Effects of moxibustion on visceral hypersensitivity and colonic inflammatory response in mice with chronic ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVES

To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST36) on the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF receptor 1 (TNF-R1), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38 MAPK), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the colon tissue of mice with chronic ulcerative colitis (UC), so as to explore the underlying mechanisms of moxibustion in improving visceral hypersensitivity in chronic UC.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group, normal with moxibustion (NM) group, model group, and model with moxibustion (MM) group, with 10 mice in each group. The chronic UC model was established by drinking 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate for 3 cycles. Mice in the NM and MM groups received moxibustion at ST36 for 20 min, 5 days per week with a 2-day break, for a total of 4 weeks. The disease activity index (DAI) score of each group was evaluated before and after treatment. The minimum volume threshold of abdominal wall retraction reflex (AWR) was measured to observe the intestinal sensitivity of mice. The colon length was measured. The pathological changes of colon tissue were observed by HE staining. The expression of mucin in colon goblet cells was detected by periodate Scheff staining. The intestinal fibrosis was observed by Masson staining. The number of trypsin-positive cells (i.e., mast cell) and the expression level of TNF-α in colon tissue were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The expression levels of TNF-R1, P38 MAPK and TRPV1 in colon tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal group after treatment, the model group showed increased DAI score (P<0.001), decreased AWR minimum volume threshold (P<0.01), shortened colon length (P<0.001), significant inflammatory infiltration in the colon tissue, reduced mucin secretion (P<0.01), increased collagen fiber deposition (P<0.001), and elevated expression levels of TNF-α, TNF-R1, P38 MAPK, and TRPV1 (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the MM group showed decreased DAI score (P<0.01), increased AWR minimum volume threshold (P<0.001), elongated colon length (P<0.001), reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, improved integrity of mucosal glandular structure, enhanced mucin secretion (P<0.01), decreased collagen fiber deposition (P<0.001), decreased number of mast cells in the colon tissue (P<0.001), and decreased expression levels of TNF-α, TNF-R1, P38 MAPK, and TRPV1 (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the above index between the NM group and the normal group.

CONCLUSIONS

Moxibustion can reduce visceral hypersensitivity, alleviate inflammatory infiltration and fibrotic damage in the colon tissue of mice with chronic UC. These effects may be associated with the down-regulation of TNF-α, TNF-R1, P38 MAPK, and TRPV1 expression in colon.

Comprehensive Analysis of PANoptosis-Related Gene Signature of Ulcerative Colitis

Accumulating evidence shows that the abnormal increase in the mortality of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) caused by apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis is closely related to the function of mucous membrane immunity and barrier function in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). As a procedural death path that integrates the above-mentioned many deaths, the role of PANoptosis in UC has not been clarified. This study aims to explore the characterization of PANoptosis patterns and determine the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We constructed a PANoptosis gene set and revealed significant activation of PANoptosis in UC patients based on multiple transcriptome profiles of intestinal mucosal biopsies from the GEO database. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis revealed five key genes (ZBP1, AIM2, CASP1/8, IRF1) of PANoptosome with good diagnostic value and were highly correlated with an increase in pro-inflammatory immune cells and factors. In addition, we established a reliable ceRNA regulatory network of PANoptosis and predicted three potential small-molecule drugs sharing calcium channel blockers that were identified, among which flunarizine exhibited the highest correlation with a high binding affinity to the targets. Finally, we used the DSS-induced colitis model to validate our findings. This study identifies key genes of PANoptosis associated with UC development and hypothesizes that IRF1 as a TF promotes PANoptosome multicomponent expression, activates PANoptosis, and then induces IECs excessive death.

Moxibustion influences hippocampal microglia polarization via IL-33/ST2 pathway in Alzheimer's disease mice

OBJECTIVES

To observe the effect of moxibustion on the polarization of microglia towards M2 direction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice through the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/growth stimulating gene 2 protein (ST2) signaling pathway.

METHODS

Five-month-old APP/PS1 male mice were randomly divided into model and moxibustion (Moxi) groups, and C57BL/6J mice of the same age were as the control group, with 9 mice in each group. In the Moxi group, moxibustion was applied at "Baihui" (GV20) and "Yongquan" (KI1) for 30 min, once a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The spatial learning memory ability was observed by the Morris water maze test. The relative expressions of IL-33 and ST2 in hippocampus were detected by Western blot. The positive expression of amyloid-β (Aβ), phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau), IL-33/ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1), ST2/Iba-1, arginase 1 (Arg1)/Iba-1 and indu-cible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/Iba-1 in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged (P<0.001, P<0.01), the number of times to enter the effective area and the percentage of target quadrant swimming time were reduced (P<0.001), the positive expression of both Aβ and p-Tau, the positive expression of iNOS/Iba-1 in the hippocampal CA1 region was increased (P<0.001), while the expression of IL-33 and ST2 protein in hippocampal tissue, the positive expression levels of IL-33/Iba-1, ST2/Iba-1 and Arg1/Iba-1 in hippocampal CA1 region were all decreased (P<0.05, P<0.001). After treatment, compared with the model group, the escape latency of the mice in the moxibustion group was shortened (P<0.001, P<0.01), the number of entries into the effective area and the percentage of target quadrant swimming time were increased (P<0.001), the positive expression of Aβ and p-Tau in the hippocampal CA1 region, and the positive expression of iNOS/Iba-1 were decreased (P<0.001), while the expression of IL-33 and ST2 protein in the hippocampal tissue, the positive expression of IL-33/Iba-1, ST2/Iba-1 and Arg1/Iba-1 in hippocampal CA1 region were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Moxibustion can improve the spatial learning and memory abilities, reduce the pathological deposition of Aβ and p-Tau in APP/PS1 mice, which may be related to its function in up-regulating the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway to regulate the polarization of microglia towards M2 direction.

