Correlation analysis between disease severity and inflammation-related parameters in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is highly contagious, and the crude mortality rate could reach 49% in critical patients. Inflammation concerns on disease progression. This study analyzed blood inflammation indicators among mild, severe and critical patients, helping to identify severe or critical patients early. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 patients were included and divided into mild, severe or critical groups according to disease condition. Correlation of peripheral blood inflammation-related indicators with disease criticality was analyzed. Cut-off values for critically ill patients were speculated through the ROC curve. RESULTS: Significantly, disease severity was associated with age (R = -0.564, P < 0.001), interleukin-2 receptor (IL2R) (R = -0.534, P < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (R = -0.535, P < 0.001), interleukin-8 (IL-8) (R = -0.308, P < 0.001), interleukin-10 (IL-10) (R = -0.422, P < 0.001), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) (R = -0.322, P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (R = -0.604, P < 0.001), ferroprotein (R = -0.508, P < 0.001), procalcitonin (R = -0.650, P < 0.001), white cell counts (WBC) (R = -0.54, P < 0.001), lymphocyte counts (LC) (R = 0.56, P < 0.001), neutrophil count (NC) (R = -0.585, P < 0.001) and eosinophil counts (EC) (R = 0.299, P < 0.001). With IL2R > 793.5 U/mL or CRP > 30.7 ng/mL, the progress of COVID-19 to critical stage should be closely observed and possibly prevented. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation is closely related to severity of COVID-19, and IL-6 and TNFα might be promising therapeutic targets.

[Effect of Guishen Pill on expression levels of Oct-4, MVH, and Egr-1 in mice with diminished ovarian reserve].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Guishen Pill (GSP) on expression levels of Oct-4, MVH, and Egr-1 in mice with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS: Totally 40 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, the normal control group, the model group, the GSP group, and the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) group, 10 in each group. Pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) were sequentially administrated to produce superovulation. The DOR model was established by exposing to ozone inhalation. Mice in the GSP group were intragastrically administered with GSP at 0.3 mL. Those in the DHEA group were intragastrically administered with DHEA at 0.3 mL. Equal volume of normal saline was intragastrically administered to mice in the normal control group and the model group. All mice wer treated for 21 days. Serum levels of estrogen (E2), progestogen (P), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) were measured by ELISA. Changes of Oct-4, anti-AMH, and early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) mRNA in ovaries were dtected by Real-time PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, serum levels of E2, P, and AMH, as well as contents of estrogen receptor (ER), progestogen receptor (PR), MVH, and Oct-4 mRNA significantly increased in the GSP group and the DHEA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: GSP could improve expression levels of Oct-4, MVH, and Egr-1 mRNA in DOR mice and their ovarian function.

Effects of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe and its two components on endometrial morphology during peri-implantation in superovulated mice.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe (BSATR) and its two components (Bushen recipe, and Huoxue recipe) on endometrial morphology during peri-implantation in superovulated mice. Mice were randomly divided into five groups, including the normal (N), model (M), Bushen (BS), Huoxue (HX) and Bu-Shen-An-Tai (BH) groups. The uteri were collected on day 4 of pregnancy, and the endometrium thickness, microvessel density (MVD) and number of pinopodes observed. Compared with the M group, the endometrial thickness in the BS, HX and BH groups was significantly increased and there was a significant difference in endometrial thickness between the BS and the BH groups. The mean MVD was significantly lower in the M group than in the N group, and there was a significant increase in MVD in the BS, HX and BH groups as compared with the M group. Compared with the M group, the pinopode scores in the endometrium were significantly increased in the HX and BH groups; and the BS group had significantly higher pinipode scores than the HX and BH groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrated that the recipes (Bushen, Huoxue and BSATR) could improve the endometrial environment by regulating the endometrial thickness, MVD and the number of pinopodes at the window of implantation. Moreover, the Huoxue recipe and the BSATR were more efficient than the Bushen recipe, with the BSATR tending to have the most beneficial effects.

Effect of acupuncture on CXCL8 receptors in rats suffering from embryo implantation failure.

