[Progress of researches on acupuncture-moxibustion promoting wound repair].

Wound is a common surgical disease characterized by skin defect or functional limitation. Studies have found that acupuncture-moxibustion plays an important role in wound healing. In this paper, we reviewed the mechanisms of acupuncture-moxibustion in promoting wound repair. Outcomes display that acupuncture-moxibustion has an action in promoting wound restoration by improving wound flow perfusion, promoting angiogenesis, increasing the number of fibroblasts and regulating collagen synthesis. In addition, acupuncture can effectively promote wound healing by controlling the release of inflammatory cytokines, up-regulating the expression of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-ß1, and affecting phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase and advanced glycation end products/receptor for AGEs signaling pathways. Based on the above studies, it is highly recommended that future studies should pay more attention to the multi-mechanism coordinated regulation target center, and the therapeutic means and dose-effect relationship of acupuncture-moxibustion in tissue repair.

[Moxibustion at "Zusanli"(ST36) mitigates senescence in subacute aging rats via regulating SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli"(ST36) on the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) /p53 signaling pathway in subacute aging model rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms in delaying aortic aging. METHODS: Male SD rats were divided into blank group, model group, prevention group and treatment group, with 20 rats in each group. Subacute aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose(500 mg·kg-1·d-1). In the morning, rats in the prevention group received moxibustion at ST36 with 3 moxa cones after modeling operation, once every day for 42 d. From the day after the 42-day modeling, rats in the treatment group received the same moxibustion treatment as the prevent group for 28 d. Rats in the blank and model group were fixed in the similar way as the other two groups, for 5 min. Contents of serum SIRT1, p53, endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) were detected by ELISA. Histopathological changes of aortic tissue were observed after HE staining. Expressions of SIRT1 and p53 mRNAs and proteins in aortic tissue were detected by qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed aging symptoms, the prevention group was similar to the blank group, and the treatment group was slightly better than the model group. Compared with the blank group, content of serum p53, expressions of p53 mRNA and protein in aortic tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while contents of serum SIRT1, VEGF, eNOS, and expressions of SIRT1 mRNA and protein in aortic tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, content of serum p53, and expression of p53 mRNA and protein in aortic tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the prevention and treatment groups, while the contents of serum SIRT1, VEGF, eNOS, and the expressions of SIRT1 mRNA and protein in aortic tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the treatment group, rats in the prevention group displayed significant improvement of the above indexes (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the endothelial cells were disordered, the vessel wall was significantly thickened, and the senescent cells were increased in the model group; the blood vessel walls were thinner to varying degrees, and the senescent cells were reduced and unevenly distributed in the prevention and treatment groups. The histopathological lesion was improved more obviously in the prevention group than the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at ST36 can alleviate vascular endothelial injury and oxidative stress in subacute aging rats, which may be related to its effect in regulating the SIRT1/p53 signaling pathway.

[Effects of moxibustion on acupoints at "opening" time on testicular tissue apoptosis in aging rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "lingguibafa" moxibustion at "opening" time on the level of superoxide dismutase(SOD), malondialdehyde(MDA), the protein expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in aging model rats. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model and lingguibafa groups, with 8 rats in each group. The aging model was established by daily intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (500 mg/kg) for 42 consecutive days. After successful modeling, moxibustion intervention was applied at"lingguibafa" acupoints, 3 moxa-cone for each acupoint, once a day for 28 consecutive days. The contents of SOD and MDA in serum were detected by ELISA. Morphological changes of testicular tissue and the number of Leydig cells were observed after HE staining. Apoptosis rate of testicular cells was detected by TUNEL staining. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in testis were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the SOD content in the serum, the number of testicular Leydig cells, the expression level of Bcl-2 protein in testis were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group, while the MDA content in the serum, the apoptosis rate of testicular cells and the expression level of Bax protein in testis were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the SOD content in serum, the number of testicular Leydig cells, the Bcl-2 protein expression in testis were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the MDA content in serum, the apoptosis rate of testicular cells, the expression level of Bax protein in testis were significantly decreased(P<0.01) in the lingguibafa group. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion on acupoints at "opening" time can delay testicular aging, and the mechanism may be related to balancing the metabolism of free radicals, reducing oxidative damage, and inhibiting the apoptosis of testicular cells.

Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Characteristics of Tea Flavonoids and Caffeine Accumulation and Regulation between Chinese Varieties (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis) and Assam Varieties (C. sinensis var. assamica).

Flavonoids and caffeine are the major secondary metabolites with beneficial bioactivity for human health in tea plants, and their biosynthesis pathway and regulatory networks have been well-deciphered. However, the accumulation traits of flavonoids and caffeine in different tea cultivars was insufficient in investigation. In this study, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to investigate the differences of flavonoids and caffeine accumulation and regulation between Chinese varieties, including the 'BTSC' group with green leaf, the 'BTZY' group with purple foliage, and the 'MYC' group comprising Assam varieties with green leaf. The results showed that most of the flavonoids were down-regulated in the 'MYC' group; however, the total anthocyanin contents were higher than that of the 'BTSC' group while lower than that of the 'BTZY' group. An ANS (Anthocyanin synthase) was significantly up-regulated and supposed to play a key role for anthocyanin accumulation in the 'BTZY' group. In addition, the results showed that esterified catechins were accumulated in the 'BTSC' and 'BTZY' groups with high abundance. In addition, SCPL1A (Type 1A serine carboxypeptidase-like acyltransferases gene) and UGGT (UDP glucose: galloyl-1-O-ß-d-glucosyltransferase gene) potentially contributed to the up-accumulation of catechins esterified by gallic acid. Interestingly, the results found that much lower levels of caffeine accumulation were observed in the 'MYC' group. RT-qPCR analysis suggested that the expression deficiency of TCS1 (Tea caffeine synthase 1) was the key factor resulting in the insufficient accumulation of caffeine in the 'MYC' group. Multiple MYB/MYB-like elements were discovered in the promoter region of TCS1 and most of the MYB genes were found preferentially expressed in 'MYC' groups, indicating some of which potentially served as negative factor(s) for biosynthesis of caffeine in tea plants. The present study uncovers the characteristics of metabolite accumulation and the key regulatory network, which provide a research reference to the selection and breeding of tea varieties.

Lower lip recurrent keratoacanthoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This paper introduces a case of recurrent keratoacanthoma (KA). KA is a self-healing disease. Recurrence after surgical resection is rare. In this case, the local application of retinoic acid ointment after the second operation achieved a good prognosis after 2 years of follow-up. CASE SUMMARY: A 76-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital for "lower lip rupture and scab for 3 mo". Treatment: A rectangular incision was made in the healthy tissue about 3 mm outside the periphery of the lower lip mass, and a modified Bernard sliding flap was designed to completely remove the mass. Pathology showed (lower lip) KA. When the patient returned 6 mo after surgery, the middle mucosa of the lower lip had a bulge with a diameter of about 0.5 cm. The boundary was still clear, the surface was ulcerated. A recurrence of lower lip KA was suspected and a fan-shaped incision was performed in the healthy tissue about 5 mm outside the lesion to completely resect. Pathological showed lower lip KA had recurred. Topical application of tretinoin cream was applied once a day for 3 mo. The lower lip wounds were clean at the 2-year postoperative follow-up and the mucosa was normal. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant retinoic acid treatment after KA surgical resection can achieve good results.

Characteristics of annual mold variations and association with childhood allergic symptoms/diseases via combining surveys and home visit measurements.

