Decreased exosome-delivered miR-486-5p is responsible for the peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells by promoting EMT progress.

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to investigate the preliminary mechanism underlying the peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Exosomes from GC9811 cells (Con-Exo) and from GC9811-P cells (PM-Exo) were extracted by ultracentrifugation, which were identified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle trafficking analysis, as well as the expression of CD9, CD63, and CD81 detected by Western blot assay. α-SMA expression was determined by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot assay. The levels of Snail1, E-cadherin, and Actin-related protein 3 (ACTR3) were evaluated by Western blot assay. MiRNA array was performed on exosomes to screen the differentially expressed miRNAs. The expressions of miRNAs, SMAD2, CDK4, and ACTR3 were determined by QRT-PCR. The delivery of miR-486-5p was confirmed by laser confocal detection. RESULTS: Firstly, TEM, nanoparticle trafficking analysis, and Western blot assays were used to confirm the successful extraction of Con-Exo and PM-Exo. The incubation of Con-Exo and PM-Exo could decrease E-cadherin expression and increase of α-SMA respectively in HMrSV5 cells, with the increased proportion of fusiform cells. More significant changes were observed in PM-Exo-treated HMrSV5 cells. Secondary, compared to Con-Exo, miR-486-5p and miR-132-3p were found downregulated, and miR-132-5p was found upregulated in PM-Exo. The transfection of miR-486-5p and miR-132-3p was observed to suppress EMT, and the transfection of miR-132-3p was observed to induce EMT. Laser confocal detection confirmed the delivery of miR-486-5p from gastric cancer cells to HMrSV5 cells through exosomes. Lastly, the expression of Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (SMAD2), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and ACTR3 was found to be downregulated via miR-486-5p. CONCLUSION: Decreased delivery of miR-486-5p via exosomes might be responsible for the peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer cells by promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress.

[Effects of biocontrol strain BZJN1 and streptoprofen on physicochemical properties and bacteria structure of rhizosphere soil of Atractylodes macrocephala].

Soil microorganisms are one of the important biological indictors of soil quality and can reflct the comprehensive ecological environment characteristics of the soil. The research of soil microbial diversity is the key to know the ecological functions and balance with soil. In this paper, high-throughput sequencing on PCR-amplified 16 S rRNA gene V3-V4 fragments was used to determine the bacterial diversity in rhizosphere soil of A. macrocephala under the treatment with BZJN1 or streptoprofen. The results showed that there were no significant differences of the bacteria in A. macrocephala rhizosphere soil of the streptoprofen treatment group and the biocontrol BZJN1 treatment group. All the soil bacteria was classified into 25 categories,67 classes, 108 orders, 167 families and 271 generas, except some unidentified bacteria. Proteobacteria(30.7%-34.8%) was the dominant phylum, of which Alphaproteobacteria(16.8%-18.5%) was the dominant subgroup. Compared with the control group, the relative abundance of multiple phylums bacteria in the rhizosphere soil of A. macrocephala was significantly changed in the streptoprofen treatment group and the biocontrol BZJN1 treatment group. In addition, RDA analysis showed that there was connection with different environmental factors and microbial communities. The abundance of the three genera in the rhizosphere soil of A. macrocephala was significantly positively correlated with Invertase, Urease and AP. PICRUSt function prediction results showed that BZNJ1 could enhance some bacterial functions and promote the plant growth. Biocontrol is a new type of green and safety control pest method. BZNJ1 significantly enhances some bacterial functions on the basis of effectively preventing root rot of A. macrocephala and promoting plant growth, and has no significant effect on the soil bacterial community structure. All the results can provide theoretical support for popularization of BZNJ1.

History and mechanism for treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage with scalp acupuncture.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is an important public health problem with high rates of mortality, morbidity, and disability, but no clinically proven treatment strategy is available to date. Scalp acupuncture (SA) refers to a therapy for treating diseases by needling and stimulating the specific areas of the scalp. The evidence from clinical studies suggested that SA therapy may produce significant benefits for patients with acute ICH. However, the therapeutic mechanisms are yet not well addressed. Therefore, in this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview on the history and mechanisms of SA therapy on acute ICH. Although SA has been practiced for thousands of years in China and could date back to 5 BC, SA therapy for acute ICH develops only in the recent 30 years. The possible mechanisms associated with the therapeutic effects of SA on ICH include the influence on hematoma, brain edema, and blood brain barrier, the products released from haematoma, the immune and inflammatory reaction, focal perihemorrhagic hypoperfusion and hemorheology, neuroelectrophysiology, and so on. At last, the existence of instant effect of SA on acute ICH and its possible mechanisms are presented.

