Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Analgesia on Nicotine Withdrawal-Induced Hyperalgesia in a Rat Model.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesia rats. Methods: Behavioral testing was conducted twice a week for 7 weeks during nicotine administration using von Frey filaments. Electroacupuncture at the bilateral "Zusanli" and "Taichong" points was applied daily for 3 days during nicotine withdrawal. Western blot analysis and immunohistology were used to determine expression levels of pain-related factors in the spinal cord and midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG). Results: Behavioral tests showed that electroacupuncture had a significant analgesic effect on nicotine withdrawal-induced hyperalgesic rats. Western blot results demonstrated that, in hyperalgesic rats, the expressions of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (subunits: nAChR α7, α4, or ß2) decreased in the spinal cord, nAChR α7, and ß2 decreased in PAG. The proinflammatory factor cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and the activated microglia (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, Iba1 positive cells) increased in the spinal cord and PAG compared to controls. After electroacupuncture treatment, nAChR α7 and nAChR ß2 expressions increased significantly, and COX2 and Iba1 expressions decreased in the spinal cord. Compared with the nonelectroacupuncture nicotine withdrawal group, electroacupuncture stimulation increased the expression of nAChR α7 and nAChR α4 in the PAG of rats with electroacupuncture. Immunohistochemical results confirmed that electroacupuncture reversed nicotine withdrawal-induced changes in nAChR α7 positive neurons and Iba1-positive microglia in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture treatment has an analgesic effect on nicotine withdrawal-induced pain in nicotine-dependent rats. The mechanism of analgesia of the electroacupuncture treatment relates to the increased expression of nAChR α7 and nAChR ß2 proteins in the spinal cord, nAChR α7 in the PAG, and decreased expression of Iba1 and COX2 protein in the spinal cord.

Effects of electroacupuncture on pain sensation in a rat model of hyperalgesia with nicotine dependence.

Tobacco smoking is considered to be one of the main risk factors in the development of chronic pain. Long-term chronic exposure to nicotine and other forms of tobacco have been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of pain. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help smokers to reduce their desire to smoke, reduce their withdrawal symptoms, and avoid a relapse after treatment. However, little has been reported about the effects of acupuncture on pain sensitivity caused by long-term smoking. Models of hyperalgesia were established in rats exposed to nicotine for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks of continuous nicotine exposure, electroacupuncture at bilateral acupoints Zusanli (ST36) and Taichong (LR3) was performed 20 minutes per day for 6 days at a continuous wave with a frequency of 2 Hz and a stimulus intensity of 1 mA. The results revealed that electroacupuncture treatment increased the mechanical response threshold of hind paw of nicotine-dependent rats with hyperalgesia and up-regulated the protein expression of pain-related factors µ-opioid receptor, ß-endorphin and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 in the spinal cord and midbrain periaqueductal gray and the protein expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in the spinal cord. These findings suggest that electroacupuncture treatment has positive analgesic effects on pain sensitivity caused by long-term chronic nicotine exposure. One possible mechanism for the improved analgesia is that electroacupuncture increases the expression of pain-related factors in the spinal cord and midbrain periaqueductal gray. This study was approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the University of Miami (#18-167) on December 12, 2018.

New Ln-MOFs based on mixed organic ligands: synthesis, structure and efficient luminescence sensing of the Hg2+ ions in aqueous solutions.

In view of Hg2+ ion sensing by luminescence, a series of new, phenanthroline-decorated 3D lanthanide metal organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) valorising an original combination of four different lanthanides and two organic ligands, i.e. thiobis(4-methylene-benzoic acid) (H2tmba) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), have been successfully synthesized, namely {[Ln4(tmba)6(phen)4]·m(H2O)(phen)}n [Ln = Ce, m = 3 (1); Pr, m = 1 (2); Eu, m = 3 (3); and Tb, m = 3 (4)]. Compounds 1-4 were characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, and powder X-ray diffraction. The luminescence properties of complexes 3 and 4 were thoroughly investigated. It is herein proved that compound 3 sensitively and selectively acts as an excellent luminescent probe for the detection of Hg2+ ions in waters, with a detection limit of 1.00 µM. As additional assets, 3 displays superb stability over a wide pH range (3-12) of the aqueous media, as well as convenient recycling after completion of the detection experiments. The rationale for the observed luminescence quenching effect of mercury might be a strong interaction arising between Hg2+ ions and the carboxylate oxygen atoms of the tmba2- ligand. The results open new perspectives for applications in environmental remediation.