The presence of dampness and visible molds leads to concerns of poor indoor air quality which has been consistently linked with increased exacerbation and development of allergy and respiratory diseases. Due to the limitations of epidemiological surveys, the actual fungal exposure characteristics in residences has not been sufficiently understood. This study aimed to characterize household fungal diversity and its annual temporal and spatial variations. We developed combined cross-sectional survey, repeated air sampling around a year, and DNA sequencing methods. The questionnaire survey was conducted in 2019, and 4943 valid cases were received from parents; a follow-up case-control study (11 cases and 12 controls) was designed, and onsite measurements of indoor environments were repeated in typical summer, transient season, and winter; dust from floor and beddings in children's room were collected and ITS based DNA sequencing of totally 68 samples was conducted. Results from 3361 children without changes to their residences since birth verified the significant associations of indoor dampness/mold indicators and prevalence of children-reported diseases, with increased adjusted odd ratios (aORs) >1 for studied asthma, wheeze, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. The airborne fungal concentrations from air sampling were higher than 1000 CFU/m3 in summer, regardless of indoors and outdoors, indicating an intermediate pollution level. The DNA sequencing for dust showed the Aspergillus was the predominant at genus level and the Aspergillus_penicillioides was the most common at species level; while the fungal community and composition varied significantly in different homes and seasons, according to α and ß diversity analyses. The comprehensive research methods contribute to a holistic understanding of indoor fungal exposure, including the concentrations, seasonal variations, community, and diversity, and verifies the relations with children's adverse health outcomes. The study further elucidates the role of microbiome in human health, which helps setting health-protective thresholds and managing mold treatments in buildings, to promote indoor air quality and human well-beings.

[Visual analysis of research hotspots and frontiers on randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion in the past 10 years].

Retrieved the literature on randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture and moxibustion from 2011 to 2020 in the Web of Science (WOS) database, and explored research hotspots and frontiers in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion by visually analyze to countries, institutions, authors, keywords, cited literature, etc. using CiteSpace V5.6.R2. A total of 1147 articles were included. China has the largest number of publications, and the top 3 publications are Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University and Kyung Hee University. The hot research interventions in acupuncture and moxibustion include acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and bee acupuncture. The hot research topics include nerve regeneration, spasms, nausea, pain, obesity, cancer, etc. The research frontiers include acupuncture analgesia, diversification of acupuncture and its clinical effects, brain effects of acupuncture and acupuncture clinical mechanisms. It is believed that the cooperation between countries and institutions should be strengthened in the future, and deeper research should be carried out on the research content that is both hot spot and frontier.

[Effect of Herbal-cake-separated moxibustion on macrophage phagocytosis and activation of VEGF/VEGFR pathway in endometriosis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of herbal-cake-separated moxibustion on changes of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor(VEGFR) in endometriosis (EMs) model rats, so as to analyze the regulatory mechanism of herbal-cake-separated moxibustion on EMs. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, herbal-cake-separated moxibustion, and medication groups, with 30 rats in each group. The EMs rats model was established by removing the endometrium. Herbal-cake-separated moxibustion was applied to "Dazhui"(GV14) and "Mingmen"(GV4) for 6 moxa-cones every time. Rats of the medication group was treated by gavage of gestrinone (60 mg/kg). All the treatments were conducted once daily for 7 days. The ectopic endometrial volume was calculated and the pathological condition was observed by HE staining. The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), soluble VEGFR (sVEGFR) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2 and IL-6 in peritoneal fluid were measured by ELISA. The morphology of macrophages in peritoneal fluid was observed under microscope. The phagocytic capacity and activity of macrophages were detected by colorless malachite green colo-rimetry and MTT colorimetry, respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the volume of endometriosis increased significantly and showed obvious angiogenesis; the expression levels of VEGFA, sVEGFR, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2 and IL-6 in rats peritoneal fluid were significantly increased (P<0.05). The number and volume of macrophages, and the phagocytic function and activity of macrophages (P<0.05) were all decreased. After the treatment, all the indexes mentioned above were all significantly reversed in the herbal-cake-separated moxibustion and medication groups (P<0.05), and the effects of herbal-cake-separated moxibustion were superior to the gestrinone (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Herbal-cake-separated moxibustion can inhibit the activation of VEGF/VEGFR, reduce the inflammatory response of EMs rats and enhance the phagocytosis of macrophages.

