Quasi-phase-matched second harmonic generation of long-range surface plasmon polaritons.

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate the second harmonic generation of long-range surface plasmon polaritons via quasi-phase matching in lithium niobate. After depositing a 9/13 nm thick Au film on periodically poled lithium niobate, TiO2 of about 2.3 µm in thickness is evaporated on the sample as a refractive-index-matching material. This dielectric (periodically poled lithium niobate)-metal(Au)-dielectric(TiO2) sandwich structure can support the transmission of long-range surface plasmon polaritons through it. By designing a moderate ferroelectric domain period of periodically poled lithium niobate, the phase mismatch between the fundamental wave and second harmonic wave of the long-range surface plasmon polaritons can be compensated and a second harmonic wave can be generated effectively. This can be used to provide integrated plasmonic devices with attractive applications in quantum and classic information processing.

[Relationship between the Trypsin Activity and Conformational Change Caused by Ultra High Static Pressure].

Trypsin was treated by high pressure technology, and its spatial structure was changed, the relationship between structural changes and trypsin activity was investigated. The secondary structure change of trypsin after pressure treatment was observed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR). Moreover its tertiary structure change was observed by fluorescence spectroscopy; and its activity was tested using Folin phenol method. The results showed that, compared with the untreated(0.1 MPa), trypsin activity change was significant(p<0. 05) under different pressure(100~600 MPa) treatment at 37 °C for 20 min. After treated with 300 MPa, its activity was 0. 386 times higher than the untreated. Secondary structure of trypsin was analysed using FTIR, and the peak area ratio of α-helix and ß-tum in secondary structure was the maximum(2. 749); Endogenous fluorescence spectra intensity was the maximum (1 353) at excitation wavelength 295 nm, and was 4 262 at excitation wavelength 280 nm; exogenous fluorescent spectra intensity was 2 022 at excitation wavelength 228 nm, all these change was remarkable(p<0. 05) comparing with the untreated. Therefore, ultrahigh pressure processing influence on the spatial structure of trypsin and induce enzyme activity.change. Trypsin activity is relate to the peak area ratio of α-helix and ß-turn and the exposure degree of Trp and other hydrophobic a mino acid residues and Tyr.

Simulation and optimization of liquid crystal gratings with alternate twisted nematic and planar aligned regions.

Electro-optical properties of liquid crystal (LC) gratings with alternate twisted nematic (TN) and planar aligned (PA) regions are simulated. Three typical steps are introduced: first, the LC director distributions of the two different regions are simulated. Then, the phase and amplitude of the emergent light in each region are calculated through Jones matrix. Based on this information, the voltage-dependent diffraction efficiency is achieved by Fourier transformation, finally. It gives an exact explanation for the mechanism of this kind of gratings. Experiments with optimized parameters are carried out through photopatterning. The trend of the measured voltage-dependent efficiency fits the simulation result very well. This method can be used to optimize the performance of LC gratings with alternate TN and PA regions, and exhibits great potential in the simulation of corresponding photonics and display applications.

Effect of moxibustion on plasma amino acid metabolism in rats with knee osteoarthritis. / è‰¾ç¸å¯¹è†å ³èŠ‚éª¨å ³èŠ‚ç‚Žå¤§é¼ è¡€æµ†æ°¨åŸºé ¸ä»£è°¢çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli "(ST36) on the plasma amino acid metabolism in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore the amino acid metabolism mechanism of moxibustion in repairing cartilage injury in KOA. METHODS: A total of 30 SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model and moxibustion groups, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model and moxibustion groups were injected with the mixture of L-cysteine and papain into bilateral knee joint cavity to make the KOA model. The moxibustion group received moxibustion at bilateral ST36 for 30 min, once daily for 30 days. At the end of the experiment, the swelling degree of knee joint was calculated, the mechanical pain threshold was measured by the Von Frey filament, the cartilage tissue injury was observed by HE staining, the matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) content in the synovial tissue was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the differential amino acid metabolites in plasma were detected and screened by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the model group showed irregular cartilage surface, decreased number of chondrocytes, uneven distribution, and local clusters of chondrocytes；the contour of the tide line was blurred. The degree of joint swelling in the model group was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01), the mechanical pain threshold was lower (P<0.01), and the content of MMP-13 in synovial tissue was higher (P<0.01). The contents of proline and tryptophan in the model group were down-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the cartilage tissue damage and knee joint swelling were decreased(P<0.05), mechanical pain threshold was increased(P<0.05), MMP-13 content in synovial tissue and levels of glutamate and histidine expression were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Moxibustion at ST36 significantly alleviated arthritis-related swelling and pain in KOA model rats, attenuated cartilage damage, and regulated levels of certain plasma amino acid metabolites. Moxibustion may regulate KOA cartilage synthesis and degradation through amino acid metabolic pathways such as proline, tryptophan, glutamate and histidine, exerting anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and protection of cartilage injury effects.

