Electroacupuncture protects the intestinal mucosal barrier in diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome rats by regulating the MCs/Tryptase/PAR-2/MLCK pathway

OBJECTIVE

The pathogenesis of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is related to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier function. Based on the Mast cell (MC)/Tryptase/Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2)/Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) pathway, this study explored the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on IBS-D rats and its possible mechanism of protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier.

METHODS

The IBS-D rat model was established by mother-offspring separation, acetic acid enema, and chronic restraint stress. The efficacy of EA on IBS-D rats was evaluated by observing the rate of loose stool (LSP) and the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) in rats. Mast cells and the ultrastructure of intestinal mucosa were observed by H&E staining, toluidine blue staining, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of Tryptase, PAR-2, MLCK, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and Occludin in rats were detected by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and western blot.

RESULTS

After 7 days of intervention, compared to the IBS-D group, the loose stool rates of rats in IBS-D + EA group and IBS-D + ketotifen group were decreased (P < 0.01), the minimum volume thresholds of AWR were improved (P < 0.01), the inflammation of colon tissue decreased, the number of MCs were decreased (P < 0.01), the expression of Tryptase, PAR-2, and MLCK were lowered (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and the expression of ZO-1 and Occludin were enhanced (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). Compared to the EA group, there was no significant difference in each index between the ketotifen groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA has a good therapeutic effect on IBS-D rats. Regulating the MCs/Tryptase/PAR-2/MLCK pathway may be a mechanism to protect the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Moxibustion ameliorates visceral hypersensitivity by regulating hypothalamus-spinal cord-colon axis in rats with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea

OBJECTIVES

To observe the effect of moxibustion intervention on the hypothalamus-spinal cord-colon axis of rats with irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and explore the mechanism of moxibustion in improving visceral hypersensitivity in rats with IBS-D.

METHODS

A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, and moxibustion groups, with 12 rats in each group. The IBS-D model was established by maternal separation + acetic acid stimulation + chronic restraint. Rats of the moxibustion group received bilateral moxibustion on "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) for 15 min, once a day for 7 consecutive days. The body weight, loose stool rate, and minimum threshold volume of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were measured before and after moxibustion intervention, respectively. The histopathological changes in the colon tissue were observed after HE staining. The number of colonic mucosal mast cells (MCs) was measured by toluidine blue staining. The activation of MCs was determined by tryptase positive expression level and examined by immunohistochemical staining. The content, protein and mRNA expression levels and positive expression levels of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), substance P (SP), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the hypothalamus, spinal cord and colon tissues were measured by ELISA, Western blot, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal group, the loose stool rate was increased (P<0.01)；the body weight and minimum threshold volume of AWR were decreased (P<0.01)；the inflammatory infiltration of colon tissues was obvious；the number of MCs and positive expression level of tryptase in the colon tissue were increased (P<0.01)；the contents, positive expression le-vels, protein and mRNA expression levels of CRF, SP and CGRP in the hypothalamus, spinal cord and colon tissues were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. After the intervention, compared with the model group, all these indicators showed opposite trends (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the moxibustion group.

CONCLUSIONS

Moxibustion can improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats with IBS-D, and its mechanism may be related to regulating the hypothalamic-spinal-colon axis to reduce the release of CRF, SP and CGRP, and thus to inhibite MC in colon tissue.

Effects of electroacupuncture on the microvascular structure and related protein expression in the hippocampus of vascular dementia rats

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24) on the microvascular structure and related protein expression in the hippocampus of vascular dementia (VD) rat model, and to investigate the mechanism of EA in the treatment of VD.

