Phytomedicine Fructus Aurantii-derived two absorbed compounds unlock antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions via modulating 5-HT3/GHSR.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Fructus Aurantii (FA), a well-known phytomedicine, has been employed to evoke antidepressant and prokinetic multi-functions. Therein, systematically identifying bioactive components and the referred mechanism is essential for FA. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was planned to answer "2 W" (What and Why), such as which components and pathways contribute to FA's multi-functions. We aimed to identify bioactive compounds as the key for opening the lock of FA's multi-functions, and the molecule mechanisms are their naturally matched lock cylinder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The phytochemical content of FA extract was determined, and the compounds were identified in rats pretreated with FA using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The contribution strategy was used to assess bioactive compounds' efficacy (doses = their content in FA) in model rats with the mechanism. The changes in functional brain regions were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD). RESULT: Eight phytochemicals' content was detected, and merely six components were identified in rats in vivo. Meranzin hydrate + hesperidin (MH), as the primary contributor of FA, exerted antidepressant and prokinetic effects (improvement of indexes for immobility time, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, CRH, ghrelin, ACTH, DA, NA, 5-HT, CORT, and 5-HT3) by regulating 5-HT3/Growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) pathway. These results were validated by 5-HT2A, 5-HT3, and GHSR receptor antagonists combined with molecule docking. MH restored the excessive BOLD activation of the left accumbens nucleus, left corpus callosum and hypothalamus preoptic region. CONCLUSION: Absorbed MH accounts for FA's anti-depressant and prokinetic efficacy in acutely-stressed rats, primarily via 5-HT3/GHSR shared regulation.

Meranzin Hydrate Improves Depression-Like Behaviors and Hypomotility via Ghrelin and Neurocircuitry.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether meranzin hydrate (MH) can alleviate depression-like behavior and hypomotility similar to Chaihu Shugan Powder (CSP), and further explore the potential common mechanisms. METHODS: Totally 120 Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5-8 groups including sham, vehicle, fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), mosapride (10 mg/kg), CSP (30 g/kg), MH (9.18 mg/kg), [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (Dlys, 0.5 mg/kg), and MH+Dlys groups by a random number table, 8 rats in each group. And 32 mice were randomly divided into wild-type, MH (18 mg/kg), growth hormone secretagogue receptor-knockout (GHSR-KO), and GHSR+MH groups, 8 mice in each group. The forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), gastric emptying (GE) test, and intestinal transit (IT) test were used to assess antidepressant and prokinetic (AP) effects after drug single administration for 30 min with absorbable identification in rats and mice, respectively. The protein expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) in the hippocampus of rats were evaluated by Western blot. The differences in functional brain changes were determined via 7.0 T functional magnetic resonance imaging-blood oxygen level-dependent (fMRI-BOLD). RESULTS: MH treatment improved depression-like behavior (FST, OFT) and hypomotility (GE, IT) in the acute forced swimming (FS) rats (all P<0.05), and the effects are similar to the parent formula CSP. The ghrelin antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 inhibited the effect of MH on FST and GE (P<0.05). Similarly, MH treatment also alleviated depression-like behavior (FST, TST) in the wild-type mice, however, no effects were found in the GHSR KO mice. Additionally, administration of MH significantly stimulated BDNF and p-mTOR protein expressions in the hippocampus (both P<0.01), which were also prevented by [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (P<0.01). Besides, 3 main BOLD foci following acute FS rats implicated activity in hippocampus-thalamus-basal ganglia (HTB) circuits. The [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 synchronously inhibited BOLD HTB foci. As expected, prokinetic mosapride only had effects on the thalamus and basal ganglia, but not on the hippocampus. Within the HTB, the hippocampus is implicated in depression and FD. CONCLUSIONS: MH accounts for part of AP effects of parent formula CSP in acute FS rats, mainly via ghrelin-related shared regulation coupled to BOLD signals in brain areas. This novel functionally connection of HTB following acute stress, treatment, and regulation highlights anti-depression unified theory.