The role of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in a rat model of chronic nicotine-induced mechanical hypersensitivity.

Smokers have a higher incidence of chronic pain than non-smokers, but the neural mechanism is not yet fully understood. Nicotine is the main component of tobacco and acts as an agonist for nicotinic cholinergic receptors (nAChRs) in the nervous system. This study was approved by the IACUC of UM. The effects of chronic nicotine administration on mechanical sensitivity were studied using a rat model. The changes in the expression levels of the α7 isoform of nAChR (α7-nAChR), inflammatory cytokines TNFα and COX-2, as well as the density of neuro-immune cells (astrocytes and microglia) were measured concurrently. The results indicate that long-term nicotine administration induces hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli, as demonstrated by a significant reduction in the pain perception threshold. In response to nicotine, the expression levels of α7-nAChR increased in the periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) and decreased in the spinal cord. Acute administration of the selective α7-nAChR agonist CDP-Choline reversed this hypersensitivity. Chronic nicotine administration led to an increase of microglial cells in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and increased expression levels of the cytokines TNFα and COX-2. This study suggests that decreased α7-nAChR expression in the spinal cord, as a result of long-term exposure to nicotine, may be causatively linked to chronic pain. Simultaneously, the increase of neuro-immune factors in the spinal cord is also a potential factor leading to chronic pain.

[Effect of electroacupuncture of "Fengfu" (GV16) and "Taichong" (LR3) on EIF2α-ATF4-GRP78/Bip signaling in substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (EIF2α), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), glucose regulator protein-78 / immunoglobulin heavy-chain-binding protein (GRP78/Bip) in the substantia nigra (SN) in rats with Parkinson's disease (PD), so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of PD. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into control, sham-operation, model and EA groups (n=12 in each group). The PD model was established by 28-day consecutive subcutaneous injection of rotenone (1 mg/kg dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and normal saline) at the back shoulder. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Fengfu" (GV16) and "Taichong" (LR3) for 30 min, once daily for 2 weeks. The behavio-ral changes of rats in each group were measured and scored at 28th day and 44th day, respectively. The expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein (α-syn) in the SN were observed by immunohistochemistry, and the expressions of EIF2α, ATF4 and GRP78/Bip were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Following modeling and compared with the control and sham-operation groups, the behavioral scores of rats in the model group were elevated (P<0.01), which were significantly decreased by EA intervention (P<0.01). The expression of TH decreased whereas the α-syn, EIF2α, ATF4 and GRP78/Bip increased in the rats of model group, and EA intervention reversed these changes (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA at GV16 and LR3 can improve PD rats' behavioral changes, which is probably related with its effects in up-regulating the expression of TH in the SN and down-regulating the expression of α-syn and EIF2α-ATF4-GRP78/Bip signaling.

[Electroacupuncture improved locomotor function by regulating expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and α-synuclein proteins and transcription activating factor 6 and transcription factor X box binding protein 1 mRNAs in substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavioral changes, and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), α-synuclein(α-syn), transcription activating factor 6 (ATF6) and transcription factor X box binding protein 1 (XBP-1) in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease (PD) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of motor function. METHODS: Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA groups (n=12 rats in each group). The PD model was established by subcutaneous injection of rotenone (2 mg/kg) at the neck and back, once a day for 28 days. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Fengfu" (GV16) and bilateral "Taichong" (LR3) for 20 min, once a day for 14 successive days. The voluntary motor behavioral changes (total distance, average speed, total movement time, total rest time in 8 min) were detected by open field tests. The immuno-activity of TH and α-syn in the substantia nigra was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA detected by fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Following modeling and compared with the control group, the total distance, average speed and total movement time of voluntary movement were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the total rest time was significantly increased (P<0.01). Moreover, the expression of TH was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and that of α-syn protein, ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA significantly increased in the model group in comparison with the control group (P<0.01). After the intervention, the total distance, average speed, and total movement time of voluntary movement in the EA group were considerably higher than those in the model group (P<0.01), and the total rest time was obviously decreased in the EA group (P<0.01). The expression level of TH was significantly increased (P<0.01), and those of α-syn, ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA were notably decreased in the EA group compared with the model group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can improve the locomotor function in PD model rats, which is associated with its functions in up-regulating the expression of TH protein and down-regulating the expression of α-syn protein, and ATF6 mRNA and XBP-1 mRNA in the substantia nigra of mesencephalon.