Electroacupuncture Ameliorates CUMS-induced Depression-like Behavior: Involvement of the Glutamatergic System and Apoptosis in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Converging evidence indicates that the glutamatergic system and glia are directly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Clinical studies indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) has anti-depressant-like effects with low side effects for depression. However, the underlying antidepressant mechanism of acupuncture remains obscure. METHODS: Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive rats were used to induce depressive-like behavior and evaluated by the weight change, open field test, sucrose preference test, and novelty suppressed feeding test. EA, NMDA receptor subunit 2A antagonist (NR2A RA) or NMDA receptor subunit 2B antagonist (NR2B RA) was used for comparison. Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed to detect the content of hippocampal glutamate, while western blot was performed for the hippocampal protein expression levels of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Bax, caspase 3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). The distribution of glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2A (NR2A), neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (NR2B), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Significant depression behavior (reduced body weight and sucrose preference, increased feeding and immobility time) was produced in CUMS-induced depressive rats, which was reversed significantly by EA. EA decreased hippocampal glutamate level. EA led to a significant decrease in expression levels of Bax, caspase 3, and CaMK II accompanied by increased Bcl-2 expression levels. Furthermore, EA significantly increased NR2A expression level as well as decreased NR2B expression level in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION: EA ameliorated depression-like behavior in CUMS rats, which might be mediated, at least in part, by regulating the glutamate, NMDA receptors, and apoptosis in the hippocampus.

[Professor GAO Zhen-wu's experience in "quick and slow needling technique" of acupuncture].

On the base of the theory on "the subtlety of acupuncture relying on the quick or slow needle insertion by the timing" recorded in the Chapter One of Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot) and the clinical application, professor GAO Zhen-wu created three core factors of "quick and slow needling technique" of acupuncture and summarized in the paper. The speed of deqi after needle insertion indicates the rising and falling of vital qi and pathogen in the body, which guides the selection of corresponding reinforcing or reducing needling techniques. At the stage of needle manipulation and the regulation of qi activity, the quick or slow insertion and withdrawal of needle and needle manipulation, as well as the duration of needle retaining may control the speed of qi arrival. At the stage of the change in qi transformation after needling, the speed of qi activity should be observed carefully before and after needling so as to determine the effect of reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture. Gao 's idea on "quick and slow needling technique" of acupuncture runs through the whole process of acupuncture. It takes the speed of deqi as the core of reinforcing or reducing effect of acupuncture. This technique of acupuncture simplifies the operation of reinforcing and reducing procedure and is more applicable in clinical practice.

Authentication of Panax ginseng from its adulterants by PCR-RFLP and ARMS.

As a widely used and expensive herbal medicine, Panax ginseng has many adulterants in the commercial market. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) based on 5S rDNA sequence analysis were applied to identify two common adulterants of P. ginseng. The sizes of 5S rRNA gene non-transcribed spacers (NTS) sequences in P. ginseng and its adulterants were determined, ranging from 143 to 424 bp. The PCR product of P. ginseng only could be digested among the tested specimens because of its specific SpeI restriction site found in the 5S rDNA sequence. In addition, P. ginseng was successfully identified from compound medicinal preparations and from the Single-Taste medicines. These results suggest that the methods are able to authenticate P. ginseng.

[Construction on ISSR fingerprint of Magnolia officinalis from Enshi in Hubei province].

OBJECTIVE: To establish the ISSR fingerprint of the cortex of Magnolia officinalis produced from Enshi. METHODS: Cultivar and habit identification was based on Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). RESULTS: Two ISSR primes could be used to construct the ISSR fingerprint of M. officinalis from Enshi. CONCLUSION: The ISSR marker is an effective method for the cultivar and habit identification of the cortex of M. officinralis.

Expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy.

