Effect of auricular point pressing therapy on hyperplasia of mammary glands: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, with the accelerated pace of life, diet, environmental problems occur frequently. External factors are easily to cause endocrine disorders and hormone sensitivity of breast tissue, which can lead to mammary hyperplasia. The incidence rate of hyperplasia of mammary glands is increasing year by year, and the age of onset is also getting lower and lower. If not treated in time, there is a crisis of breast cancer.Clinical studies have found that auricular point pressing therapy is widely used in clinical treatment of mammary hyperplasia recently, but the efficacy of massage in the treatment of mammary hyperplasia has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy, safety and effectiveness of auricular point pressing therapy in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wan fang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, CNKI, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. The retrieval date was January 10, 2021. RevMan 5.3 software was used to evaluate the quality and risk of included studies. The efficacy, recurrence rate, and symptom score of breast hyperplasia were analyzed, and the results were observed and measured. RESULTS: This study will be from the clinical efficiency, improvement rate, pain symptoms disappear rate, tumor size improvement rate, and other aspects of the existing evidence for a high quality synthesis, as well as auricular point pressing therapy adverse events. CONCLUSION: the conclusion of this review will provide the basis for judging whether auricular point pressing therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of auricular point pressing therapy in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. As all data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis have been published, ethical approval is not required for this review. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY202110028.

[Regularities of acupoint combinations and characteristics of core acupoint application for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia based on complex network analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the acupoint combination regularities and application characteristics of core acupoints in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) by using complex network technology, so as to provide reliable evidence for clinical selection of acupoints and treatment ideas. METHODS: The articles related to acupuncture treatment of MGH published from January of 1981 to May of 2020 were collected from databases as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), Chinese Journal of Science and Technology of VIP (VIP), PubMed, the Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Cochrane Library, and Web of Science and Ovid database (OVID) according to the set inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present paper and by using keywords of "mammary gland hyperplasia", "mastalgia" or "fibrocystic breast change", "breast cystic hyperplasia ", etc. plus "acupuncture", "moxibustion", etc. Then, a correlative database model was established by using SPSS Modeler 18.0 to analyze their association regularities, followed by conducting a complex network analysis with Gephi 0.9.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 312 eligible articles containing 343 acupoint prescriptions and 113 acupoints were collected. The total frequency of use of the 113 acupoints was 1 998. The association regularity analysis showed a top relativity between Danzhong(CV17) and Zusanli(ST36). The analysis of the complex network topology revealed that CV17, Qimen(LR14), Sanyinjiao(SP6), Taichong(LR3), ST36, Jianjing(GB21), Rugen(ST18), Wuyi(ST15), Neiguan(PC6), Ashi-points, Fenglong (SP40), Guanyuan(CV4), Taixi(KI3), Tianzong(SI11), Ganshu (BL18), and Hegu(LI14) are the core acupoints for treatment of MGH. The principle for composing acupoint prescriptions is mainly the combination of acupoints on the left and right sides, the upper and lower parts, front and back parts of the body, respectively, and those of the outer and inner meridians, and those of the same name meridians and Zangfu-organ syndrome differentiation. The needle-insertion direction is mostly toward the focus. CONCLUSION: The composition of acupoint prescriptions for treating MGH with acupuncture and moxibustion is mainly based on the combination of specific acupoints among which the confluent acupoints are most frequently used, followed by the combination of acupoints distributing at the chest, back, upper and lower limbs, and the local acupoints.