Effect of moxibustion on mTOR-mediated autophagy in rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease model rats.

Defects in autophagy-mediated clearance of α-synuclein may be one of the key factors leading to progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Moxibustion therapy for Parkinson's disease has been shown to have a positive effect, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Based on this, we explored whether moxibustion could protect dopaminergic neurons by promoting autophagy mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), with subsequent elimination of α-syn. A Parkinson's disease model was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of rotenone at the back of their necks, and they received moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4) and Fengfu (GV16), for 10 minutes at every point, once per day, for 14 consecutive days. Model rats without any treatment were used as a sham control. Compared with the Parkinson's disease group, the moxibustion group showed significantly greater tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity and expression of light chain 3-II protein in the substantia nigra, and their behavioral score, α-synuclein immunoreactivity, the expression of phosphorylated mTOR and phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p-p70S6K) in the substantia nigra were significantly lower. These results suggest that moxibustion can promote the autophagic clearance of α-syn and improve behavioral performance in Parkinson's disease model rats. The protective mechanism may be associated with suppression of the mTOR/p70S6K pathway.

The synergistic effect of cobalt on a Pd/Co catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling in water.

This work introduces the new trimetallic complex CoPd2(HBPDC)2Cl4·(H2O)4(H2BPDC = 2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) as a highly efficient and more cost-effective catalyst for a Suzuki-Miyaura reaction proceeding in water, without additives and under aerobic conditions. Catalytic studies revealed a synergistic Co-Pd cooperativity, fostered by ligation through H2BPDC, and accounting for the superior performance of the heterobimetallic complex vs. its Co-free counterpart.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expression of Cx 43 and Concentration of Glutamate in the Striatum of Rats with Parkinson's Disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the action of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on the expression of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx 43) and content of glutamate (Glu) in the striatum in Parkinson's disease (PD) rats, so as to reveal its mechanism underlying improvement of PD. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, sham operation, model and EA groups (n = 10 in each group). The PD model was duplicated by microinjection of 6-hydroxyldopamine (6-OHDA, 15 µg/rat) into the right striatum of rats (AP: 1.0, 1.0; R: 3.0, 4.5; H: 4.5, 6.0), and for control, the same dose of normal saline was injected into the right striatum for rats in the sham operation group. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Fengfu" (GV 16) "Taichong" (LR 3) for 30 min, once a day for 2 weeks. The PD rats' rotational behavior changes (the numbers of rotations in 30 min) were detected following subcutaneous injection of apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg). The Glu concentration and the expression of Cx 43 in the striatum were detected by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the model group and EA group in the number of rotations before the treatment, between the control and sham operation groups in the levels of Glu content and Cx 43 protein expression in the striatum (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the Glu content and Cx 43 protein expression level were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.01), while in comparison with the model group, the number of rotations was significantly reduced in the EA group (P < 0.05). Following EA intervention, both Glu content and Cx 43 expression were considerably down-regulated in the EA group compared with the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EA can improve PD rats' rotation behavior, which may be associated with its effects in down-regulating the level of Glu and Cx 43 protein expression in the striatum.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on the expression of related protein mRNA in the striatum in rats with Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore action mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: A total of 40 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, 10 rats in each group. PD rat model was duplicated by micro injection of 6-hydroxyl dopamine into right striatum of rats, and the rats in the sham operation group were treated with micro injection of 0. 9% NaCl. Rats in the normal group, model group and the sham operation group received no treatment; rats in the EA group were treated by EA at "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity for 30 min. The treatment was given once a day for total 2 weeks. Behavioral test was used to evaluate rotational behavior changes of PD rats. RT-PCR method was applied to detect the expression of GFAP (glial fiber acidic protein) mRNA and Cx43 (connexin 43) mRNA in the striatum. RESULTS: The difference of rotational behavior was not significant before and after treatment in the model group (P>0. 05), while that in the EA group was significant (P<0. 01). The expression of GFAP mRNA and Cx43 mRNA in the model group was significantly higher than that in the normal group and sham operation group (all P<0. 