Discussion on the necessity of bilateral inguinal lymphatic area irradiation for cervical cancer with invasion of the lower one-third of the vagina.

Context: According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for cervical cancer, patients with cervical cancer invading the lower one-third of the vagina require bilateral inguinal lymphatic area preventive irradiation. However, it is not clear whether they need preventive inguinal area irradiation. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the necessity of bilateral inguinal lymphatic area irradiation for patients with cervical cancer with invasion of the lower one-third of the vagina. Settings and Design: Patients without inguinal lymph node metastasis were divided into preventive radiotherapy and nonpreventive radiotherapy groups. The occurrence of inguinal skin damage, lower extremity edema, and femoral head necrosis was observed during and after treatment. Methods and Material: In total, 184 patients with cervical cancer with invasion of the lower one-third of the vagina were selected. A trial and control method was used to select 180 patients without inguinal lymph node metastasis. Statistical Analysis: Comparison between groups was performed using a t test. Data were enumerated using frequency (percentage), and comparison between groups was performed using a Chi-square test. Results: Imaging examination revealed inguinal lymph node enlargement in 7.07% of patients, and only four cases (2.17%) were further confirmed by pathology. The inguinal lymph node metastasis rate in these patients was very low. The prophylactic irradiation group showed a high occurrence rate of side injury. In the follow-up of both groups, no recurrence was detected in the inguinal lymph nodes. Conclusions: Prophylactic irradiation of inguinal lymph nodes is not essential for patients without pathological metastasis.

A novel perspective to investigate how nanoselenium and melatonin lengthen the cut carnation vase shelf.

Nano-selenium (nano-Se) and melatonin (MT) applications confirmed to boost plant growth and resistance. The mechanism of various ratios of nano-Se and MT foliar application postpone the senescence of fresh cut carnation flowers and improve vase life remains unclear. In this study, a combined effect with nano-Se (nano-Se5, 5 mg/L) and MT(MT1, 1 mg/L) was preferable to the control, nano-Se, and MT treatment alone when it came to delaying flower senescence. They enhance the antioxidant ability of carnation flowers by lowering MDA and H2O2 levels, raising SOD and POD concentrations, and lowering procyanidins biosynthesis (catechins and epicatechin). Inducing the biosynthesis of hormonal compounds (salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid), their combination also boosted the growth of carnations. Biofortification with nano-Se and MT substantially increased the amounts of key lignin biosynthesis pathway metabolites (L-phenylalanine, p-hydroxycinnamic acid, p-coumaric acid, perillyl alcohol, p-Coumaryl alcohol, and cinnamic acid), which may increase stem cellular thickness and facilitate water absorption and transmission. The study hypothesizes that nano-Se and MT synergistic applications act as a new efficient non-toxic preservative to extend the vase life and improve the decorative value of carnations.

Continental scale deciphering of microbiome networks untangles the phyllosphere homeostasis in tea plant.

INTRODUCTION: Assembly and co-occurrence of the host co-evolved microbiota are essential ecological and evolutionary processes, which is not only crucial for managing individual plant fitness but also ecological function. However, understanding of the microbiome assembly and co-occurrence in higher plants is not well understood. The tea plant was shown to contribute the forest fitness due to the microbiome assembled in the phyllosphere; the landscape of microbiome assembly in the tea plants and its potential implication on phyllosphere homestasis still remains untangled. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to deciphering of the microbiome networks of the tea plants at a continental scale. It would provide fundamental insights into the factors driving the microbiome assembly, with an extended focus on the resilience towards the potential pathogen in the phyllosphere. METHODS: We collected 225 samples from 45 locations spanning approximately 2000-km tea growing regions across China. By integration of high-throughput sequencing data, physicochemical properties profiling and bioinformatics analyses, we investigated continental scale microbiome assembly and co-occurrence in the tea plants. Synthetic assemblages, interaction assay and RT-qPCR were further implemented to analyze the microbial interaction indexed in phyllosphere. RESULTS: A trade-off between stochastic and deterministic processes in microbiomes community assembly was highlighted. Assembly processes were dominated by deterministic processes in bulk and rhizosphere soils, and followed by stochastic processes in roots and leaves with amino acids as critical drivers for environmental selection. Sphingobacteria and Proteobacteria ascended from soils to leaves to sustain a core leaf taxa. The core taxa formed a close association with a prevalent foliar pathogen in the co-occurrence network and significantly attenuated the expression of a set of essential virulence genes in pathogen. CONCLUSION: Our study unveils the mechanism underpinning microbiome assembly in the tea plants, and a potential implication of the microbiome-mediated resilience framework on the phyllosphere homeostasis.