Massage treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the accelerated pace of life, the problems of residence, diet, and environment have occurred frequently in recent years. External factors are easily to cause endocrine disorders and hormone sensitivity of breast tissue, which can lead to mammary hyperplasia. The incidence rate of hyperplasia of mammary glands is increasing year by year, and the age of onset is also getting lower and lower. If not treated in time, there is a crisis of breast cancer.Clinical studies have found that massage is widely used in clinical treatment of mammary hyperplasia recently, but the efficacy of massage in the treatment of mammary hyperplasia has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy, safety and effectiveness of massage in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. METHODS: We will search PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials (central), ScienceNet, EMBASE, CBM, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang databases. The retrieval date was October 20, 2020. RevMan 5.3 software was used to evaluate the quality and risk of included studies. The efficacy, recurrence rate, and symptom score of breast hyperplasia were analyzed, and the results were observed and measured. RESULTS: This study will be from the clinical efficiency, improvement rate, pain symptoms disappear rate, tumor size improvement rate and other aspects of the existing evidence for a high quality synthesis, as well as massage adverse events. CONCLUSION: the conclusion of this review will provide the basis for judging whether massage is safe and effective in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of massage in the treatment of hyperplasia of mammary glands. As all data used in this systematic review and meta-analysis have been published, ethical approval is not required for this review. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020100066.

Acupuncture for mammary gland hyperplasia: A Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol.

BACKGROUND: Multiple randomized controlled trials have shown that acupuncture (ACU) work well in the treating mammary gland hyperplasia, which has been widely used in hospitals of China. Although the choices of ACU treatments varies in practice, most are based on experience or preference. Therefore, we outline a plan to assess and rank the efficacy of the various ACU methods to formulate a prioritized regimen for mammary gland hyperplasia in ACU therapy. METHODS: We will make a comprehensive retrieval in 7 databases as following: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China BioMedical Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, and Wanfang database. The time is limited from the construction of the library to June 2020. We will evaluate the quality and the evidence of the included randomized controlled trials by the risk of bias tool and grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation, respectively. Bayesian network meta-analysis will be conducted using Stata16.0 and WinBUGS V.1.4.3. RESULTS: The results of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is expected to provide high-quality, evidence-based recommendations on further treatment of MGH for clinicians. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020158743).

Chinese massage, Tui Na, combined with herbs improves clinical symptoms and regulates sex hormones in patients with mammary gland hyperplasia.

To study the effects of Tui Na therapy on patients with mammary gland hyperplasia.A total of 68 female patients with mammary gland hyperplasia were included in this retrospective study from May 2016 to May 2017 and assigned into control group (N = 34) treated with Rupixiao only (a proprietary Chinese medicine) or Tui Na group (N = 34) treated with Tui Na (Chinese massage) combined with Rupixiao. The pain intensity (visual analogous scale, VAS) and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), prolactin (PRL), and progesterone (P) were examined before and after the treatment.The efficacies were 94.1% (32/34) in the Tui Na group and 76.5% (26/34) in the control group (P = .04). After treatment, VAS in Tui Na groups was significantly lower than that in control group (2.1 ±â€Š1.1 vs 3.1 ±â€Š1.1, P < .05). After follow-up for five months, the recurrence rates were 12.5% (4/32) in the Tui Na group and 23.1% (6/26) in the control group (P = .01). The levels of all 4 hormones in the Tui Na group increased significantly after treatment. In control group, only LH and E2 levels were significantly increased after treatment.In patients with mammary gland hyperplasia, Tui Na combined with Rupixiao could improve clinical symptoms, regulate sex hormone levels, and decrease the recurrence rate than Rupixiao alone. Our finding suggests that Tui Na can be potentially used for the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia.

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after noninvasive radiofrequency treatment: A novel report and review.

The past decade has experienced a surge in the frequency of nonsurgical procedures, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, and nonsurgical fat reduction. Nonsurgical fat reduction methods include cryolipolysis (Coolsculpting), ultrasound (Vaser Shape), laser (Liposonix), and radiofrequency (Vanquish). These methods generally produce good results, with cryolipolysis gaining much popularity over the past few years. Multiple reports of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia have been reported with Coolsculpting, with an incidence of 0.025% to 1%. This entity has never been reported with other methods of nonsurgical fat reduction, including noninvasive radiofrequency (Vanquish). We present a case of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in a 57-year-old male following treatment with noninvasive radiofrequency (Vanquish) to the abdomen. He was treated with power-assisted liposuction to the abdomen and flanks. This is the first case in the literature of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in a patient treated with this form of noninvasive fat reduction.