Fucoxanthin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive role and underlying mechanisms of fucoxanthin (Fx) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice. Our results demonstrated that the oral administration of Fx (50 and 200 mg per kg body weight per day) for consecutive 7 days significantly alleviated the severity of LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury in mice, as evidenced by attenuating body weight loss, improving intestinal permeability, and ameliorating intestinal morphological damage such as reduction in the ratio of the villus length to the crypt depth (V/C), intestinal epithelium distortion, goblet cell depletion, and low mucin 2 (MUC2) expression. Fx also significantly mitigated LPS-induced excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and curbed the decrease of tight junction proteins including claudin-1, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 in the ileum and colon. Additionally, Fx effectively alleviated LPS-induced extensive infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils into the intestinal mucosa, the overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1beta (IL-1ß) and IL-6, and gasdermin D (GSDMD)-mediated pyroptosis of IECs. The underlying mechanisms might be associated with inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways. Moreover, Fx also notably restrained intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation levels in LPS-treated mice, and it might be mediated by activating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. Overall, these findings indicated that Fx might be developed as a potential effective dietary supplement to prevent intestinal barrier injury.

Fucoxanthin Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preventive role and underlying mechanisms of fucoxanthin (Fx) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. The present data demonstrated that oral administration of Fx (50 and 200 mg/kg body weight/day) for 36 days significantly alleviated the severity of colitis in DSS-treated mice, as evidenced by attenuating body weight loss, bloody stool, diarrhea, shortened colon length, colonic epithelium distortion, a thin mucus layer, goblet cell depletion, damaged crypts, and extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the colonic mucosa. Additionally, Fx notably relieved DSS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction via maintaining the tight junction function and preventing excessive apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells. Moreover, Fx effectively diminished colonic inflammation and oxidative stress in DSS-treated mice, and its mechanisms might be due to blunting the activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. Furthermore, Fx also modulates DSS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis via recovering the richness and diversity of gut microbiota and reshaping the structure of gut microbiota, such as increasing the Firmicutes and Bacteroidota (F/B) ratio and elevating the relative abundance of some potential beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Overall, Fx might be developed as a promising functional ingredient to prevent colitis and maintain intestinal homeostasis.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid-Enriched Phospholipids Alleviate Skeletal Muscle Atrophy in Lewis Lung Carcinoma Mouse Model.

SCOPE: Skeletal muscle atrophy is a critical feature of cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) and it is responsible for poor quality of life and high mortality in cancer patients. The previous study demonstrates that eicosapentaenoic acid-enriched phospholipids (EPA-PL) prevent body weight loss in a mouse model of CAC. However, the role of EPA-PL on cancer-induced skeletal muscle atrophy remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) mouse model is established, then the effect and underlying mechanism of EPA-PL on skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC-bearing mice are investigated. The results reveal that EPA-PL treatment significantly attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC-bearing mice, as evidenced by suppressing the reductions of skeletal muscle mass, myofiber cross-sectional area, and grip strength. Besides, the study finds that EPA-PL alleviated cancer-induced skeletal muscle atrophy via balancing muscle protein degradation and synthesis, inhibiting type I oxidative muscle fibers atrophy, and promoting mitochondrial function. Furthermore, the results also indicate that EPA-PL may counteract skeletal muscle atrophy in LLC mouse model via a sirtuin 1-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSION: These findings provide evidence that EPA-PL may be beneficial as a nutritional supplement for prevention and treatment of cancer-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

PC6 electroacupuncture reduces stress-induced autonomic and neuroendocrine responses in rats.