01); after EA treatment, the expression of GFAP mRNA and Cx43 mRNA in the EA group was lower significantly than that in the model group (both P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: The action mechanism of EA for prevention and treatment of Parkinson' s disease may be associated with inhibiting the activation of astrocytes.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture on 26 S Proteasome and Nuclear Factor kappa B in Substantia Nigra of Rats with Rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of 26 S proteasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in substantia nigra in the management of Parkinson's disease (PD) by acupuncture. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, sham operation, model and electroacupuncture (EA) groups (12 rats/group).. The PD model was established by 40-day consecutive subcutaneous injection of rotenone (1 mg/kg dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and normal saline) at the back shoulder. The rats in the sham operation group were treated by subcutaneous injection of dose of saline. "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) acupoints were stimulated with EA at 2 Hz, 1 mA, 20 min of duration in each treatment, and daily for 28 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of rats in each group were measured and scored at 40th day and 68th day, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) used to detect the expression of 26 S proteasome and NFκB and TH were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: In comparison with the normal and sham operation groups, the behavioral scores of rats in the model group were elevated, which were significantly decreased by EA intervention (P < 0.05). The expression of TH and 26 S proteasome decreased whereas the NFκB increased in the rats of model group (P < 0.05); and EA intervention reversed these changes (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can improve PD rats' behavioral changes, which is pobably related to its effects in reducing loss of TH-positive neurons, down-regulating NFκB protein expression, and up- regulating 26 S proteasome protein expression in the substantia nigra.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on proteasomes of substantia nigra in rats with Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects and action mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: Forty-eight healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, 12 rats in each one. Rats in the model group and EA group were treated with subcutaneous injection of rotenone (1mg/kg, dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and 0. 9 % normal saline) on neck and back for 40 days to establish rat model. Rats in the sham operation group were treated with injection of identical dose of dimethyl sulfoxide and 0. 9 %o normal saline at identical location which did not contain rotenone. After model establishment, rats in the EA group were treated with EA at "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) with continuous wave (2 Hz, 1 mA), which was given 20 min per time, once a day for consecutive 28 days. Rats in the remaining groups were treated with fixation and immobilization without any other intervention. The rats behavioristics changes were observed and scored; immunohisto-chemistry was adopted to test the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH); fluorescence spectrometry was used to detect the activities of 20 S ß1, ß2, ß5; western blot method was applied to measure the expression of 20S proteasome and its a subunit. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group and sham operation group, there was significant change of behavioristics in the model group, and TH positive neuron counting was obviously reduced; after treatment, the behavioristics score in the EA group was lower than that in the model group (P<0. 05), and TH positive neuron counting was significantly increased (P<0. 05). Compared with the normal group and sham operation group, the activities of 20 S ß1, ß2, ß5 in model group were significantly reduced (all P<0. 01), and those in the EA group were higher than those in the model group (P<0. 01). Compared with the normal group and sham operation group, the expression of 20S proteasome and its a subunit was reduced in the model group, and that in the EA group was higher than that in the model group (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: EA could improve the loss of dopaminergic neurons induced by rotenone to prevent and treat PD, which is likely to be related with protecting the activity and expression of proteasomes in substantia nigra.

Synthesis, structure and properties of 2D lanthanide coordination polymers based on N-heterocyclic arylpolycarboxylate ligands.

The reaction of 3-(2,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid (H4dppd) with rare earth nitrates under hydrothermal conditions generated a series of new two-dimensional (2D) coordination polymers, namely {[La(Hdppd)(H2O)2·(H2O)2]n (1), [Ln2(Hdppd)2(H2O)4·(H2O)3]n [Ln = Sm (2), Eu (3)] and [Ln(Hdppd)(H2O)3·H2O]n [Ln = Gd (4), Tb (5), Dy (6), Ho (7), Er (8)] [Hdppd = 3-(2,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic trivalent anion]}. The complexes were characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Luminescence spectroscopy of 3 and 5 showed bright red and green luminescences due to the 4f(n)-4f(n) transitions in Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) respectively, although the luminescence lifetime is shortened by non-radiative decay due to the presence of coordinating water molecules. The magnetic properties of 2-8 were measured and discussed. Compound 6 exhibits frequency dependent out-of-phase signals, and ferromagnetic coupling exists in 8.

