copper levels and a lower arsenic level were found in the serum of the MZnFP group. Thus, supplementation of zinc and folacin can enhance the anti-depressive effect of paroxetine, and the mechanism is potentially related to the improved levels of calcium and copper and a reduced level of arsenic.

Targeted bile acids and gut microbiome profiles reveal the hepato-protective effect of WZ tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) against LCA-induced cholestasis.

Cholestasis is caused by the obstacle of bile formation or secretion and can develop into severe liver diseases. We previously reported the ethanol extract of Schisandra sphenanthera (Wuzhi tablet, WZ) can significantly protect against lithocholic acid (LCA)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in mice, partially due to the activation of PXR pathway and promotion of liver regeneration. However, the effect of WZ on the bile acids profile and gut microbiome in cholestastic mice remain unknown. In this study, the effect of WZ against LCA-induced liver injury was evaluated and its effect on the bile acids metabolome and gut microbiome profiles in cholestastic mice was further investigated. Targeted metabolomics analysis was performed to examine the change of bile acids in the serum, liver, intestine and feces. The change of intestinal flora were detected by the genomics method. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that WZ enhanced the excretion of bile acids from serum and liver to intestine and feces. Genomics analysis of gut microbiome showed that WZ can reverse LCA-induced gut microbiome disorder to the normal level. In conclusion, WZ protects against LCA-induced cholestastic liver injury by reversing abnormal bile acids profiles and alteration of gut microbiome.

Lipidomics-based study on the neuroprotective effect of geissoschizine methyl ether against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lipid homoeostasis is important for neurodevelopment, cell signaling and neurotransmission. Alteration of lipid metabolism has been demonstrated in many neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Geissoschizine methyl ether (GM) is an active alkaloid ingredient in the traditional Chinese medicine Uncaria hook. It has been shown that GM has strong potency in neuroprotective activity and GM reduces the production of reactive oxygen species by regulating glucose metabolism, which protects neurons against oxidative stress-induced cell death. However, it is unknown whether GM could regulate neuronal lipid metabolism during oxidative challenge. AIM OF THE STUDY: The current study aimed to explore whether GM regulates lipid metabolism in oxidative damaged neurons and to determine the underlying mechanism involved in this neuro-protection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a glutamate-induced oxidative toxicity model in mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line (HT-22 cells), we investigated the effect of GM on glutamate-induced lipid peroxidation, lipotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. In order to clarify the mechanism underlying the neuroprotection by GM, lipid metabolomics was performed to investigate whether GM prevent oxidative stress-induced lipid metabolism disruption. Furthermore, the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes was measured. RESULTS: The results show the protective effect of GM against oxidative stress through blocking glutamate-induced lipid peroxidation and lipotoxicity. Overall, lipidomics analysis revealed that glutamate treatment resulted in different extents of changes in a wide range of lipid classes such as fatty acids (FA), triacylglycerol (TG), sphingomyelin (SM), cardiolipin (CL), lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC). However, GM treatment can significantly reverse glutamate-induced lipids disorder to the homeostasis level. GM prevented the disruption of lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of lipid homeostasis related genes, which contributes to preserve mitochondrial function under oxidative damage. CONCLUSION: These findings clearly demonstrated a novel protective mechanism of GM against glutamate-induced oxidative toxicity in neurons via regulating lipid metabolism. GM may provide an effective approach for the prevention and treatment of oxidative damaged neurons.

[Autophagy mechanism of cerebral ischemia injury and intervention of traditional Chinese medicine].

OBJECTIVE: Autophagy is a process of degrading the damaged organelles and macromolecules by lysosomes in cells, which belongs to the programmed cell death. Cerebral ischemia is one of the important reasons for activation of autophagy. Studies have showed that autophagy plays a protective role in neuronal death induced by ischemia. However, it has also been found that excessive activation of autophagy could aggravate cerebral ischemia injury. In recent years, more and more Chinese medicine has been proved to regulate the autophagy level of brain neurons and reduce cerebral ischemia injury. In this paper, the main molecular mechanism of autophagy in the process of cerebral ischemic injury and the intervention effects of Chinese herbs on autophagy arereviewed in order to explore the basic principle of regulating autophagy by Chinese herbs and to play a better role in the clinical treatment of cerebral ischemic diseases.

Phenolic compounds and bioactivity evaluation of aqueous and methanol extracts of Allium mongolicum Regel.