Regulation of biosynthesis of the main flavor-contributing metabolites in tea plant (Camellia sinensis): A review.

In the process of adapting to the environment, tea plants (Camellia sinensis) endow tea with unique flavor and health functions, which should be attributed to secondary metabolites, including catechins, L-theanine, caffeine and terpene volatiles. Since the content of these flavor-contributing metabolites are mainly determined by the growth of tea plant, it is very important to understand their alteration and regulation mechanisms. In the present work, we first summarize the distribution, change characteristics of the main flavor-contributing metabolites in different cultivars, organs and under environmental stresses of tea plant. Subsequently, we discuss the regulating mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis of these metabolites based on the existing evidence. Finally, we propose the remarks and perspectives on the future study relating flavor-contributing metabolites. This review would contribute to the acceleration of research on the characteristic secondary metabolites and the breeding programs in tea plants.

Suspect screening strategy for pesticide application history based on characteristics of trace metabolites.

Pesticides are widely used to protect crops but can also threaten public health as they can remain in the environment for a long time. Additionally, some transformation products (TPs) of unknown toxicity, stability, or bioaccumulation properties can further be formed from the hydrolysis, photolysis and biodegradation of pesticides. The identification and quantification of those TPs can be challenging for environmental regulation and risk assessment due to a limited understanding about them. In this study, a suspect screening strategy for pesticide application history was developed and then used to organic products (tea). Liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was used to screen and identify the TPs in crops and their toxicity was subsequently predicted with the open-source software (ECOSAR and admetSAR). Finally, the SIRIUS software was applied and 142 TPs from 20 pesticides were identified in tea plants based on the fragmentation-degradation relationship. Of these, standards (level 1) and 53 were considered as tentatively identified (levels 2a and 2b). Some TPs were also found to be present in tea plants and soil after 65 days, thus indicating higher persistency or stability than parent pesticides. While others from diafenthiuron and neonicotinoids had higher predicted toxicity of daphnid, and demonstrated positive for honeybee toxicity. Suspect screening is a powerful tool to screen pesticide TPs on the complex matrix of crops. Such screening can provide potential evidence of pesticide application, especially in cases of illegal practices in organic farming.

Metabolomic analysis on the mechanism of nanoselenium alleviating cadmium stress and improving the pepper nutritional value.

Selenium (Se) maintains soil-plant homeostasis in the rhizosphere and regulates signaling molecules to mitigate cadmium (Cd) toxicity. However, there has been no systematic investigation of the effects of nano-selenium (nano-Se) on the regulation of non-target metabolites and nutritional components in pepper plants under Cd stress. This study investigated the effects of Cd-contaminated soil stress and nano-Se (1, 5, and 20 mg/L) on the metabolic mechanism, fruit nutritional quality, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) composition of pepper plants. The screening of differential metabolites in roots and fruit showed that most were involved in amino acid metabolism and capsaicin production. Amino acids in roots (Pro, Trp, Arg, and Gln) and fruits (Phe, Glu, Pro, Arg, Trp, and Gln) were dramatically elevated by nano-Se biofortification. The expression of genes of the phenylpropane-branched fatty acid pathway (BCAT, Fat, AT3, HCT, and Kas) was induced by nano-Se (5 mg/L), increasing the levels of capsaicin (29.6%), nordihydrocapsaicin (44.2%), and dihydrocapsaicin (45.3%). VOCs (amyl alcohol, linalool oxide, E-2-heptaldehyde, 2-hexenal, ethyl crotonate, and 2-butanone) related to crop resistance and quality were markedly increased in correspondence with the nano-Se concentration. Therefore, nano-Se can improve the health of pepper plants by regulating the capsaicin metabolic pathway and modulating both amino acid and VOC contents.

Temporal metabolite responsiveness of microbiota in the tea plant phyllosphere promotes continuous suppression of fungal pathogens.