Stress can trigger cardiovascular disease. Both imbalance of autonomic nervous activity and increase of neurohormonal output are core aspects of stress responses and can lead to cardiovascular disease. PC6 as a very important acupoint is used to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease and to improve stress-related activities. We examined the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) at PC6 on stress-induced imbalance of autonomic nervous activity and increase of neurohormonal output. EA at PC6 relieved increased cardiac sympathetic nervous activity and decreased cardiac vagal nervous activity induced by immobilization stress. Also, EA at PC6 reduced immobilization stress-induced increases of plasma norepinephrine (NE) and adrenaline (E) released from sympatho-adrenal-medullary axis. Finally, EA at PC6 reduced immobilization stress-induced increases of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus and plasma cortisol (CORT) released from hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. However, EA at tail had no significant effect on the stress-induced autonomic and neuroendocrine responses. The results demonstrate the role of EA at PC6 regulating the autonomic and neuroendocrine responses induced by stress and provide insight into the prevention and treatment of EA at PC6 for stress-induced cardiovascular disease by targeting autonomic and neuroendocrine systems.

[Electroacupuncture improves ischemic myocardial injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to inhibit ferroptosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) / heme oxygenase (HO-1) signal pathway in electroacupuncture (EA) induced improvement of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) and its relationship with ferroptosis in rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly and equally divided into sham operation, model, EA and EA+ML385 (inhibitor of Nrf2) groups (n=8). The rat model of AMI was established by ligating the descending anterior branch of the left coronary artery. EA (2 Hz/100 Hz) was applied to bilateral "Shenmen"(HT7) and "Tongli"(HT5) for 20 min, once daily for 7 days. The electrocardiogram (ECG) of standard Ⅱ (ECG ST) lead and heart rate (HR) in each group was recorded and analyzed before and after modeling and after treatment by using PowerLab physiological recorder system. Histopathological changes of myocardial tissue were observed by H.E. staining, and the ultrastructure of myocardiocytes of cardiac apical tissue was observed under transmission electron microscope. The contents of Fe2+ and glutathione (GSH) in the myocardial tissue were measured by chromato-metry. The protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain polypeptide 1 (FTH1) and long chain acyl CoA synthase 4 (ACSL4) in the myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the HR, ECG ST, Fe2+ content, expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, FTH1 and ACSL4 proteins in myocardial tissues were significantly increased (P<0.01), while GSH content and GPX4 protein expression considerably decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, both EA and EA+ML385 groups had an obvious decrease in HR, Fe2+ content, and ACSL4 levels (P<0.01), and an increase in the expression levels of GPX4 and FTH1 proteins (P<0.01), EA (rather than EA+ML385) effectively down-regulated ECG ST, and up-regulated GSH, Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.01), whereas EA+ML385 apparently down-regulated expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 (P<0.01). It shows that ML385 pronouncedly weaken the effects of EA in slowing down ECG ST and HR, down-regulating Fe2+ content and ACSL4 expression (P<0.01), up-regulating GSH content, Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4 and FTH1 expressions (P<0.01). H.E. staining showed disordered arrangement and hyperplasia of myocardiocytes, enlarged myocardial fiber gap, agglomerated and deeply stained myoplasma, and some broken myocardial fibers with irregular mass and local tissue fibrosis in the model group, which was relatively milder in both EA and EA+ML385 groups. Compared with the sham operation group, the model group showed decreased mitochondrial atrophy, increased membrane density, and disappearance or reduction of cristae in myocardial cells，which was improved in the EA group. CONCLUSION: EA of HT7 and HT5 has a protective effect on ischemic myocardium in rats, which may be related to its effects in reducing oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and inhibiting "iron death" of myocardial cells.