Allium mongolicum Regel (AM), widely distributed in western China, is a traditional Mongolian medicine herb. Two different solvents as water and methanol were used to extract AM, and their antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effects against key enzymes related to metabolic syndrome were assessed. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through the assay of radical scavenging ability on DPPH and ABTS and reducing power assays. In addition, the total phenolic content and total flavonoids content were quantificated and analyzed. Aqueous extract, having higher phenolic content (10.20 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid content (4.02 mg QE/g DW), showed better antioxidant and inhibitory effects against lipase and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE); as for α-glucosidase, the extract made by methanol showed better ability. In general, the aqueous extract of A. mongolicum Regel has the potential to be used as a functional food or nutraceutical in prevention and treatment of obesity and hypertension due to the high antioxidant and sound inhibitory potential against vital enzymes relevant to obesity and hypertension.

Metabolic mapping of Schisandra sphenanthera extract and its active lignans using a metabolomic approach based on ultra high performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Schisandra sphenanthera, the dried ripe fruit of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils, is widely used as a restorative, tonic and nutrition in many countries. Wuzhi tablet, an ethanol extract preparation of Schisandra sphenanthera, is a well-known herbal medicine widely used in China. Our previous studies show that Wuzhi tablet and its active lignans significantly protect liver injury. However, its metabolic profile remains unknown in vivo and in vitro. In this study, ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry based metabolomics was employed to decipher the metabolic map of Wuzhi tablet and its active lignans. Serum (2 h) and urine (24 h) samples after a 700 mg/kg single oral dose of Wuzhi tablet, and mice liver microsome samples after incubation with its active lignans were collected and analyzed. The data were further analyzed using metabolomics and metabolite identification software. In total, 33 metabolites in vivo and 34 metabolites in vitro were identified, and six among them were new metabolites. The major metabolic reactions encompassed demethylation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, and epoxidation. Taken together, in vitro and in vivo studies revealed the metabolic profile of Wuzhi tablet and its active lignans and demethylation and hydroxylation were their major metabolic pathways.

Combining Manual Lymph Drainage with Physical Exercise after Modified Radical Mastectomy Effectively Prevents Upper Limb Lymphedema.

OBJECTIVE: Upper limb lymphedema is a common complication after radical mastectomy in patients with breast cancer. In this study, we examined the efficacy of self-manual lymph drainage (MLD) after modified radical mastectomy for the prevention of upper limb lymphedema, scar formation, or shoulder joint dysfunction in breast cancer patients. METHODS: Breast cancer patients scheduled for modified radical mastectomy were randomly apportioned to undergo physical exercise only (PE group, the control; n = 500) or self-MLD as well as exercise (MLD group; n = 500) after surgery. In the PE group, patients started to undertake remedial exercises and progressive weight training after recovery from anesthesia. In the MLD group, in addition to receiving the same treatments as in the PE group, the patients were trained to perform self-MLD on the surgical incision for 10 min/session, 3 sessions/day, beginning after suture removal and incision closure (10 to 30 days after the surgery). Scar formation was evaluated at one week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery, respectively. Upper limb circumference and shoulder abduction were measured 24 h before surgery, and at one week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Compared to those in the PE group, patients in MLD group experienced significant improvements in scar contracture, shoulder abduction, and upper limb circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Self-MLD, in combination with physical exercise, is beneficial for breast cancer patients in preventing postmastectomy scar formation, upper limb lymphedema, and shoulder joint dysfunction.