Safety and Efficacy of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Treatment of Sebaceous Gland Hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) technology involves delivery of ultrashort pulses of electrical energy and is a nonthermal, drug-free technology that has demonstrated favorable effects on cellular structures of the dermis and epidermis. OBJECTIVE: Determine the tolerability and effectiveness of nsPEF treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia (SGH). METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized, open-label, multisite, nonsignificant risk trial in which each subject served as their own control. After injection of local anesthetic, high-intensity, ultrashort pulses of electrical energy were used to treat 72 subjects resulting in a total of 222 treated lesions. Subjects returned for 3 to 4 follow-up evaluations with photographs. RESULTS: At the final study visit, 99.6% of treated SGH lesions were rated clear or mostly clear and 79.3% of the subjects were satisfied or mostly satisfied with the outcome. At 60 days after nsPEF treatment, 55% of the lesions were judged to have no hyperpigmentation and 31% exhibited mild post-treatment hyperpigmentation. At the last observation for all lesions, 32% of the 222 lesions were noted as having slight volume loss. CONCLUSION: Nanosecond pulsed electric field procedure is well tolerated and is very effective in the removal of SGHs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03612570.

Complications of Cryolipolysis: Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) and Beyond.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis is a fairly popular procedure performed in North America, Europe, and many other countries. Although it is considered a rather safe procedure, there are underreported side effects such as paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH), contour irregularities, skin and soft tissue atrophy, and asymmetries. Our knowledge regarding the prevalence and treatment of such complications is limited. OBJECTIVES: We hereby report a case series of 5 patients treated for various complications of cryolipolysis, including PAH, that persisted for more than 12 months after their last treatment. METHODS: Five patients with various complications of cryolipolysis (4 patients with PAH and 1 with atrophy and indentations) presented in our private office between 2015 and 2018. Three of the 4 patients with PAH were treated at other facilities with ultrasonic liposuction, laser lipolysis, and radiofrequency skin tightening devices respectively. The fourth patient developed PAH after liposuction at another facility. The fifth patient developed several areas of indentations and atrophy and received mesotherapy and lymphatic massages at another facility. All 5 patients were subsequently treated in our office by means of a customized approach specific to their underlying complications. RESULTS: Near-normal results were achieved in all 5 patients. None of our patients showed any recurrences of their initial complication for which they were treated. All 5 patients were extremely satisfied with their results. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis, just like any other form of lipolysis, has certain specific adverse effects associated with it, including but not limited to PAH. Complications of cryolipolysis must be individually recognized and treated accordingly.

Nanofunctionalized Stent-Mediated Local Heat Treatment for the Suppression of Stent-Induced Tissue Hyperplasia.

Current therapeutic strategies are insufficient for suppressing stent-induced restenosis. Here, branched gold nanoparticles (BGNP)-coated self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) were developed for a local heat-induced suppression of stent-related tissue hyperplasia. Our polydopamine (PDA) coating on SEMS allowed BGNP crystal growth on the surface of SEMSs. The prepared BGNP-coated SEMS showed effective local heating under near-infrared laser irradiation. The effectiveness of BGNP-coated SEMSs for suppressing stent-related tissue hyperplasia was demonstrated in a rat esophageal model ( n = 52). BGNP-coated SEMS placement under fluoroscopic guidance was technically successful in all rats. The placed BGNP-coated SEMS in rat esophagus achieved three different local heat dose ranges (50, 65, and 80 °C) under fluoroscopic image-guided local irradiation. Follow-up endoscopic examination readily monitored the local heating and observed significantly decreased tissue hyperplasia at 4 weeks of local heat treatments (50 and 65 °C). Finally, Western blot, histology, immunohistochemistry (HSP70, αSMA, and TUNEL), and immunofluorescence (Ki67 and BrdU) analyses along with the statistical analysis confirmed that optimized BGNP-coated SEMS-mediated local heat treatments inducing the expression of anti-inflammatory HSP70 effectively suppresses tissue hyperplasia after stent placement in the esophagus. Our local heating with nanofunctionalized stents represents a promising new approach for suppressing stent-related tissue hyperplasia.

