Protective effect of alizarin on vascular endothelial dysfunction via inhibiting the type 2 diabetes-induced synthesis of THBS1 and activating the AMPK signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the protective effects of alizarin (AZ) on endothelial dysfunction (ED). AZ has inhibition of the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced synthesis of thrombospondin 1 (THBS1). Adenosine 5'-monophosphate- activated protein kinase (AMPK), particularly AMPKα2 isoform, plays a critical role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of AZ on vascular injury caused by T2DM and to reveal the potential mechanism of AZ in high glucose (HG)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and diabetic model rats. STUDY DESIGN: HUVECs, rats and AMPK-/- transgenic mice were used to investigate the mitigating effects of AZ on vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by T2DM and its in vitro and in vivo molecular mechanisms. METHODS: In type 2 diabetes mellitus rats and HUVECs, the inhibitory effect of alizarin on THBS1 synthesis was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blot (WB) so that increase endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) content in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we verified protein interactions with immunoprecipitation (IP). To probe the mechanism, we also performed AMPKα2 transfection. AMPK's pivotal role in AZ-mediated prevention against T2DM-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction was tested using AMPKα2-/- mice. RESULTS: We first demonstrated that THBS1 and AMPK are targets of AZ. In T2DM, THBS1 was robustly induced by high glucose and inhibited by AZ. Furthermore, AZ activates the AMPK signaling pathway, and recoupled eNOS in stressed endothelial cells which plays a protective role in vascular endothelial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of this study is that AZ can play a role in different pathways of vascular injury due to T2DM. Mechanistically, alizarin inhibits the increase in THBS1 protein synthesis after high glucose induction and activates AMPKα2, which increases NO release from eNOS, which is essential in the prevention of vascular endothelial dysfunction caused by T2DM.

Evaluating the efficacy of auricular acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced taste alterations: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Irrespective of the development of acupuncture-based interventions, clinical evidence regarding their efficacy remains controversial owing to issues with the study design and an unclear risk of bias. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupuncture in managing taste alterations in patients with cancer undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial involving 73 patients randomly assigned to an auricular acupuncture or a control group. The primary outcome was the severity of chemotherapy-induced taste alterations, and the secondary outcomes included quality of life and negative emotions of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 49 participants completed the study. Compared to the control group, patients in the auricular acupuncture group showed significant reductions in discomfort, general taste alterations, and total scores on the Chemotherapy-induced Taste Alteration Scale (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, we observed significant improvements in quality of life, including physical function (p = 0.007), role function (p = 0.006), emotional function (p = 0.016), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.021), appetite loss (p = 0.046), and significant improvements in anxiety and depression (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that auricular acupuncture may be a beneficial intervention for managing chemotherapy-induced taste alterations in patients with cancer receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. It may also contribute to improvements in quality of life and negative emotions. However, these results are preliminary, and further evaluation with larger randomized controlled trials is necessary.

Efficacy and safety of Tuina and intermediate frequency electrotherapy for frozen shoulder: MRI-based observation evidence.

BACKGROUND: Tuina and Intermediate Frequency (IF) electrotherapy are commonly used treatments for frozen shoulder (FS). This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of Tuina and IF electrotherapy in the treatment of stage II frozen shoulder and to provide evidence-based treatment for FS. METHODS: The FS patients were randomized into two groups, the observation group, which received Tuina, and the control group, which received IF electrotherapy. The total treatment duration was 20 minutes per treatment, 3 times per week; the treatment period was 6 weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 16 weeks after follow-up. Primary assessments included visual analog scale (VAS), Constant-Murley scale (CMS), and secondary assessments included shoulder MRI, rotator cuff muscle diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). RESULTS: A total of 57 patients participated in this study, in the observation group (n = 29) and the control group (n = 28). At the end of the 3rd and 6th weeks of treatment, Tuina was significantly more effective than IF electrotherapy in reducing the VAS score and improving the Constant-Murley total score (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in scores between the two groups at the 16-week follow-up (P>0.05). MRI results in both groups: compared to the control group, the observation group had better results in reducing the degree of periapical edema and reducing the thickness of the axillary humeral capsule (P<0.05); and the observation group had significantly more efficacy than the control group in improving the diffusion state of water molecules in the rotator cuff muscles (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tuina is more effective than IF electrotherapy in improving the symptoms of FS patients as it can rapidly relieve the pain and restore the function of the affected shoulder, reduce the edema of the shoulder capsule, restore the function of the rotator cuff muscles, and shorten the natural course of FS. Name of the registry: This study was registered in the Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital; Grant No. (2021) Lun Audit No. (033) - KY; Date of registration: 2021.4.27.