To observe the effect of acupuncture on CXCL8 receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) in rat endometrium experiencing embryo implantation failure, 72 pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal group (N), embryo implantation failure group (M), acupuncture treatment group (A), and progestin treatment group (W). Then the rats in each group were equally randomized into a day-6 (D6) group, a day-8 (D8) group, and a day-10 (D10) group. The rats in group M, group A, and group W were treated with mifepristone-sesame oil solution on day 1, while the rats in group N were injected with the same amount of sesame oil. Meanwhile, "Housanli" and "Sanyinjiao" were selected for acupuncture. From day 1 to the time of death, the rats in group A were fastened up and then acupuncture was administered while the rats in group N and group M were only fixed, and the rats in group W were given progestin. The number of implanted embryos was calculated. The expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 in rat endometrium was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time PCR. Compared to group N, the average number of implanted embryos, the protein and mRNA expression of CXCR1 (D6, D8 and D10), and the protein and mRNA expression of CXCR2 (D8 and D10) in rat endometrium were significantly decreased in group M. Compared to group M, there was significant elevation in the average number of implanted embryos, the protein expression (D6, D8 and D10) and mRNA expression (D8) of CXCR1 in rat endometrium of group A, and the protein expression (D8 and D10) and mRNA expression (D8) of CXCR2 in rat endometrium of group W. These findings indicated that acupuncture can increase the number of implanted embryos in rats of embryo implantation failure, which may be relevant with up-regulation the expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 at maternal-fetal interface of rats with embryo implantation failure.

Effect of Acupuncture on Endometrial Blood Flow in Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer: A Single Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of manual acupuncture on endometrial blood flow parameters by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in women undergoing in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET). METHODS: Seventy patients undergoing IVF-ET were equally randomized into traditional or sham acupuncture treatment group for totally 4 days (from the day of oocyte aspiration to the day of embryo transfer) of treatment by random envelope method at the Reproductive Medicine Center and Outpatient Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medicine College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2013 to December 2015. Patients in the traditional acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with manual acupuncture, and Zhongji (CV3), Qihai (CV 6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR 3), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29) and Zusanli (ST 36) were chosen. Patients at the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods at 4 non-meridian points at each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included endometrial ultrasonic indices such as vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), endometrial thickness and volume, subendometrial VI (sVI), subendometrial FI (sFI), subendometrial VFI (sVFI), implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births. RESULTS: Finally, 34 patients in the traditional acupuncture group and 35 in the sham acupuncture group completed this trial. VI, FI and VFI of the traditional acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in endometrial thickness, endometrial volume, sVI, sFI, sVFI, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, live birth rate and number of live births (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Manual acupuncture performed after oocyte aspiration and before transplantation improved the endometrial blood flow parameters VI, RI and VFI in women who underwent IVF-ET, instead of sVI, sFI and sVFI. Therefore, acupuncture might be beneficial in women undergoing IVF-ET by increasing endometrial blood flow and endometrial receptivity. (Registration No. ChiCTR2100053354).

Case Report: Autoimmune encephalitis and other neurological syndromes with rare neuronal surface antibody in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Introduction: Neuronal surface antibody syndromes (NSAS) encompass a growing set of autoimmune neurological disorders, with their predominant clinical presentation being autoimmune encephalitis (AE). The most extensively documented form within NSAS is anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) autoimmunity. In contrast, other NSAS, such as anti-metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) autoimmunity, are less common and less comprehensively characterized, particularly in pediatric cases. Case description: In this instance, we present the case of a 7-year-old girl who exhibited abnormal behaviors following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). She received a diagnosis of anti-mGluR5 AE, and her Electroencephalogram (EEG) displayed an increased number of generalized slow waves during wakefulness. Treatment involved intravenous administration of gamma globulin and methylprednisolone, followed by oral prednisone tablets. Levetiracetam was introduced as an antiepileptic therapy during the pulse steroid therapy. Notably, the abnormal behaviors exhibited significant improvement after treatment. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of rare pediatric NSAS involving anti-mGluR5 AE following HSCT. Enhancing our understanding and characterization of this condition may facilitate its recognition and treatment in children. Serum antibody testing could enable early identification and treatment of anti-mGluR5 AE.

