Effect of electroacupuncture on neuronal programmed necrosis by regulating RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. / 电针调节RIP1/RIP3/MLKLé€šè·¯å¯¹è„‘ç¼ºè¡€å†çŒæ³¨æŸä¼¤å¤§é¼ ç¥žç»å ƒç¨‹åºæ€§åæ­»çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the neuroprotective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Quchi"(LI11) and "Zusanli"(ST36) in the rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and its influence on programmed necrosis of cerebral cortical neurons. METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model group, EA group and inhibitor group, with 15 rats in each group. Left middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established using the modified thread embolism method. In the sham-operation group, the carotid artery was exposed and dissociated in each rat. EA was applied to "Quchi"(LI11) and "Zusanli"(ST36) on the right side for 30 min each time, once daily for 7 days in the rats of the EA group. The rats in the inhibitor group were intraperitoneally injected with norstatin-1 (0.6 mg/kg) for consecutive 7 days. The neurological deficit score of rats in each group was observed. HE staining was adopted to detect the degree of pathological damage of the cerebral cortex in the infarction area. Using TUNEL staining, the apoptosis of cortical neurons in the infarction area was determined；the contents of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 were detected by ELISA；the mRNA and protein expression of the receptor interacting protein-1 (RIP1), the receptor interacting protein-3 (RIP3) and the substrate mixed lineage kinase like protein (MLKL) were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: In comparison with the sham-operation group, the neurological deficit score in the model group was higher(P<0.01)；HE staining showed that there was the pathological damage in the infarction area；the neuron apoptosis rate, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, and the mRNA and protein expressions of RIP1, RIP3 and MLKL increased(P<0.01) in the model group. In the EA group, the neurological deficit score was reduced(P<0.01)；HE staining showed that the pathological damage was ameliorated in the infarction area；the neuron apoptosis rate, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6, and the mRNA and protein expressions of RIP1, RIP3, MLKL decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) when compared with those in the model group. CONCLUSIONS: EA can attenuate cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and display its neuroprotective effect probably through inhibiting programmed necrosis of cerebral cortical neurons in the rats.

[Effect of electroacupuncture of Governor Vessel on expression of GAD67 and GABA-T in cerebral cortex of rats with post-stroke limb spasticity].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of Governor Vessel (GV) on the expressions of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) in the cerebral cortex of rats with post-stroke limb spasticity, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of limb spasticity. METHODS: Twenty four male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into control, sham operation, model, and EA groups. The cerebral ischemia model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). EA (100 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to "Dazhui"(GV14), "Jizhong"(GV6) and "Houhui"( anteromedial of transverse process of the sixth lumbar vertebra) for 30 min, once daily for 7 consecutive days. The neurologic deficit score (0-5 points) was evaluated according to Zea Longa's method, and the muscular tension severity (0-5 points) was assessed according to the modified Ashworth muscle tone rating scale, and the tension signals of the quadriceps ferroris of the affected limb were recorded using tonotransducer and BL-420F electrophysiological recorder. The expression levels of GAD67 and GABA-T proteins and mRNAs in the cerebral cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, separately. RESULTS: After modeling, the neurological deficit score, muscle tone score, and the expression levels of GABA-T mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), tension signal value and the expression levels of GAD67 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the control and sham operation groups. Following the intervention, the neurological deficit score, muscle tone score, and expression levels of GABA-T mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly decreased (P<0.01), tension signal value and the expression levels of GAD67 mRNA and protein in cerebral cortex were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the EA group in contrast to the model group. CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of Governor Vessel can ameliorate the limb spasticity symptom in MCAO rats, which may be associated with its functions in increasing the expressions of GAD67 protein and mRNA and inhibiting the expressions of GABA-T protein and mRNA, thereby playing the inhibitory role of GABA.

Efficacy of manual acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and warm acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary and alternative treatments for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). There are many methods of acupuncture in the treatment of KOA, and the effects are different. According to our clinical observations and researches, it is found that manual acupuncture (MA), electro-acupuncture (EA), and warm acupuncture (WA) are used more frequently in the treatment of KOA, and the curative effects are satisfactory. However, there is currently a lack of efficacy comparison of efficacy between different acupuncture treatments, as well as a lack of standardized clinical research on the acupuncture treatment of KOA. Therefore, we will carry out a high-quality clinical randomized controlled trial to research the effect laws of MA, EA, and WA on KOA. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 200 eligible participants with KOA will be randomly assigned to group A, B, C, or D in a ratio of 1:1:1:1. Patients in group A will receive MA, while those in group B, group C, and group D will be treated with EA, WA, and sham acupuncture (SA), respectively. Patients will be treated with acupuncture once a day, 30 min per session, 5 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is the change of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at week 4. The secondary outcomes include WOMAC, visual analog scale (VAS), Arthritis Quality of Life Measurement Scale Simplified Scale (AIMS2-SF), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire. The evaluation will be performed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12 respectively after randomization. DISCUSSION: This is a randomized controlled trial. We will observe the clinical effect of MA, EA, and WA on KOA to research the effect laws of these three acupuncture treatments on KOA and set up standardized treatment programs for acupuncture for KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: China Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2100049526. Registered on August 2, 2021.