AIM: To study the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha converting enzyme (TACE) and evaluate its significance in liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in vivo. METHODS: Male SD rats underwent 70% partial hepatectomy. The remaining liver and spleen tissue samples were collected at indicated time points after hepatectomy. TACE expression was investigated by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and serial section immunostaining. RESULTS: Expression of TACE in liver and spleen tissues after partial hepatectomy was a time-dependent alteration, reaching a maximal level between 24 and 48 h and remaining elevated for more than 168 h. TACE protein was localized to mononuclear cells (MNC), which infiltrated the liver from the spleen after hepatectomy. The kinetics of TACE expression was in accordance with the number of TACE-staining MNCs and synchronized with those of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha). In addition, TACE-staining MNC partially overlapped with CD3+ T lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: TACE may be involved in liver regeneration by pathway mediated with TGFalpha-EGFR in the cell-cycle progressive phase in vivo. TACE production and effect by paracrine may be a pathway of involvement in liver regeneration for the activated CD3+ T lymphocytes.

[Effect of Acupuncture at "Taichong"(LR 3) and "Neiguan"(PC 6) on Blood Pressure and Contents of Aspartic Acid and Glutamic Acid in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla in Spontaneous Hypertension Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture stimulation of "Taichong" (LR 3) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) in spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR) by investigating its effects on blood pressure and contents of aspartic acid(Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) region. METHODS: A total of 75 SHR were randomized into model group, Taichong (LR 3) group, Neiguan (PC 6) group, LR 3+non-acupoint group and LR 3 + PC 6 group (n=15 rats in each group), and 15 Wistar rats of the same age were used as the normal control group. The filiform needles were inserted into the abovementioned acupoints and non-acupoint, twirled for a while and then retained for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once per day, 15 times in total. The rats' tail blood pressure was examined on day 1, 3, 7 and 15 after acupuncture treatment by using a non-invasive blood pressure monitor. At the end of experiment, the contents of Asp and Glu in the RVLM were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV technique. RESULTS: On day 1, 3, 7 and 15 after the acupuncture treatment, the raised systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MBP) of PC 6, LR 3, LR 3 + non-acupoint and LR 3 + PC 6 groups were all decreased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.05). On day 15, the effect of the LR 3 + PC 6 group was significantly superior to that of the LR 3, PC 6, and LR 3 + non-acupoint groups in reducing the levels of SBP, DBP, and MBP (P<0.05).Compared with the normal control group, the contents of Asp and Glu in RVLM were significantly higher in the model group (P<0.05). After acupuncture intervention, both Asp and Glu levels in the PC 6, LR 3, LR 3 + non-acupoint, and LR 3 + PC 6 groups were markedly lower in comparison with the model group (P<0.05), and those of the LR 3 + PC 6 group were notably lower than those in the LR 3 and PC 6 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture stimulation of PC 6, LR 3, LR 3 + non-acupoint and LR 3 + PC 6 (in particular) is effective in lowering blood pressure in spontaneous hypertension rats, which may be associated with its effects in lowering Asp and Glu contents in RVLM.

[Anatomical Study on Acupuncture Needle-insertion Routes of the "Nape Four Acupoints" in Human Corpse].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the routes of acupuncture needle-insertion of the "nape four acupoints"(BL 10,GB 20,GB 12, SJ 16)in the human cadavers and to explore the possible trigger-point location of cervical headache, so as to provide anatomic evidence for their clinical application. METHODS: Five human cadavers (male 3, female 2) were used in the present study. The needle inserting routes of the four acupoints Tianzhu (BL 10),Fengchi (GB 20),Wangu (GB 12) and Tianyou (SJ 16) at the nape were labeled with gentian violet first. The occipital tuberosity was taken as the original point, the horizontal projection of superior nuchal line as the abscissa, and the posterior median line as the ordinate, then, a two-dimension rectangular coordinate system was established to measure the horizontal projection of the "nape four points" and to estimate the trigger-point location, followed by making an analysis on their spatial relationship, and determining the reasonable routes of needle-insertion of the 4 acupoints. RESULTS: For the "nape four points", six needling-inserting routes or spots could be taken:(1) Tianzhu (BL 10) Ⅰ(perpendicular insertion), i.e., about 0.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline in parallel to BL 10; (2) Tianzhu (BL 10)Ⅱ(perpendicular insertion), about 0.6 cun lateral to the posterior midline at the skull base level; (3)Tianzhu(BL10) Ⅲ (perpendicular insertion),about 0.6 cun below the BL 10 and about 1.3 cun lateral to the posterior midline, or the right inferior of BL 10 for oblique insertion; (4) Fengchi (GB 20) Ⅰ (oblique insertion along the skull base toward the lower part of the nose-tip),about 2.25 cun lateral to the posterior midline at the depression site of the junction of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles on the upper portion in parallel to the skull base level and 2.25 cun lateral to the posterior midline; (5) Wangu(GB 12) Ⅰ(perpendicular insertion along the bone surface), about 0.7 cun above the GB 12, i.e., the inferior of the junction of the mastoid posterior root and the skull base; (6)Tianyou (SJ 16)Ⅰ, about 0.7 cun below the SJ 16, i.e., the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, being the same to SJ 16 in the operation. CONCLUSIONS: According to anatomical analysis, it is recommended to insert the acupuncture needles into the nape four acupoints along the Tianzhu (BL 10) Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Fengchi(GB 20)Ⅰ, Wangu (GB 12) Ⅰ and Tianyou(SJ 16)Ⅰ routes mentioned above for achieving a better therapeutic effect. Cervical headache may have a close relation with the trigger-points at the occipital nape.