The role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology.

The aim of this paper was to provide reliable evidence by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis for evaluating the role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. All randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of acupuncture, including manual, electrical, and laser acupuncture (LA) techniques, on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or artificial insemination were included. The controlled groups consisted of no acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups. The sham acupuncture included sham acupuncture at acupoints, sham acupuncture at non- or inappropriate points, sham LA, and adhesive tapes. Twenty-three trials (a total of 5598 participants) were included in this paper. The pooled CPR from all acupuncture groups was significantly higher than that from all controlled groups, whereas the LBR was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the results were quite distinct when the type of control and/or different acupuncture times were examined in a sensitivity analysis. The results mainly indicate that acupuncture, especially around the time of the controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, improves pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. More positive effects from acupuncture in IVF can be expected if a more individualized acupuncture programs are used.

[Clinical studies on acupuncture assisting in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: a review and thoughts].

Acupuncture has a long history of application in the field of reproduction, and in the past 20 years, numerous clinical studies have been conducted to explore the value of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. However, due to inconsistent research findings, there are still controversies over the clinical safety and efficacy of acupuncture in assisting in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), which may be closely associated with lacking of standardized treatment regimen in clinical trials of acupuncture. For that reason, this article reviews 16 representative clinical trials of acupuncture assisting IVF-ET published worldwide in 1999-2020, summarizes the grouping design, acupuncture method (acupuncture timing, acupuncture frequency, acupoints, and acupuncture types), and pregnancy outcome (pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, and live birth rate), and discusses several key links in clinical protocol design, so as to provide references for future clinical research.

Characteristics of Viral Shedding in Respiratory Samples and Specific Antibodies Production in 564 COVID-19 Patients.

Positive nucleic acid (NA) results have been found in recovered and discharged COVID-19 patients, but the proportion is unclear. This study was designed to analyze the recurrent positive rate of NA results after consecutively negative results, and the relationship between the specific antibody production and positive NA rate. According to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines, data of inpatients in Sino-French New City Branch of Tongji Hospital between Jan. 28 and Mar. 6, 2020 were collected. A total of 564 COVID-19 patients over 14 years old who received the examinations of NA and antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were included. Days of viral shedding and specific antibodies were recorded and assessed. Among NA tests in respiratory samples (throat swabs, nasopharyngeal swabs, sputum and flushing fluid in alveoli), the patients with all-negative NA results accounted for 17.20%, those with single-positive results for 46.63%, and those with multiple-positive results for 36.17% respectively. Besides, the recurrent positive NA results after consecutively negative results appeared in 66 patients (11.70%). For multiple-positive patients, median viral shedding duration was 20 days (range: 1 to 57 days). Of the 205 patients who received 2 or more antibody tests, 141 (68.78%) had decreased IgG and IgM concentrations. IgM decreased to normal range in 24 patients, with a median of 44 days from symptom onset. Viral shedding duration was not significantly correlated with gender, age, disease severity, changes in pulmonary imaging, and antibody concentration. It is concluded that antibody level and antibody change had no significant correlation with the positive rate of NA tests and the conversion rate after continuous negative NA tests. In order to reduce the recurrent positive proportion after discharge, 3 or more consecutive negative NA test results with test interval more than 24 h every time are suggested for the discharge or release from quarantine.

[Effect of bushen antai recipe and its various compositions on endometrial sexual hormones and receptors in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects and mechanisms of Bushen Antai Recipe (BAR) and its different compositions, Bushen Recipe (BSR, the Shen-nourishing part) and Huoxue Recipe (HXR, the blood-activating part) on the endometrial receptivity in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction (BID). METHODS: Model mice of BID induced by indomethacin were treated respectively with BAR, BSR and HXR from the first day of pregnancy, and killed on day 5 or 6. Samples of their serum and uterine were collected for detecting serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P) contents using radioimmunoassay; and endometrial expression levels of their receptors, ER and PR, using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Serum levels of E2 and P, and endometrial expression of ER and PR increased significantly on day 6 in mice after treated by BAR, but in those treated by BSR and HXR, the improvements were significantly lesser. CONCLUSION: BAR, by combined application of both Shen-nourishing and blood-activating methods, could impact E2, P, ER and PR to improve the endometrial receptivity to a higher extent in BID mice so as to promote embryo implantation.