Effect of processing with vinegar on efficacy of Curcuma longa in treatment of dysmenorrhea in rats with syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation / 中国中药杂志

This study compared the effects of Curcuma longa before and after processing with vinegar on the rat model of dysmenorrhea with the syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation to reveal the mechanism of vinegar processing in improving the role of C. longa in soothing liver and relieving pain. The rat model of dysmenorrhea with the syndrome of liver depression and Qi stagnation was established according to the Preparation of the Animal Model of Dysmenorrhea(Draft) and the chronic unpredictable stress me-thod. The changes in the body weight, organ indexes, writhing latency, writhing score, and serum levels of six liver function indicators, sex hormones, pain factors, and blood rheological indicators were measured to evaluate the efficacy of C. longa processed with vinegar or not in treating dysmenorrhea in the rats with syndrome of liver depression and qi stagnation. Compared with the model group, the C. longa group(processed with vinegar or not) showed slow weight loss, increase in writhing latency, and decrease in writhing response(P<0.05). The inhibition rates on writhing in raw C. longa, vinegar-processed C. longa, and positive groups were 33.780%, 64.611%, and 62.466%, respectively. The significantly higher inhibition rate of the vinegar processing group indicated that vinegar-processed C. longa demonstrated more significant therapeutic effect. The vinegar-processed C. longa group showed lower levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), direct bilirubin(DBIL), and total bilirubin(TBIL) and higher level of albumin(ALB)(P<0.05), which indicated that vinegar processing enhanced the therapeutic effect of C. longa on liver injury. The serum levels of estradiol(E_2) and oxytocin(OT) were lower in the vinegar-processed C. longa group(P<0.05), indicating that the vinegar-processed C. longa could regulate the sex hormone levels, reduce the activity of uterine smooth muscle and contraction of uterus, and alleviate the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in rats. Moreover, the vinegar-processed C. longa group showed lower interleukin-6(IL-6) and arginine vasopressin(AVP) levels and higher beta-endorphin(β-EP) level(P<0.05), which indicated that vinegar-processed C. longa regulated the levels of pain factors to exert the pain-relieving effect. Drug intervention decreased the whole blood viscosity low-cut, medium-cut and high-cut values, plasma viscosity, whole blood reduction viscosity low-cut and high-cut values, erythrocyte cumulative pressure, and equation K value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate(P<0.05), and the vinegar-processed C. longa group outperformed other groups. This result indicated that vinegar processing enhanced the function of C. longa in improving the local blood rheology. C. longa processed with vinegar can enter the liver to relieve the da-mage to the heart, liver, kidney, and uterus, repair the liver function, and recover the sex hormone levels and immune function by regulating the levels of sex hormones and pain factors and improving the blood rheology. It activates the pain-relieving mechanism to relieve the pain, protect the liver, and fight inflammation, which is consistent with the theory that vinegar processing facilitates C. longa entering the liver to sooth liver and relieve pain.