[Effects of electroacupuncture at PC6 and BL15 on nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal root and norepinephrine and dopamine contents in paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus in rats with acute myocardial ischemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC6) and Xinshu (BL15) on the nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal root and norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in rats with acute myocardial ischemia (AMI). METHODS: A total of 100 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operation, model, EA at PC6, EA at BL15 and EA at both PC6 and BL15 groups with 20 rats in each group. The nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal roots was recorded by bipolar electrodes. NE and DA concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: When compared with the sham-operation group, the nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal roots was significantly increased while the NE and DA concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus were decreased in the model group (P<0.01). The nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal roots was decreased and the NE and DA concentrations were increased in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in the EA at PC6 group, the EA at BL15 group and the EA at both PC6 and BL15 group in comparison to those in the model group (P<0.01). The nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal roots and the NE and DA concentrations in paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus of the EA at both PC6 and BL15 group were significantly improved when compared to those of the EA at PC6 and EA at BL15 groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at both PC6 and BL15 acupoints exhibits the synergistic protective effects against AMI. The possible mechanism is related to regulating the nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal roots and the concentrations of NE and DA in paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus.

[Effects of acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) or Taiyuan (LU9) on P3a and P3b of event-related potentials in healthy young adults].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of manual acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) or Taiyuan (LU9) on the attention function of the brain, and to lay an experimental foundation for researching brain function and integration mechanisms of the human brain in relation to acupuncture stimulation. METHODS: Ten healthy young college students were selected as experimental subjects. P3a and P3b potentials were induced by novel stimulation and target stimulation with vision and were observed using Neuroscan event-related potentials system at time windows of ms 330-430 or 400-600 ms for observing the change of intensity distribution of P300 after manual acupuncture at HT7 or LU9. RESULTS: The amplitude of P3a and P3b decreased significantly after manual acupuncture at HT7 or LU9, but the degree of decreases affected by the acupoints was different. The decrease of the amplitude of P3a due to acupuncture at HT7 was more significant than acupuncture at LU9 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The attention function of the brain is affected by manual acupuncture at HT7 or LU9 and manual acupuncture at HT7 has a greater influence on the attention function of the brain.

[Effect of moxibustion on inflammatory pain and N-methyl-D aspartic acid receptor-nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway in spinal cord of adjuvant arthritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion on pain and N-methyl-D aspartic acid receptor/nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NMDA-NO-cGMP) signaling pathway in the spinal cord of rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in relieving inflammatory pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, moxibustion (Moxi), Moxi +NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 (Moxi+AP-5) and Moxi +NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) groups, with 20 rats in each group. The AA model was established by placing the rats in a wind, cold and damp environment for 12 h, once daily for 20 days and by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the right hind paw. Rats of the three Moxi groups received ignited moxa-stick stimulation of "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Shenshu"(BL23) alternately for 20 min, once a day for 15 days. The Moxi + AP-5 group and Moxi +NMDA group received intraperitoneal injection of AP-5 (0.7 mg·kg-1·d-1) and NMDA (5 mg·kg-1·d-1), respectively, once a day, for a total of 15 days. Mechanical pain thres-hold (MPT) was measured before and after modeling and interventions. The spinal cord tissue was sampled for detecting the expression of iNOS mRNA and protein, content of cGMP and NO, and the activity of NOS by using fluorescence quantitative PCR, Western blot, ELISA,nitrate reductase method and colorimetric method, respectively. RESULTS: Before modeling, there was no significant difference in MPT among all the 5 groups (P>0.05). After modeling, the MPT was remarkably decreased (P<0.01), the expression levels of iNOS mRNA and protein,the contents of cGMP and NO, the activity of NOS were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the normal group (P<0.01). After the interventions, the MPT was obviously increased (P<0.01), while the expression levels of iNOS mRNA and protein, the contents of cGMP and NO, the activity of NOS were significantly down-regulated in the Moxi, Moxi-AP-5 and Moxi+NMDA groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). The effect of Moxi+AP-5 group was significantly superior to that of Moxi group in raising MPT and down-regulating the expression levels of iNOS mRNA and protein, and the content of NO (P<0.05, P<0.01). The effect of Moxi+NMDA group was obviously inferior to that of Moxi group in up-regulating MPT and down-regulating the levels of iNOS mRNA and protein, and the contents of cGMP and NO, and the activity of NOS (P<0.01), suggesting a reduction of the therapeutic effects in raising MPT and down-regulating expression of iNOS mRNA and protein after administration of AP-5. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion can relieve RA inflammatory pain in AA rats, which may be related to its function in down-regulating the NMDA/NO/cGMP signaling pathway in the spinal cord.