Acupuncture and moxibustion reduces neuronal edema in Alzheimer's disease rats.

To examine the possible correlation of aberrant Wnt signaling and pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease, we established a rat model of Alzheimer's disease and measured axin and ß-catenin expression in the hippocampus. Rats were pretreated with moxibustion or electroacupuncture, or both, at Baihui (GV20) and Shenshu (BL23). Axin expression was lower, ß-catenin expression was greater, and neuronal cytoplasmic edema was visibly prevented in the rats that had received the pretreatments. Our results suggest that the mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of acupuncture and moxibustion in Alzheimer's disease is associated with axin and ß-catenin expression in the Wnt signal transduction pathway.

Solvent-regulated assemblies of 1D lanthanide coordination polymers with the tricarboxylate ligand.

Solvothermal reactions of the tricarboxylic acid ligand, biphenyl-3,3',5-tricarboxylic acid (H3bpta), and rare earth nitrate (Ln(NO3)3·6H2O) in the presence of KOH or DMF produced eight 1D linear coordination polymers, namely, [La(bpta)(H2O)5·(H2O)3]n (), [Pr(bpta)(H2O)5·(H2O)2.5]n (), [Nd(bpta)(H2O)5·(H2O)1.75]n (), [Sm(bpta)(H2O)5·(H2O)0.5]n () and [Ln(bpta)(DMF)(H2O)3·(H2O)]n [Ln = Eu (), Gd (), Tb (), Dy ()]. The 1D chain further assembles into a 3D supramolecular network structure through hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking among chains. Complexes and display the typical emission spectra for lanthanide-centred luminescence. The optical properties of were analysed in detail and coincide well with the structural properties. The influence of temperature on the luminescence lifetime of has been studied and different non-radiative decay paths have been discussed. The magnetic properties show that and exhibit strong spin-orbit coupling, while weak antiferromagnetic coupling exists in .

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention on ERK 1/2 signaling and TNF-α and IL-1ß protein levels in the substantia Nigra in rats with Parkinson's Disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on phosphalized extracellular regulated protein kinases(p-ERK) 1/2 signaling pathway and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1ß protein levels in the substantia nigra (SN) in rats with Parkinson's disease (PD), so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of PD. METHODS: 32 male SD rats were randomly and averagely divided into normal control group, sham-operation group, model group and EA group. PD model was established by intra-dermal-injection of rotenone(1 mg/kg, dissolved in DMSO and saline, concentration: 0. 25 mg/mL) at the nape, once daily for 14 days. EA (2 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to "Fengfu"(GV 16)and "Taichong"(LR 3) for 20 min, once daily for 14 days. For sham-operation group, subcutaneous injection of the same dose of DMSO and saline was given in the same way. The expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), p-ERK 1/2, inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1P proteins of the SN tissue were detected using Western blot. The rat's horizontal and vertical movement ability was assessed using open-field tests. RESULTS: The horizontal and vertical movement scores were significantly lower in the model group than in the normal control group, and markedly higher in the EA group than in the model group (P<0. 05). Compared with the normal control group, the expression level of TH protein in the SN was significantly reduced in the model group( P<0. 05 ),while the expression levels of p-ERK 1/2, TNF-α and IL-1ß proteins were significantly increased in the model group(P<0. 05). After EA intervention, the expression level of TH protein was significantly increased(P<0.05),and those of p-ERK 1/2, TNF-α and IL-1ß proteins were significantly down-regulated(P<0. 05) in the EA group compared to the model group. CONCLUSION: EA therapy may improve PD rats' movement ability, which may be associated with its effects in down-regulating the expression levels of p-ERK 1/2, TNF-α and IL-1ß proteins and up-regulating the expression of TH protein in the SN.

[Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) on expression of COX-2 and tyrosine hydroxylase in Substantia Nigra in rats with Parkinson's disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy on the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins of Substantia Nigra cells(SNc) in the rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease(PD) rats, so as to explore the mechanism of EA underlying improvement of PD. METHODS: Forty rats were randomly divided into normal, sham-operation (sham), model and EA groups (n = 10/group). The PD model was established by successive subcutaneous injection of rotenone (highly selective lesions of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons) for 28 days. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 20 min, once daily for 14 days. The expression levels of TH and COX-2 proteins in the Substantia Nigra of midbrain were detected with Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the expression level of TH protein in the model group was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and that of COX-2 protein in the model group was significantly increased (P < 0.01). After the EA treatment, the expression level of TH in the EA group was obviously upregulated (P < 0.01), and that of COX-2 protein in the EA group was considerably down-regulated (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between the normal and sham groups in the expression levels of TH and COX-2 proteins (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA therapy can decrease inflammation mediator COX-2 protein expression and upregulate TH protein expression in the Substantia Nigra of midbrain in PD rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving PD in clinic.

[Influence of electroacupuncture on p38-mitogen activated protein kinase in substantia nigra cells of rats with Parkinson disease model].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of inflammatory reaction mediated by p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) signal path on prevention and treatment of Parkinson disease (PD) model rats by electroacupuncture (EA). METHODS: Thirty-two healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, eight rats in each one. The PD model was established in the model group and EA group by subcutaneous injection of rotenone in skin-back area (2 mg/kg, dissolved in sunflower oil, 2 mg/mL in density), while the injection of sunflower oil emulsion without rotenone at the same point and quantity as the model group was applied in the sham operation group. The normal group was not given any intervention. The EA treatment (continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity, 20 min) was applied at "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Taichong" (LR 3) in the EA group, once a day for continuously 14 days. No treatment was given in the other groups. The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), phosphorylated p38-MAPK, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the substantia nigra were detected with immunohistochemical method. RESULTS: There was typical PD ethology change in the model group. Compared with the normal group and sham operation group, the expression of TH positive neuron in the substantia nigra in the model group was significantly decreased, while the expression of phosphorylated p38-MAPK and COX-2 were significantly increased (all P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression of TH positive neuron in the EA group was apparently increased, while the expression of phosphorylated p38-MAPK and COX-2 were significantly decreased (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The EA therapy could obviously reduce the expression of inflammation mediator COX-2, inhibit the phosphorylation of p38-MAPK, reduce the damage of dopaminergic neurons in the rats with PD, and this effect may be related with the impact of p38-MAPK signal path

Synthesis, characterization, interaction with DNA and cytotoxicity of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes containing pyridine carboxylic acid ligands.

Four metal complexes [Pd(L(1))Cl(2)·2H(2)O] (1), [Pt(L(1))Cl(2)·2H(2)O] (2), [Pd(L(2))Cl(2)·H(2)O] (3) and [Pt(L(2))Cl(2)·H(2)O] (4) (L(1) = 2,2'-bipyridyl-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid, L(2) = 2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and fully characterized by IR and (1)H-NMR spectra, elemental analysis, and X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. Interactions of these complexes with fish sperm DNA (FS-DNA) were investigated using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. Further insight was brought by quantum chemistry calculations by means of G03 package and taking B3LYP functional Lanl2dz Gen basis set. Agarose gel electrophoresis run on pBR322 plasmid DNA gave proof that all four complexes exhibit efficient DNA cleavage. Complexes 1-4 manifested cytotoxic specificity and a significant cancer cell inhibitory rate. Independent apoptosis tests under the light microscope, performed on hematoxylin-eosin stained HeLa cells, evidenced morphological changes induced by all the complexes.

Electroacupuncture-regulated neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of Parkinson's disease rats.

Acupuncture for the treatment of Parkinson's disease has a precise clinical outcome. This study investigated the effect of electroacupuncture at Fengfu (GV16) and Taichong (LR3) acupoints in rat models of Parkinson's disease induced by subcutaneous injection of rotenone into rat neck and back. Reverse transcription-PCR demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression was significantly increased in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson's disease, and that abnormal behavior of rats was significantly improved following electroacupuncture treatment. These results indicated that electroacupuncture treatment upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of rat models of Parkinson's disease. Thus, electroacupuncture may be useful in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.