Material basis and mechanism of Curcuma longa tuberous roots with and without vinegar processing in treating primary dysmenorrhea / 中国中药杂志

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to analyze the chemical components in Curcuma longa tuberous roots(HSYJ), C. longa tuberous roots processed with vinegar(CHSYJ), and rat serum after the administration. The active components of HSYJ and CHSYJ absorbed in serum were identified based on the secondary spectrum of database and literature. The targets of primary dysmenorrhea was screened out from database. The protein-protein interaction network analysis, gene ontology(GO) functional annotation, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed for the common targets shared by the drug active components in serum and primary dysmenorrhea, and the component-target-pathway network was constructed. AutoDock was used to conduct molecular docking between the core components and targets. A total of 44 chemical components were identified from HSYJ and CHSYJ, including 18 absorbed in serum. On the basis of network pharmacology, we identified 8 core components(including procurcumenol, isobutyl p-hydroxybenzoate, ferulic acid, and zedoarondiol) and 10 core targets \[including interleukin-6(IL-6), estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2(PTGS2)\]. The core targets were mainly distributed in the heart, liver, uterus, and smooth muscle. The molecular docking results showed that the core components were well bound to the core targets, indicating that HSYJ and CHSYJ may exert therapeutic effect on primary dysmenorrhea via estrogen, ovarian steroidogenesis, tumor necrosis factor(TNF), hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1), IL-17 and other signaling pathways. This study clarifies the HSYJ and CHSYJ components absorbed in serum, as well as the corresponding mechanism, providing a reference for further elucidating the therapeutic material basis and clinical application of HSYJ and CHSYJ.

Cold atmospheric plasmas target breast cancer stemness via modulating AQP3-19Y mediated AQP3-5K and FOXO1 K48-ubiquitination.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is selective against many cancers with little side effect, yet its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Through whole transcriptome sequencing followed by assays in vitro, in vivo and using clinical samples, we propose CAP as a promising onco-therapy targeting cancer stemness via the AQP3/FOXO1 axis. CAP-generated reactive species penetrated cells via AQP3 and suppressed RPS6KA3, a shared kinase of AQP3 and FOXO1. Reduced AQP3-19Y phosphorylation suppressed SCAF11-mediated AQP3-5K K48-ubiquitination that led to sabotaged FOXO1 stability. Inhibited FOXO1 phosphorylation retarded its regulatory activities in maintaining cancer stemness including ALDH1 and IL6. Enhanced anti-cancer efficacy was observed through combining CAP with Atorvastatin in vitro and in vivo. We propose CAP as a 'selective' onco-therapeutic against cancer stemness, with the AQP3/FOXO1 axis being one molecular mechanism. We report SCAF11 as an E3 ubiquitin ligase of both AQP3 and FOXO1, identify AQP3-5K as an AQP3 K48-ubiquitination site, and emphasize the essential role of AQP3-19Y in this process. We reposition Atorvastatin into the onco-therapeutic portfolio by synergizing it with CAP towards enhanced efficacy. We anticipate the efficacy of CAP in targeting malignancies of high stemness alone or as an adjuvant therapy towards the hope of ultimate cancer cure.

Anatomical Evidence for the Neural Connection from the Emotional Brain to Autonomic Innervation in the Anterior Chamber Structures of the Eye.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have shown that the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which can be affected by emotions, is important in the occurrence or progression of glaucoma. The autonomic innervation distributed in the anterior chamber (AC) structures might play an efferent role in the neural regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP). This study aimed to investigate the anatomic neural connection from the emotional brain to autonomic innervation in the AC. METHODS: A retrograde trans-multisynaptic pseudorabies virus encoded with an enhanced green fluorescent protein (PRV531) and non-trans-synaptic tracer FAST Dil were injected into the right eye of mice, respectively. Fluorescent localization in the emotional brain and preganglionic nuclei was studied. Five and a half days after PRV531 injection into the right AC, fluorescent signals were observed in several emotional brain regions, including the amygdala, agranular insular cortex, lateral septal nuclei, periaqueductal gray, and hypothalamus. Autonomic preganglionic nuclei, including Edinger-Westphal nucleus, superior salivatory nucleus, and intermediolateral nucleus, were labeled using PRV531. RESULTS: The sensory trigeminal nuclei were not labeled using PRV531. The fluorescence signals in the nuclei mentioned above showed bilateral distribution, primarily on the ipsilateral side. Seven days after injecting FAST Dil into the AC, we observed no FAST Dil-labeled neurons in the central nervous system. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate a neural connection from the emotional brain to autonomic innervation in the AC, which provides anatomical support for the emotional influence of IOP via the ANS.