[Influence of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Glutamic Acid and Ca2+ Contents and Expression of NMDA Receptor Protein in Hippocampus in Vascular Dementia Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on hippocampal glutamate (Glu) and Ca2+ contents, and expression of Glu-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor(NMDAR) and the learning-memory ability in vascular dementia (VD) rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying improvement of VD. METHODS: SD rats were rando-mized into sham operation (sham) group (n=9), model group (n=11) and EA groups (n=10). The VD model was established by repeated bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion and reperfusion plus intraperitoneal injection of sodium nitroprusside. EA (2 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20)-"Housanli" (ST 36) and "Geshu" (BL 17)-"Dazhui" (GV 14) for 10 min, once a day for 15 consecutive days. The neurological function was assessed by using stroke index (0-10 points) and neurological deficit scaling(0-10 points). The learning-memory ability was evaluated by using step-down tests. The contents of Glu and Ca2+ in the right hippocampal tissue were determined by using aspectrophotometer and the expression of NMDAR protein in the right hippocampus was detected by immunoblotting. RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the stroke index and neurological deficit scores, and the reaction latency and the error times of step-down tests, as well as the contents of Glu and Ca2+ and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the step-through latency was considerably decreased (P<0.01), suggesting a neurological disorder and a cognitive decline. After EA intervention, the reaction latency and error times of step-down tests, the contents of Glu and Ca2+ and the expression level of NMDAR in the right hippocampus were significantly down-regulated, and the step-through latency was notably increased in comparison with the model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: EA intervention is able to improve the cognitive ability of VD rats, which may be associated with its effects in reducing the excitatory neurotoxicity of hippocampal Glu-NMDAR and lowering cellular Ca2+ load to resist neuronal injury.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention at different time-points of post-modeling on hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitter levels in mice with vascular dementia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electrocupuncture (EA) intervention at different time-points of post-modeling on behavior and hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitter noradrenalin (NE), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytrypamine (5-HT) contents in vascular dementia (VD) mice, so as to study its mechanism underlying improvement of VD. METHODS: A total of 60 Kunming mice were randomized into sham-operation control (n = 20), VD model (n = 20), EA-day (D)-1 (EA treatment was given from the 1st day on after modeling, n = 10), EA-D-3 (EA was given from the 3rd day on after modeling, n = 10) groups. VD model was established by occlusion of the bilateral cervical common arteries and reperfusion. EA (2 Hz/80 Hz) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Dazhui" (GV 14),"Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Geshu"(BL 17) for 10 min, once daily for 15 days. Hippocampal NE, DA and 5-HT contents were assayed by fluorospectrophotometry. The mouse's learning-memory ability was assessed by step-down tests. RESULTS: In comparison with the sham-operation control group, the learning-memory ability (marked increase of reaction time and error times, decrease of step-down latency) was apparently lowered in the model group (P < 0.01). The hippocampal NE, DA and 5-HT contents were significantly lower in the model group than in the sham-operation group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice's learning-memory ability (marked decrease of reaction time and error times, increase of step-down latency) was significantly increased in EA intervention groups (P < 0.01), and hippocampal NE, DA and 5-HT levels were significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the effect of EA-D-3 group was obviously better than that of the EA-D-1 group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can improve the VD mice's learning-memory ability, which is closely related to its effects in up-regulating hippocampal NE, DA and 5-HT contents, and the effect of later EA intervention after modeling is better.

[Effect of mild moxibustion on macrophage number and collagen expression of raw surface tissue in chronic refractory skin ulcer rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of mild moxibustion on the number of macrophages and contents of collagen I and III in the raw surface tissue in chronic skin ulcer rats so as to study its mechanism underlying promoting scar formation. METHODS: Eighty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal (n = 8), model (n = 24), TDP (n = 24) and moxibustion (n = 24) groups. Chronic refractory skin ulcer was established by making an open wound at the back and local intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone sodium succinate. For rats of the TDP and moxibustion groups, TDP irradiation or mild moxibustion was applied to the raw surface, bilateral "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 15 min, once daily for 7, 10 and 14 days, respectively. The number of macrophages in the raw surface tissue was counted under light microscope after H. E. staining and col- lagen I and III expressions of the raw surface tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal group, the numbers of macrophages in the raw surface tissue were increased significantly in the model group on day 7, 10 and 14 (P < 0.05); while compared with the model group, the numbers of macrophages were increased further obviously in the moxibustion group on day 7 and 10 and in the TDP group on day 10 after the treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the numbers of macrophages in both TDP and moxibustion groups were down-regulated obviously (P < 0. 05). In regard to collagen I and III expression of the raw surface tissue, compared with the normal group, the collagen I protein expression level was down-regulated markedly in the model group on the 7th day (P < 0.01); whereas in comparison with the model group, the expression levels of collagen I and III were increased considerably in the TDP and moxibustion groups on day 7 and 14 after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The ratios of collagen I/III expression were remarkably higher in the model group than in the normal group on day 7 and 14 (P < 0.05), and significantly lower in the TDP group on day 7 and 14 and in the moxibustion group on day 14 than in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The effects of moxibustion were obviously superior to those of TDP in up-regulating macrophage number on day 10, up-regulating collagen I and III expressions on day 14, and down-regulating macrophage number on day 14 after the treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the TDP and moxibustion groups in up-regulating macrophage number, and collagen I and III protein expressions, and in down-regulating the ratios of collagen I/III expression on day 7 after the treatment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mild moxibustion can regulate the number of macrophages and strengthen the expression of collagen proteins in the raw surface tissue in the chronic skin ulcer rats, which may contribute to its effect in promoting wound healing and reducing scar formation.