Acupuncture for menstruation-related migraine prophylaxis: A multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture, an alternative medicine therapy, as a preventive treatment for menstruation-related migraine (MRM). Patients and methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, double-dummy, participant-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in China between 1 April 2013, and 30 April 2014. The participants were enrolled from four study centers and randomized to into either the acupuncture group, which received 24 sessions of acupuncture at traditional acupoints plus placebo, or the medication group, which received sham acupuncture plus naproxen. The primary endpoint was change from the baseline average number of migraine days per perimenstrual period over cycles 1-3. The secondary endpoints included changes from the baseline average number of migraine days outside the perimenstrual period, mean number of migraine hours during and outside the perimenstrual period, mean visual analog scale score during and outside the perimenstrual period, ≥50% migraine responder rate, and the proportion of participants who used acute pain medication over cycles 1-3 and 4-6. Results: A total of 172 women with MRM were enrolled; 170 in the intention-to-treat analyses. Our primary outcome reported a significant between-group difference that favored the acupuncture group (95% CI, 0.17-0.50; P < 0.001), with the average reduction of migraine days per perimenstrual period from the baseline was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.82-1.07) in the acupuncture group and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.50-0.71) in the medication group over cycles 1-3. Conclusion: This study showed that compared to medication, acupuncture reduces the number of migraine days experienced by patients with MRM. For patients who received the acupuncture treatment over three cycles, the preventive effect of the therapy was sustained for six cycles. Clinical trial registration: [https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN57133712], identifier [ISRCTN15663606].

Inherent Flame-Retardant, Humid Environment Stable and Blue Luminescent Polyamide Elastomer Regulated by Siloxane Moiety.

The rapid development of the polymeric materials market has created an urgent demand for the thermoplastic polyamide elastomer (TPAE) owing to its greater functionality, and ability to be synthesized via a facile and industrial route. In this work, a series of novel silicone-containing polyamides (PA1212/Si12) were successfully synthesized from 1,12-dodecarboxylic acid (LA), 1,12-dodecarbondiamine (DMDA), and 1,3-bis (amino-propyl) tetramethyldisiloxane (BATS), via a one-pot melt polycondensation method in the absence of a catalyst. FTIR, 1H-NMR, GPC and inherent viscosity results cohesively prove that the polymerization of monomers was well conducted, and the chemical structure was in high accordance with the design. As expected, the Si12 unit-content of the copolymers regulate the properties of the series. As the feeding ratio of BATS in the diamines increases from 5 mol% to 40 mol%, the thermal transition temperatures, Tg and Tm, decline steadily before finally stabilizing at ~6 °C and 160 °C, respectively, indicating that the co-polyamides possess improved chain flexibility but restricted crystallization ability. The conspicuous evolution in crystalline morphology of the series was observed by XRD and AFM. The increased PA Si12 phase induces the crystallized PA 1212 phase to transit from a thermally-favorable large and rigid crystal structure (α phase) to a kinetically-favorable small and ductile crystal structure (γ phase). Reflected in their stress-strain behavior, PA1212/Si12 copolymers are successfully tailored from rigid plastic to ductile elastomer. The tensile strength mildly drops from above 40 MPa to ~30 MPa while the reversible elongation increases from ~50% to approximately 350%. Accordingly, the moderate surface tension differences in the monomers facilitate the efficient conduction of the co-polymerization process, and the distributed short siloxane unit in the backbone fulfills the copolymer with desirable elasticity. Interestingly, the novel silicone-containing polyamides also display Si12 unit-content dependent flame retardancy, humidity stability, and unconventional solid-state fluorescence properties. The elastomers exhibit a low bibulous rate and anti-fouling characteristics to dye droplets and mud contamination, pass the V-1 rating (UL 94) with a constantly declining PHRR value, and emit blue luminescence under a 365 nm light source. Herein, we propose a new facile strategy for developing a high-performance and multifunctional silicone-modified polyamide, which bears promising industrialization potential. In addition, this first reported silicone-containing thermoplastic polyamide elastomer, which is self-extinguishing, anti-fouling and blue-luminescent, will further broaden the application potential of thermoplastic polyamide elastomers.

[Screening of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Artemisia argyi].