[Effects of moxibustion on p53， SLC7A11， and GPX4 expression in synovial tissues of rats with adjuvant arthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion on p53, cystine/glutamate antiporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in synovial tissues of rats with adjuvant arthritis (AA), so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in alleviating rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Eighty rats were randomly divided into normal, model, moxibustion, and medication groups (n=20 in each group). The AA model was established by exposure to wind, cold, and damp environmental factors combined with injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion at "Shenshu" (BL23) and "Zusanli" (ST36) alternately, while those in the medication group were treated with tripterygium glycoside tablet suspension (8 mg/kg) by gavage, once a day, for 15 successive days. The pathological change in synovial tissue of rat right knee joint was observed by HE staining. The protein and mRNA expression levels of p53, SLC7A11, and GPX4 in the synovial tissue were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. The se-rum glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents were measured by colorimetry and fluorescence probe me-thod. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited synovial hyperplasia of the right knee joint, massive inflammatory cell infiltration, up-regulated mRNA and protein expression of p53 in synovial tissue, elevated serum ROS content (P<0.01), down-regulated mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in synovial tissue, and lowered serum GSH content (P<0.01). Comparison with the model group showed that the synovial injuries in the moxibustion and medication groups were obviously alleviated. The mRNA and protein expression levels of p53 in the synovial tissues and the serum ROS content declined significantly (P<0.01), while the mRNA and protein expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4 in the synovial tissues and the se-rum GSH content increased (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in histopathological change of synovial tissue between the moxibustion group and medication group. However, the p53 protein expression in the synovial tissue and the level of serum ROS were significantly higher in the medication group than in the moxibustion group (P<0.05), while the GPX4 protein expression and serum GSH content were down-regulated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion improves the inflammatory response in synovial tissue of AA model rats, which may be closely related to its regulation of the expression of ferroptosis-related factors.

Study on the central neural pathway and the relationship between the heart and small intestine via a dual neural tracer.

Despite very different functions, studies increasingly report that there may be a potential central nervous anatomical connection between the heart and the small intestine. In this study, the central nervous anatomical relationship between the heart and small intestine was studied via a viral tracer. Pseudorabies virus (PRV) syngeneic strains with different fluorescent reporter genes (eGFP or mRFP) were microinjected into the heart walls and small intestinal walls of male C57BL/6J using glass microelectrode. The results showed that the co-labeled nuclei in the brain were lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG) and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG) in the midbrain, mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (Me5), and motor trigeminal nucleus anterior digastric Part (5Adi) in the pons. The co-labeled sites in the spinal cord were intermediolateral column (IML) in the second thoracic vertebra, IML and lamina 7 of the spinal gray (7SP) in the third thoracic vertebra, and IML in the fourth thoracic vertebra. Our data show that there is a neuroanatomical connection between the small intestine and the heart in the central nervous system (CNS). Neuroanatomical integration of the heart and small intestine may provide a basis for revealing the physiological and pathological interactions between the circulatory and digestive systems. The interactions may be mediated more effectively through sympathetic nerves.