INTRODUCTION: A broad spectrum of rhizosphere bacteria and fungi were shown to play a central role for health, fitness and productivity of their host plants. However, implications of host metabolism on microbiota assembly in the phyllosphere and potential consequences for holobiont functioning were sparsely addressed. Previous observations indicated that tea plants might reduce disease occurrence in various forests located in their proximity; the underlying mechanisms and potential implications of the phyllosphere microbiota remained elusive. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed atdeciphering microbiome assembly in the tea plant phyllosphere throughout shoot development as well as elucidating potential implications of host metabolites in this process. The main focus was to explore hidden interconnections between the homeostasis of the phyllosphere microbiome and resistance to fungal pathogens. METHODS: Profiling of host metabolites and microbiome analyses based on high-throughput sequencing were integrated to identify drivers of microbiome assembly throughout shoot development in the phyllosphere of tea plants. This was complemented by tracking of beneficial microorganisms in all compartments of the plant. Synthetic assemblages (SynAss), bioassays and field surveys were implemented to verify functioning of the phyllosphere microbiota. RESULTS: Theophylline and epigallocatechin gallate, two prevalent metabolites at the early and late shoot development stage respectively, were identified as the main drivers of microbial community assembly. Flavobacterium and Myriangium were distinct microbial responders at the early stage, while Parabacteroides and Mortierella were more enriched at the late stage. Reconstructed, stage-specific SynAss suppressed various tree phytopathogens by 13.0%-69.3% in vitro and reduced disease incidence by 8.24%-41.3% in vivo. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that a functional phyllosphere microbiota was assembled along with development-specific metabolites in tea plants, which continuously suppressed prevalent fungal pathogens. The insights gained into the temporally resolved metabolite response of the tea plant microbiota could provide novel solutions for disease management.

Occurrence, accumulation, and risk assessment of trace metals in tea (Camellia sinensis): A national reconnaissance.

Accumulation of potentially toxic elements in soil and tea leaves is a particular concern for tea consumers worldwide. However, the contents of potentially toxic elements and their potential health and ecological risks in Chinese tea gardens have rarely been investigated on the national scale. In this study, we collected 225 paired soil and tea plant samples from 45 tea gardens in 15 provinces of China to survey the current risk of potentially toxic element accumulation in Chinese tea gardens. The results suggest that the average contents of most trace metals in rhizosphere soils meet the risk control standard for agricultural land in China. However, the mean contents of As, Cr, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Ni in rhizosphere soils were 1.94, 2.14, 1.23, 1.15, 1.18, and 1.19 times their corresponding background soil values in China. Cd had the highest geo-accumulation index, followed by As, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Mn in rhizosphere soils. Nearly 2.22% and 4.44% of soils were moderately to heavily contaminated with As and Cd, respectively. The risk index ranged from 18.0 to 292, with an average value of 90.0, indicating low to moderate ecological risk in Chinese tea gardens. This is the first national-scale reconnaissance of trace metals in tea across China. Our findings provide a useful reference for ensuring the quality and safety of tea production and mitigating the risk of toxic element accumulation in tea.

Shading Effects on Leaf Color Conversion and Biosynthesis of the Major Secondary Metabolites in the Albino Tea Cultivar "Yujinxiang".

Albino became a novel kind of tea cultivar in China recently. In this study, transcriptome and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) were employed to investigate the shading effects on leaf color conversion and biosynthesis of three major secondary metabolites in the albino tea cultivar "Yujinxiang". The increased leaf chlorophyll level was likely the major cause for shaded leaf greening from young pale or yellow leaf. In comparison with the control, the total catechin level of the shading group was significantly decreased and the abundance of caffeine was markedly increased, while the theanine level was nearly not influenced. Meanwhile, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in some biological processes and pathways were identified by transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, whole-genome DNA methylation analysis revealed that the global genomic DNA methylation patterns of the shading period were remarkably altered in comparison with the control. In addition, differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and the DMR-related DEG analysis indicated that the DMR-related DEGs were the critical participants in biosynthesis of the major secondary metabolites. These findings suggest that DNA methylation is probably responsible for changes in the contents of the major secondary metabolites in Yujinxiang.

Acupuncture Administration Improves Cognitive Functions and Alleviates Inflammation and Nuclear Damage by Regulating Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase (PI3K)/Phosphoinositol-Dependent Kinase 1 (PDK1)/Novel Protein Kinase C (nPKC)/Rac 1 Signaling Pathway in Senescence-Accelerated Prone 8 (SAM-P8) Mice.

BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-associated neurodegenerative disorder. This study aimed to investigate effects of acupuncture administration on cognitive function and associated mechanisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS Senescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAM-P8) mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: the SAM-P8 group (P8-CN), the SAM-P8 administrating with acupuncture (P8-Acup) group, and the SAM-P8 administrating without acupuncture (P8-Sham) group. Morris water maze test was conducted to evaluate cognitive functions (memory and learning ability). PDK1, nPKC, and Rac1 inhibitors were used to treat SAM-P8 mice. Transmission electron microscope analysis was used to examine nuclear damage hippocampal tissues. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was employed to evaluate inflammation. Western blot was used to detect PI3K, PDK1, nPKC, and Rac 1 expression in hippocampal tissues. RESULTS Acupuncture administration significantly reduced PI3K, PDK1, nPKC, and Rac 1 levels compared to P8-CN group (P<0.05). Both acupuncture and enzyme inhibitors (NSC23766, Rottlerin, OSU03012) significantly improved cognitive functions, reduced inflammation, and alleviated nuclear damages of SAM-P8 mice compared to P8-CN group (P<0.05). Acupuncture significantly enhanced effects of inhibitors on inflammation and nuclear damages compared to inhibitor treatment single (P<0.05). Acupuncture significantly enhanced down-regulative effects of OSU03012 on PI3K and PDK1 levels, increased down-regulative effects of Rottlerin on nPKC and Rac 1 levels and enhanced effects of Rottlerin on Rac 1 compared to P8-CN group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture administration improved cognitive functions and alleviated inflammatory response and nuclear damage of SAM-P8 mice, by downregulating PI3K/PDK1/nPKC/Rac 1 signaling pathway. This study could provide potential insight for treating cognitive dysfunction and aging of AD patients.

Skin Biophysical Parameters and Patch Test Results in People Predisposing to Xiaotong Tiegao Induced Irritant Contact Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Xiaotong Tiegao (XTT) is an ancient topical Tibetan medicine plaster which is widely used in China. Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) caused by XTT is very common. It is still unclear why some people are more prone to develop ICD. The aim of this study is to study the baseline skin biophysical parameters and patch test results in individuals predisposing to XTT induced ICD. METHODS: During a four-month period, 149 healthy volunteers with ICD and 50 volunteers without ICD after applying XTT were recruited. The skin biophysical parameters were measured, and contact allergy to 20 common allergens was patch tested, at two weeks after the ICD was recovered. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age and sex between ICD and control groups. It was found that skin median melanin value (176.50 vs 189.50, P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test) and erythema value (319.90 ± 70.49 vs 347.93 ± 84.55, P < 0.05, Independent-Samples T test) were much lower in ICD than control group. Overall patch test results were not different, but the positivity rate of nickel sulfate (15.44% vs 4.00%, P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test) was significantly higher in ICD group. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, people with nickel allergy, lower values of skin melanin, and erythema are predisposing to develop ICD.

The short-term effects of acupuncture on patients with diabetic gastroparesis: a randomised crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with various disorders, but its efficacy in diabetic gastroparesis is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effects of acupuncture on gastric emptying and gastroparesis symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. METHODS: In a single-blind controlled crossover trial, 25 patients with diabetic gastroparesis were randomly assigned to undergo 1 week of real acupuncture (RA) treatment followed by 1 week of sham acupuncture (SA) treatment, or vice versa, with a washout of 1 month in between. Before and after each intervention, gastric retention, the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c levels were measured. RESULTS: 21 patients completed the study. Compared with SA treatment, RA treatment was associated with significantly greater reductions in gastric retention at 2 h (-11.1±7.0%; 95% CI -13.6% to -6.2%; p<0.01) and at 4 h (-5.0±2.8%; 95% CI -6.0% to -0.2%; p=0.04) and in GCSI score (-8.0±3.4; 95% CI -8.4 to -2.8; p<0.01). There were no significant differences in FBG and HbA1c levels between RA and SA treatments. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with diabetic gastroparesis, 1 week of short-term manual acupuncture reduces gastric retention and improves gastroparesis symptoms.