Artemisia Argyi Folium, a traditional Chinese medicine of important medicinal and economic value, sees increasing demand in medicinal and moxibustion product market. Screening stable and reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) is a prerequisite for the analysis of gene expression in Artemisia argyi. In this study, eight commonly used reference genes, Actin, 18s, EF-1α, GAPDH, SAND, PAL, TUA, and TUB, from the transcriptome of A. argyi, were selected as candidate genes. The expression of each gene in different tissues(roots, stems, and leaves) of A. argyi and in leaves of A. argyi after treatment with methyl jasmonate(MeJA) for different time(0, 4, 8, 12 h) was detected by qRT-PCR. Then, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCT, and RefFinder were employed to evaluate their expression stability. The results demonstrated that Actin was the most stable reference gene in different tissues and in leaves treated with MeJA, and coming in the second was SAND. Furthermore, the expression of DXS and MCT which are involved in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was detected in different tissues and after MeJA treatment. The results showed that the expression patterns of DXS and MCT in different tissues and under MeJA treatment calculated with Actin and SAND as internal reference genes were consistent, which validated the screening results. In conclusion, Actin is the most suitable reference gene for the analysis of gene expression in different tissues of A. argyi and after MeJA treatment. This study provides valuable information for gene expression analysis in A. argyi and lays a foundation for further research on molecular mechanism of quality formation of Artemisia Argyi Folium.

Screening of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in Artemisia argyi / 中国中药杂志

Artemisia Argyi Folium, a traditional Chinese medicine of important medicinal and economic value, sees increasing demand in medicinal and moxibustion product market. Screening stable and reliable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR) is a prerequisite for the analysis of gene expression in Artemisia argyi. In this study, eight commonly used reference genes, Actin, 18s, EF-1α, GAPDH, SAND, PAL, TUA, and TUB, from the transcriptome of A. argyi, were selected as candidate genes. The expression of each gene in different tissues(roots, stems, and leaves) of A. argyi and in leaves of A. argyi after treatment with methyl jasmonate(MeJA) for different time(0, 4, 8, 12 h) was detected by qRT-PCR. Then, geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ΔCT, and RefFinder were employed to evaluate their expression stability. The results demonstrated that Actin was the most stable reference gene in different tissues and in leaves treated with MeJA, and coming in the second was SAND. Furthermore, the expression of DXS and MCT which are involved in terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was detected in different tissues and after MeJA treatment. The results showed that the expression patterns of DXS and MCT in different tissues and under MeJA treatment calculated with Actin and SAND as internal reference genes were consistent, which validated the screening results. In conclusion, Actin is the most suitable reference gene for the analysis of gene expression in different tissues of A. argyi and after MeJA treatment. This study provides valuable information for gene expression analysis in A. argyi and lays a foundation for further research on molecular mechanism of quality formation of Artemisia Argyi Folium.

[Effect of Tongluo Zhitong (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53 /miR-502-5p /NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe effects of Tongluo Zhitong (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53, miR-502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore mechanism of TLZT gel preparation in treating KOA. METHODS: Thirthy-six Wistar rats aged 8 weeks and weighed 200 to 220 g (meaned 208 g) were randomly divided into normal group, model group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, 12 rats in each group. KOA model was established by modified Hulth method. After 4 weeks of modeling, TCM group treated with TLZT gel preparation for external use, 3 times daily for 2 weeks;normal group and model group were fed normally without intervention. After treatment, morphological changes of specimens in each group were observed, changes of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR, and contents of p53, NF-κBp65, IL-1ß, TNF-α, MMP-13 in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR and Western Blot respectively. RESULTS: (1)Morphological observation of specimens showed that the articular cartilage in model group was hyaline and uneven, the synovial membranes were hypertrophic and proliferative with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating, the joint fluid was thicker in texture;the articular cartilage in TCM group was more transparent and smooth, synovial hyperplasia was mild with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, the texture of articular fluid was clear and sparse. (2) Compared with normal group, content of miR-502-5p of synovial tissue in model and TCM group were increased, mRNA and expression of p53 decreased, expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1ß, TNF-α, MMP-13 increased. (3)Compared with model group, content of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue of TCM group decreased (P<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of p53 increased (P<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1ß, TNF-α, MMP-13 decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Expression of p53, miR-502 -5p, NF -κBp65 in synovial tissue is closely related to synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory reaction, TLZT gel preparation may reduce proliferation and inflammatory reaction of KOA synovium by regulating the expression of p53, miR- 502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissues.