[Research progress on protective effects and mechanisms of garlic organosulfur compounds on respiratory diseases].

An increase in the number of smokers, severe air pollution and outbreak of respiratory infectious diseases have caused a sharp increase in patients with respiratory diseases, which seriously threatens the safety of human lives and properties. Garlic, as a medicine-food homology plant, is used as a medicine by its bulbs. It has various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, blood lipid lowering, blood pressure lowering, and anti-bacterial effects. Furthermore, the main active substances in garlic are organosulfur compounds. In recent years, many studies have reported the significant protective effects of garlic organosulfur compounds on common respiratory diseases. Based on the literatures from Pubmed and Web of Science in the past 5 years, we reviewed the effects and mechanisms of garlic organosulfur compounds against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, acute lung injury, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer in this article. The underlying mechanisms consisted of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, reducing mucus secretion, inhibiting extracellular matrix synthesis, inhibiting cancer cell metastasis, and reducing cancer stem cells activity. The article was aimed to provide theoretical and experimental evidences for the further development and cli-nical applications of garlic organosulfur compound products.

MicroRNA-155 deficiency attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental autoimmune prostatitis in a TLR4-dependent manner.

To explore the mechanism of microRNA-155 (miR-155) deficiency, protecting against experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) in a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent manner. After wild-type (WT) and miR-155-/- mice were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant and prostate antigen to establish EAP model, half were randomly selected for injection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, a TLR4 ligand). The following experiments were then performed: von Frey filaments, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). And the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by corresponding kits.miR-155-/- mice with prostatitis exhibited the attenuated pelvic tactile allodynia/hyperalgesia and the suppressed TLR4/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway as compared with the WT mice with prostatitis. In addition, LPS enhanced the upregulation of miR-155 and the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the prostatic tissues of WT mice with EAP. Furthermore, prostatitis mice had aggravated inflammation scores accompanying the increased interleukin (IL)-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, interferon-γ, IL-12, and MDA in prostatic tissues with the decreased IL-10, SOD and GSH-Px, and the unaltered IL-4. Compared with the mice from the WT + EAP group and the miR-155-/- + EAP + LPS group, mice from the miR-155-/- + EAP group had decreased inflammation and oxidative stress. miR-155 deficiency ameliorated pelvic tactile allodynia/hyperalgesia in EAP mice and improved inflammation and oxidative stress in prostatic tissues in a TLR4-dependent manner involving NF-κB activation, thereby exerting a therapeutic effect in chronic prostatitis treatment.

Reactive oxygen species induce cyanide-resistant respiration in potato infected by Erwinia carotovora subsp. Carotovora.

Studies have shown that pathogenic bacteria infections induce the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plants. Cyanide-resistant respiration, an energy-dissipating pathway in plants, has also been induced by a pathogenic bacteria infection. However, it is unknown whether the induction of cyanide-resistant respiration under the pathogenic bacteria infection was caused by ROS. In this study, two pathogenic Erwinia strains were used to infect potato tuber, and membrane lipid peroxidation levels and the cyanide-resistant respiration capacity were determined. In addition, StAOX expression and regulation by ROS in potato tuber were analyzed. Moreover, the role of the Ca2+ pathway in regulating cyanide-resistant respiration was determined. The results showed that ROS induced cyanide-resistant respiration in potato tuber infected by Erwinia. Cyanide-resistant respiration inhibited the production of H2O2. Intracellular Ca2+ regulated the expression of calcium-dependent protein kinase (StCDPK1, StCDPK4, and StCDPK5) in potato, which indirectly controlled intracellular ROS levels. These results indicate that Ca2+ metabolism is involved in ROS-induced cyanide-resistant respiration.