METHODS

A total of 24 SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, EA, and oxiracetam groups, with 6 rats in each group. Multiple cerebral infarction method was used to establish VD model. In the EA group, EA was applied to GV20 and GV24 for 30 min, once daily for 14 days. Rats in the oxiracetam group were treated with oxiracetam (50 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection, and the course of treatment was the same as that in the EA group. Learning and memory ability were evaluated by using Morris water maze test and new object recognition experiment. The cerebral blood flow was detected by laser doppler. The microvascular structure in the hippocampus was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of vascular structure related proteins of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-β, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31), neural cadherin N-Cadherin, Zonula occludens protein-1(ZO-1) in the hippocampus were measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham operation group, the rats in the model group had a significant increase in time of first crossing the platform, a significant decrease in the number of crossing platform and the new object preference index (P<0.05), a significant decrease in cerebral blood flow (P<0.05), and a significant increase in the brain weight (P<0.05). The structure boundary of pericyte and endothelial cells in the microvessels of the hippocampal CA1 area of model group was blurred, accompanied by obvious edema around the vessels and the reduction of tight junctions. The protein expression levels of PDGFR-β, CD31, N-Cadherin, ZO-1 were significantly decreased in the model group compared with those in the sham operation group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the time of first crossing the platform of rats in the EA and oxiracetam group was shortened, the number of crossing platform were increased (P<0.05), the cerebral blood flow was increased (P<0.05), the brain weight was decreased (P<0.05), the morphology and structure of pericyte and endothelial cells in the microvessels of hippocampal CA1 area were intact, accompanied by the increase of tight junctions. Additionally, Compared with the model group, the EA group had a significant increase in the new object preference index (P<0.05), the protein expression levels of PDGFR-β, CD31, ZO-1 in the EA group were increased (P<0.05), and the expression of PDGFR-β, N-Cadherin, ZO-1 in the oxiracetam group were increased (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

EA at GV20 and GV24 can improve the learning and memory ability of VD rats, and the mechanism may be related to the repair of microvascular structures and improvement of cerebral blood flow.

[Moxibustion relieves colonic inflammation by up-regulating expression of miR-345-3p/miR-216a-5p and down-regulating NF-κB p65 in colonic tissue of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of miR-345-3p, miR-216a-5p and nuclear factor-κB p65(NF-κB p65) in colonic tissue of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), so as to explore its anti-inflammatory mechanism in relieving IBS-D.

METHODS

SD rats were randomly divided into normal control (n=12), model (n=12), moxibustion (n=12) and ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC,n=12) groups. The IBS-D model was established by neonatal mother-child separation combined with acetic acid enema stimulation and chronic binding methods. The rats in the moxibustion group received moxibustion stimulation of "Tianshu"(ST25) and "Shangjuxu"(ST37) for 20 min, once a day, for 7 days, and those of the PDTC group received intraperitoneal injection of PDTC (50 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) once daily for 7 days. After the intervention, the body weight, loose stool rate and the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were observed, and histopathological changes of colonic mucosa were observed by HE staining. The contents of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF- α) in serum were measured by ELISA. The expression of miR-345-3p, miR-216a-5p and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the colon tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and the immunoactivities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 in the colon tissue were determined by immunofluorescence histochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control group, the loose stool rate, contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, experssion of NF-κB p65 mRNA and the immunoactivities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas the body weight, minimum volume threshold of AWR, content of IL-4, and the relative expression of miR-345-3p and miR-216a-5p were remarkably decreased in the model group (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the loose stool rate, contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, expression of NF-κB p65 mRNA and the immunoactivities of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB p65 were considerably down-regulated (P<0.01), while the content of IL-4 and the relative expressions of miR-345-3p and miR-216a-5p were obviously up-regulated in both moxibustion and PDTC groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). The content of IL-6 in serum was significantly lower in the PDTC group than in the moxibustion group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion can reduce the level of intestinal inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats, which may be related to its functions in increasing the expression levels of miR-345-3p and miR-216a-5p and in inhibiting the expression of NF-κB p65, thus reducing the levels of inflammatory factors.

[Effect of moxibustion on immune function homeostasis in rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome based on SCF/c-kit signaling pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects of moxibustion on the stem cell factor (SCF)/tyrosine kinase receptor (c-kit) signaling pathway and immune function in rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion for IBS-D.

