Electroacupuncture on motor function in patients with primary osteoporosis: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture on motor function and muscle state in patients with primary osteoporosis (POP).@*METHODS@#A total of 60 female patients with POP were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off). On the basis of adjusting lifestyle, caltrate was given orally in the control group, 2 pills a day for 4 weeks. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, electroacupuncture was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. in the observation group, with disperse-dense wave of 2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The time of timed up-and-go test (TUGT) and the value of 10 m maximal walking speed (10 m MWS) before and after treatment were compared in the two groups, and the Young's modulus values of bilateral multifidus muscles in prone position and sitting position before and after treatment were compared by real-time shear wave elastography (SWE) in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the TUGT time was decreased compared before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was shorter than the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the value of 10 m MWS test was increased compared before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the Young's modulus values of bilateral multifidus muscles in prone position and sitting position were increased compared before treatment in the observation group (P<0.01); except for the left side in sitting position, the Young's modulus values of multifidus muscles in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of oral caltrate, electroacupuncture can improve the motor function and muscle state in patients with POP.

Artesunate inhibits osteoclastogenesis through the miR-503/RANK axis.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that is characterized by decreased bone density and strength due to excessive loss of bone protein and mineral content, which can be induced by increased osteoclast activity. Developing agents targeting osteoclast activation is considered to be the most effective method to reverse bone destruction and alleviate the pain caused by osteoporosis. MTT assay was conducted to detect the cell viability after artesunate treatment of RAW264.7 cells. TRACP staining and pit formation assays were performed to examine the TRACP-positive cells and pit-forming activity of osteoclasts. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of the osteoclastogenesis-related genes NFATc1, TRAP, and cathepsin k. The protein levels of RANK, p-Akt, p-p38, and p-ERK were examined by Western blotting. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine whether miR-503 targeted RANK directly. Artesunate inhibited TRACP-positive cells and the pit-forming activity of osteoclasts. However, artesunate increased the expression of miR-503. Artesunate suppressed osteoclastogenesis-related gene expression and RANKL-induced activation of MAPKs and the AKT pathway. In addition, miR-503 inhibited RANK expression by directly targeting RANK during osteoclast differentiation. Artesunate inhibited osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast functions in vitro by regulating the miR-503/RANK axis and suppressing the MAPK and AKT pathways, which resulted in decreased expression of osteoclastogenesis-related markers.

Pre-formulation physicochemical properties of component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang / 中国中药杂志

Pre-formulation physicochemical properties of the component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang were investigated to provide a research basis for the design of the dosage form for component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang. The macroporous resin adsorption and refining technology was used to prepare the total glycosides extract of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, Panacis Majoris Rhizome and Corni Fructus respectively in the prescription of Qinqi Fengshi Fang. Their physicochemical properties were investigated, including solubility, wettability, hygroscopicity, equilibrium solubility, oil-water partition coefficient, and stability. The results showed that the total glycosides of Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, Panacis Majoris Rhizome and Corni Fructus all had good solubility and wettability. The solubility index of each total glycoside component was greater than 85%, and the water absorption index was greater than 50%. In the range of pH 2.0-7.4, the equilibrium solubility of three kinds of total glycosides all increased with the increase of pH, showing a consistent change trend of solubility. The hydrophilicity was also suitable and similar. Overall, three kinds of total glycosides showed good stability, but strong hygroscopicity. The degree of hygroscopicity was as follows: total glycosides of Gen-tianae Macrophyllae Radix > total glycosides of Corni Fructus > total glycosides of Panacis Majoris Rhizome. Therefore, the hygroscopi-city needed to be considered in the preparation of the component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang. The excipients and packaging materials can be properly selected to reduce the hygroscopicity of the preparation. This study provides a reference for the dosage form design of the component-based Chinese medicine of Qinqi Fengshi Fang.

Effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training and simple vibration training on low back pain of primary osteoporosis by 's modulus of ultrasonic wave, and seek an objective evaluating method.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the two groups were treated with vibration training using whole body vibration treatment bed. In the observation group, thunder-fire moxibustion was applied at Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25). The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The visual analogue score (VAS), real-time shear wave elastography (RTSWE) and medical outcomes study 36-item short-form hearth survey (SF-36) were used to evaluate pain intensity, multifidus muscle tone ('s modulus) and quality of life before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores, 's modulus of multifidus muscle and 5 dimensions of SF-36 (physical condition, body pain, general health, social function and mental health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were significantly improved in the two groups (all <0.05), the physiological role in the observation group after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were improved (both <0.05). In the observation group, the VAS scores, 's modulus of multifidus muscle and 3 dimensions of SF-36 (physiological role, body pain and general health) after 4-week treatment and 1 month after treatment were superior to the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The therapeutic effect of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with vibration training is superior to simple vibration training in relieving low back pain intensity and multifidus muscle tone, and improving quality of life for primary osteoporosis. RTSWE technique can be an objective examination method to evaluate pain.