Lycium barbarum L. Polysaccharide (LBP) Reduces Glucose Uptake via Down-Regulation of SGLT-1 in Caco2 Cell.

Lycium barbarum L. polysaccharide (LBP) is prepared from Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum), which is a traditional Chinese medicine. LPB has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects. In order to gain some mechanistic insights on the hypoglycemic effects of LBP, we investigated the uptake of LBP and its effect on glucose absorption in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco2 cell. The uptake of LBP through Caco2 cell monolayer was time-dependent and was inhibited by phloridzin, a competitive inhibitor of SGLT-1. LPB decreased the absorption of glucose in Caco2 cell, and down-regulated the expression of SGLT-1. These results suggest that LBP might be transported across the human intestinal epithelium through SGLT-1 and it inhibits glucose uptake via down-regulating SGLT-1.

Capsule Design for Blue Light Therapy against Helicobacter pylori.

A photo-medical capsule that emits blue light for Helicobacter pylori treatment was described in this paper. The system consists of modules for pH sensing and measuring, light-emitting diode driver circuit, radio communication and microcontroller, and power management. The system can differentiate locations by monitoring the pH values of the gastrointestinal tract, and turn on and off the blue light according to the preset range of pH values. Our experimental tests show that the capsule can operate in the effective light therapy mode for more than 32 minutes and the wireless communication module can reliably transmit the measured pH value to a receiver located outside the body.

[Regulatory effect of electroacupuncture on heart and stomach of rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore different regulatory effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the same acupoint on the heart and the stomach. METHODS: Eighty male SD rats were randomly divided into eight groups equally, i.e., the Neiguan (PC6) group, the Quchi (LI11) group, the Tianshu (ST25) group, the Danzhong (RN17) group, the Zusanli (ST36) group, the Sanyinjiao (SP6) group, the Xinshu (BL15) group, and the Weishu (BL21) group, 10 in each group. The regulatory effects of EA (2/15 Hz, 3 mA, 2 min) at different acupoints on the gastric motility (intragastric pressure) and the cardiac function (the left ventricular pressure) were observed. The mean values of effect of two-min pre-EA and after-EA were compared. RESULTS: Compared with the pre-EA in the same group, the left ventricular pressure decreased in the Neiguan (PC6) group, the Quchi (LI11) group, the Danzhong (RN17) group, the Sanyinjiao (SP6) group, and the Xinshu (BL15) group (P <0.05). The intragastric pressure increased in the Quchi (LI11) group, the Zusanli (ST36) group, the Sanyinjiao (SP6) group, and the Xinshu (BL15) group, while it decreased in the Tianshu (ST25) group, the Danzhong (RN17) group, and the Weishu (BL21) group (P <0.05). The difference of the left ventricular pressure was sequenced from high to low as Xinshu (BL15) >Danzhong (RN17) >Neiguan (PC6) >Sanyinjiao (SP6) >Quchi (LI11). The difference of the intragastric pressure was sequenced from high to low as Tianshu (ST25) >Weishu (BL21) > Xinshu (BL15) > Danzhong (RN17) > Zusanli (ST36) > Sanyinjiao (SP6) > Quchi (LI11). CONCLUSIONS: EA at the same acupoint (2/15 Hz, 3 mA) showed different regulatory effects on the heart and stomach. There existed some difference in the direction and size due to the acupoint location, meridians, dominant nerve segment or relating organs. A fixed effect direction to the specific target was also shown.

Electroacupuncture Stimulation at CV12 Inhibits Gastric Motility via TRPV1 Receptor.

Gastric dysmotility is one of the major pathophysiological factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders. Acupuncture, as one of the alternative approaches, is efficacious in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disorders; however, the mechanism underlying its action is unclear. In the present study, we used both capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist, and TRPV1 knockout mice. Animals were divided into wild-type group (WT), capsazepine injection group (CZP, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and TRPV1 knockout mice group (TRPV1(-/-)). Each of these three groups was divided into three subgroups, which were subjected to EA stimulation at acupoint Zhongwan (CV12) at a different intensity (1, 2, or 4 mA). We demonstrated that electroacupuncture at Zhongwan (CV12) markedly inhibited gastric motility at 2 and 4 mA in an intensity-dependent manner in wild-type mice. The inhibitory effect was also observed in capsazepine-injected and TRPV1(-/-) mice but was no longer intensity dependent, indicating that TRPV1 is partially involved in the electroacupuncture-mediated modulation of gastric motility.