Effects of Gingko biloba extract on gap junction changes induced by reperfusion/reoxygenation after ischemia/hypoxia in rat brain.

Gap junction communication between astrocytes plays an important role in the brain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Gingko biloba extract (GBE) on the changes of connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA and protein expression levels of rat cortex and hippocampus induced by ischemia-reperfusion and astrocyte gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) induced by hypoxia-reoxygenation. After 2 hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by 24 hours of reperfusion, there was obvious neurological deficit in rats. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels of rat cortex and hippocampus in the ischemia hemisphere were decreased significantly. When GBE at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight was administrated by p.o. daily for 7 days, the neurological deficit was improved, and lower Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels induced by ischemia-reperfusion were recovered to normal. The i.p. injection of nimodipine (0.7 mg/kg weight body) also showed improvement on neurological deficit and Cx43 expression levels. Astrocyte GJIC was measured by the fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Hypoxia-reoxygenation induced a significant decrease in GJIC. Pretreatment with GBE (100 mg/l) and nimodipine (1.6 mg/l) significantly prevented the hypoxia-reoxygenation inhibition of GJIC. These results suggest that GBE could exert its neuroprotective effects by improvement of Cx43 expression and GJIC induced by hypoxia/ischemia-reoxygenation/ reperfusion injury.

Effects of gingko biloba extract on glutamate-induced [Ca2+]i changes in cultured cortical astrocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 or L-glutamate injury.

AIM: To investigate glutamate-induced [Ca2+]i changes in cultured rat neonatal cortical astrocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 or high concentration of L-glutamate injury. In the meantime, the effects of Gingko biloba extract (GbE) were examined. METHODS: [Ca2+]i changes in astrocytes were monitored by laser scanning confocal microscopy with the Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent probe fluo-3. RESULTS: After astrocytes were impaired by hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 (50 micromol x L(-1)) or L-glutamate (0.25 mmol x L(-)), the exogenous glutamate (27 micromol x L(-1)) could not induce increase of [Ca2+]i, but decrease by (3.3 +/- 1.6)%, (81 +/- 11)% and (81 +/- 7)%, respectively. Pretreatment with GbE (10 mg x L(-1)) could not improve injured astrocytic glutamate response. But after pretreatment with GbE (100 mg x L(-1)), glutamate-induced [Ca2+]i elevation of astrocytes after hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 or high concentration of L-glutamate injury were (135 +/- 98)%, (117 +/- 93)% and (89 +/- 36)%, respectively. Nimodipine (1.6 mg x L(-1)) could also reverse the abnormal response of astrocytes after different injury. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia/reoxygenation, H2O2 and high concentration of L-glutamate impaired astrocytes' response to exogenous L-glutamate, and then bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons could not take place. GbE could improve the abnormal responses and maintain the normal function of astroglical network. These effects support that GbE has potential beneficial actions against brain injury.