Effect of moxibustion on autophagy and the inflammatory response of synovial cells in rheumatoid arthritis model rat.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on synovitis and the autophagy of synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, moxibustion group, cigarette moxibustion group, and medicine group, with eight rats included in each group. The RA model was established by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the left posterior toe. Rats in the model group were not interfered with. In the moxibustion group, rats were treated by moxibustion, where a 1-cm diameter moxa stick was applied at the left Zusanli (ST 36) point. The distance of the moxa stick to the skin was 2 cm and moxibustion was completed for 20 min daily for 15 d total. In the cigarette moxibustion group, the moxa stick was replaced by a common cigarette. In the medicine group, rats were treated with a tripterygium glycoside suspension (8 mg/kg) once a day for 15 d total. In each group, the left hind limb toe volume was measured with a toe volume meter; the synovial cells were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; the interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, IL-23, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were detected by Westergren sedimentation rate testing; the C-reactive protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) levels in serum were detected by rate nephelometry; the expression levels of ULK1, autophagy-associated protein (Atg)3, Atg5, and Atg12 messenger RNA (mRNA) in synovium were detected by real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); and the protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), LC3-II, beclin-1, phosphorylated-PI3K (p-PI3K), p-Akt, p-mTOR in synovium were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Among the RA model rats, joint swelling, an inflammatory reaction, and the proliferation of synovial tissue were obvious and the signal of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was active, while autophagy was inhibited. Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) or intragastric administration of Tripterygium wilfordii glycosides could alleviate the inflammatory reaction of RA rats; relieve the swelling of the toes; downregulate the levels of ESR, CRF, RF; lower the levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-17; and increase the IL-4 and IL-10. At the same time, the mRNA expression levels of ULK1, Atg3, Atg5, and Atg12 and those of LC3-Ⅱ and beclin-1 were increased, while the PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR were decreased. Cigarette moxibustion did not significantly reduce the swelling of the toe joint in RA rats, and was not as good as that of moxibustion or Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides in the effects of inflammation relief and the influences of the levels of ESR, CRF, RF. While cigarette moxibustion has a weak effect to affect the expression of corresponding molecules in autophages and the expression level of the autophagy biomaker in synovial tissue. Moxibustion and tripterygium glycosides can significantly reduce the joint swelling, relieve synovitis and synovial hyperplasia, and inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to increase autophagy in a manner superior to cigarette moxibustion. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion can limit the proliferation of synoviocytes in RA rats by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, promoting autophagy, effectively reducing synovitis, and alleviating joint swelling.

DHA-Enriched Phospholipids and EPA-Enriched Phospholipids Alleviate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Intestinal Barrier Injury in Mice via a Sirtuin 1-Dependent Mechanism.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction has emerged as a potential contributor to the development of several severe diseases. Herein, the effect and underlying mechanism of DHA-enriched phospholipids (DHA-PL) and EPA-enriched phospholipids (EPA-PL) on protecting against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal barrier injury were elucidated. C57BL/6J male mice were fed an AIN-93G diet containing 1% DHA-PL or EPA-PL for 4 weeks and then were intraperitoneally injected with LPS (10 mg/kg) to cause intestinal barrier injury. The results manifested that DHA-PL and EPA-PL pretreatment balanced apoptosis and autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells and maintained intestinal tight junction integrity. Our findings also demonstrated that cotreatment with EX-527, a sirtuin 1 specific inhibitor, hindered the role of DHA-PL and EPA-PL against LPS-evoked intestinal barrier injury through reversing the inhibitory action of them on NF-κB and MAPKs activation as well as their potentiating actions on Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Overall, DHA-PL and EPA-PL alleviated LPS-mediated intestinal barrier injury via inactivation of the NF-κB and MAPKs pathways as well as activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway via up-regulating sirtuin 1.

[Electroacupuncture of acupoints of heart meridian ameliorates acute myocardial ischemia via Akt/mTOR pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of myocardial protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) rats. METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA groups (n=10 in each group). The AMI model was established by occlusion of the descending anterior branch (DAB) of the left coronary artery. EA (2 Hz, 1-2 mA) was applied to bilateral "Shenmen" (HT7) and "Tongli" (HT5) for 20 min, once daily for consecutive 7 days. The electrocardiogram (ECG) of nape-xiphoid lead was recorded for assessing changes of myocardial ischemia. Histopathologic changes of the ischemic myocardial tissue were observed after H.E. staining and ultra-microstructural changes of cardiomyocytes observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression levels of Akt, phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), mTOR and phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR) in the myocardium were detected by Western blot, followed by calculating the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR. RESULTS: Following ligature of DAB, the ECG-ST level was significantly increased in the model group in comparison with the control group (P<0.01). At 30 min after treatment, the ECG-ST level decreased significantly compared with the model group (P<0.01). At the end of the 7-day treatment period, the ECG-ST level increased compared with the model group (P<0.05). The levels of myocardial p-Akt and p-mTOR protein expression, and the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly lower in the model group than those in the control group (P<0.01), and considerably increased in the EA group than in the model group (P<0.01). No significant differences were found among the three groups in the expression levels of Akt and mTOR proteins (P>0.05). Outcomes of H.E. staining and TEM showed damage of mitochondria and occurrence of a large number of autophagosomes in myocardiocytes in the model group, which was milder in the EA group. CONCLUSION: EA at HT5 and HT7 can improve AMI in AMI rats, which may be related to its effect in facilitating Akt/mTOR signaling.