[Observation on the efficacy of female obesity complicated with climacteric syndrome treated by acupuncture and moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion on female obesity complicated with climacteric syndrome and its impact factors. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one cases of female obesity complicated with climacteric syndrome were treated according to the basic principle as "pattern/syndrome differentiation". Accordingly, the reinforcing or reducing technique was applied at Quchi (LI 11), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Neiting (ST 44), etc. The auricular point sticking was applied at Hunger Point, Ear-shenmen, Sympathetic Nerve, Endocrine and Stomach. The treatment was given once every two days. The duration of treatment was 3 months. The changes in the symptoms, physical signs, obesity index, Kupperman index, the vegetative equilibrium index (Value Y), estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: The obesity patients complicated with climacteric syndrome presented unusually high level of obesity index, Kupperman index and FSH levels and unusually low level of E2. After treatment, the obesity index, Kupperman index and FSH levels were all reduced significantly (all P < 0.01) while E2 level was increased significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion achieve the significant efficacy on obesity complicated with climacteric syndrome, which is closely related with the pattern/syndrome of the disorder and obesity grade. For the effective and curative rate of obesity index, the efficacy of liver qi stagnation pattern/syndrome is better than that at liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern/syndrome than spleen and kidney yang deficiency pattern/syndrome than liver and kidney yin deficiency pattern/syndrome than yin and yang deficiency pattern/syndrome; the efficacy of mild obesity is better than that at moderate obesity than severe obesity.

[Overview of the two-way regulatory effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal motility].

Relative literatures on the two-way regulatory eltect ot acupuncture on gastrointestInal muiiiity 01 inc recent 20 years were retrieVed in CNKI. Researches on effects of acupuncture on electrical activity of the gastric muscle, and mechanism of nerve and humor were summarized. And the result shows that the two-way regulatory effect of acupuncture on gastrointestinal motility function which eventually causes the recovery of gastrointestinal function, is a benign regulation reached by relative antagonism and inter-coordination of the neural, endocrine and immunity in all aspects. Meanwhile, the detailed conditions of the experiments are not strictly controlled, the intervention methods are not unanimous, the indices of observation are not unified, and the results are lack of scientificalness, regularity and corporeality. It is proposed that the future research should be carried out in the following 3 aspects, namely whether single points have the two-way regulatory effect or not; the application of single points in point prescriptions and the variety of quantity; and differences on the two-way regulatory effect and working processes between acupuncture and medication.

Nitric oxide-induced bacteriostasis and modification of iron-sulphur proteins in Escherichia coli.

The nitric oxide (NO) cytotoxicity has been well documented in bacteria and mammalian cells. However, the underlying mechanism is still not fully understood. Here we report that transient NO exposure effectively inhibits cell growth of Escherichia coli in minimal medium under anaerobic growth conditions and that cell growth is restored when the NO-exposed cells are either supplemented with the branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) anaerobically or returned to aerobic growth conditions. The enzyme activity measurements show that dihydroxyacid dehydratase (IlvD), an iron-sulphur enzyme essential for the BCAA biosynthesis, is completely inactivated in cells by NO with the concomitant formation of the IlvD-bound dinitrosyl iron complex (DNIC). Fractionation of the cell extracts prepared from the NO-exposed cells reveals that a large number of different protein-bound DNICs are formed by NO. While the IlvD-bound DNIC and other protein-bound DNICs are stable in cells under anaerobic growth conditions, they are efficiently repaired under aerobic growth conditions even without new protein synthesis. Additional studies indicate that L-cysteine may have an important role in repairing the NO-modified iron-sulphur proteins in aerobically growing E. coli cells. The results suggest that cellular deficiency to repair the NO-modified iron-sulphur proteins may directly contribute to the NO-induced bacteriostasis under anaerobic conditions.

[Effect of bismuth glycyrrhizate on experimental gastric ulcers and its mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ulcer-preventive effect of bismuth glycyrrhizate on experimental gastric ulcer and its mechanisms. METHOD: Three kinds of model animals with experimental gastric ulcer were established and gastric mucosal injuries were induced by pyloric ligation in rats, applying ethanol in rats and imposing stress in mice, respectively. The rats were divided into experimental groups treated with bismuth glycyrrhizat 700, 350, 175 mg kg(-1), positive control group treated with cimetidine (200 mg kg(-1), and negative control group treated with 0.1% EDTA. The mice were divided into experimental groups treated with bismuth glycyrrhiza 980, 490, 250 mg kg(-1). The gastric ulcer index, gastric juice volume, acidity, pepsin activity, the level of nitric oxide (NO) in serum and the level of prostaglandin E2 in gastric tissue were measured in rats. RESULT: Bismuth glycyrrhizate was shown to be able to reduce the gastric juice volume, acidity and pepsin activity as well as gastric ulcer index. It could increase the content of NO in serum and the content of prostaglandin E2 in gastric tissue. CONCLUSION: The bismuth glycyrrhizate has antiulcer effect in rats.

[Effect of lycium barbarum L on defending free radicals of mice caused by hypoxia].

The effect of Lycium Barbarum L. (LB) on the free radical defending system during hypoxia was tested. Fifty six mice were divided into 3 groups. Experimental mice were fed with LB and the control mice were fed with distilled water by tube feeding for 16 days. Animals were put into each enclosed bottle for testing the effect of hypoxia. The results showed that LB treatment could not prolong the survival time (P > 0.05), but increase the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase(CAT) and total anti-oxidative capacity as compared with the control group(P < 0.05). The study indicated that LB could not increase the hypoxic tolerance, but it might have a protective effect on free radical injury caused by hypoxia.