Effect of (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53 /miR-502-5p /NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To observe effects of (, TLZT) gel preparation on p53, miR-502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissue of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore mechanism of TLZT gel preparation in treating KOA.@*METHODS@#Thirthy-six Wistar rats aged 8 weeks and weighed 200 to 220 g (meaned 208 g) were randomly divided into normal group, model group and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, 12 rats in each group. KOA model was established by modified Hulth method. After 4 weeks of modeling, TCM group treated with TLZT gel preparation for external use, 3 times daily for 2 weeks;normal group and model group were fed normally without intervention. After treatment, morphological changes of specimens in each group were observed, changes of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR, and contents of p53, NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 in synovial tissue were detected by qPCR and Western Blot respectively.@*RESULTS@#(1)Morphological observation of specimens showed that the articular cartilage in model group was hyaline and uneven, the synovial membranes were hypertrophic and proliferative with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating, the joint fluid was thicker in texture;the articular cartilage in TCM group was more transparent and smooth, synovial hyperplasia was mild with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, the texture of articular fluid was clear and sparse. (2) Compared with normal group, content of miR-502-5p of synovial tissue in model and TCM group were increased, mRNA and expression of p53 decreased, expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 increased. (3)Compared with model group, content of miR-502-5p in synovial tissue of TCM group decreased (<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of p53 increased (<0.05), mRNA and protein expression of NF-κBp65, IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-13 decreased (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Expression of p53, miR-502 -5p, NF -κBp65 in synovial tissue is closely related to synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory reaction, TLZT gel preparation may reduce proliferation and inflammatory reaction of KOA synovium by regulating the expression of p53, miR- 502-5p, NF-κBp65 in synovial tissues.

Effect and Potential Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Add-On Treatment in Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Objectives. To explore effectiveness and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) add-on treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods. Fifty PD patients were randomly assigned to drug plus EA (D + EA) group and drug alone (D) group. Subjects in D + EA group received stimulation in points of bilateral fengfu, fengchi, hegu, and central dazhui. Participants were evaluated by scales for motor and nonmotor symptoms. Levels of neuroinflammatory factors and neurotransmitters in serum were detected. Results. EA add-on treatment remarkably reduced scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III and its subitems of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia and conspicuously decreased UPDRS III scores in patients with bradykinesia-rigidity and mixed types and mild severity. Depression and sleep disturbances were eased, which were reflected by decreased scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and elevated noradrenaline level. Effects of EA add-on treatment on motor symptoms and sleep disturbances were superior to drug alone treatment, markedly improving life quality of PD patients. EA add-on treatment decreased nitric oxide level in serum. Conclusions. EA add-on treatment is effective on most motor symptoms and some nonmotor symptoms and is particularly efficacious in PD patients at early stage. Antineuroinflammation may be a mechanism of EA add-on treatment.

Cytotoxic biflavones from Stellera chamaejasme.

Bioassay-guided phytochemical studies on Stellera chamaejasme led to the isolation of two new biflavones, chamaejasmenin E (1) and chamaejasmin D (2), together with ten known compounds. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and their absolute configurations on 2, 3, 2″ and 3″ were confirmed by TDDFT quantum chemical calculated ECD spectra combined with experimental ECD spectra. All isolated biflavones were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against Bel-7402 and A549 tumor cell lines, and sikokianin D (3) was found to possess the most potential cytotoxic activities against both the two cell lines with IC50 values of 1.29 ± 0.21 and 0.75 ± 0.25 µM, respectively. Moreover, some structure-function relationships of these bioflavones for cytotoxic activities were explored and summarized.

[Metabolomics analysis revealing multiple compounds changed in rhubarb after processing].

Untargeted metabolomics analysis of rhubarb and stewed rhubarb samples shows that the determined samples clearly clustered in to two groups, indicating that the processing procedures caused changes in the composition and/or content of components in rhubarb. Ten components were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and references, which intensity declined in rhubarb after processing. Targeted metabolomics analysis of rhubarb and stewed rhubarb samples indicated that aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin and physcion were detected with lower intensity in stewed rhubarb samples than in rhubarb samples. Metabolomics analysis of rhubarb and stewed rhubarb indicated the various components of rhubarb changed after processing.