Mild electrical stimulation with heat shock reduces inflammatory symptoms in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease caused by immune disorder. The chronic skin inflammation involves inflammatory molecules that are released from T lymphocytes and keratinocytes. Therefore, developing an anti-inflammatory therapy that is suitable for long-term treatment is needed. Electrical stimulation induces biological responses by modulating intracellular signaling pathways. Our previous studies showed that the optimized combination treatment of mild electrical stimulation (MES, 0.1-millisecond; ms, 55-pulses per second; pps) and heat shock (HS, 42°C) modulates inflammatory symptoms of metabolic disorders and chronic kidney disease in mice models and clinical trials. Here, we investigated the effect of MES+HS treatment on imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model. Topical application of imiquimod cream (15 mg) to mice ear induced keratinocyte hyperproliferation and psoriasis-like inflammation. In MES+HS-treated mice, imiquimod-induced skin hyperplasia was significantly decreased. MES+HS treatment reduced the protein expression of IL-17A and the infiltration of CD3-positive cells in lesioned skin. In addition, MES+HS-treated mice had decreased mRNA expression level of antimicrobial molecules (S100A8 and Reg3γ) which aggravate psoriasis. In IL-17A-stimulated HaCaT cells, MES+HS treatment significantly lowered the mRNA expression of aggravation markers (S100A8, S100A9 and ß-defensin2). Taken together, our study suggested that MES+HS treatment improves the pathology of psoriasis via decreasing the expression of inflammatory molecules.

[Electroacupuncture at intercostal nerve for mammary gland hyperplasia in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) on mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH) and the regulatory pathway of intercostal nerve. METHODS: Fifty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (group A, 12 rats), a model group (group B, 12 rats), an EA group (group C, 13 rats) and an intercostal nerve transection group (group D, 13 rats). The rats in the group B, group C and group D were prepared into MGH model; after model was successfully prepared, the 7th intercostal nerve was cut off in the group D. EA was applied at back acupoints including bilateral "Tianzong" (SI 11), "Ganshu" (BL 18) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) as well as chest acupoints including bilateral "Wuyi" (ST 15), "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Danzhong" (CV 17) in the group C and D. The two groups of acupoints were selected alternately. EA was given for 20 min, once a day; 5-day treatment was taken as one course; there was an interval of 2 days between course; totally 20 treatments were given. After treatment, the height and diameter of papilla were observed; the contents of serum estradiol (E2) and progestin (P), the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progestrone receptor (PR) in mammary gland were measured. RESULTS: (1) The height and diameter of papilla: after treatment, the height and diameter of papilla in the group C were significantly smaller than those in the group B (both P<0.05); the height and diameter of left-side papilla in the group D were significantly bigger than those in the group C (both P<0.05). (2) Serum E2 and P: after treatment, compared with the group B, the contents of E2 and E2/P were reduced and the content of P was increased in the group C and group D (all P<0.05). Compared with the group C, the contents of E2 and E2/P were increased and the content of P was reduced in the group D (all P<0.05). (3) ERα and PR in mammary gland: compared with the group B, the content of ERαwas decreased and the content of PR was increased in the group C (both P<0.05). Compared with the group C, the content of ERαwas increased and the content of PR was decreased in the group D ((both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy mechanism of EA for MGH is likely to be related with the pathway of intercostal nerve; the mechanism may be acupuncture regulating the contents of serum E2 and P as well as contents of ERα and PR in mammary gland.