Electroacupuncture alleviates ulcerative colitis by targeting CXCL1: evidence from the transcriptome and validation

Background

We aimed to use transcriptomics, bioinformatics analysis, and core gene validation to identify the core gene and potential mechanisms for electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Materials and methods

EA was performed in mice after induction of UC via dextran sodium sulfate. Body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and hematoxylin-eosin of the colon tissue were used to evaluate the effects of EA. Mice transcriptome samples were analyzed to identify the core genes, and further verified with human transcriptome database; the ImmuCellAI database was used to analyze the relationship between the core gene and immune infiltrating cells (IICs); and immunofluorescence was used to verify the results.

Results

EA could reduce DAI and histological colitis scores, increase bodyweight and colon length, and improve the expression of local and systemic proinflammatory factors in the serum and colon of UC mice. Eighteen co-differentially expressed genes were identified by joint bioinformatics analyses of mouse and human transcriptional data; Cxcl1 was the core gene. EA affected IICs by inhibiting Cxcl1 expression and regulated the polarization of macrophages by affecting the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ, inhibiting the expression of CXCL1.

Conclusions

CXCL1 is the target of EA, which is associated with the underlying immune mechanism related to Th1 cytokine IFN-γ.

Disinfection of influenza a viruses by Hypocrellin a-mediated photodynamic inactivation

BACKGROUND

Influenza A viruses can be transmitted indirectly by surviving on the surface of an object. Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) is a promising approach for disinfection of pathogens.

METHODS

PDI was generated using Hypocrellin A (HA) and red light emitting diode (625-635 nm, 280 W/m2). Effects of the HA-mediated PDI on influenza viruses H1N1 and H3N2 were evaluated by the reduction of viral titers compared to virus control. After selection of the HA concentrations and illumination times, the applicability of PDI was assessed on surgical masks. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using a 2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate fluorescence probe.

RESULTS

In solution, 10 μM HA inactivated up to 5.11 ± 0.19 log10 TCID50 of H1N1 and 4.89 ± 0.38 log10 TCID50 of H3N2 by illumination for 5 and 30 min, respectively. When surgical masks were contaminated by virus before HA addition, PDI inactivated 99.99% (4.33 ± 0.34 log reduction) of H1N1 and 99.40% (2.22 ± 0.39 log reduction) of H3N2 under the selected condition. When the masks were pretreated with HA before virus addition, PDI decontaminated 99.92% (3.11 ± 0.19 log reduction) of H1N1 and 98.71% (1.89 ± 0.20 log reduction) of H3N2 virus. The fluorescence intensity of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein in photoactivated HA was significantly higher than the cell control (P > 0.05), indicating that HA efficiently generated ROS.

CONCLUSIONS

HA-mediated PDI is effective for the disinfection of influenza viruses H1N1 and H3N2. The approach could be an alternative to decontaminating influenza A viruses on the surfaces of objects.

Matrix metalloproteinases are key targets of acupuncture in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

The aim of this study was to elucidate the key targets of acupuncture in the colon of ulcerative colitis (UC) mice model using full-length transcriptome sequencing. 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice were treated with or without acupuncture. Intestinal pathology was observed, and full transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed. The results demonstrated that acupuncture treatment reduced the UC symptoms, disease activity index score, and histological colitis score and increased body weight, colon length, and the number of intestinal goblet cells. In addition, acupuncture can also decrease the expression of necrotic biomarker phosphorylates mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudo kinase (p-MLKL). Full-length transcriptome analysis indicated that acupuncture reversed the expression of 987 of the 1918 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 632 of the 1351 downregulated DEGs induced by DSS. DEGs regulated by acupuncture were mainly involved in inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier pathways. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are important genes regulated by acupuncture. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction was an important target of acupuncture. In addition, alternative splicing analysis suggested that acupuncture improved signaling pathways related to intestinal permeability, the biological processes of xenobiotics, sulfur compounds, and that monocarboxylic acids are closely associated with MMPs. Overall, our transcriptome analysis results indicate that acupuncture improves intestinal barrier function in UC through negative regulation of MMPs expression.

[Clinical characteristics of severe pre-eclampsia in a single tertiary referral center of Xiamen City]

Objective: To explore the key points for preventing and reducing severe pre-eclampsia (SPE) and its severe complications in the tertiary medical referral system of a second-tier city by analyzing the clinical characteristics of SPE. Methods: The clinical data of 341 patients with SPE who terminated pregnancy in Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the pre-eclampsia (PE) risk factors, clinical characteristics and severe complications of SPE between the patients referred from primary hospitals (referral group) and the patients received regular prenatal care in the tertiary referral center (central group) were compared, as well as the influence of the referral timing on the maternal and perinatal outcomes. Results: Among the 341 cases of SPE, 92 cases were in the referral group and 249 cases were in the central group. (1) Analysis of PE risk factors: there was no statistical difference in the proportion of risk factors of PE between these two groups [75.0% (69/92) vs 71.9% (179/249); χ²=0.328, P=0.567]. (2) Analysis of clinical features: the gestational ages at the PE early warning factors onset, at the PE first symptom onset and at SPE diagnosed, pregnancy terminated and onset of SPE severe complications in the referral group were significantly earlier than those in the central group (all P<0.05), the proportions of terminating pregnancy before 32 weeks of gestation, between 32 and 34 weeks of gestation, intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU hospitalization and fetal growth restriction in single pregnancies were higher than those in the central group, while the live birth rate was lower than that in the central group (all P<0.05). (3) Analysis of SPE severe complications: the rates of SPE severe complications in the referral group was higher than that in the central group [28.3% (26/92) vs 13.7% (34/249); χ²=9.885, P=0.002]. Among them, the rates of placental abruption [7.6% (7/92) vs 2.8% (7/249); χ²=3.927, P=0.048] and still birth [6.5% (6/92) vs 0.4% (1/249); χ²=9.656, P=0.002] in the referral group were significantly higher than those in the central group. (4) Analysis of referral timings: the timings included referral after onset of SPE severe complications (9.8%, 9/92), referral after SPE diagnosed (63.0%, 58/92), referral after detection of SPE early warning signs (20.7%, 19/92) and referral after detection of PE risk factors (6.5%, 6/92). The gestational ages at SPE diagnosed and pregnancy terminated in group of referral after onset of SPE severe complications and group of referral after SPE diagnosed were significantly earlier than those in group of referral after detection of PE early warning signs and group of referral after detection of PE risk factors (P<0.05). The earlier the referral, the higher the live birth rates (P<0.05). Conclusions: The tertiary referral center of the second-tier city plays an important role in reducing the maternal and perinatal damage of PE. The timing of referral in primary medical institutions is the key point of reducing the occurrence of SPE severe complications and maternal, perinatal damage of PE. It is necessary for medical institutions of all levels in all regions to improve the ability of early identification and early intervention for PE, to enhance the awareness of SPE and its severe complications prevention and control. Primary medical institutions should especially pay attention to raise the consciousness of PE risk factors and early warning signs, and to improve the ability of PE risk factors and early warning signs screening.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway in colonic mucosa of mice with ulcerative colitis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the protective effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the intestinal mucosal barrier and its relationship with the Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC), so as to explore its mechanism of treating UC.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control, model and EA groups, with 6 mice in each group. The UC model was established by giving the mice with 2% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) for 7 days. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 0.2 mA) was applied at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST36) for 30 min, once a day for 7 days. The disease activity indexes ［DAI=(body weight index score+stool score+bleeding score)/3; 0-4 points］ of mice were calculated. The morphological changes of colonic tissues of mice in each group were observed by HE staining, and serum contents of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. Claudin-1 protein expression in colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence, while the protein expression levels of Muc-2, Notch-1, MMP-9 in colon tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The real-time PCR method was used to detect the expression levels of Notch-1, Hes-1, NF-κB, TLR-4 and AKT mRNA in colon tissues.