METHODS

Among 52 young rats born from 6 healthy pregnant SPF rats, 12 rats were randomly selected into the normal group, and the remaining 40 rats were treated with the three-factor combination method of maternal separation, acetic acid enema and chronic restraint stress to establish the IBS-D rat model. Thirty-six rats with successful IBS-D model were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group, and a medication group, 12 rats in each group. The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with suspension moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37); the rats in the medication group were treated with intragastric administration of rifaximin suspension (150 mg/kg). All the treatments were given once a day for 7 consecutive days. The body mass, loose stool rate (LSR), the minimum volume threshold when abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scored 3 were measured before acetic acid enema (35 days old), after modeling (45 days old), and after intervention (53 days old). After intervention (53 days old), HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colon tissue, and spleen and thymus coefficients were measured; ELISA method was used to detect serum inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor a [TNF-a], interleukin [IL]-10, IL-8), T-lymphocyte subsets (CD⁺₄, CD⁺₈, CD⁺₄₅), value of CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ and immune globulin (IgA, IgG, IgM); real-time PCR method and Western blot method was used to detect the expression of SCF, c-kit mRNA and protein in colon tissue; immunofluorescence staining method were used to detect positive expression of SCF and c-kit.

RESULTS

After intervention, compared with the normal group, in the model group, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 were decreased (P<0.01), LSR, spleen and thymus coefficients, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CD⁺₄, CD⁺₄₅, CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈, IgA, IgG, IgM were increased (P<0.01), serum IL-10 level and protein and mRNA expression of SCF and c-kit in colon tissue were decreased (P<0.01), and the positive expression of SCF and c-kit was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the moxibustion group and the medication group, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), LSR, spleen and thymus coefficients, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-8, CD⁺₄, CD⁺₈, CD⁺₄₅, CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈, IgA, IgG, IgM were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), serum IL-10 level and protein and mRNA expression of SCF and c-kit in colon tissue were increased (P<0.01), and the positive expression of SCF and c-kit was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the medication group, in the moxibustion group, the level of serum CD⁺₄ was decreased (P<0.05), the value of CD⁺₄/CD⁺₈ was increased (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference in other indexes (P>0.05). The expression of SCF and c-kit mRNA was positively correlated with the minimum volume threshold when AWR scored 3 and IL-10 (P<0.01), and negatively correlated with remaining indexes (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion could reduce visceral hypersensitivity, improve symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea in IBS-D rats, and its mechanism may be related to up-regulation of the expression of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway and improvement of IBS-D immune function.

Acupuncture relieves the visceral pain of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome rats by regulating P2X4 expression

OBJECTIVES

We researched the effect and mechanism of acupuncture treatment for visceral pain in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).

METHODS

We set up a rat model of IBS-D with chemical and chronic- and acute-pressure stimulations. Then, the IBS-D rats were treated with acupuncture or 5-BDBD, and the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture in IBS-D rats was assessed by means of the Bristol scale, diarrhea index, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score, mast cell count and histologic staining.

RESULTS

Acupuncture significantly decreased clinical symptoms in IBS-D rats after a 14 day-treatment. Furthermore, significant down-regulation of P2X4, OX42, BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and IRF-5 (interferon regulatory factor 5) expressions were observed in the IBS-D rats, along with the decreased inflammatory factors [interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)], chemokines [monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1)], and neurotransmitters [substance P (SP), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)]. 5-BDBD treatment had a similar effect on IBS-D rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Acupuncture can effectively alleviate abdominal pain by decreasing visceral hypersensitivity and controlling the expression of P2X4 and spinal microglial inflammation in IBS rats.

[Effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway of hippocampus in rats with post-stroke depression]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the regulative effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on the depression-like behavior and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine protein kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway of hippocampus in rats with post-stroke depression (PSD), and to explore its possible mechanism on improving PSD.