A metabolomics approach for authentication of Ophiocordyceps sinensis by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (DCXC) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that exhibits various health-promoting effects. However, counterfeits and mimics of DCXC are frequently found in markets. In the present study, we examined the potential of quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) coupled with ultrafast liquid chromatography (UFLC) for use in the authentication of DCXC. Metabolite fingerprinting was obtained and subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. Discrimination of genuine DCXC, its counterfeits, cultured mycelia, and mimics was carried out by principal component analysis-discriminant analysis (PCA-DA). Furthermore, 18 characteristic markers efficiently distinguishing DCXC and its adulterants were selected by creation of profile plots displaying the abundances of markers. Determination of molecular formulae and tentative identification of marker compounds were conducted using elemental formula calculation and online database searches based on accurate MS mass and MS/MS fragmentation information. These results suggested that UFLC-QTOF-based metabolomics has great potential for the rapid detection of DCXC adulteration.

Simultaneous quantification of mycotoxins and pesticide residues in ginseng with one-step extraction using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

This study describes the development and validation of a simple, accurate and sensitive ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous quantification of 10 mycotoxins and 29 pesticides in ginseng. The method featured a fast and straightforward one-step extraction procedure using acetonitrile/water/formic acid (99:33:1, v/v/v) without further cleanup. Rapid LC separation in 8min was successfully achieved on a Phenomenex Kinetex C18 column (2.1mm×100mm, 2.6µm) with a flow rate of 0.30mL/min using a mobile phase of water containing 0.1% formic acid and methanol. Simultaneous acquisition was performed in the positive and negative ion modes. For some analytes, enhanced responses were acquired in negative ion mode (e.g., Zearalenone, α-Zearalenol and ß-Zearalenol); however, the majority of analytes were monitored in positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Two MS/MS transitions for each analyte were acquired to ensure reliable identification and accurate quantification. The method was validated in house through linearity, selectivity, precision, and recovery studies. Analytical data were satisfactory with typical recoveries of 70-120% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 20%. The limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.01 to 0.25ng/mL, which are below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) established by European legislation for mycotoxins or pesticides in foods and foodstuffs. Forty-three ginseng samples (ginseng (n=30), American ginseng (n=6), red ginseng (n=7)) collected from Chinese markets were analyzed and the most frequently detected pesticide was chlorpyrifos with an incidence of 97% and ranged from 37.63 to 158.60µg/kg. Ion ratios, retention times and experimental Q/q ratios were also compared with those of the corresponding reference standard in order to avoid false-positive results.

Acupuncture improves cognitive deficits and increases neuron density of the hippocampus in middle-aged SAMP8 mice.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether acupuncture could improve cognitive deficits and reduce the loss of neurons in mice models of ageing. METHODS: Male 7.5-month-old senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) and age-matched senescence-resistant inbred strains 1 (SAMR1) were divided into four groups (n=15 per group): SAMP8 acupuncture group (Pa), SAMP8 non-acupuncture point control group (Pn), SAMP8 control group (Pc) and SAMR1 normal control group (Rc). The behaviours were examined by the Morris water maze test and the neuron density in the hippocampus was estimated by the optical fractionator technique. RESULTS: The Morris water maze test demonstrated that the cognitive deficits of SAMP8 mice were improved by acupuncture treatment. Neuronal loss was found in hippocampal regions CA1 (-24%), CA3 (-18%) and DG (-28%) of Pc compared with Rc. The neuron number in hippocampal CA3 and DG of the Pa group was significantly increased by therapeutic acupuncture compared with the Pc group. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture improved the cognitive impairment of middle-aged SAMP8 mice which could be attributed to the reduced neuron loss in hippocampal regions CA3 and DG. These results suggest that reducing neuron loss in the hippocampus by acupuncture is a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment diseases.

[Combination of acupoints based on the theory of qi tonification, blood regulation and strengthening the primary source].

The acupuncture technique of tonifying qi, regulating blood and strengthening the primary source of human life is established on the base of the new pathology of dementia due to dysfunction of sanjiao by Prof. HAN Jing-xian. It is held that Tanzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Xuehai (SP 10), Zusanli(ST 36) and Waiguan (TE 5) were the basic points for treatment of dementia. There are 3 characteristics of the point combination. Firstly, emphasis should be put on regulation of the stomach and the spleen so as to promote transportation, transformation and distribution; secondly, monarch, minister, assistant and guide points should be selected on the base of meridians, and more attention should be paid to the entity and connections among organs; and thirdly, treatment should be given according to physiological functions of the viscera.

Effects of acupuncture on glycometabolic enzymes in multi-infarct dementia rats.