RESULTS

After modeling, the DAI, serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents, Notch-1 and MMP-9 protein expression, the relative expression levels of Notch-1, Hes-1, NF-κB, TLR-4 and AKT mRNA in the colonic tissue were significantly increased (P<0.001, P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the control group. At the same time, Claudin-1 and Muc-2 protein expression were significantly reduced (P<0.01). After the EA intervention, the increased DAI score, TNF-α and IL-6 contents, Notch-1 and MMP-9 protein expression, the relative expressions of Notch-1, Hes-1, NF-κB, TLR-4 and AKT mRNA, and the decreased Claudin-1 and Muc-2 protein expression were all reversed compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). H.E. staining of the colonic tissue showed damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group, and those were significantly improved in the EA group.

CONCLUSION

EA can promote the recovery of intestinal mucosal barrier function and reduce inflammatory reaction in UC mice, which may be associated with its effects in inhibiting the excessive activation of the Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Effectiveness, safety and cost of urinary follicle stimulating hormone in controlled ovarian stimulation in China: multi-center retrospective cohort study of 102 061 in vitro fertilization cycles]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness, safety and cost between urinary follicle stimulating hormone (uFSH) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in China. Methods: Data were collected from 16 reproductive centers in China covering oocytes collection time from May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Eligible patients were over 18 years old, adopting COS with uFSH (uFSH group) or rFSH (rFSH group) as start gonadotropins (Gn), and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and (or) intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertilisation, excluding frozen embryo recovery cycle. Generalised estimating equation was used to address the violation of independency assumption between cycles due to multiple IVF cycles for one person and clustering nature of cycles carried out within one center. Controlling variables included age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone level, cause of infertility, ovulation protocol, type of fertilisation, number of embryos transferred, number of days of Gn use. Results: Totally 102 061 cycles met eligibility criteria and were included in the analyses. In terms of effectiveness, after controlling relevant unbalanced baseline characteristics, compared with rFSH group, the high oocyte retrieval (>15 oocytes was considered high retrieval) rate of uFSH group significantly decreased in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol (OR=0.642, P<0.01) and in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (OR=0.556, P=0.001), but the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle and the live birth rate per transfer cycle significantly increased (OR=1.179, OR=1.169, both P<0.01) in both agonist and antagonist protocols. For safety, multiple analysis result demonstrated that in the agonist protocol, compared with rFSH group, the incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of uFSH group significantly decreased (OR=0.644, P=0.002). The differences in ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the uFSH and rFSH groups were not significant (P=0.890, P=0.470) in all patients. In terms of cost, compared with rFSH group, the uFSH group had lower total Gn costs for each patient (P<0.01). Conclusion: For patients who underwent COS, uFSH has better safety, and economic profiles over rFSH in China.

Parallel Spinal Pathways for Transmitting Reflexive and Affective Dimensions of Nocifensive Behaviors Evoked by Selective Activation of the Mas-Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor D-Positive and Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1-Positive Subsets of Nociceptors

The high incidence of treatment-resistant pain calls for the urgent preclinical translation of new analgesics. Understanding the behavioral readout of pain in animals is crucial for efficacy evaluation when developing novel analgesics. Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor D-positive (Mrgprd⁺) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1-positive (TRPV1⁺) sensory neurons are two major non-overlapping subpopulations of C-fiber nociceptors. Their activation has been reported to provoke diverse nocifensive behaviors. However, what kind of behavior reliably represents subjectively conscious pain perception needs to be revisited. Here, we generated transgenic mice in which Mrgprd⁺ or TRPV1⁺ sensory neurons specifically express channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). Under physiological conditions, optogenetic activation of hindpaw Mrgprd⁺ afferents evoked reflexive behaviors (lifting, etc.), but failed to produce aversion. In contrast, TRPV1⁺ afferents activation evoked marked reflexive behaviors and affective responses (licking, etc.), as well as robust aversion. Under neuropathic pain conditions induced by spared nerve injury (SNI), affective behaviors and avoidance can be elicited by Mrgprd⁺ afferents excitation. Mechanistically, spinal cord-lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) projecting neurons in superficial layers (lamina I–II_o) were activated by TRPV1⁺ nociceptors in naïve conditions or by Mrgprd⁺ nociceptors after SNI, whereas only deep spinal cord neurons were activated by Mrgprd⁺ nociceptors in naïve conditions. Moreover, the excitatory inputs from Mrgprd⁺ afferents to neurons within inner lamina II (II_i) are partially gated under normal conditions. Altogether, we conclude that optogenetic activation of the adult Mrgprd⁺ nociceptors drives non-pain-like reflexive behaviors via the deep spinal cord pathway under physiological conditions and drives pain-like affective behaviors via superficial spinal cord pathway under pathological conditions. The distinct spinal pathway transmitting different forms of nocifensive behaviors provides different therapeutic targets. Moreover, this study appeals to the rational evaluation of preclinical analgesic efficacy by using comprehensive and suitable behavioral assays, as well as by assessing neural activity in the two distinct pathways.