Visual analysis of research hotspots and frontiers on randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion in the past 10 years / 中国针灸

Retrieved the literature on randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture and moxibustion from 2011 to 2020 in the Web of Science (WOS) database, and explored research hotspots and frontiers in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion by visually analyze to countries, institutions, authors, keywords, cited literature, etc. using CiteSpace V5.6.R2. A total of 1147 articles were included. China has the largest number of publications, and the top 3 publications are Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University and Kyung Hee University. The hot research interventions in acupuncture and moxibustion include acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and bee acupuncture. The hot research topics include nerve regeneration, spasms, nausea, pain, obesity, cancer, etc. The research frontiers include acupuncture analgesia, diversification of acupuncture and its clinical effects, brain effects of acupuncture and acupuncture clinical mechanisms. It is believed that the cooperation between countries and institutions should be strengthened in the future, and deeper research should be carried out on the research content that is both hot spot and frontier.

[Effect of Zhulian needle insertion by slow twirling technique on peroxidation and apoptosis of kidney tissue in aging rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Zhulian needle insertion by slow twirling technique on the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptosis rate in kidney tissue of aging model rats and explore the potential mechanism of such needling technique. METHODS: A total of 40 adult male SD rats were randomized into a blank control group, a model control group, a Zhulian needling technique group and a routine acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. Except the blank control group, the sub-acute aging rat models were established by intraperitoneal injection with 10% D-galactose solution, 5 mL/kg in the rats of the other groups. In the Zhulian needling technique group and the routine acupuncture group, Zhulian needle insertion by slow twirling technique and the routine acupuncture technique were exerted at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) respectively. The needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, for 28 days totally. After intervention, the content of H2O2 in kidney tissue was detected by colorimetry, the content of MDA in kidney tissue was detected by thiobarbituric acid method and the apoptosis rate of kidney cells was detected by terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, the contents of H2O2 and MDA in kidney tissue and kidney cell apoptosis rate were all increased in the model control group (P<0.05). Compared with the model control group, the contents of H2O2 and MDA in kidney tissue and kidney cell apoptosis rate were all reduced in the Zhulian needling technique group and the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05), and these indexes in the Zhulian needling technique group were all lower than the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Zhulian needle insertion by slow twirling technique delays aging probably by regulating peroxidation and apoptosis.

[Intervention mechanism of moxa-cone moxibustion at Shu- and Mu-acupoints on the expression of RORγt/Foxp3 in asthma mice: an analysis based on PI3K signaling pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL13) and "Zhongfu" (LU1) on the contents of related inflammatory factors in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the expression of phosphatidy-linositol-3-kinase (PI3K), retinoic acid related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) and fork/wing helix transcription factor 3 (Foxp3) in lung tissue in asthma mice. METHODS: Sixty male Balb/c mice were divided into normal, model, LY294002 (an inhibitor of PI3K, LY), electroacupuncture (EA) and moxa-cone moxibustion (moxibustion) groups (n=12 in each group). The asthma model was established by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin sensitization. The mice in the LY group were injected with LY 294002 (7.5 mg/kg) via the tail vein. EA or moxa-cone moxibustion was applied at BL13 and LU1 in the EA or moxibustion group once daily for 2 weeks. The levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum and BALF were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expressions of PI3K, RORγt and Foxp3 in lung tissue were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QRT PCR) and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the levels of IgE and IL-4 in serum and BALF, the expressions of PI3K and RORγt mRNA and protein in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of IFN-γ, and the expressions of Foxp3 mRNA and protein were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, the levels of IgE and IL-4 in serum and BALF, the expressions of PI3K and RORγt mRNA and protein in lung tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the levels of IFN-γ in serum and BALF, the expressions of Foxp3 mRNA and protein in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01) in the LY, EA and moxibustion groups. CONCLUSION: Moxa cone moxibustion at Shu- and Mu-acupoints of the lung meridian can reduce airway inflammatory reaction and control asthma attacks in asthma mice, which is closely related to its effects in regulating the expressions of RORγt and Foxp3 through PI3K signaling pathway.