[Immunotropic reaction onto balneotherapy by mineral water «naftusia¼ of women with hyperplasia of the thyroid gland and non-calcular cholecystitis].

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Hyperplasia of the thyroid gland is recetly widespread, especially among women, with pathology. At structural changes of a gland there are various types of violations of the hormonal status of the organism - from hyperthyroidism through euthyroidism to hypothermia. The aim: The article aims at investigation of the peculiarities of the influence of mineral water "Naftusia" on the immunological status of women with non-calcular cholecystitis and hyperplasia of the thyroid gland, as well as the substantiation of the possibilities of using balneotherapy in the treatment of this pathology on the basis of the obtained data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Object of investigation- hyperplasia of the thyroid gland in the presence of women's non calcular cholecystitis. Subject of research -hormonal and immune status and their changes under the influence of mineral water "Naftusia". Methods of investigation: general clinical, standard laboratory methods of examination, special clinical and laboratory methods: physiological, biochemical, statistical. The evaluation of the immune system was carried out by determining the serum total blood levels of total immunoglobulins G, M, A. The level of immunoglobulins in the blood serum was determined by radial immune diffusion according to Mancini. RESULTS: Results and conclusions: The analysis of obtained results, makes it possible to characterize fully the positive influence of such a non-medicamentous item, as the use of mineral water "Naftusia" for the treatment of noncalcular cholecystitis. Under the influence of water "Naftusia", in one way or another, the cellular and phagocytic links of immunity are normalized. It can be assumed that a positive effect on the immune system is realized through the normalization of the processes of division and differentiation of cells of the immune system, in particular on the membrane level.

A Porphyrin-Based Conjugated Polymer for Highly Efficient In Vitro and In Vivo Photothermal Therapy.

Conjugated polymers have been increasingly studied for photothermal therapy (PTT) because of their merits including large absorption coefficient, facile tuning of exciton energy dissipation through nonradiative decay, and good therapeutic efficacy. The high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) is the key to realize efficient PTT. Herein, a donor-acceptor (D-A) structured porphyrin-containing conjugated polymer (PorCP) is reported for efficient PTT in vitro and in vivo. The D-A structure introduces intramolecular charge transfer along the backbone, resulting in redshifted Q band, broadened absorption, and increased extinction coefficient as compared to the state-of-art porphyrin-based photothermal reagent. Through nanoencapsulation, the dense packing of a large number of PorCP molecules in a single nanoparticle (NP) leads to favorable nonradiative decay, good photostability, and high extinction coefficient of 4.23 × 104 m-1 cm-1 at 800 nm based on porphyrin molar concentration and the highest PCE of 63.8% among conjugated polymer NPs. With the aid of coloaded fluorescent conjugated polymer, the cellular uptake and distribution of the PorCP in vitro can be clearly visualized, which also shows effective photothermal tumor ablation in vitro and in vivo. This research indicates a new design route of conjugated polymer-based photothermal therapeutic materials for potential personalized theranostic nanomedicine.

[Clinical observation of breast hyperplasia treated with auricular point sticking therapy and Xiaopijian].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy difference in the treatment of breast hyperplasia between the combined therapy of auricular point sticking and Xiaopijian and the simple application of Xiaopijian. METHODS: Ninety-one patients were randomized into an observation group (46 cases) and a control group (45 cases). In the observation group, the sticking therapy on the auricular points was applied in combination with the oral medication of Chinese herbal medicine, Xiaopijian. Auricular points included Ruxian, Neifenmi (CO18), Luanchan, Shenmen (TF4), Gan (CO2), Pi (CO13). The auricular point sticking therapy was applied once a week on the auricular points of one side alternatively. Xiaopijian was the self-prepared decoction. The main ingredients are radix bupleuri Bupleurum chinense, spica prunellae prunella vulgaris and radix peoniae alba Paeonia lactiflora, 30 mL each time, three times a day. In the control group, Xiaopijian was simply prescribed for oral administration, 30 mL each time, 3 times a day. The treatment was discontinued during menstruation in the two groups. The menstrual cycle of one month made one session of treatment. The treatments for 3 sessions were observed. The scores of symptoms and physical signs, including the degree of breast pain, hardness and size of breast masses as well as the scores of general and supplementary symptoms were compared before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of symptoms and physical signs were reduced apparently as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (both P<0. 05). The score reduction in the observation group was much more than that in the control group (11.02±1. 78 vs 9.82±1. 53, P<0. 05). The total effective rate was 95.7% (44/46) in the observation group, higher apparently than 80. 0% (36/45, P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of auricular point sticking and Xiaopijian achieves the superior efficacy on breast hyperplasia as compared with the simple application of Xiaopijian.