[Both fumigation and heating of moxibustion promote wound healing and tissue repair in rats with full-thickness skin incision].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of moxibustion on wound healing, new capillaries and tissue repair in rats with full thickness skin excision. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into control, moxa-fumigating and moxa-heating groups, with 24 rats in each group. The full-thickness skin excision injury model was replicated according to Balaji's and colleague's methods. Rats in the moxa-fumigating group received fumigation of moxa-smog at the wound surface (25 min/time) immediately after modeling through a smoke-heat separation device, and those of the moxa-heating group received conventional thermal stimulation of the ignited moxa over the wound (25 min/time) without moxa smog, once a day for 10 consecutive days. The wound color, pus, carrion, granulation, and healing status of the rats were observed. H.E. staining and Masson staining were used to observe the local tissues and collagen fibers of the wound on the 3rd and 7th days. Newly born capillaries at the wound surface were observed on the 10th day. RESULTS: Following modeling, the wound area of the moxa-fumigating group on the 1st and 7th day, and those of both moxa-fumigating and moxa-heating groups on the 3rd and 5th day were significantly reduced compared with the model group (P<0.001), and the wound area of the moxa-fumigating group was obviously smaller than that of the moxa-hea-ting group (P<0.01，P<0.001). On the 3rd and 7th day after modeling, the re-epithelialization rates were significantly increased (P<0.001), and the amounts of inflammatory cells were significantly reduced in both moxa-fumigating and moxa-heating groups (P<0.001). At the same time, the re-epithelialization rate of the moxa-fumigating group was higher than that of the moxa-heating group (P<0.05，P<0.001), and the inflammatory cell count of the moxa-fumigating group was lower than that of the moxa-hea-ting group (P<0.001). On the 10th day after the modeling, the number of new capillaries and capillary density in the wound basal layer were significantly increased in both moxa-fumigating and moxa-heating groups (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01), and were notably higher in the moxa-fumigating group than in the moxa-heating group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both fumigation and heating of moxibustion can promote wound healing in rats with full-thickness skin excision injury，which may be related to their effects in controlling the inflammatory response and promoting the production of collagen fibers, granulation tissue and capillaries.

[Implication and implementation path of the ideological and political elements in acupuncture- moxibustion courses].

To explore the implementation path of the ideological and political education according to the characteristics of teaching sections in acupuncture-moxibustion courses. Excavating the traditional Chinese culture and medical ethics contained in acupuncture-moxibustion courses helps strengthening the ideological and political quality of medical students and noble medical ethics, strengthening self-confidence in both professions and culture, and also helps students establishing a correct outlook on life, world and value. The moral education integrated with the professional teaching will helps explore ideological and political education path in acupuncture-moxibustion courses, so as to solidify them into each teaching sections and improve the teaching effect.

Roles of central orexinergic system on cardiovascular function and acupuncture on intervention of cardiovascular risk: Orexinergic system mediate the role of acupuncture?

Central orexinergic system contributes to the regulation of cardiovascular function. Orexinergic neurons receiving projections of nerve fibers from multiple structures of brain which involved in control and regulation of cardiovascular function locate in hypothalamus, and their axon terminals widely project to various central structures where orexins receptors are expressed. Here, we summarize the present knowledge that describes the influence of central orexinergic system on cardiovascular activity, the relevance of dysfunction in central orexinergic system with hypertension and psychological stress induced cardiovascular reactivity which are serious risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death. We propose that central orexinergic system may be potentially important targets for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death, and different orexinergic system involved neuronal circuits may be involved in distinct cardiovascular functions. Acupuncture having bidirectional regulatory ability and a much lower incidence of side effects can prevent disease. We review the improvement of acupuncture on hypertension and psychological stress induced cardiovascular reactivity. We think that acupuncture intervenes hypertension and psychological stress induced cardiovascular reactivity to prevent cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death. We also summarize relation between acupuncture and central orexinergic system. We propose a hypothesis that acupuncture improve hypertension and psychological stress induced cardiovascular reactivity through regulating central orexinergic system. The knowledge is beneficial for the development of potential therapeutic targets and methods to prevent cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular death.