[Effect of moxibustion on acupoints at "opening" time on telomere length and expression of liver cell cycle regulators in aging rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of "lingguibafa" moxibustion performing at the appropriate acupoints at their "opening" time on telomere length，expressions of p53 of tumor supressor genes and retinoblastoma gene(Rb)in the liver of aging rats，so as to explore its mechanisms underlying delaying senescence. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divi-ded into normal, model, prevention and treatment groups, with 10 rats in each group. The rat model was established by intrape-ritoneally injection of D-galactose (200 mg/kg) once a day for 42 days. The rats in the prevention group were given "lingguibafa" moxibustion during modeling, while those in the treatment group were given "lingguibafa" moxibustion after modeling. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the telomere length and the mRNA expressions of p53 and Rb，ELISA was used to detect the protein contents of p53 and Rb in the liver tissues. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the relative telomere length of the model group was significantly shortened (P<0.01), the mRNA expressions and protein contents of p53 and Rb were significantly increased (P<0.01). After intervention and in comparison with the model group, the relative telomere length of the prevention group and the treatments group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the expressions of p53 and Rb mRNA and protein contents were significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05). There were no significant difference between the prevention and the treatment groups in the abovementioned indexes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion on acupoints at "opening" time can inhibit the shortening of telomere length and the down-regulation of the expressions of p53 and Rb in aging rats, which may contribute to its function in delaying the process of cell senescence.

Effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at lung's back- / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at lung's back-@*METHODS@#Sixty SPF-grade healthy male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an LY294002 group (LY group), an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a moxibustion group, 12 mice in each group. Asthma model was replicated by using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. Except the mice in the normal group, all the mice were intraperitoneally injected with sensitization solution (containing 15 μg of OVA and 30 mg of aluminum hydroxide) on the 1st day, 7th day and 14th day, 0.5 mL per mice; from the 15th day, 1% OVA solution was atomized for 20 min, once a day for 2 weeks; the mice in the normal group was treated with identical operations but with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The mice in the LY group were treated with injection of LY294002 at tail vein on the 13th day, 14th day and 15th day. At the beginning of the 15th day, The mice in the EA group were treated with EA at "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Zhongfu" (LU 1) with disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/20 Hz, intensity of 1 mA, 15 min each time, once a day for 2 weeks. The mice in the moxibustion group was treated with moxa-cone moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Zhongfu" (LU 1) from the 15th day, three moxa-cones per acupoint, once a day for 2 weeks. On the 16th day, 18th day and 22nd day, the incubation period of asthma was recorded. On the 29th day, all the samples were collected. The expressions of IL-17 and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA method. The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining. The percentage of Th17, Treg and Th17/Treg ratio in spleen tissue were detected by flow cytometry method.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, the incubation period of asthma in the model group was significantly shortened (@*CONCLUSION@#The Th17/Treg is imbalanced in asthmatic body. The moxibustion at lung's back-

Research status and prospects on adenosine receptor mechanism of acupuncture for myocardial ischemia / 中国针灸

The relationship between adenosine receptor (AdoR) and myocardial ischemia (MI), effect of acupuncture for MI and action mechanism of acupuncture improving MI by regulating AdoR are summarized. The existing researches have preliminarily reflected that the improvement of MI treated with acupuncture may be achieved by influencing the expression of AdoR. However, there are still some limitations, e.g. most of the research regimens are single-acupoint, the research results are not entirely consistent and the interaction of AdoRs are ignored, all these need to be further verified and supplemented.