Radiofrequency thermotherapy in the treatment of tongue base lymphoid hyperplasia: case report.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes a case where a patient diagnosed with tongue base lymphoid hyperplasia was successfully treated with radiofrequency excision and interstitial radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy. CASE REPORT: A 53-year-old female presented with globus sensation, mild dysphagia, nocturnal breathing problems and 'hot potato voice' dysphonia. On flexible nasendoscopy, a visible tongue mass was seen to obstruct the posterior oropharynx. On magnetic resonance imaging scans, this mass looked suspicious of lymphoma, but on histology was confirmed to be benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. Sleep study findings indicated moderate obstructive sleep apnoea, with an apnoea-hypopnoea index of 18.1 events per hour. She was treated with radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy on three separate occasions. RESULTS: A post-operative sleep study showed a dramatic improvement in the patient's apnoea-hypopnoea index (3.8 events per hour). This correlated well with the improvement in her sleep quality and reduction of snoring. Over the follow-up period, there has been sustained resolution of dyspnoea, with almost total restoration of voice quality.

[Effects of moxibustion on cell proliferative factors in gastric mucosa in rats with precancerous lesions of chronic atrophic gastritis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of moxibustion at stomach meridian acupoints for precancerous lesions of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). METHODS: Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a stomach meridian group, a control point group and a vitacoenzyme group, 10 rats in each group. The CAG precancerous lesion model was made in all the groups except the normal group. The rats in the normal group and model group were bundled for 30 min per day; the rats in the stomach meridian group and control point group were bundled and treated with moxibustion at stomach meridian acupoints or control points for 30 min per day; the rats in the vitacoenzyme group were treated with intragastric administration of vitacoenzyme, once per day. All the treatment was given for 20 weeks. The pathological morphological change of gastric mucosa was observed under optical microscope; the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), gastric mucosal proliferatig cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), argyrophilic protein of nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs) in gastric mucosal cells were detected by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, in the model group the gastric mucosal cells showed dysplasia and the expression of EGF, TGF-alpha, PCNA, VEGF, Ag-NORs in gastric mucosa cells in the model group was increased significantly (all P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the gastric mucosa lesion gradually recovered and the expression of EGF, TGF-alpha, PCNA, VEGF, Ag-NORs in gastric mucosal cells was gradually decreased in the stomach meridian group, control point group and vitacoenzyme group, in which the stomach meridian group had the most significant effects (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at stomach meridian acupoints can obviously decrease the expression of cell proliferative factors in gastric mucosa in rats with CAG precancerous lesions, inhibit the gastric mucosal cell dysplasia, and promote the recovery of gastric mucosa.