The Efficacy and Safety of Prophylactic Intravenous Tranexamic Acid on Perioperative Blood Loss in Patients Treated with Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a prophylactic intravenous administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) 30 minutes before skin incision on perioperative blood loss in patients treated with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). METHODS: A total of 63 patients who underwent PLIF were recruited and divided into a TXA group (n = 26) and a control group (n = 37). Intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, duration of tube drainage, hospitalization time, blood transfusion rate, and incidence of complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics and laboratory results between the 2 groups. The intraoperative blood loss, 24-hour postoperative drainage volume, 24-hour postoperative hidden blood loss, perioperative overt blood loss, hospitalization time, and postoperative duration of tube drainage were significantly reduced in the TXA group compared with the control group. In addition, the perioperative blood transfusion rate was lower in the TXA group (7.7%) than in the control group (16.22%), but the difference was not statistically significant. During a 3-month follow-up period, no pulmonary embolism, liver failure, or renal dysfunction was observed in the 2 groups. Likewise, the incidence of deep venous thrombosis was not found in the TXA group compared with 1 case in the control group, hence the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: A prophylactic intravenous administration of TXA 30 minutes before skin incision effectively reduces the perioperative blood loss, duration of tube drainage, and hospitalization time, and it does not increase the risk of complications. However, TXA may not be able to decrease the rate of blood transfusion.

Effect of Dazhu Hongjingtian Capsule on Unstable Carotid Plaque with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To discuss the effect of Dazhu Hongjingtian capsule to unstable carotid plaque (Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome), and its mechanisms in resisting oxidation, inflammation and thrombosis. Method: One hundred and twenty-three patients were randomly divided into control group (61 cases) and observation group (62 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group got aspirin enteric-coated tablets, 0.1 g/time, 1 time/day, and rosuvastatin calcium capsules, 10 mg/time, 1 time/day. In addition to the therapy of control group, patients in observation group were also given Dazhu Hongjingtian capsule, 4 grains/days, 3 times/days. And the outpatient follow-up was made once every 2 weeks for continued 16 weeks. Intima-media wall thickness (IMT), and number and size of plaque were detected by color Doppler ultrasound. And levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), hypersensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP), homocysteine (Hcy), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), platelet alpha granular membrane protein (GMP-140), P-selectin on surface of platelets (CD62 p), lysosome glycoprotein (CD63), and vascular pseudotumor factor (VWF) were detected. Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome were graded. Result: After treatment, IMT in observation group was thinner than that in control group, number of plaque was less than that in control group, and size of plaque was smaller than those in control group (PPPPConclusion: In addition to the treatment for resisting platelet and regulating blood lipid, Dazhu Hongjingtian capsule can lessen and reduce arterial speckle regulate lipid metabolism, ameliorate symptoms of traditional Chinese medical (TCM) syndrome, with effects in resisting oxidation, inflammation and thrombotic formation.

Influence of some herbal medicines and foods on the INR of patients under warfarin therapy / 中华检验医学杂志

Warfarin is a well-accepted drug used for preventing thromboembolic diseases. It is important to monitor the dosage of warfarin. Prothrombin time is one of the screening tests of extrinsic coagulation path,which is the first choice to monitor the oral use of warfarin. Standardized prothrombin time, namely international normalized ratio ( INR ) is used to adjust warfarin dosage in clinical practice. Many herbal medicines and foods may enhance the effect of warfarin therapy,and some of them may weaken this effect,which can result in severe clinical complications.

Yimusake alone or combined with trazodone hydrochloride for primary premature ejaculation / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical effects of the Chinese drug Yimusake, used alone or in combination with trazodone hydrochloride, on primary premature ejaculation (PE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-eight primary PE patients were randomized to a control (n=32) and an experimental group (n=36), the former treated with Yimusake 1 tablet (50 mg) pre day, and the latter with 1 tablet of trazodone hydrochloride (50 mg) pre day in addition, both given orally after supper and for 4 weeks, followed by observation of the therapeutic effects.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighteen cases (56.25%) responded in the control and 25 (69.44% ) in the experimental group, with statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Yimusake combined with trazodone hydrochloride is highly efficacious for primary PE.</p>