[The impact of different duration of EA-pretreatment on expression of MMP-9 and VEGF in blood-brain barrier in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impact of preconditioning of EA stimulation of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shuigou" (GV 26) in different duration on expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in blood-brain barrier (BBB) tissues in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI). METHODS: Sixty-four male SD rats were randomly allocated to sham-operation (sham), model, EA-pretreatment 7 days (pre-t-7 d) and EA-pre-t-15 d groups (16 rats/group, 8 rats for immunohistochemistry and 8 for RT-PCR). The CI/RI model was established by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 90 min and reperfusion. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to GV 20 and GV 26 for 30 min, once daily for 7 days and 15 days respectively before modeling. Immunohistochemical staining and fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR were employed to detect the expression of MMP-9 protein, MMP-9 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the BBB tissues (choroid plexus). RESULTS: Compared with the sham group, the number of MMP-9 immuno-reaction positive cells, and the expression of MMP-9 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.001), while compared with the model group, the number of MMP-9 positive cells, and expression levels of MMP-9 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in the EA-pre-t-7 d and EA-pre-t-15 d groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the effects of EA-pre-t-15 d were markedly superior to those of EA-pre-t-7 d (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA-pretreatment of GV 20 and GV 26 can effectively restrain CI/RI-induced increase of expression of MMP-9 protein, MMP-9 mRNA and VEGF mRNA in blood-brain barrier in CI/RI rats, which may contribute to its protective effect of ischemic cerebral tissue. Longer EA-pretreatment is relatively better.

Protein extracts of Crassostrea gigas alleviate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by reducing the expression of CTGF, TGF-ß1 and NF-κB in liver tissues.

Hepatic fibrosis may contribute to liver carcinoma and the mortality of patients with hepatic fibrosis is gradually increasing. However, no definitive treatment has been established for hepatic fibrosis. The hepatic fibrotic process is reversible and can be controlled; therefore, the creation of novel and effective therapeutic methods to prevent or reverse the disease is required. The aim of the present study was to identify whether protein extracts from Pacific oysters (PEPO) could alleviate the hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 and to examine the mechanisms involved. A total of sixty rats were randomly divided into the following experimental groups: The normal control group; the hepatic fibrosis model group; the high­dose; medium­dose; and low­dose PEPO groups; and the colchicine group. The results indicated that compared with those of the model group, PEPO treatment significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ­glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, hyaluronic acid, laminin, collagen type IV and procollagen III in rats with hepatic fibrosis. The hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated that PEPO markedly alleviated hepatic fibrosis. The experiments using immunohistochemistry, western blotting and quantitative PCR indicated that protein and mRNA expression levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß­1) and nuclear factor κB (NF­κB) in the liver tissues were significantly reduced by PEPO treatment. Therefore, it was concluded that PEPO successfully alleviated hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 and reversed the effects of hepatotoxicity by regulating the serum levels of enzymes and decreasing the expression levels of CTGF, TGF­ß1 and NF­κB in liver tissues. These findings may provide a novel treatment option for patients with hepatic fibrosis in the future.

[Relationship between the levels of KAI1/CD82 and CD44 and the clinicopathological features of non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the relationship between levels of KAI1/CD82 and CD44 in lung carcinomas and their clinicopathological features, in association with the results of metastasis. METHODS: The expressions of KAI1/CD82 and CD44 in 45 patients with lung cancer were detected by flow-cytometry. Tissue samples 3 cm (control group 1) and 5 cm (control group 2) from the cancerous lesions and benign lesions from 30 patients (control group 3) were also studied, and the results were compared. RESULTS: The expression level of KAI1/CD82 protein in lung cancer was lower than that in other three groups (P < 0.01), while the expression level of CD44 was higher than that in other three groups (P < 0.01). The expression level of KAI1/CD82 in control group 1 was also lower than that in control group 2 and benign lesion group (P < 0.05). The expression level of CD44 was higher than that in control group 2 and benign lesion group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the expression level of CD44 and KAI1/CD82 in control group 2 and benign lesion group (P > 0.05). The expression level of KAI1/CD82 and CD44 were closely correlated with clinical staging, pathological differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01), but their expressions were not correlated with sex, age, tumor size and pathological type (P > 0.05). Statistic difference was found between KAI1/CD82 and CD44 in primary lesions and metastatic lesions (P < 0.01). There was an inversely correlation between the expression of CD44 and KAI1/CD82 in clinical staging and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: KAI1/CD82 and CD44 may play an important regulating role in the genesis, development and metastasis of lung cancer, and they may be used as potential markers for tumor metastasis.