Efficacy of Electro-acupuncture in Treatment of Functional Constipation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Functional constipation (FC) is a chronic disease that significantly affects the life quality of patients. Acupuncture has been used for the treatment of FC for many years, but its effectiveness has not been scientifically assessed. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) in relieving the symptoms, mental states and quality of life (QOL) of FC patients. A total of 96 FC patients were randomly allocated into EA, mosapride & sham EA group (MS) and mosapride control group (MC). In the EA group, patients were treated with 16 sessions of needling at Quchi (LI11) and Shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally, 5 times a week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times a week in the last 2 weeks. In the MC group, patients were treated with 5 mg mosapride citrate three times a day for 4 weeks. In the MS group, patients underwent sham EA and the same mosapride citrate treatment as in the MC group. The primary outcome was the number of weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs). The secondary outcomes included stool consistency, intensity of defecating difficulty, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the validated Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL). The results showed that as compared with the baseline, EA significantly improved the weekly SBMs, stool consistency and intensity of defecating difficulty (P<0.05). It also partly ameliorated the PAC-QOL, SF-36, SDS and SAS scores when compared with MC or MS group (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between MS and MC groups in bowel function outcomes and QOL scores. It was concluded that EA could effectively improve bowel function, mental states and QOL of FC patients.

[Effect of Bushen Antai Recipe on prostaglandin I2 expression and its nuclear receptor at implantation site in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Bushen Antai Recipe (BAR) on expression of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and its nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta) at implantation site in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction. METHODS: Pregnant mice were divided into three groups randomly, the normal group, the model group and the BAR group. The pregnant uterus of all mice was cut off on the 4th (D4), 5th (D5), 6th (D6) and 8th (D8) day of pregnancy for determining the PGI2 expression with radio immunoassay; and the mRNA and protein expression of PPARdelta with RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry at implantation site. RESULTS: PGI2 expression in the model group was obviously lower than that in the normal group (P < 0.01), and also lower than that in the BAR group (P < 0.01), while the index was insignificantly different between the normal and the BAR group. Compared with the normal group, the expression of PPARdelta in the model group was delayed temporally and spatially (P < 0.05), while that in the BAR group was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: BAR can improve the implantation in mice with blastocyst implantation dysfunction through promoting the PGI2 expression and its nuclear receptor PPARdelta at implantation site.

[Preliminary study on the mechanisms of acupuncture in promoting embryo implantation in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of acupuncture on embryo implantation in rat model of embryo implantation dysfunction, and to primarily explore its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Pregnant rats were randomly allocated into the control group, the model group and the acupuncture group. The pregnancy rate and average number of blastocyst were observed, the serum levels of estrodiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and prolactin (PRL) were detected by RIA, and the protein and mRNA expression of progesterone receptor (PR) and prolactin receptor (PRLR) in endometrial tissue of implantation site were determined using immunohistochemical assay and RT-PCR respectively. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate and average number of blastocyst were significantly higher in the acupuncture group than those in the control group respectively (P <0.01). The serum levels of P4 and PRL as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of PR and PRLR in the model group were significantly lower than those in the other two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can promote embryo implantation in rats to a certain degree, and its mechanism might be related with the effects of acupuncture in mediating the sexual hormone levels and the receptor expression of rats.

[Effect of Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe on endometrial P21 expression of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe on endometrial P21 and PCNA expression of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice. METHOD: The expression of P21 protein was analyzed by means of immunoblot and immunohistochemical method. The expression of PCNA protein was analyzed by means of immunohistochemical method. RESULT: The expression and disappearance of P21 and PCNA protein in endometrium of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice lagged behind in a temporal and cell specific manner. Bushenyiqihexue recipe could improve the expression of P21 and PCNA protein in a temporal and cell specific manner, and then improve the decidual reaction of endometrium of embryo implantation dysfunctional mice. CONCLUSION: Improving the expression of P21 and PCNA protein in endometrium and eventually regulating endometrium decidual reaction is one of the mechanisms of improved embryo implantaion by Bushen Yiqi Hexue recipe.