METHODS

A total of 36 SPF SD rats were randomized into a sham operation group, a model group and a Tongdu Tiaoshen group, 12 rats in each group. The compound method of Zea Longa suture-occlusion and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to establish the PSD model in rats of the model group and the Tongdu Tiaoshen group. On the 4th day after modeling, acupuncture was applied at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shenting" (GV 24) in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group, 40 min every time, once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks consecutively. On the 2nd day after PSD modeling and after 4-week intervention, Zea Longa neurobehavioral score was evaluated, sucrose water consumption test and open-field test were performed; biochemical method was used to detect the SOD, CAT activity and MDA level in hippocampal CA1 area; ELISA method was used to detect the serum level of BDNF; real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB and CREB in hippocampal CA1 area; Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and p-CREB in hippocampal CA1 area.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham operation group, Zea Longa neurobehavioral scores were increased (P<0.05), percentage of sucrose water consumption, horizontal motion and vertical motion scores of open-field test were decreased after modeling and intervention in the model group and after modeling in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, Zea Longa neurobehavioral score was decreased (P<0.05), percentage of sucrose water consumption, horizontal motion and vertical motion scores of open-field test were increased after intervention in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the SOD and CAT activity in hippocampal CA1 area and serum level of BDNF were decreased (P<0.05), MDA level in hippocampal CA1 area was increased in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the SOD and CAT activity in hippocampal CA1 area and serum level of BDNF were increased (P<0.05), MDA level was decreased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05). Compared with the sham operation group, the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB and CREB as well as the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB, CREB and p-CREB were decreased in hippocampal CA1 area in the model group (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of BDNF, TrkB and CREB, the protein expression of BDNF, TrkB and p-CREB as well as the ratio of p-CREB/CREB were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture can improve the depression-like behavior in PSD rats, the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress in hippocampal tissues and the enhanced activity of CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

[Anti-inflammation effect of moxibustion for rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome based on multiple miRNAs regulating NF-κB signal pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of moxibustion on the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inflammatory factors by multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) in rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), and to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion on IBS-D.

METHODS

Twelve of 52 newborn rats were randomly selected into a normal group. The remaining rats were made into IBS-D model. A total of 36 rats with successful model were randomly divided into a model group, a medication group and a moxibustion group, 12 rats in each group. The rats in the medication group were intraperitoneally injected with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37) for 20 min each time. All the intervention was given once a day for 7 days. Before and after modeling as well as after intervention, the body mass, loose stool rate and the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) were measured. After intervention, the contents of serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-8 were detected by ELISA method; the morphology of colon tissues was observed by HE staining, and the expressions of miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in colon tissues were detected by real-time PCR. The expressions of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 protein in colon tissues were detected by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

After modeling, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold of AWR in the model group were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.01); the rates of loose stool in the model group were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.01); after intervention, in the model group, the inflammatory infiltration of colon tissues was obvious, and the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-8 were higher than those in the normal group (P<0.05); the expression of miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in colon tissues was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05); the protein expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8 was also higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01). After intervention, the body mass and the minimum volume threshold of AWR in the medication group and the moxibustion group were both higher than those in the model group (P<0.05); the loose stool rate in the medication group and the moxibustion group were lower than those in model group (P<0.05); the inflammatory cells infiltration in the colon tissues was less, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 as well as the protein expression of NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-8 in the colon tissues in the medication group and the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of miR-125b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the medication group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). The expression of miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a and NF-κB p65 mRNA in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). The miR-155, miR-125b, miR-29b, miR-31, miR-18a were positively correlated with NF-κB p65 mRNA (0<r<1, P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

The anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion at "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37) for IBS-D rats may be related to regulating multiple miRNAs to inhibit NF-κB signal pathway and reduce the expression of inflammatory factors.

[CHU Hao-ran's experience in treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion]

Professor CHU Hao-ran believes that the clinical diagnosis and treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome with acupuncture and moxibustion should concentrate on the integration of disease and syndrome differentiation. According to the evolution of pathogenesis, this disease is divided into 4 stages, i.e. invasion of exogenous pathogens, liver stagnation and spleen deficiency, spleen and kidney yang deficiency and interaction of cold and heat. Hence, the treatment should be provided by stages. Focusing on regulating the spleen and stomach, a specific acupuncture-moxibustion prescription is proposed, including Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). Additionally, the combination of distal and nearby acupoints is considered and an unique needling manipulation, named the fight between dragon and tiger, is exerted. On the base of syndrome and meridian differentiation, the modern medicine is combined, stressing on the mind regulation and the mutual application of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment. Eventually, a distinctive treatment system with acupuncture and moxibustion is formed for "regulating the spleen and stomach and differentiating meridians".

[Effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy-related proteins of hippocampus in rats with post-stroke depression]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the improvement of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on depression-like behavior in rats with post-stroke depression (PSD), and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 48 SD rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen group and a non-meridian-non-acupoint group, 12 rats in each group. In the the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, PSD model was established by the compound method of cerebral medial arterial occlusion, chronic unpredictable mild stress and isolation. Acupuncture was applied at "Dazhui"(GV 14), "Shuigou"(GV 26), "Baihui"(GV 20) and "Shenting" (GV 24) in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group, and at the bilateral dorsum hollows between 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones of the forelegs in the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, needles were retained for 40 min in the both groups, once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. Before model establishment and after intervention, the ethology indice of Zea Longa neurological behavioral score, open-field test and sucrose preference test were evaluated in the 4 groups. The levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), Beclin1 and LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰin the CA1 region of hippocampus were detected by western blot. The expressions of Beclin1, LC3B-ⅡmRNA in the CA1 region of hippocampus were detected by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

After model established, compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea Longa neurological behavioral scores were increased (P<0.05), the scores of horizontal and vertical motion of the open-field test and the consumption of sucrose solution were decreased in the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group (P<0.05). After intervention, compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea Longa neurological behavioral score, the expression of Beclin1, LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3B-Ⅱin the CA1 region of hippocampus were increased (P<0.05), the scores of horizontal and vertical motion of the open-field test, the consumption of sucrose solution and the expression of PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were decreased in the model group (P<0.05). After intervention, compared with the model group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the Zea Longa neurological behavioral score, the expression of Beclin1, LC3B-Ⅱ/Ⅰ and LC3B-Ⅱin the CA1 region of hippocampus were decreased (P<0.05), the scores of horizontal and vertical motion of the open-field test, the consumption of sucrose solution and the expression of PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture can effectively improve the depression-like behavior in PSD rats, its mechanism may relate to the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and the inhibition of hippocampal neuron autophagy.

[Effect of moxibustion on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in colon of diarrhea-predo-minant irritable bowel syndrome rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of moxibustion on serum inflammatory factors, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in colon tissue of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D)，so as to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of IBS-D.

METHODS

Healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group and moxibustion group, with 8 rats in each group. The IBS-D model was established by chronic restraint combined with gavage of Senna-leaf solution. The rats of the moxibustion group was treated with moxibustion at "Tianshu"(ST25)and "Shangjuxu"(ST37)for 30 min， once a day for 7 d. After the intervention, the rate of loose stools and the minimum threshold volume of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) induced by colorectal distension were observed. The contents of serum inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of rat colon were observed by H.E. staining. The average optical density of TLR4 and NF-κB (p65) in colon tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The relative expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB (p65) mRNAs in colon tissues were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB (p65) proteins in colon tissues were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

There was a mild degree of inflammation in colon in rats of the model group. Compared with the blank group, the minimum volume threshold of AWR decreased significantly (P< 0.01), and the rate of loose stools, the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum as well as the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB (p65) mRNAs and protein in colon tissues were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the inflammation was alleviated in colonic mucosa, the minimum volume threshold of AWR increased significantly (P<0.01), and rate of loose stools decreased significantly (P<0.01) in the moxibustion group, the contents of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and the expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB (p65) mRNAs and proteins in colon tissue decreased significantly in the moxibustion group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion ST25 and ST37 can improve diarrhea symptom and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats, which may be related with its effects in inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and reducing the expression of inflammatory factors.

[Moxibustion relieves abdominal hypersensitivity and diarrhea by regulating colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling pathway in rats with diarrhea type irritable bowel syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of moxibustion on visceral pain, diarrhea, colonic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) content, and expression of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), serotonin reup take transporter (SERT) and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 (5-HT3R) in colon tissue of rats with diarrhea irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), so as to reveal its underlying mechanisms in treating IBS-D.