[Effect of mild-warm moxibustion on microcirculation in the raw surface tissue of chronic refractory wound in skin ulcer rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of mild-warm moxibustion on dynamic blood flow, microvessel count (MVC)and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the wound tissue of the chronic skin ulcer in rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in promoting wound recovery. METHODS: A total of 104 male SD rats with skin injury were randomly divided into control group (n=8), model group (n=32), TDP (far-infrared heating device) group (n=32) and moxibustion group (n=32). Chronic refractory raw surface wound model was established by muscular injection of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate. For rats of the TDP and moxibustion groups, TDP irridiation and mild-warm moxibustion were applied to the raw surface, bilateral "Shenshu" (BL 23) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 15 min, once daily for 3, 7 and 14 days respectively. The healing rate and the healing time of raw surface of the wound were observed. The blood flow of the raw surface of the wound tissue was measured by laser Doppler flowmeter and the MVC in granulation tissue of chronic skin ulcer was counted under light microscope. VEGF expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the healing rate of the wound raw surface was significantly lower and the healing time was prolonged in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the healing rates on day 3, 7, 10 and 14 were significantly higher and the healing time was strikingly faster in both TDP and moxibustion groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and the effects of the moxibustion group in increasing the healing rate and shortening the healing time were significantly better than those of TDP group (P < 0.01). In comparison with the model group, the blood flow volume, MVC and VEGF expression levels on day 3 and 7 were upregulated significantly in both TDP and moxibustion groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); while the blood flow volume, MVC and VEGF expression level in the moxibustion group and the blood flow volume and VEGF expression level in the TDP group downregulated considerably on day 14 (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found between the TDP and moxibustion groups in the MVC on day 14 after the treatment (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mild-warm moxibustion can promote wound healing, which is closely with its effects in increasing blood flow and MVC, and upregulating VEGF expression in the wound granulation tissue of the chronic skin ulcer.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on apoptosis of hippocampus tissue in mice with vascular dementia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on hippocampal apoptosis and learning-memory ability in vascular dementia (VD) mice so as to investigate its underlying mechanism in the treatment of VD patients. METHODS: Kunming mice were randomly divided into sham-operation (sham, n = 13), model (n = 15), EA (n = 16) and Nimodipine (intragastric gavage, 30 mg/kg for 15 days, n = 15) groups. VD model was duplicated by occlusion of bilateral carotid arteries and reperfusion. EA (2-80 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Baihui" (GV 20), "Geshu" (BL 17) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 10 min, once daily for 15 days. Step-down and step-up tests were performed to assess the animal's memory and learning abilities separately; and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method was used to display the apoptotic cells of the hippocampus tissue. RESULTS: In comparison with sham group, the animals' reaction time upon electric shock stimulation, both step-up and step-down error times, and hippocampal apoptosis number in model, EA and Nimodipine groups increased significantly (P<0.01), while the reaction latency upon electric shock of model, EA and Nimodipine groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the reaction time, both step-up and step-down error times and hippocampal apoptosis number of both EA and Nimodipine groups decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01); while the reaction latency of EA and Nimodipine groups increased considerably (P<0.01). Comparison between EA and Nimodipine groups showed that the reaction latency of EA group was obviously longer than that of the later group (P<0.01), and the step-down error times of EA group was markedly lower than that of Nimodipine group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between these two groups in other indexes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can ameliorate VD mice's learning-memory ability, which may be closely related to its effect in reducing hippocampal apoptosis.

[Tumor inhibiting and immunoloregulation effects of Mylabris Mixture on H22 cancer-bearing mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of tumor inhibiting and immunoloregulation of Mylabris Mixture on H22 cancer-bearing mice. METHODS: H22 cancer-bearing mice were chosen to observe the effects of tumor inhibiting and detect the proliferation function of T lymphocytes, the toxicity function of NK cells, the changes of T lymphocytes and the contents of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4. RESULTS: Mylabris Mixture could obviously inhibit the growth of H22 cancer in mice, and the tumor inhibition rat was 65.76%. The stimulation index of T lymphocyte transformation and percentage of NK cells in Mylabris Mixture-treated group were obviously higher than those in the normal control group. The subpopulation proportion of T lymphocytes in Mylabris Mixture-treated group was changed more than the normal control group. The production of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 by T lymphocytes obviously increased in Mylabris Mixture-treated group (P<0.05, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Mylabris Mixture has the effect of inhibiting the growth of tumor constitution, and regulating immunological function on mice with tumor. Its mechanisms include the reinforcement of T lymphocyte immune function, NK cell killing function and humoral immune function.