Acupuncture as prophylaxis for menstrual-related migraine: study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Menstrual-related migraine is a common form of migraine affecting >50% of female migraineurs. Acupuncture may be a choice for menstrual-related migraine, when pharmacological prophylaxis is not suitable. However, the efficacy of acupuncture has not been confirmed. We design and perform a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture compared with naproxen in menstrual-related migraine patients. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicenter, single blind, randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 184 participants will be randomly assigned to two different groups. Participants will receive verum acupuncture and placebo medicine in the treatment group, while participants in the control group will be treated with sham acupuncture and medicine (Naproxen Sustained Release Tablets). All treatments will be given for 3 months (menstrual cycles).The primary outcome measures are the change of migraine days inside the menstrual cycle and the proportion of responders (defined as the proportion of patients with at least a 50% reduction in the number of menstrual migraine days). The secondary outcome measures are the change of migraine days outside the menstrual cycle, duration of migraine attack, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and intake of acute medication. The assessment will be made at baseline (before treatment), 3 months (menstrual cycles), and 4 months (menstrual cycles) after the first acupuncture session. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial will be helpful to supply the efficacy of acupuncture for menstrual-related migraine prophylaxis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN: ISRCTN57133712.

[Value of cerebral spinal fluid measurement of hypocretin-1 in the diagnosis of Chinese patients with narcolepsy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic value of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) measurement of hypocretin-1 (hcrt-1) in Chinese patients with narcolepsy. METHODS: A total of 139 narcoleptic patients, including 111 narcolepsy with typical cataplexy (NC) and 28 narcolepsy without cataplexy (NWC), were diagnosed at the sleep centre of Peking University People's Hospital from April 2003 to March 2012. And 64 non-narcoleptic controls were recruited. CSF hcrt-1 levels were measured in all subjects.Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to determine the cutoff value of hcrt-1 for Chinese narcoleptic patients. The diagnostic utility of hcrt-1 ≤ 110.0 ng/L and hcrt-1 ≤ 30% of mean normal level defined by International Classification of Sleep Disorders-II and the new Chinese cutoff value were evaluated respectively. RESULTS: The level of hcrt-1 in narcolepsy patients was significantly lower than that of normal controls and the NC group was even lower than NWC group (20 (13, 36) vs 319 (244, 379) and 36 (15, 114) ng/L) (all P < 0.01).Using the international criteria of CSF hcrt-1 ≤ 110.0 ng/L or a level of 1/3 of mean normal control values, a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 90.6% were generated.ROC curve indicated that CSF hcrt-1 level of 138.0 ng/L was the best cutoff value for the diagnosis of narcolepsy in Chinese narcoleptic patients. There were a specificity of 100%, a sensitivity of 92.8% and the area under the ROC curve of 0.98. CONCLUSIONS: CSF hcrt-1 measurement with high specificity and sensitivity is a useful diagnostic tool for Chinese narcoleptics. And the level of 138.0 ng/L may be the optimal cutoff for the diagnosis of narcolepsy in this group of patients.

An LC/MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitation of two homoisoflavones: protosappanin B and brazilin with hypoglycemic activity in rat plasma and its application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and streptozotocin-treated rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan L. (Leguminosae), a widely used Chinese medicine in folk, has been used for the treatment of traumatic injury, stasis pain, amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, as well as stabbing pain in the chest, abdomen and so on. Protosappanin B and brazilin, as the major bioactive homoisoflavones of Sappan Lignum, are used as the marker components for the quality control of the herb in China Pharmacopoeia. AIM OF THE STUDY: To establish a sensitive LC/MS/MS method for investigating the pharmacokinetic properties of protosappanin B and brazilin in rats after oral administration of Sappan Lignum extract, and compare their pharmacokinetics difference between normal and streptozotocin-treated rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A rapid, selective and sensitive LC/MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of protosappanin B and brazilin in rat plasma. Normal and streptozotocin-treated rats were orally administered with the Sappan Lignum extract at the same dose of 2.83 g extract/kg body weight (equivalent to 35.56 mg/kg of protosappanin B and 52.25 mg/kg of brazilin), respectively. RESULTS: After oral administration of Sappan Lignum extract, a remarkable increase (p<0.05) in the value of AUC0-24h, AUC0-∞, Cmax and T1/2 associated with protosappanin B and brazilin was observed in the streptozotocin-treated group. Compared with the normal rats, elimination of both compounds in the streptozotocin-treated rats was slower. CONCLUSION: The established method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetic behaviors of protosappanin B and brazilin in rat plasma after oral administration of Sappan Lignum extract between normal and streptozotocin-treated groups; the results might suggest the accumulation of both compounds in diabetic pathologic states and the adverse reaction should be considered when it was used.