[Acupuncture at "Siguan" combined with Gallbladder Meridian acupoints for migraine: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe and evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture at "Siguan" combined with the Gallbladder Meridian acupoints on migraine. METHODS: With randomized controlled trial design, 87 patients were randomly divided into an observation group (42 cases) and a control group (45 cases). The observation group was treated with acupuncture at "Siguan" including Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), combined with the Gallbladder Meridian acupoints including Fengchi (GB 20), Shuaigu (GB 8), Qiuxu (GB 40) and Zulinqi (GB 41), while the control group was treated with acupuncture at the Gallbladder Meridian acupoints, including Fengchi (GB 20), Shuaigu (GB 8), Qiuxu (GB 40), Zulinqi (GB 41), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Hanyan (GB 4). The treatment was given every other day in two groups, 3 times per week for totally 6 weeks. The migraine intensity, migraine frequency and lasting time of each migraine were observed before and after treatment, and 3-month follow-up was performed after treatment. The clinical efficacy in two groups was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with those before treatment, the migraine intensity, frequency and lasting time were all reduced significantly after treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01), which were more obvious in the observation group (all P<0.05). At the end of the treatment, the total effective rate was 95.2% (40/42) in the observation group and 80.0% (36/45) in the control group, which had statistical difference (P<0.05). After 3-month follow-up, the total effective rate was 88.1% (37/42) in the observation group and 75.6% (34/45) in the control group, which had no statistical difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The "Siguan" combined with the Gallbladder Meridian acupoints could significantly relieve the migraine intensity, frequency and lasting time, and its improvement of symptoms and short-term efficacy are superior to those of the Gallbladder Meridian acupoints alone.

[The short-term and long-term effects on neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis treated with combination of acupuncture and moxibustion with seed-sized moxa cone].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term and long-term effects on treatment of neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis with the combination of acupuncture and moxibustion with seed-size moxa cone. METHODS: One hundred and forty-five patients of neck pain were randomly divided into an acupuncture-moxibustion group (49 cases), an acupuncture group (48 cases) and a moxibustion group (48 cases). Acupoints of Bailao (Extra), Dazhui (GV 14), Jianzhongshu (SI15) and Zhongzhu (TE 3) were adopted for all the 3 groups. Acupuncture was applied at all the acupoints with 20 min needling retention for the acupuncture group. Moxibustion with seed-size moxa cone was used with 5 cones on each point for the moxibustion group. And both acupuncture and moxibustion with seed-size moxa cone were adopted for the acupuncture-moxibustion group. The treatment was applied once every 3 days, and 10 treatments should be finished within 4 weeks. Follow-up should be carried out for 3 months. The short-term and long-term effects were evaluated with the scores of Northwick Park Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) as the indices of therapeutic effect. RESULTS: The NPQ score and MPQ score of all the 3 groups after the treating course and the 3-month follow-up were both decreased when compared with those before the treatment (all P<0. 05). The scores of NPQ and MPQ the acupuncture-moxibustion group were lower than that of the other two groups. And the difference had obvious significance (P<0. 05). High efficiency of pain relieving for cervical spondylosis could be found in all the 3 groups, which showed that short-term and long-term effects were good for all the 3 groups. And the highest curative effect could be found in acupuncture-moxibustion group. CONCLUSION: Combination of acupuncture and moxibustion with seed-size moxa cone has reached a superior effect in short-term and long-term for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis.

[The present-stage advantage diseases of abdominal acupuncture from reports of clinical randomized controlled trial].

The reports of clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT) that takes abdominal acupuncture as main treatment are arranged in order to summarize its advantage diseases at current stage. Up to May 1st, 2012, 107 reports that meet the inclusion criteria are collected by computer retrieval in CBM database, CNKI, VIP, Wan fang database, PubMed, Embase and manual retrieval in outdated issue database of Guangzhou University of CM. Diseases that has better efficacy by abdominal acupuncture are summarized. There are 38 kinds of present-stage advantage diseases of abdominal acupuncture, including internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and dermatology, but those are far less than abdomen needle indications in the Abdominal Acupuncture Therapy written by Professor BO Zhi-yun. The doctors of abdominal acupuncture should not only pay attention to the application of RCT in clinical research to acquire high-quality reports, but also improve one's level of treatment and research of abdominal acupuncture to apply it into more specialist areas.

Acupuncture in treating hepatic fibrosis: a review with recommendation for future studies.

Hepatic fibrosis, as a major medical problem, is characterized with significant morbidity and mortality. Acupuncture has potential advantages in treating hepatic fibrosis as acupuncture functions well to reduce Qi and Blood stagnation, resolve stasis and enhance body immunity, which are important factors in treating hepatic fibrosis. The aim of this review was to appraise the current limited evidence of acupuncture in treating hepatic fibrosis from both animal experiments and clinical trials by using both Chinese and western databases and to provide recommendations for future studies.