Effect and underlying mechanism of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe on ovarian apoptosis in mice with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation implantation dysfunction.

The effect and underlying mechanism of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe on ovarian apoptosis in mice with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) implantation dysfunction were studied. The COH implantation dysfunction model in mice was established by intraperitoneal injection of 7.5 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (PMSG), followed by 7.5 IU human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) 48 h later. Then the female mice were mated with male at a ratio of 2:1 in the same cage at 6:00 p.m. The female mice from normal group were injected intraperitoneally with normal saline and mated at the corresponding time. Day 1 of pregnancy was recorded by examining its vaginal smears at 8:00 a.m. of the next day. Fifty successfully pregnant mice were equally randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control pregnant group (NC), COH implantation dysfunction model group (COH), low dosage of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe group (LOW), middle dosage of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe group (MID) and high dosage of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe group (HIGH). Then from day 1, the mice in different groups were respectively intragastrically given corresponding treatments at 9:00 a.m. for 5 consecutive days. The concentrations of 17ß-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The ultrastructural changes of ovarian tissues were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The histopathological changes of ovarian tissues were observed by HE staining. The number of atretic follicles and pregnant corpus luteum were also recorded. TUNEL was applied to measure apoptotic cells of ovarian tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of apoptosis- related factors like Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase-3 in ovarian tissue of mice. The results showed that ovarian weight, the concentrations of E2 and P4, the number of atretic follicles and pregnant corpus luteum, as well as the apoptosis of granulosa cells were significantly increased in the COH group. The ultrastructures of ovarian tissues in the COH group showed that chromatin in granulosa cells was increased, agglutinated, aggregated or crescent-shaped. The focal cavitation and the typical apoptotic bodies could be seen in granulosa cells in the late stage of apoptosis. After the treatment with different doses of Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe, the ultrastructural changes of ovarian granulosa cells apoptosis were dramatically improved and even disappeared under TEM. Visible mitochondria and mitochondrial cristae were increased and vacuoles were significantly reduced. The lipid dropltes were shown in a circluar or oval shape. The protein expression levels of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 were decreased, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was increased after treatment. It was concluded that Bu-Shen-An-Tai recipe can inhibit the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells, probably by up-regulating the protein expression of Bcl-2 and down-regulating Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, which contributes to the formation and maintenance of ovarian corpus luteum. It's helpful to promote the embryonic implantation, to reduce embryo loss and ultimately to improve the success rate of pregnancy.

[Research on effect of acupuncture at Sanyinjiao on brain function by means of positron emission tomographic imaging].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of puncturing at Sanyinjiao (SP6) on modulatory function of central nerve system. METHODS: Positron emission tomography (PET) was performed, using 18F-FDG as contrast medium, in six healthy female volunteers before and after puncturing right SP6 to detect the cerebral districts with changed glucose metabolism, using statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis. RESULTS: Glucose metabolism was increased in contralateral primary somatosensory cortex, primary somatic motor cortex, pre-supplementary motor cortex (BA8), and medial prefrontal cortex (BA10), bilateral supplementary motor cortex (BA6), anterior cingulate gyrus (BA24, BA32), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA9), while glucose metabolism was decreased in lingual gyrus (BA17,18), hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus (BA28, BA35, BA30). CONCLUSION: Functions of cerebral districts with changed glucose metabolism after puncturing SP6 was well parallels to the clinical effect of puncturing SP6, illustrating the brain plays a great role in the body regulation of acupuncture at SP6, which possibly was the central foundation of acupuncture therapy.