The efficacy of bloodletting therapy in patients with acute gouty arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bloodletting therapy (BLT) is widely used to relieve acute gouty arthritis (AGA). However, limited evidence-based reports exist on the effectiveness and safety of BLT. This systematic review aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of BLT in treating AGA.

METHODS

Seven databases were exhaustively screened from the date of establishment to July 31, 2020, irrespective of the publication source and language. The included articles were evaluated for bias risk by using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. All statistical analyses were done with Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

Twelve studies involving 894 participants were included for the final analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed that BLT was highly effective in relieving pain (MD = -1.13, 95% CI [-1.60, -0.66], P < 0.00001), with marked alterations in the total effective (RR = 1.09, 95% [1.05, 1.14], P < 0.0001) and curative rates (RR = 1.37, 95%CI [1.17, 1.59], P < 0.0001). In addition, BLT could dramatically reduce serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level (MD = -3.64, 95%CI [-6.72, -0.55], P = 0.02). Both BLT and Western medicine (WM) produced comparable decreases in uric acid (MD = -18.72, 95%CI [-38.24, 0.81], P = 0.06) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels (MD = -3.01, 95%CI [-6.89, 0.86], P = 0.13). Lastly, we demonstrated that BLT was safer than WM in treating AGA (RR = 0.36, 95%CI [0.13, 0.97], P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

BLT is effective in alleviating pain and decreasing CRP level in AGA patients with a lower risk of evoking adverse reactions.

Proteomic analysis of lysine acetylation reveals that metabolic enzymes and heat shock proteins may be potential targets for DSS-induced mice colitis

BACKGROUND

Research on acetylation modification and its modification sites will be of great significance for revealing the mechanism of disease and developing new targeted medicines. In this study, we aim to construct a complete atlas of acetylome in the DSS-induced ulcerative colitis mice model (UC model) METHODS: A high-resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative approach was employed to identify lysine-acetylated proteins and acetylation sites. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments verified anti-inflammatory effects of HSP90B1-K142ac.

RESULTS

2597 acetylation events and 1914 sites were quantified, highlighting 140 acetylation site changes in the colitis colon tissue. 91 acetylation sites in 75 proteins were up-regulated, and 49 acetylation sites in 39 proteins were down-regulated in the UC models. The differentially acetylated proteins mainly consisted of non-histone proteins located in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. KEGG and protein-protein interaction networks analysis showed that the differentially acetylated proteins were enriched in the TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. 68% of the differentially metabolized enzymes have a down-regulated trend in acetylation levels. The acetylation level of lysine 142 in HSP90B1 was found to be obvious in the UC colon, and point mutation of HSP90B1-K142ac would result in the decreasing secretion of TNF-α and IL-2 in LPS-stimulated cultured cells.

CONCLUSION

Our work built a complete atlas of acetylome and revealed the potential role of metabolic enzymes and heat shock proteins in DSS-induced colitis.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Huanglian-Houpo Decoction Based on Berberine Hydrochloride and Magnolol Against H1N1 Influenza Virus

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Huanglian-Houpo decoction (HH), which is recorded in the famous traditional Chinese medicine monograph "Puji Fang," contains two individual herbs, Huanglian (Rhizoma coptidis) and Houpo (Magnoliae officinalis cortex). It was regularly used to treat seasonal epidemic colds and influenzas in ancient China. Our laboratory discovered that HH has a significant anti-H1N1 influenza virus effect. However, no pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data concerning the anti-H1N1 influenza virus activity of HH are available to date. In the current study, the concentration-time profiles of two major components of HH, berberine and magnolol, in rat plasma were investigated.

METHODS

An integrate pharmacokinetic approach was developed for evaluating the holistic pharmacokinetic characteristics of berberine and magnolol from HH. Additionally, the inhibition rate and levels of IFN-β in MDCK cells infected by influenza virus were analyzed. Data were calculated using 3p97 with pharmacokinetic analysis.

RESULTS

The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters were maximum plasma concentration (C_max) 0.9086 μg/ml, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 347.74 μg·min/ml, and time to reach C_max (T_max) 64.69 min for berberine and C_max = 0.9843 μg/ml, AUC= 450.64 μg·min/ml, T_max = 56.86 min for magnolol, respectively. Furthermore, integrated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis showed that the highest plasma concentration, inhibition rate and interferon-β (IFN-β) secretion of HH first increased and then weakened over time, reaching their peaks at 60 min. The plasma concentration of HH is directly related to the anti-influenza virus effect.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that berberine and magnolol are the main active ingredients of HH related to its anti-influenza virus effect, which is related to the improvement of IFN-β secretion.

Improvement of intestinal flora: accompany with the antihypertensive effect of electroacupuncture on stage 1 hypertension

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence have indicated the relationship between intestinal dysbiosis and hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the electroacupuncture (EA) on intestinal microbiota in patients with stage 1 hypertension.

METHODS

93 hypertensive patients and 15 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Applying a highly accurate oscillometric device to evaluate the antihypertensive effect of EA. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to profile stool microbial communities from Healthy group, Before treatment (BT) group and After treatment (AT) group, and various multivariate analysis approaches were used to assess diversity, composition and abundance of intestinal microbiota.

RESULTS

In this study, EA significantly decreased the blood pressure (BP) of hypertensive patients. Higher abundance of Firmicutes and lower Bacteroidetes abundance were observed in the BT group compared to the Healthy group. And EA treatment significantly decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio compared to the BT group. Moreover, at the genus level, there was an increased abundance of Escherichia-Shigella in patients with hypertension, while Blautia were decreased, and EA reversed these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that EA can effectively lower BP and improve the structure of intestinal microbiota which are correlate with the alteration of blood pressure by electroacupuncture.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrial.gov, NCT01701726. Registered 5 October 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01701726.

[Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on expression of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α in colon mucosa in ulcerative colitis mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of acupuncture or moxibustion of "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) on expression of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in colonic tissue in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice.

METHODS

Thirty-two male Kunming mice were randomly divided into control, model, acupuncture and moxibustion groups (n=8 in each group). The UC model was induced by free drinking of 3% Dextran Sodium Sulfate for 7 days. Acupuncture or moxibustion was applied to ST36 or CV4 for 15 min, once daily for 5 days. The severity of UC was monitored using the disease activity index (DAI) which includes evaluation of weight loss, stool consistency, and presence of fecal blood. Histopathological changes of the colon mucosa were observed by H.E. staining. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to detect the expression of STAT3 and HIF-1α proteins in the colon mucosa tissue.

RESULTS

After modeling, the DAI, immunoactivity and expression of STAT3 and HIF-1α in the colonic tissue were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the levels of DAI, STAT3 and HIF-1α considerably decreased in both acupuncture and moxibustion groups (P<0.05), and without significant differences between the two intervention groups in the levels of DAI, STAT3 and HIF-1α after the intervention (P>0.05). H.E. staining of the colonic tissue showed damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group, and reduction of the submucosal edema and infiltrated inflammatory cells in the acupuncture and moxibustion groups.

CONCLUSION

Both acupuncture and moxibustion can improve UC in UC mice, which may be associated with its effects in down-regulating the expression of colonic STAT3 and HIF-1α proteins.

[Epidemiological characteristics of acupuncturists who are sensitive to stimulation of moxa smoke: a face-to-face sectional survey based on 733 participants]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the epidemiologic characteristics of acupuncturists who are sensitive to stimulation of moxa smoke, which could provide further direction for safety protection of exerting moxibustion and to further verify the feasibility of internet survey.

METHODS

A self-made questionnaire regarding body response to moxa smoke was established, which was used to conduct a face-to-face survey among acupuncturists who had performed long-term moxibustion. The Logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the stimulation response of acupuncturists and the epidemiological characteristics of acupuncturists was obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 733 valid data was obtained. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the history of chronic respiratory disease was the main risk factor of stimulus response including cough, phlegm in the throat, asthma, dyspnea, shortness of breath and nasal dryness after exposure to moxa smoke (P<0.05, P<0.01). The risk of stimulus response such as cough, tearing and nasal dryness was higher in women than in men (P<0.05, P<0.01). The risk of dry eyes and eyes pain in smokers was higher than those in non-smokers (P<0.05). The risk of shortness of breath in those who were exposed to second-hand smoke was higher than those who were not exposed to second-hand smoke (P<0.05). The analysis of index trend line showed that the results of internet survey were similar to those of face-to-face survey.

CONCLUSION

The stimulus response of acupuncturist after long-term exposure to moxa smoke is related to the history of chronic respiratory disease, being female, smoking or exposure of second-hand smoke, therefore more attention should be paid to those populations. In addition, the internet survey can be used for the epidemiological investigation of safety of moxa smoke.

Emotional dysfunction and inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions which arise as a result of the interactions of susceptible genetic factors, environment, and intestinal microbiota, which lead to abnormal immunological responses and inflammation in the colon and small intestine. The exact pathogenesis of IBD is still unclear. Studies have shown that the existence of emotional dysfunction such as depression or anxiety contributes to the onset and development of IBD. It has been proposed that emotional changes may mediate or influence the gut microbiota-brain axis, thereby influencing intestinal motility, hormone secretion, and immunity, aggravating the intestinal immune inflammatory response, and increasing the clinical symptoms and recurrent risk of IBD. Giving psychological treatments when necessary will be beneficial to patients with IBD. In this paper, we discuss the relationship between emotional dysfunction and IBD.

[Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Immunity: the Actuality and Future]

Immunity reaction has been regarded as a key step for clinical acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. In the present paper, we review current situations about studies on acupuncture-moxibustion induced immunoregulation from 1) related project fundings of National Natural Science Foundation (NCFS) of China from 1989-2017; 2) papers published in SCI and Chinese medical journals from 2010-2018; 3) clinical conditions or disorders treated by acupuncture and moxibustion and their clinical therapeutic effects; 4) the commonly used acupoints for studying immune regulation functions; 5) some mechanisms of innate immunity and adaptive immunity involved; and 6) immune adjustment pathways involved. Moreover, in our future studies, we suggest to pay more attention to 1) the detailed cellular molecular mechanisms; 2) interactions among the immune cells, the immune cells and non-immune cells and cytokines responsible for regulation effects of acupuncture-moxibustion; 3) interrelationship of different systems as skin-brain axis, brain-intestinal axis, nerve-blood vessel unit of brain tissues, etc. involving acupuncture-moxibustion induced immunoregulation by using new techniques as proteomics, genomics, two-photon imaging technology, tracer technique, cryo-electronic microscope technology, etc.

Purinergic signaling in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory disease of the gut. In recent years, its incidence has continued to rise. So far, the exact cause of IBD is still unknown. Prinergic signaling is widely involved in the body's inflammatory immune response and is closely related to the occurrence of pain. A growing body of evidence indicates that purinergic signaling and its receptor system play an important role in IBD, and are widely involved in the development of IBD, which provides a new idea for its treatment. This article reviews the role of purinergic signaling in IBD.

Sirtuins and intestinal diseases

Sirtuins (Sirts) are a family of histone deacetylases relying on highly conservative nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺). Sirts are involved in gene expression silencing, metabolism, apoptosis, repair of DNA damage, and other cellular life processes. In recent years, studies have found that Sirts play an important role in the process of multisystem diseases. In the gut, Sirts are involved in intestinal inflammation, repair of intestinal barrier damage, regulating intestinal dynamics and so on. Sirts regulate the occurrence and development of intestinal diseases (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer) at the levels of gene transcription, protein expression, and post-translational modification. This article reviews the role of Sirts in the development of intestinal diseases.