Clinical observation of the therapeutic effect on posterior circulation ischemic vertigo treated with "xiao xingnao kaiqiao" acupuncture / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the short-term and long-term clinical effect on posterior circulation ischemic vertigo treated with "xiao xingnao kaiqiao" acupuncture (minor regaining consciousness and opening orifice) and explore its effect mechanism. METHODS: Ninety patients with posterior circulation ischemic vertigo were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The patients of the two groups were all treated on the base of neurological medicine. In the control group, Flunarizine Hydrochloride was prescribed for oral administration (5 mg, once daily, for 21 days totally). In the treatment group, acupuncture of "xiao xingnao kaiqiao" was provided at Yintang (EX-HN3), bilateral Neiguan (PC6), bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6), Baihui (GV20), bilateral Fengchi (GB20), bilateral Wangu (GB12) and bilateral Tianzhu (BL10). The needles were retained for 30 min, once daily for 21 days totally. The changes in vertigo score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were observed, and the changes in the mean blood velocity (Vm) of the left vertebral artery (LVA), the right vertebral artery (RVA) and the basilar artery (BA) as well as the vascular pulsatility index (PI) were monitored and determined by transcranial Doppler (TCD). Additionally, the recurrence rate was followed up after 3 months to evaluate the long-term clinical effects. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate of the treatment group was 91.11% (41/45) and 75.56% (34/45) in the control group. The total effective rate in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with their own pre-treatment, the vertigo scores of TCM were reduced in either the treatment group or the control group after treatment (P<0.05) and the score in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with their own pre-treatment, Vm and PI were all improved after treatment in either group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the improvements in Vm and PI of LVA、RVA and BA in the treatment group were better than those in the control group (P<0.05). In the follow-up after 3 months, the recurrence rate was 19.51% (8/41) in the treatment group and was 50.00% (17/34) in the control group. The recurrence rate in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: "Xiao xingnao kaiqiao" acupuncture obviously relieves the clinical symptoms of posterior circulation ischemic vertigo. The mechanism of acupuncture is potentially related with its effects in improving Vm and PI of LVA,RVA and BA, as well as improving blood supply of brain tissue.

Effect of Modified Yiweitang on Fatigue Symptom of Primary Sjörgren′s Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of modified Yiweitang on fatigue symptom and immunological indicators in primary Sjörgren′s Syndrome (pSS). Method:By random, control, single-blind method, 116 cases of patients with pSS were divided into treatment group and control group, with 58 cases in each group. The treatment group was given modified Yiweitang, a dose a day, twice a day， and the control group was given hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) 200 mg/time, twice a day. The treatment lasted for six months. Visual analogue scale (VAS) of fatigue symptoms, total traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, TCM fatigue score, rheumatoid factor (RF) and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) were used to compare two groups before and after treatment. Result:After treatment, the treatment group had a better efficacy on TCM syndromes than control group (Z=3.712, P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group were superior to control group in improvement of TCM fatigue score and VAS score of fatigue symptom (P<0.05). After 6 months of treatment, IgG level in treatment group decreased significantly compared with before treatment, with statistical differences (P<0.05), but no difference between treatment group and control group. After treatment, RF in two groups showed no significant decrease compared with before treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group and the control group were 1.75%（1/57） and 25.49%（13/51）, respectively. Conclusion:Compared with HCQ, modified Yiweitang can significantly alleviate fatigue and overall symptoms of patients of pSS, both of which can reduce serum IgG, and the efficacy of modified Yiweitang is more obvious than hydroxychloroquine sulfate. Both drugs had no significant effect on RF level of pSS patients. After long-term administration, modified Yiweitang is safer than hydroxychloroquine sulfate in the treatment of pSS.

Attenuation of hyperoxic acute lung injury by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome.