[Effect of moxibustion at "acupoint-open on-time" on immune function and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway in aging rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "acupoint-open on-time" （Linggui Bafa） on immune function and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in aging rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism of anti-agingt. METHODS: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, "Linggui Bafa" and "Shenque (CV8)" groups (n=10 in each group). Aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (300 mg/kg) for 42 days. Moxibustion was applied at "acupoint-open on-time" or CV8 once daily for 28 days. The serum levels of TNF-α, IgG, IgA and IgM were detected by ELISA. The spleen index of rats was calculated. The expression of NF-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor protein (IκB) α mRNA of spleen tissues was detected by real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression level of serum TNF-α, the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB p65 and IκBα in the model group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of serum IgG, IgA and IgM, and the spleen index in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). After the treatment, mode-ling-induced increase of serum TNF-α, NF-κB p65 and IκBα mRNA expression levels and decrease of serum IgG, IgA, IgM levels, the spleen index were all completely reversed in the two treatment groups relevant to the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant change was found in the above-mentioned indexes between the two treatment groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at both "acupoint-open on-time" and CV8 can enhance the immune function of aging rats, which may be related to its effects in inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at lung's back-shu points and front-mu points on Th17/Treg balance in mice with asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxa-cone moxibustion at lung's back-shu points and front-mu points on the expression of helper T lymphocyte 17 (Th 17)/regulatory T lymphocyte (Treg) in mice with asthma, and to explore the possible mechanism of moxa-cone moxibustion on asthma. METHODS: Sixty SPF-grade healthy male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an LY294002 group (LY group), an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a moxibustion group, 12 mice in each group. Asthma model was replicated by using ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. Except the mice in the normal group, all the mice were intraperitoneally injected with sensitization solution (containing 15 µg of OVA and 30 mg of aluminum hydroxide) on the 1st day, 7th day and 14th day, 0.5 mL per mice; from the 15th day, 1% OVA solution was atomized for 20 min, once a day for 2 weeks; the mice in the normal group was treated with identical operations but with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The mice in the LY group were treated with injection of LY294002 at tail vein on the 13th day, 14th day and 15th day. At the beginning of the 15th day, The mice in the EA group were treated with EA at "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Zhongfu" (LU 1) with disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/20 Hz, intensity of 1 mA, 15 min each time, once a day for 2 weeks. The mice in the moxibustion group was treated with moxa-cone moxibustion at "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Zhongfu" (LU 1) from the 15th day, three moxa-cones per acupoint, once a day for 2 weeks. On the 16th day, 18th day and 22nd day, the incubation period of asthma was recorded. On the 29th day, all the samples were collected. The expressions of IL-17 and IL-10 in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by ELISA method. The pathological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining. The percentage of Th17, Treg and Th17/Treg ratio in spleen tissue were detected by flow cytometry method. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the incubation period of asthma in the model group was significantly shortened (P<0.01), while that in the LY group, the EA group and the moxibustion group was longer than that in the model group (P<0.01). After the intervention, bleeding and inflammatory exudation in the lung tissue were observed in the model group, and a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration around the bronchus and alveoli was found, and extensive consolidation appeared; the pathological changes of lung tissue in the LY group, the EA group and the moxibustion group were significantly reduced, and the structure of bronchus and alveoli was basically normal, and the inflammatory exudation and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced compared with the model group; the inflammatory reaction in the moxibustion group was slightly less than that in the LY group and the EA group. Compared with the normal group, the content of IL-17 in serum and BALF, the percentage of Th17 and Th17/Treg ratio in spleen tissue in the model group after intervention were increased (P<0.01), while the content of IL-10 in serum and BALF and the percentage of Treg in spleen tissue were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the contents of IL-17 in serum and BALF, Th17 percentage and Th17/Treg ratio in spleen tissue in the LY group, the EA group and the moxibustion group were significantly reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the content of IL-10 in serum and BALF and the percentage of Treg in spleen tissue were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). The above indice had no significant difference among all the intervention groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Th17/Treg is imbalanced in asthmatic body. The moxibustion at lung's back-shu points and front-mu points can control asthma by regulating Th17/Treg imbalance and restoring immune homeostasis.