[Moxibustion-induced Regional Changes of Histological Structure and Number of TNF-α in "Zusanli" (ST 36) in C 57 BL/6 J and TRPV 1-/- Mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe whether the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV 1) plays a role in moxibustion (Moxi)-induced regulation of local immune inflammatory response.

METHODS

Fifteen C 57 BL/6 J and 15 TRPV 1^-/- mice were randomly and respectively divided into blank control, Moxi-30 min and Moxi-72 h groups (5 mice/group). The Moxi intervention ([46±1] ℃) was applied to the left "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 30 min. The local tissue of the left ST 36 region was collected for observing the histological changes after H．E. staining, and for counting the number of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) immune-reaction (IR)-positive cells after immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

In both C 57 BL/6 J and TRPV 1^-/- mice, following Moxi, the local epidermis tissue was incomplete, with vague layers and arrangement of the stratum corneum (being thicker than control mice), and visible scar tissue. The corium layer was relatively looser in the structure, and the collagenous and elastic fibers were loosened in the arrangement or absence, with an abundant inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular dilation and congestion of blood vessels, and abnormal hyperplasia of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (but without marked structural changes of the subcutaneous tissue). In C 57 BL/6 J mice, compared with the control group, the numbers of TNF-α IR-positive cells were significantly increased in the epidermis of the Moxi-30 min group (P<0.05), and in the dermis of the Moxi-30 min and -72 h groups (P<0.01). In TRPV 1^-/- mice, compared with the control group, the numbers of TNF-α IR-positive cells were also considerably increased in the epidermis of the Moxi-30 min group, and in the dermis of both Moxi-30 min and -72 h groups (P<0.01). Comparison between the two Moxi groups showed that the number of TNF-α positive cells was significantly lower in the dermis of the Moxi-72 h group than in that of the Moxi-30 min group in C 57 BL/6 J mice (P<0.01), and significantly lower in both the epidermis and dermis of the Moxi-72 h group than in those of the Moxi-30 min group in TRPV 1^-/- mice (P<0.01)．.

CONCLUSION

Moxibustion stimulation of ST 36 can induce structural changes of the regional epidermis and dermis of the skin and up-regulate the number of TNF-α IR-positive cells in both C 57 BL/6 J and TRPV 1^-/- mice, which may contribute to its therapeutic effect via local TRPV 1-independent immunoregulation.

[Influence of Moxa Smoke on Indoor Air Quality and Strategies for Its Control]

Moxibustion is an effective therapy for treatment of a lot of clinical problems, but the ignited moxa-induced smoke containing harmful substances may bring about indoor air pollution to affect both patients' and medical workers' health. However, there is no standards about controlling indoor air quality (IAQ) for moxibustion rooms in China. In the present study, the authors reviewed newly-published articles about some substances released from moxa smoke as inhalable particles (PM 10 and PM 2.5), formaldehyde, benzene, methylbenzene, xylene, bene[α]pyrene, total volatile organic compounds, CO, CO₂, NO, SO₂, NH₃, O₃, etc. some of which affect IAQ. On this account, the authors put forward some strategies for controlling IAQ in moxibustion clinics including setting united safe standards, enhancing ventilation, controlling moxibustion material quality and strengthening scientific research on the safety of moxa smoke control, fully playing the superiority of moxibustion therapy and reducing its unfavorable aspects in clinical practice in the future.

[Method of Epidemiological Study on the Clinical Safety of Moxa Smoke]

With the development of moxibustion use, increasing attention has focused on the safety of moxa smoke. Evaluation of the safety of moxa smoke has now become an urgent problem in moxibustion clinical practice. An epidemiological study could provide direct evidence of the safety of moxa smoke, but has not yet been comprehensively and systematically studied. In the present paper, the authors discuss the research methods used in epidemiological studies of the clinical safety of moxa smoke and some key problems regarding definition of the exposed population, the determination of exposure outcome, the choice of psychological measuring tool and the assessment of exposure level.

Comparison of the efficacy between conventional moxibustion and smoke-free moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Conventional moxibustion is a representative non-drug intervention in traditional Chinese medicine, and it has been reported to produce encouraging results and benefits in relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in previous clinical trials and systematic reviews. Given that increasing concerns on the safety of generated smoke from conventional moxibustion have received much attention, smoke-free moxibustion is regarded as a potential alternative. However, whether smoke-free moxibustion would display a similar efficacy to that of conventional moxibustion still remains unclear. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial attempts to investigate the difference of efficacy between conventional moxibustion and smoke-free moxibustion in patients with KOA.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a multicenter, randomized, single-blinded, parallel-group clinical trial. A total of 138 eligible participants with KOA will be randomly allocated to two groups (conventional moxibustion group and smoke-free moxibustion group) in seven hospitals in China. Participants will receive 12 sessions of moxibustion treatment at three acupoints (EX-LE4, ST35, and ST36) over a period of 4 weeks (3 sessions per week). A smoke-removing device is placed at the top of the moxibustion device for the smoke-free moxibustion group (n = 69), while the conventional moxibustion group (n = 69) is treated with traditional moxibustion. The primary outcome measure will be the change of the global scale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) from the baseline to 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes include the visual analog scale VASand Patient Global Assessment scores. Follow-up measurements will be performed on the 8th and 12th weeks after random allocation.

DISCUSSION

This study will contribute to providing a solid foundation for the selection of moxibustion in clinical application as well as future research in moxibustion therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02772055 . Registered on 12 May 2016.

RKNNMDA: Ranking-based KNN for MiRNA-Disease Association prediction

Cumulative verified experimental studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be closely related with the development and progression of human complex diseases. Based on the assumption that functional similar miRNAs may have a strong correlation with phenotypically similar diseases and vice versa, researchers developed various effective computational models which combine heterogeneous biologic data sets including disease similarity network, miRNA similarity network, and known disease-miRNA association network to identify potential relationships between miRNAs and diseases in biomedical research. Considering the limitations in previous computational study, we introduced a novel computational method of Ranking-based KNN for miRNA-Disease Association prediction (RKNNMDA) to predict potential related miRNAs for diseases, and our method obtained an AUC of 0.8221 based on leave-one-out cross validation. In addition, RKNNMDA was applied to 3 kinds of important human cancers for further performance evaluation. The results showed that 96%, 80% and 94% of predicted top 50 potential related miRNAs for Colon Neoplasms, Esophageal Neoplasms, and Prostate Neoplasms have been confirmed by experimental literatures, respectively. Moreover, RKNNMDA could be used to predict potential miRNAs for diseases without any known miRNAs, and it is anticipated that RKNNMDA would be of great use for novel miRNA-disease association identification.