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), an active component from Goji berry which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features. The aim of our study was to investigate whether LBP has any role in hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Using a murine model of hyperoxia-induced ALI, we investigate the effect of LBP on pulmonary pathological changes as well as Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and the nucleotide binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Exposure to 100% oxygen for 72 h in male C57BL/6 mice resulted in increased protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1ß in lung tissues, and aggravated lung histological alterations. These hyperoxia-induced changes and mortality were improved by LBP. LBP markedly suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, LBP upregulated SIRT1 expression compared with vehicle-treated group. Importantly, knockdown of SIRT1 reversed the inhibitory effect of LBP on NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vitro. LBP meliorated hyperoxia-induced ALI in mice by SIRT1-dependent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Observation on therapeutic effect and mechanism research of acupuncture on headache in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical therapeutic effect and mechanism of acupuncture on headache in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 97 patients with headache in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke were randomized into an acupuncture group (57 cases) and a western medication group (40 cases). In the western medication group, flunarizine hydrochloride capsule was taken orally 5 mg each time, once a day. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at Qiuxu (GB 40), Zulinqi (GB 41), Xuanli (GB 6), Shuaigu (GB 8), Fengchi (GB 20) and Baihui (GV 20) for migraine; Chongyang (ST 42), Neiting (ST 44), Jiexi (ST 41), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Cuanzhu (BL 2) and Baihui (GV 20) for forehead pain; Jinggu (BL 64), Kunlun (BL 60), Tianzhu (BL 10), Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1) for occipital headache; Taichong (LR 3), Yongquan (KI 1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1) for parietal headache. The needles were retained for 30 min each time, once a day and 5 times a week. Both of the two groups were given consecutive treatment for 14 days. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the headache scores before and after treatment and the recurrence rate 1 month after treatment were observed to evaluate the therapeutic effect, before and after treatment, the contents of substance P (SP), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), alpha-endorphin (α-EP) and beta-endorphin (β-EP) in plasma were determined by ELISA in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, the headache scores and the contents of SP, DA and 5-HT in plasma were reduced and the contents ofα-EP andβ-EP in plasma were increased in the two groups (all <0.01). After treatment, the changes of the VAS score, the headache score and the contents of pain-related factors and endogenous opioid peptides in plasma in the acupuncture group were larger than the western medication group (all <0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture group was 84.2% (48/57), which was superior to 62.5% (25/40) in the western medication group, and the recurrence rate in the acupuncture group was lower than the western medication group (both <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The therapeutic effect of acupuncture on headache in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke is superior to flunarizine hydrochloride capsule, and the mechanism may relate to down-regulate the pain-related factors and up-regulate endogenous opioid peptides in plasma.

The application of "regulate acupuncture" in the treatment of gynecological diseases / 中国针灸

To explore the clinical efficacy of "regulate (triple warmer) acupuncture" in the treatment of gynecological diseases. To discuss the pathogenesis of and gynecological diseases, and to briefly analyze the theory of "regulate acupuncture", the method of selecting acupoints and operating methods. In order to use the "regulate " as the rule, Baihui (GV 20), Danzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Xuehai (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), were selected as the main acupoints to cooperate with syndrome differentiation for the treatment of gynecological diseases, such as infertility, perimenopausal syndrome. "Regulate acupuncture" is effective in the treatment of infertility and perimenopausal syndrome, which is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

The Efficacy and Safety of Transcutaneous Acupoint Interferential Current Stimulation for Cancer Pain Patients With Opioid-Induced Constipation: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a principal complication secondary to analgesic therapy for cancer pain patients who suffer moderate to severe pain. In this study, we observe the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous acupoint interferential current (IFC) stimulation in those patients with OIC. METHODS: A total of 198 patients were randomly allocated to the IFC group and control group in a 1:1 ratio. Finally, 98 patients in the IFC group received 14 sessions administered over 2 weeks, whereas 100 patients in the control group took lactulose orally during the same period. Observation items were documented at management stage and at follow-up stage according to Cleveland Constipation Scales (CCS), pain Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) and Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QoL). RESULTS: The total curative effects of the IFC group and the control group were indistinguishable (76.5% vs 70.0%, P = .299). Regarding CCS and PAC-QoL scores, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups during the management time and at the follow-up stage of week 3 ( P > .05, respectively), but groups were distinguished at the follow-up stage of week 4 ( P < .001 and P = .031, respectively). The pain NRS decreased significantly at management stage week 2 and follow-up stage week 3 and week 4 ( P = .013, P = .041, P = .011, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Transcutaneous acupoint IFC therapy over acupoints of Tianshu (ST25) and Zhongwan (RN12) may improve constipation and quality of life in cancer patients receiving opiates; further studies are worthwhile.