[Study on regulatory effect of Bushen Antai Recipe on levels of estrogen and progesterone in blastocyst implantation dysfunction mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and explore the mechanism of Bushen Antai Recipe (BAR) on pregnancy rate and number of implantation site in blastocyst implantation dysfunction (BID) mice induced by indomethacin. METHODS: Pregnant mice were divided into 3 groups randomly: the normal group, the model group and the BAR group. Tap water was given orally to the rats in the normal and model groups, and BAR to the rats in the BAR group from the first day of pregnancy for 5 or 8 days; on the 3rd and 4th day dissolvent was injected subcutaneously twice per day in the normal group, while indomethacin (4.33 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously twice per day in the other two groups to establish implantation dysfunction model; serum estrogen (E) and progesterone (P4) levels were detected on the 5th and 8th day; the pregnancy rate and number of implanted site was observed and the receptors of E and P4 in endometrium of uterus were examined by immunohistochemistry on the 8th day. RESULTS: The pregnancy rate and number of implanted site was 27.3% and 5.3 +/- 0.7 respectively in the model group, significantly lower than those in the normal group (90.9%, 13.3 +/- 2.8), and the BAR group (72.7%, 10.7 +/- 2.2, P < 0.05). Serum E level was higher in the BAR group than that in the model group on the 5th and 8th day, and even higher than that in the normal group on the 8th day; serum P4 level was lower in the model and BAR groups than that in the normal group on the 5th day (P < 0.01), but higher in the BAR group than that in the model group on the 8th day. Immunohistochemical observation showed that expressions of E and P4 receptor increased remarkably in the BAR group than those in the model group. CONCLUSION: BAR increases the pregnancy rate and number of implanted site of indomethacrne induced BID mice through regulating E and P4 levels and enhancing the expressions of their receptors in the endometrium.

Effect and mechanism of Bushen Huoxue recipe on ovarian reserve in mice with premature ovarian failure.

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect and mechanism of Bushen Huoxue recipe (BHR) on ovarian reserve in mice with premature ovarian failure (POF). Mice were divided into 3 groups: normal group, model group and BHR group. Intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide was performed to create the POF model. Primordial follicular (PDF) number, ovarian wet weight, ovarian index, and estrous cycle were analyzed to evaluate the effect of BHR on POF. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein level of Mouse Vasa Homologue (MVH) in the bone marrow, peripheral blood and ovary were detected, to explore the underlying mechanism of the treatment efficacy of BHR on ovarian reserve. By the time of BHR treatment for 28 days, BHR increased the PDF number and shortened the estrous cycle of POF mice. BHR also decreased the mRNA level of MVH in the bone marrow, and increased mRNA and protein level of MVH in the ovary of POF mice. Our results demonstrated a treatment efficacy of BHR on POF mice, and revealed that BHR might repair the dysfunction of germline stem cells in the bone marrow, and thus to improve the ovarian reserve and enhance the ovarian function of POF mice through neo-oogenesis.

Effects of Jiantaiye on estrogen receptor and mRNA expressions in uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Jiantaiye (JTY) on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and ER mRNA in uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction. METHODS: Embryo implantation dysfunction mouse models were induced with mifepristone and treated with JTY. All animals were sacrificed on day 8 of pregnancy. The endometrial ER and ER mRNA expressions were assessed by immunnohistochemical SP method and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Area ratio and absorbency of ER in the JTY treated group's gland and stroma were higher than those of the model group, quite similar to those of the normal control's, and ER mRNA expression in treated group's uterus was significantly higher than that in the models, but it was not significantly different from the normal control. CONCLUSION: JTY improves the endometrial development by increasing ER and ER mRNA expressions of uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.

[Systematic review of benefits and harms of artemisinin-type compounds for preventing schistosomiasis].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the benefits and harms of artemisinin-type compounds for preventing schistosomiasis. METHOD: The quality of included randomised controlled trials with the people at risk of contacting schistosomiasis were evaluated and Meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: We found ten randomised controlled trials relating to our question. Of them, four trials were multi-centre studies, others were single centre studies. Numbers of participants in the trials ranged from 318 to 5,098, total 12,829. The total OR of 0.11 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.21) indicated that those who were administrated artemisinin-type compounds were significantly less infected with Schistosoma japonica than those who were administrated placebo. CONCLUSION: Artemisinin-type compounds are effective drug for preventing Schistosomiasis japonica infection. Fifteen days interval schemes of artesunate and artemether be considered preferable to seven days interval scheme and were associated with very few side effects. More high quality controlled trials are required for assessing which scheme is the better. These studies should be large.