Progress in epigenetic research of ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific chronic disease that may relapse again and again and be associated with the risk of cancer. At present, the precise pathogenesis and etiology of UC are unclear. Research suggests that epigenetic modifications can mediate the mutual influence between susceptibility genes for ulcerative colitis and the internal and external environment of the body, and thus play an important part in the initial and sustainable development of UC. Regulation of expression of related genes by epigenetic modifications is closely linked to colonic mucosa immunity and defense in UC patients. In this paper, we will summarize the epigenetic mechanisms that may influence the pathogenesis of UC and discuss the role of epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of this disease.

[Chinese multicenter randomized trial of customized chemotherapy based on BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1)-RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) mRNA expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients]

Objective: BRCA1 (breast cancer susceptibility gene 1) and RAP80 (receptor-associated protein 80) play key roles in predicting chemosensitivity of platinum and taxanes. A randomized trial was carried out to compare non-selected cisplatin-based chemotherapy with therapy customized according to BRCA1 and RAP80 expression. Methods: Advanced stage NSCLC patients whose tumor specimen was sufficient for molecular analysis were randomized (1∶3) to the control or experimental arm. Patients in the control arm received docetaxel/cisplatin; in the experimental arm, patients with low RAP80 expression received gemcitabine/cisplatin (Arm 1), those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and low/intermediate BRCA1expression received docetaxel/cisplatin (Arm 2), and those with intermediate/high RAP80 expression and high BRCA1 expression received docetaxel alone (Arm 3). The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Results: 226 patients were screened and 124 were randomized in this trial. ORR in the four subgroups was 22.6%, 48.4%, 30.3% and 19.2%, respectively (P=0.08); PFS was 4.74, 5.59, 3.78 and 2.73 months, respectively (P=0.55); and OS was 10.82, 14.44, 10.86 and 10.86 months, respectively (P=0.84). The common adverse effects included neutropenia, nausea, anemia and fatigue. Conclusions: No statistically significant difference of ORR, PFS or OS is observed in the experimental arms compared with the control arm. Patients with low RAP80 mRNA levels have a trend of better survival and higher response rate to gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy.

Anti-H1N1 influenza effects and its possible mechanism of Huanglian Xiangru Decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huangliang Xiangru Decoction (HXD), which is described in a famous TCM monograph "Book of Nanyang for Life Savin", is frequently used for treating cold in summer and summer heat-dampness.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To date, no pharmacological study on the anti-H1N1 influenza properties of HXD has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic action of HXD on HIN1-induced acute pulmonary inflammation and its anti-influenza mechanism focus to TLRs signal pathway in a mouse model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

the mice were intranasally infected with influenza virus to induce viral pneumonia, and then treated with different doses of HXD. The Lung index and pathological changes in the lung tissue of mice were investigated to value the anti-influenza virus effect of HXD. The concentrations of cytokines (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ) and anti-oxidant factor (NO, SOD and GSH) in serum of mice were determined with ELISA. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression of TLR3, TLR7, MyD88,TRAF3 and NF-κB p65 in the lung tissues, which are the key targets of TLRs pathway.

RESULTS

Compared with the infection group, the lung index of mice in ribavirin group, HXD high dose group and HXD middle dose group were significantly decreased, the lung indexes of these groups were 10.36±1.14mg/g, 9.89±0.79mg/g, and 10.97±0.67mg/g. Moreover, pathological changes were remarkable alleviated. HXD can reduce the contents of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ, NO, and increase the contents of IL-2, SOD, GSH in serum of infected-mice significantly. At the same time, HXD can reduce the mRNA and protein expression of TLR3, TLR7, MyD88,TRAF3 and NF-κB p65 in the lung tissues of infected-mice significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

HXD has significant effects on H1N1 influenza by a quantity-effect relationship, and plays its anti-influenza effect by enhancing the body's antioxidant capacity, regulating the body's immune function and the host's TLRs pathway.

Warming moxibustion increases serum levels of interleukin-2 and transforming growth factor beta in ulcerative colitis mice

AIM: To explore the effect of warming moxibustion on serum levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in ulcerative colitis mice.

METHODS: Thirty-six male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and a warming moxibustion group. Ulcerative colitis was induced by treatment with 3% dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) for 7 d. The warming moxibustion group received treatment at "Zusanli" and "Guanyuan" acupoints for 5 d. Disease activity index (DAI) score was evaluated in the three groups. Tissue morphology and ultrastructure were evaluated by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. Mouse blood samples were taken to test serum levels of IL-2 and TGF-β by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: Compared with the control group, DAI score was significantly increased, inflammatory cells were seen in the intestinal mucosal, and serum levels of IL-2 and TGF-β decreased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, DAI score was decreased significantly, intestinal mucosal structure and micro-structures were improved, and serum levels of IL-2 and TGF-β were significantly increased in the warming moxibustion group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Warming moxibustion inhibits the inflammation reactions in UC, promotes the repair of the intestinal mucosa, and increases the levels of serum IL-2 and TGF-β, which indicates that warming moxibustion exerts a therapeutic effect on UC by regulating IL-2 and TGF-β levels.

[Effect of electro-acupuncture on metabolites in the cerebral cortex of ulcerative colitis rats based on Pi/Wei-brain related theory]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at points along Foot Yangming Channel on metabolite of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats' cerebral cortex and to identify key metabolites by referring to Pi/Wei-brain related theory in Chinese medicine (CM).