[Clinical observation on cervical headache treated with acupuncture and fire needling technique].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy in cervical headache of acupuncture combined with fire needling and the simple acupuncture therapy. METHODS: One hundred and eighty cases were randomized into an acupuncture plus fire needling group (group A) and an acupuncture group (group B), 90 cases in each one. Baihui (GV 20), Wangu (GB 12), Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10) and Neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) were selected in the two groups. In group A, the fire needling technique was applied to all the above points before acupuncture with filiform needles. In group B, the acupuncture therapy was used only. The treatment was given once a day, the efficacy was compared between the two groups after 20 treatments. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 95.6% (86/90) in group A and was 84. 4% (76/90) in group B, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P<0.05). VAS were 7.44+/-1.26 and 0.73+/-l. 44 before and after treatment in group A separately, those were 7.56+/-1.07 and 2. 56+/-2. 99 in group B, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P<0.01). The difference in VAS after treatment was significant between the two groups. In group A, the follow-up visit was conducted at 3 months and 6 months after treatment for the cured cases. The total recurrence rate in the patients without bony pathological changes was 14.8% (4/27) and that in the patients with bony pathological changes was 43. 5% (10/23), there was significant difference between them (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of fire needling technique and filiform needle acupuncture improves the efficacy and sustains the efficacy especially on cervical headache without bony pathological changing.

Clinical observation on cervical headache treated with acupuncture and fire needling technique / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the efficacy in cervical headache of acupuncture combined with fire needling and the simple acupuncture therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and eighty cases were randomized into an acupuncture plus fire needling group (group A) and an acupuncture group (group B), 90 cases in each one. Baihui (GV 20), Wangu (GB 12), Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzhu (BL 10) and Neck-Jiaji (EX-B 2) were selected in the two groups. In group A, the fire needling technique was applied to all the above points before acupuncture with filiform needles. In group B, the acupuncture therapy was used only. The treatment was given once a day, the efficacy was compared between the two groups after 20 treatments.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 95.6% (86/90) in group A and was 84. 4% (76/90) in group B, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P<0.05). VAS were 7.44+/-1.26 and 0.73+/-l. 44 before and after treatment in group A separately, those were 7.56+/-1.07 and 2. 56+/-2. 99 in group B, indicating the significant difference in comparison (P<0.01). The difference in VAS after treatment was significant between the two groups. In group A, the follow-up visit was conducted at 3 months and 6 months after treatment for the cured cases. The total recurrence rate in the patients without bony pathological changes was 14.8% (4/27) and that in the patients with bony pathological changes was 43. 5% (10/23), there was significant difference between them (P<0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combined therapy of fire needling technique and filiform needle acupuncture improves the efficacy and sustains the efficacy especially on cervical headache without bony pathological changing.</p>

Efficacy of acupuncture for acute migraine attack: a multicenter single blinded, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture for acute migraine attacks comparing with sham acupuncture. DESIGN: The study was designed as a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING AND PATIENTS: From March 2007 to February 2009, 150 patients were randomly allocated to verum or sham acupuncture group in a ratio of 1:1. INTERVENTIONS: Every patient received a verum or sham acupuncture treatment when having a migraine attack and, medications were allowed if the pain failed to be relieved two hours after the acupuncture. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain ever). RESULTS: The mean VAS scores 24 hours after treatment decreased from 5.7 ± 1.4 to 3.3 ± 2.5 in the verum acupuncture group, and from 5.4 ± 1.3 to 4.7 ± 2.4 in the sham acupuncture group. Significant differences existed between the two groups (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This trial suggested that verum acupuncture group was superior to sham acupuncture group on relieving pain and reducing the usage of acute medication.