Study on fire-needle trerapy of periarthritis of shoulder / 国际中医中药杂志

This paper summarizes the research situation of the treatment for the periarthritis of shoulder using fire-needle, and summarizes the effective treatment of shoulder periarthritis by using fire-needle method, including the fire-needle with acupuncture or with the cupping therapy, the fire needle combing other methods.Meanwhile. This paper puts forward the problems in the treatment and the clinical study of shoulder arthropoditis.

Effects of Chinese traditional medicine-selected recipe Q0409 on ability of learning and memory in SAM-P/8 mice / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effects of Chinese traditional medicine-selected recipe Q0409 on the ability of learning and memory in SAM-P/8 mice. METHODS:Total 91 mice (4-month-old SAM-P/8 mice, SAM-R/1 mice and Kunming mice) were used in the study, in which the male and female animals were labeled separately. According to the performance of Morris water maze test, the mice were divided into 5 groups randomly. The mice were fed with different drugs or distilled water for 60 d (from 4 months to 6 months). The mice were fed with the drugs from 61 d to 65 d, and 1 h later each time, the Morris water maze test was carried out. After this Morris test were finished at 65 d, the mice were killed immediately and their hippocampal tissues were isolated. Half of the hippocampal tissues were added with precooled normal saline and made into 10% (g/mL) homogenate for detecting the protein content and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity. The other half was fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and embedded with paraffin for immunohistochemical staining of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). RESULTS:Compared with model group, the results of navigation training and spatial probe training in Morris water maze test were significantly improved (P<0.05), and the activity of AChE in the hippocampal ho-mogenate was significantly decreased (P<0.05) in Q0409 treatment group. No difference in Q0409 group was observed compared with control group and positive drug (huperzine A) group. Immunohistochemical staining showed no typical "se-nile plaques" in the male mice of Q0409 group, while there was shallower and smaller brown staining in the hippocampus of the female mice of Q0409 group. The positive area of Aβ deposition decreased in the CA1 area of hippocampal tissues in Q0409 group. These results were similar to those in positive drug group. CONCLUSION:Q0409 improves the ability of learning and memory in SAM-P/8 mice, which is related to the inhibition of AChE activity and the reduction of Aβ protein deposition in the hippocampus. The effects is similar to those of huperzine A.

Additive Benefits of Twice Forest Bathing Trips in Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Chronic heart failure (CHF), a clinical syndrome resulting from the consequences of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), is increasingly becoming a global cause of morbidity and mortality. We had earlier demonstrated that a 4-day forest bathing trip can provide an adjunctive therapeutic influence on patients with CHF. To further investigate the duration of the impact and the optimal frequency of forest bathing trips in patients with CHF, we recruited those subjects who had experienced the first forest bathing trip again after 4 weeks and randomly categorized them into two groups, namely, the urban control group (city) and the forest bathing group (forest). After a second 4-day forest bathing trip, we observed a steady decline in the brain natriuretic peptide levels, a biomarker of heart failure, and an attenuated inflammatory response as well as oxidative stress. Thus, this exploratory study demonstrated the additive benefits of twice forest bathing trips in elderly patients with CHF, which could further pave the way for analyzing the effects of such interventions in CVDs.

A review on different English versions of an ancient classic of Chinese medicine: Huang Di Nei Jing / 中西医结合学报

Huang Di Nei Jing (Nei Jing), one of the most important classical texts of traditional Chinese medicine, is the foundation upon which today's Chinese medicine principles are built. This seminal ancient classic has been translated into English many times by different scholars worldwide. The authors have found thirteen English versions, each of which has its own distinctive features. By reviewing different versions and research achievements of the English translation, the authors try to summarize the translation style, purpose, content and other features of each version, and point out each translation's weaknesses, strengths, or significance. The emerging of so many English versions of Nei Jing, an ancient and sophisticated text, shows that scholars have disparate understanding of its language and concepts. Additionally, different educational backgrounds, professions and goals of the translators will all contribute to different perspectives and approaches in the translation. It is understandable that so many versions of translation exist for such an ancient and important classic. However, to achieve truly accurate translation of ancient classical texts of Chinese medicine, all translators should abide by certain basic requirements and translation principles.