[Effects of encircled needling plus electroacupuncture on hyperplastic mammary glands and serum sex hormones in the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of encircled needling plus electroacupuncture (EA) of the second pair of nipples on hyperplastic mammary glands, serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), prolactin (PRL) and testosterone (T) contents, estrogen receptor (ER) expression of the mammary glands in mammary hyperplasia rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were equally randomized into normal control, model, acupuncture and medication groups. Mammary gland hyperplasia model was established by intramuscular injection of diethylstilbestrol (0.5 mg/kg, once daily for 25 days) and progesterone (4 mg/kg, once daily for 5 days). For rats of the acupuncture group, 4 filiform needles were inserted into the surrounding tissues of the second pair of breasts, respectively, followed by giving the animal with EA stimulation for 30 min. Another one acupuncture needle was inserted into "Danzhong" (CV 17) and retained for 30 min. For rats of the medication group, tamoxifen solution (1.8 mg/kg) was given by gavage. Both medication and EA intervention were given once daily for 30 days. The diameter and height of the second pair of nipples were measured before and on the 10th, 20th and 30th days of the treatment. Serum E2, P, PRL and T levels were assayed by radioimmunoassay, and the tissues of the second pair of nipples were stained with H. E. method. Estrogen receptor immunoactivity of the breast tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The diameter and height of the second pair of nipples, serum E2, PRL and T contents, and breast ER protein expression level were significantly higher in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05), while serum P content was remarkably lower in the model group than in the normal control group (P<0.05). In comparison with the model group, the diameter and height of the second pair of nipples, serum E2, PRL and T contents, and breast ER protein expression level were considerably lower in both acupuncture and medication groups (P<0.05), and serum P contents were significantly higher in the latter two groups (P<0.05). In addition, H.E. staining showed that the numbers of the lobule, alveolus and ducts of mammary glands were significantly increased, and the expansion of the acinar lumina and ducts was found in the model group. These pathological changes were relatively milder in both acupuncture and medication groups. CONCLUSION: Encircled needling plus EA stimulation of the surrounding tissues of the nipples can improve the hyperplasic nipples and pathological changes of the breast tissue in mammary gland hyperplasia rats, which is closely associated with its functions in lowering serum estradiol, prolactin, testosterone contents and estrogen receptor protein expression of the breast, and in increasing serum progesterone level.

[Effect of acupoint-catgut-embedment on mammary gland hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of acupoint-catgut-embedment therapy in the treatment of mammary gland hyperplasia (MGH). METHODS: Eighty MGH patients were equally randomized into acupoint-catgut-embedment (ACE) group and medication (Rupixiao, a herbal patent drug for relieving MGH) group according to odd-numbered days or even-numbered days of visiting. Subcutaneous catgut-embedment was performed in Wuyi (ST 15), Rugen (ST 18), Tanzhong (CV 17), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli (ST 36) and Yanglingquan (GB 34), once every 15 days for 3 months. Patients of the medication group were treated by oral administration of Rupixiao (3 tablets, 3 times per day, 3 months altogether). The degree of breast pain and the size of the hyperplastic lump were observed before and after the treatment. Serum estrodiol, progesterone and prolactin contents on day 1 to day 3 of menstruation were detected by using an automation chemiluminescence immune analysator. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 40 MGH patients in the ACE and medication groups, 16 (40. 0%) and 5 (12. 5%) were cured basically, 8 (20. 0%) and 8 were improved markedly in their symptoms and signs, 16 (40. 0%) and 22 (55. 0%) were effective, and 0 and 5 (12. 5%) failed in the treatment, with the effective rates being 100% and 87.5%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of the ACE group was significantly better than that of the medication group (P<0. 05). In comparison with the pretreatment, the pain grades and the size of the hyperplastic lump in both ACE and medication groups decreased significantly after immediate termination of the treatment and 6 months after the treatment (P<0.01), and the therapeutic effects of the ACE group were significantly superior to those of the medication group in reducing pain grade and hyperplastic lump size (P<0. 01). After the treatment, serum estrodiol and progesterone contents were decreased evidently in both ACE and medication groups (P<0. 01, P<0. 05). Type-B ultrasonic examination showed that of the two 40 MGH patients in the ACE and medication groups, 16 and 5 cases turned to normal in their mammary glands, and the cure rate of the ACE group was evidently higher than that of the medication group (P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: Acupoint-catgut-embedment is effective in relieving MGH, and its therapeutic effect is apparently superior to that of medication (oral administration of Rupixiao).