Acupuncture has exhibited therapeutic effects on vascular dementia in our previous research. The mechanism of its anti-dementia effects involves energy metabolism. For brain cells, glucose metabolism is almost the only source of energy, and glucose metabolism disorders are early signs of dementia. In addition, glucose metabolism associates closely with glycometabolic enzymes, thereby maintains normal energy supply in brains and neurological and mental activities. In order to investigate its anti-dementia mechanism, we studied the effects of acupuncture on behavior of multi-infarct dementia (MID) rats and glycometabolic enzymes protein expression and activities in their brains. Results showed acupuncture improved the cognitive disorder, and increased the activities of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase. Accordingly, it suggests that the anti-dementia effects of acupuncture may be mediated by up regulation of hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase activities, influencing energy metabolic system and thus overcoming the dysfunctional cognition of MID.

Changes in histomorphometric and mechanical properties of femurs induced by acupuncture at the Shenshu point in the SAMP6 mouse model of senile osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The effect of acupuncture on the changes in the histomorphometric and mechanical properties of femurs in senescence-accelerated mice strain P6 (SAMP6) was evaluated in this work. METHODS: Six-month-old male SAMP6 and SAMR1 mice were allocated to 1 of 4 groups: SAMP6 control group (Pc), SAMP6 non-acupoint control group (Pn), SAMP6 acupuncture group (Pa) and SAMR1 control group (Rc). The Pa group was acupunctured at the Shenshu point (BL23) once daily for 8 weeks. Two non-acupoints at the hypochondria were needled for the Pn group. Mice in the other 2 groups were grasped using the same method as for the Pa group. The serum testosterone and osteocalcin (OC) levels were determined by radioimmunoassay. The histomorphometric data were obtained from undecalcified specimens, and the mechanical properties of the femur were assessed by the 3-point bending test. RESULTS: After acupuncture treatment, the decreased serum testosterone level in SAMP6 mice increased markedly, whereas the increased OC concentration declined sharply. The bone histomorphometric and mechanical indexes of SAMP6 mice also improved significantly. The values of trabecular thickness, trabecular bone volume, osteoid volume, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate in Pa mice increased by 20.4, 18.1, 14.1, 9.9 and 14.7%, respectively, compared with Pc mice. The scores for ultimate force, yield force, elastic stress, ultimate stress and energy to yield force for Pa mice were significantly higher than those of Pc and Pn mice. CONCLUSION: Therefore, acupuncture at BL23 was effective in promoting bone formation, restoring the amount of bone volume, improving bone architecture and reversing osteoporosis in SAMP6 mice to some degree by enhancing the secretion of testosterone and declining bone turnover.

Acupuncture improves cognitive deficits and regulates the brain cell proliferation of SAMP8 mice.

Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) is an autogenic senile strain characterized by early cognitive impairment and age-related deterioration of learning and memory. To investigate the effect of acupuncture on behavioral changes and brain cell events, male 4-month-old SAMP8 and age-matched homologous normal aging SAMR1 mice were divided into four groups: SAMP8 acupuncture group (Pa), SAMP8 non-acupoint control group (Pn), SAMP8 control group (Pc) and SAMR1 normal control group (Rc). By Morris water maze test, the cognitive deficit of SAMP8 was revealed and significantly improved by "Yiqitiaoxue and Fubenpeiyuan" acupuncture. Meanwhile, by 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) specific immunodetection, the decreased cell proliferation in dentate gyrus (DG) of SAMP8 was greatly enhanced by the therapeutic acupuncture, suggesting acupoint-related specificity. Even though no significant differences were found in ventricular/subventricular zones (VZ/SVZ) of the third ventricle (V3) and lateral ventricle (LV) between groups, we obtained interesting results: a stream-like distribution of newly proliferated cells presented along the dorsum of alveus hippocampi (Alv), extending from LV to corpus callosum (CC), and the therapeutic acupuncture showed a marked effect on this region. Our research suggests that acupuncture can induce different cell proliferation in different brain regions of SAMP8, which brings forth the need to explore further for the mechanism of cognitive deficits and acupuncture intervention in this field.

[Studies on chemical constituents from Rhizoma Heterosmilacis Japonicae].

Six compounds were isolated from Rhizoma Heterosmilacis Japonicae. They were identified as beta-sitosterol (I) dau-costerol (II),3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene (III), naringenin (IV), alpha-L-butylsorbopyranoside (V) and macrozamin (VI). The compounds III, IV, V and VI were isolated from this genus for the first time.