Effect of CCH1 or MID1 gene disruption on drug tolerance and pathogenesis of Candida albicans / 生物工程学报

The calcium gate encoded by CCH1 and MID1 genes is the main channel for external calcium absorption. As one of the important secondary messengers, the elevation of calcium concentration could activate some pathways to take part in various cell processes. In this study, we used CCH1 and MID1 mutant strains and also constructed their complementary strains to study the effect of drug tolerance and virulence of Candida albicans after CCH1 or MID1 deletion. By drug plate sensitivity assay and the broth microdilution method, we compared the changes between different strains. Moreover, we added calcium channel blocker and inhibitors to analyze the effect of calcium concentration on drug action. After the deletion of CCH1 or MID1 gene, the strain exhibited an obvious sensitivity to FLUC and ITRA, and the drug action was regulated by the calcium concentration. In a mouse model of intravenous infection, we found that attenuated virulence of cch1delta/delta or mid1delta/delta strain is specifically due to a loss of CCH1 or MID1 gene.

Clinical study on effect of fluoxetine combined with Chinese medicine or tibetan drugs in treating senile depression in plateau district / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the ettect and side-ettect of fluoxetine and combination of fluoxetine and Chinese or Tibetan medicine in treating senile depression in plateau district. Methods Ninety patients with diagnosis of senile depression conformed to CCMD-3 standard, in plateau district of 2260 - 3200 m altitude were randomly divided into three groups and treated with fluoxetine (group A), fluoxetine plus Sanpu Xinnao Xin granule (group B) and fluoxetine plus Xiaoyao pill (group C), respectively, 30 cases in each group. Therapeutic effects were evaluated with Hamilton' s depressive scale (HAMD) and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) after 6 weeks treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There was no significant difference in the therapeutic effects between the three groups. The adverse reaction in Group B and C was less than that in Group A (P<0.01). Conclusion Sanpu Xinnao Xin granule and Xiaoyao pill can raise the tolerance of patients with senile depression in plateau area against the adverse reaction of fluoxetine.</p>

Changes of mitochondrial structure and ATPase activity during spinal cord ischemic tolerance induced by repeated hyperbaric oxygenation preconditioning in rabbits / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Repeated hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) preconditioning induces tolerance against ischemia in spinal cord. The confirmation of this phenomenon paves a new way in clinic to prevent and treat complications of spinal ischemia following thoracoepigastric aorta surgery. Probing into its mechanism of is chemic tolerance has provided basis for clinical application.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of mitochondrial structure and ATPase activity during spinal cord ischemic tolerance induced by repeated HBO preconditioning in rabbits.DESIGN: Randomized and controlled trial.SETTING: Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS: The experiment was conducted in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber of the Department of Air Medicine; Experimental Animal Center of the Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital of Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, between March and June 2004. Totally 50 male New Zealand rabbits were selected.METHODS: Fifty male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: simple ischemia control group and HBO group with 25 rabbits in each group: 0.25 Mpa, 100% O2, one hour per day for 5 days. Spinal ischemia model was prepared 24 hours after the last preconditioning.Spinal cord ischemia (20 minutes)/reperfusion model was prepared by blocking the infrsrenal aorta. The motor function of hind-limbs was scored at 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after reperfusion. The mitochondrial ATPase activity was measured and compared between two groups before ischemia, at 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after reperfusion.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ① The score of motor nerve function of the hind-limbs; ② The activity of mitochondrial ATPase; ③ Pathological evaluation.RESULTS: Totally 50 rabbits were involved for result analysis, and finally 25 rats in each group entered statistical analysis with no loss in the midway. ① The score of motor nerve function of the hind-limbs in HBO group at 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours after HBO preconditioning was significantly higher than that in control group (P ＜ 0.01). ② The activity of mitochondrial ATPase: the mitochondrial Na+, K+-ATPase activity and Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase activity at each time point of the animals in the two groups after is chemia were significantly decreased; Na+, K+-ATPase activity in HBO preconditioning group at 6 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours of ischemia was significantly higher than that in control group (P ＜ 0.01); Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase activity at 6 hours and 24 hours after ischemia was significantly higher than that in control group (P ＜ 0.01). ③ Pathological evaluation: The structure of mitochondria in control group was seriously damaged while it was found almost normal in spinal cord in HBO group animals at 48 hours after reperfusion.CONCLUSION: The mechanism of ischemic tolerance induced by hyperbaric oxygenation pretreatment may partly be related to the attenuation of mitochondria ATPase activity decrease after ischemia, thereby protecting the function of mitochondria.