METHODS

Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model and moxibustion groups (n＝10 rats in each group). The IBS-D model was established by chronic restraint combined with gavage of Senna leaf solution. Moxibustion was applied to bilateral "Tianshu" (ST25) and "Shangjuxu" (ST37) for 30 min, once a day for 7 days. After the treatment, the loose stool rate (number of loose stool/total number of feces granules X100%) and the minimum volume threshold of abdominal reflex (abdominal pain threshold) induced by rectal dilatation were observed. The content of colonic 5-HT was detected by using ELISA, and the expression of TPH1, SERT and 5-HT3R mRNAs and proteins were detected by using quantitative real time-PCR and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the blank control group, the minimum volume threshold of abdominal retraction reflex and the relative expression of SERT protein and mRNA were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the loose stool rate, colonic 5-HT content, and relative expression of TPH1 and 5-HT3R proteins and mRNAs were notably increased in the model group (P<0.01). After moxibustion, both the decrease of minimum volume threshold and SERT protein and mRNA expressions and the increase of loose stool rate, colonic 5-HT content and TPH1 and 5-HT3R protein and mRNA expressions were reversed (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion of ST25 and ST37 can relieve abdominal hypersensitivity and diarrhea in IBS-D model rats, which is related to its effects in down-regulating colonic 5-HT content and expression of TPH1 and 5-HT3R proteins and mRNAs and in up-regulating expression of SERT protein and mRNA (regulating 5-HT/5-HT3R signaling)．.

[Professor CHU Hao-ran's experience of acupuncture and moxibustion of regulating spleen-stomach and differentiating meridians-collaterals]

Professor CHU Hao-ran successively followed famous doctors of acupuncture and spleen-stomach disease, such as ZHOU Mei-sheng, inherited their academic thoughts and clinical experience, and studied the classics to summarize and propose the clinical academic proposition regulating spleen-stomach, differentiating meridians-collaterals. In clinical practice, professor CHU focuses on individual differences of patients, carefully examines syndrome and refines acupoint selection; he pays attention to regulating spleen-stomach, and actively uses Zusanli (ST 36); he simultaneously uses acupuncture-moxibustion and acupoints with efficacy; he inherits traditional reinforcing and reducing methods, and extends the scope of acupoint diagnosis and treatment, while he emphasizes keeping spirit and treating spirit, and the combination of mind and qi, in order to improve clinical diagnosis and treatment effect.

[Protective effects on hippocampal neurons and the influence on hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters with acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the mental state in rats with post-stroke depression]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effects on hippocampal neuronal structure and hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) with acupuncture for promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the mental state (Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture) in rats with post-stroke depression and explore the underlying effect mechanism of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture on post-stroke depression.

METHODS

A total of 48 clean-grade SD rats were randomized into a sham-operation group, a model group, a Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group and a non-meridian-non-acupoint group, 12 rats in each one. In the model group, the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group and the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the compound method of cerebral medial arterial occlusion and the chronic unpredictable mild stress was adopted to prepare the model of post-stroke depression. In the sham-operation group, skin was opened and the fascia muscle was separated, after artery exposed, no ligation was operated and the incision was sutured directly. In the sham-operation group and the model group, no any intervention was performed. In the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Shenting" (CV 24) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 40 min in each treatment and the needles were manipulated at the acupoints once in 20 min. The treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks consecutively. In the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the depression between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal bones on the dorsum of the forelimb was selected in intervention and the needling technique was same as the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group. The behavioral changes were observed after intervention in each group. Using transmission electron microscopy, the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was observed in the rats of each group. Using high performance liquid chromatography, the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were determined.

RESULTS

Compared with the sham-operation group, the Zea-longa neurobehavioral score was increased (P<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was reduced (P<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were reduced (both P<0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was aggravated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were reduced in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Zea-Longa neurobehavioral score was reduced (P<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was increased (P<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were increased (both P<0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was alleviated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the non-meridian-non-acupoint group, the Zea-Longa neurobehavioral score was reduced (P<0.01), the sucrose water consumption was increased (P<0.01), the number of times of horizontal movement and vertical movement in open-field test were increased (both P<0.01), the damage of the ultrastructure of hippocampal CA 1 neurons was alleviated and the contents of NE, 5-HT and DA were increased in the Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture improves the behavior of the model rats with post-stroke depression, repairs hippocampal neuronal damage, which is probably related to the contents of hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters (NE, 5-HT and DA).