Efficacy of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis: a single-blinded, double-dummy, randomized controlled trial.

Insufficient clinical trial data were available to prove the efficacy of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. A multicenter, double-dummy, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at the outpatient departments of acupuncture at 5 hospitals in China to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture. A total of 140 patients with migraine without aura were recruited and assigned randomly to 2 different groups: the acupuncture group treated with verum acupuncture plus placebo and the control group treated with sham acupuncture plus flunarizine. Treated by acupuncture 3 times per week and drugs every night, patients from both groups were evaluated at week 0 (baseline), week 4, and week 16. The primary outcome was measured by the proportion of responders (defined as the proportion of patients with a reduction of migraine days by at least 50%). The secondary outcome measures included the number of migraine days, visual analogue scale (VAS, 0 to 10 cm) for pain, as well as the physical and mental component summary scores of the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). The patients in the acupuncture group had better responder rates and fewer migraine days compared with the control group (P<.05), whereas there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in VAS scores and SF-36 physical and mental component summary scores (P>.05). The results suggested that acupuncture was more effective than flunarizine in decreasing days of migraine attacks, whereas no significantly differences were found between acupuncture and flunarizine in reduction of pain intensity and improvement of the quality of life.

[Observation on therapeutic effects of different treatments for sudden deafness].

OBJECTIVE: To search for the best acupuncture treatment for sudden sensorineural deafness. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (group A), an electroacupuncture group (group B), an acupuncture pius acupoint injection group (group C), an electroacupuncture plus acupoint injection group (group D). Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Yifeng (TE 17), Fengchi (GB 20) on the affected side, and Shangxing (GV 23), Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Hegu (LI 4), Waiguan (TE 5), etc. were selected. The treatment was given once each day. Hearing was tested after treatment for 40 sessions and the therapeutic effects were compared. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 47.6% in the group A, 79.2% in the group B, 76.0% in the group C and 94.0% in the group D, the group D being the best and the group A being the worst, and with significant differences between the group D and the other groups (all P < 0.05). In the group D, the therapeutic effect for patients who received the treatment within 2 weeks after attack were superior to those who received the treatment over 2 weeks after attack (P < 0.05); the acupuncture therapeutic effect for the mild and moderate patients was superior to that of severe patients (P < 0.05); the acupuncture therapeutic effect for the patients less than 50 years old was superior to those more than 50 years old (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture plus acupoint injection is the heat therapy for sudden sensorineural deafness, and the timely intervention of acupuncture, the severity degree of the illness and the patient's age are all related to the prognosis of this disease.

Observation on therapeutic effects of different treatments for sudden deafness / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To search for the best acupuncture treatment for sudden sensorineural deafness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and eighty-seven patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (group A), an electroacupuncture group (group B), an acupuncture pius acupoint injection group (group C), an electroacupuncture plus acupoint injection group (group D). Ermen (TE 21), Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Yifeng (TE 17), Fengchi (GB 20) on the affected side, and Shangxing (GV 23), Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Hegu (LI 4), Waiguan (TE 5), etc. were selected. The treatment was given once each day. Hearing was tested after treatment for 40 sessions and the therapeutic effects were compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 47.6% in the group A, 79.2% in the group B, 76.0% in the group C and 94.0% in the group D, the group D being the best and the group A being the worst, and with significant differences between the group D and the other groups (all P < 0.05). In the group D, the therapeutic effect for patients who received the treatment within 2 weeks after attack were superior to those who received the treatment over 2 weeks after attack (P < 0.05); the acupuncture therapeutic effect for the mild and moderate patients was superior to that of severe patients (P < 0.05); the acupuncture therapeutic effect for the patients less than 50 years old was superior to those more than 50 years old (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture plus acupoint injection is the heat therapy for sudden sensorineural deafness, and the timely intervention of acupuncture, the severity degree of the illness and the patient's age are all related to the prognosis of this disease.</p>