[Research status and prospects on adenosine receptor mechanism of acupuncture for myocardial ischemia].

The relationship between adenosine receptor (AdoR) and myocardial ischemia (MI), effect of acupuncture for MI and action mechanism of acupuncture improving MI by regulating AdoR are summarized. The existing researches have preliminarily reflected that the improvement of MI treated with acupuncture may be achieved by influencing the expression of AdoR. However, there are still some limitations, e.g. most of the research regimens are single-acupoint, the research results are not entirely consistent and the interaction of AdoRs are ignored, all these need to be further verified and supplemented.

[Effect of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) and "Zusanli" (ST36) on expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in Alzheimer's disease rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on serum adiponectin content, and expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in adipose tissue in Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of AD. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, Shenque (CV8), Zusanli (ST36) and CV8＋ST36 groups (n＝10 in each group). The AD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (400 mg•kg－1•d－1) for 5 weeks and scopolamine hydrobromide (3 mg •kg－1•d－1) for 2 weeks. Moxibustion was applied to CV8, ST36 and CV8＋ST36 respectively for 3 moxa-cones every time, once daily for 5 weeks. Morris water maze tests were used to assess the rats' learning-memory ability. The contents of serum adiponectin were assayed using ELISA, and the expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in the adipose tissue was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: Following modeling, the average escape latency of Morris water maze tests was significantly prolonged (P<0.05), the content of serum adiponectin and the expression level of adiponectin mRNA in adipose tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of adiponectin receptor protein significantly decreased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.01). After the intervention, the average escape latency was significantly shortened (P<0.05), the decreased serum adiponectin content and adiponectin mRNA expression, and the decreased adiponectin receptor protein expression in adipose tissue were all reversed in the 3 treatment groups (P<0.01，P<0.05). No significant differences were found among the three moxibustion groups in the above indexes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at CV8, ST36 and CV8＋ST36 is effective in up-regulating serum adiponectin content，adiponectin mRNA expression and adiponectin receptor protein expression in adipose tissue, which may provide evidence for clinical election of acupoints.

Effect of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) and "Zusanli" (ST36) on expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in Alzheimer's disease rats / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on serum adiponectin content, and expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in adipose tissue in Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of AD. METHODS: Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, Shenque (CV8), Zusanli (ST36) and CV8＋ST36 groups (n＝10 in each group). The AD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose (400 mg•kg－1•d－1) for 5 weeks and scopolamine hydrobromide (3 mg •kg－1•d－1) for 2 weeks. Moxibustion was applied to CV8, ST36 and CV8＋ST36 respectively for 3 moxa-cones every time, once daily for 5 weeks. Morris water maze tests were used to assess the rats' learning-memory ability. The contents of serum adiponectin were assayed using ELISA, and the expression of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor in the adipose tissue was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: Following modeling, the average escape latency of Morris water maze tests was significantly prolonged (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at CV8, ST36 and CV8＋ST36 is effective in up-regulating serum adiponectin content，adiponectin mRNA expression and adiponectin receptor protein expression in adipose tissue, which may provide evidence for clinical election of acupoints.

Bioconversion of conjugated linoleic acid by Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC8198 supplemented with Acer truncatum bunge seeds oil.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA, have been proved to exhibit excellent biomedical properties for potential use in anti-cancer applications and in reducing obesity. Acer truncatum Bunge (ATB), which is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, linoleic acid, and nervonic acid, is a new resource for edible oil. In the present study, we developed a new method for producing two CLA isomers from ATB-seed oil by fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC8198 (LP8198), a novel probiotics strain. Polymerase chain reaction results showed that there was a conserved linoleate isomerase (LIase) gene in LP8198, and its transcription could be induced by ATB-seed oil. Analyses by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the concentration of c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA in ATB-seed oil could be increased by about 9- and 2.25-fold, respectively, after being fermented by LP8198.