[Effect of electroacupuncture and moxibustion pretreatment on expression of cerebral micro- RNAs and Aquaporin protein-4 in cerebral infarction rats]

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed at observing the effect of moxibustion pretreatment on the expression of cerebral microRNAs and Aquaporin protein-4 (AQP 4) in rats with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (CI/R), so as to reveal its mechanism underlying improvement of cerebral infarction.

METHODS

A total of 130 Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control (n = 10), CI/R model (n = 30), electroacupuncture (EA, n = 30), moxibustion (n = 30), Aspirin groups (n = 30). Before modeling, EA (2 Hz/5 Hz, 1-2 mA) or moxibustion was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Fengfu" (GV 16) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) for 20 min, once daily for 7 days. The rats of the Asprin group were treated by intragastric administration of Aspirin (10 mg/kg, 1 mg/mL) , once daily for 7 days before modeling. The CI/R model was established by occlusion of the bilateral carotid arteries. The expression levels of cerebral miRNAs and AQP 4 were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with the blank control group, the expression levels of cerebral miRNA 290 and miRNA 494 were significantly reduced, while that of AQP 4 was obviously up-regulated in the model group (P < 0.01). After pretreatment with EA and moxibustion, the relative expression levels of miRNA 290 and miRNA 494 were significantly higher in the EA, moxibustion and Aspirin pretreatment groups than in the model group (P < 0.01), while cortical AQP 4 expression levels were significantly lower in the EA, moxibustion and Aspirin pretreatment groups than in the model group (P < 0. 01, P < 0.05). The effects of both EA and moxibustion groups were significantly superior to those of Aspirin pretreatment group in up-regulating expression of miRNA 290 and miRNA 494 and down-regulating expression of AQP 4 (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In addition, the EA pretreatment was markedly superior to moxibustion pretreatment in the aforementioned effects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION EA pretreatment of GV 14, GV 16 and GV 20 can effectively up-regulate cerebral cortical miRNA 290 and miRNA 494 and down-regulate AQP 4 in CI/R rats, which may contribute to its effect in preventing the cerebral tissue from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

[Debating on the formulation of standardized manipulation of acupuncture and moxibustion, Part I: Moxibustion]

Main difficulties and solutions in working out the national standard Standardized Manipulation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Part I: Moxibustion are explained in this paper so as to promote the implementation and application of this national standard, including the definition of moxibustion, selection of pertinent literature, expiration date of moxa stick, quantification of moxibustion amount and the problems needing attention.

[Analysis on therapeutic effect of bird-pecking moxibustion combined with western medicine for treatment of infantile hand, foot and mouth disease]

OBJECTIVE

To observe therapeutic effects of bird-pecking moxibustion in children of hand, foot and mouth disease, and to analyze the mechanism.

METHODS

Seventy-five children of hand, foot and mouth disease were randomly divided into 3 groups, a combined moxibustion and medicine group (n = 22), a Chinese medicine group (n = 29), and a western medicine group (n = 24). The combined moxibustion and medicine group was treated with bird-pecking moxibustion combined with routine western medicine, the Chinese medicine group with oral administration of Chinese medicine and routine western medical therapy, and the western medicine group with routine western medicine. After treatment of 7 days, the therapeutic effects on skin rash, oral herpes, constipation or loose stool, dyspepsia and anorexia, etc. were comprehensively assessed, and their therapeutic effects were compared.

RESULTS

The total effective rate was 95.5% in the combined moxibustion and medicine group, 86.2% in the Chinese medicine group, and 83.3% in the western medicine group, the former being significantly better than those of the other two groups (both P < 0.05). The combined moxibustion and medicine group was significantly better than the other two groups in the relieving time of skin rash, oral herpes, constipation or loose stool, dyspepsia and anorexia, etc. (all P < 0.05)

CONCLUSION

The combined moxibustion and medication can effectively improve symptoms of the digestive tract, shorten duration of disease, reduce pain in the patient with hand, foot and mouth disease.