METHODS

The UC rat model was set up by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) method. Male SD rats were randomly divided into the model group and the EA group, 13 in each group. Another 13 rats were recruited as the blank control group. Rats in the blank control group and the model group received no EA. EA was performed at Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Tianshu (ST25) for 5 days by using disperse-dense wave. Then all rats were sacrificed. Their recto-colon and the ileocecal junction were pathomorphologically observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Cerebral cortexes were extracted. Water-soluble and lipid-soluble brain tissue metabolites were respectively extracted for metabolic research using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR).

RESULTS

EA could obviously improve the general condition of UC model rats, decrease the value of DAI, reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the intestinal tract, stabilize structures such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and so on (P <0.05). 1HNMR analysis showed that in the model group, contents of glutamic acid, cholesterol, very low density lipoproein (VLDL) in the pallium obviously decreased, while alanine and low density lipoprotein (LDL) significantly increased. After EA, levels of lactic acid, glutamic acid, total cholesterol (TC), and VLDL all increased, and levels of alanine and LDL decreased. All indices were approximate to those of the blank control group.

CONCLUSION

EA at Foot Yangming channel was found to have some effect on metabolites in the brain tissue of UC model rats, which had specific metabonomic material basis and mechanism based on the Pi/Wei-brain related theory.

[Considerations about mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for improving hypertension by regulating immune system]

Essential hypertension (EH) is a very common clinical disorder affecting the patient's health. Accumulating evidence indicates that immunological factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. In the present paper, the authors introduce 1) progress of researches on the pathogenesis of hypertension from cellular immune and body fluid immune (multiple immuno-humoral factors); 2) effects of acupuncture intervention on natural killer cell activity, exercise-induced immunosuppression, circulating inflammatory factor levels and balance of cytokines; 3) blood-pressure reduction effect of acupuncture intervention by lowering circulating TNF-alpha, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinases-9, angiotensin convertase and endothelin levels, and up-regulating serum opioid peptide content, etc. to decrease inflammatory injury of the cardiovascular system. Many researches have demonstrated that acupuncture may have a positive role in improving EH in clinical practice, which may be associated with its regulative effect on immune system, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

[Effect of electroacupuncture intervention on enteric microecology in ulcerative colitis rats]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on enteric microbial populations in ulcerative colitis (UC) model rats, so as to study its mechanisms underlying improving UC.

METHODS

Thirty-nine male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and EA group (n = 13 in each group). The UC model was established by intragstric perfusion of 4% dextran sodiumaqueous solution (DSS), once daily for 7 days. EA (15-25 Hz, 0.1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Tianshu" (ST 25), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37) for 10 min, once daily for 5 days. Disease Activity Index (DAI) including body weight and stool blood state was used to evaluate the animals' conditions. The rats' excrement was collected to detect the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE).

RESULTS

In comparison with the control group, the animals' DAI score and enteric Clostridium bifermentans content were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations, and contents of enteric Lachnospiraceae bacterium and Lactobacillus sp. were considerably down-regulated in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the DAI score and enteric Clostridium bifermentans content were significantly lowered, and the abundance and diversity of bacterial populations, and contents of enteric Lachnospiraceae bacterium and Lactobacillus sp. were notably increased in the EA group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

EA can improve DAI and the abundance and diversity of enteric bacterial microbiota in UC rats, which may be related to its protective effect on enteric microecology in UC.

Treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome with insulin resistance by insulin-sensitizer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to observe clinical curative effects of combination application of dimethylbiguanide and pioglitazone and single application of pioglitazone in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) complicated with insulin resistance (IR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty cases of patients with PCOS complicated with IR were investigated, and 20 cases of infertile women without PCOS were taken as the control group. PCOS group was divided into group A and group B according to body mass index (BMI) to detect glucose and lipids metabolism indicators, C reactive protein (CRP), etc. There were 20 cases in group A (Pioglitazone) and 20 cases in group B (dimethylbiguanide and pioglitazone). After treatment for 12 weeks, changes of the above various indicators were compared.

RESULTS

After treatment, insulin resistance index and serum testosterone (T) of two groups patients with PCOS significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to before treatment, BMI of group B significantly reduced (p < 0.05). For INS at two hours after treatment, group B reduced more significantly (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of dimethylbiguanide and pioglitazone was more effective for the treatment of PCOS complicated with IR than simple pioglitazone; chronic inflammation occurrence was possibly one of reasons for insulin sensitivity reduction of patients with PCOS.

[Effects of moxibustion on concentration of extracellular potassium ion in acupoint under different status]

OBJECTIVE

To observe different effects of moxibustion on extracellular potassium ion in acupoint under physiological and pathological status and provide experimental evidence for exploring action mechanism of moxibustion on acupoint local.

METHODS

Forty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a blank-moxibustion group, a model group and a model-moxibustion group, 10 cases in each one. The complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) was adopted to establish model of adjuvant arthritis (AA) in the model group and model-moxibustion group. No treatment was given in the blank group and model group while moxibustion was applied at "Zusan-li" (ST 36) for 30 min in the blank-moxibustion group and model-moxibustion group. The tissue fluid in "Zusanli" (ST 36) was collected with microdialysis and real-time analyzed by electrolytic analyzer. The change of concentration of potassium ion in "Zusanli" (ST 36) was observed.

RESULTS

(1) Under physiological status, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion in the blank group was not changed within 150 min (P > 0.05); before the moxibustion, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion in the blank-moxibustion group was (1.21 +/- 0.31) mmol/L, and after treatment it was gradually increased and reached its peak at (2.38 +/- 0.42) mmol/L after 60 min (P < 0.05), then it was reduced. 150 min after the treatment, concentration of potassium ion was slightly higher than that before moxibustion as well as that in the blank group. The concentration in the blank-moxibustion group at 60 min was statistically significant compared with that in the blank group (P < 0.05). (2) Under pathological status, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion in the model group was not changed within 150 min, differences of which at each time point was not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Before the moxibustion, the concentration of extracellular potassium ion was (1.09 +/- 0.12) mmol/L in the model-moxibustion group, and it was immediately increased to (1.96 +/- 0.18) mmol/L after moxibustion. 60 min and 90 min after the moxibustion, it still maintained a higher level, which was (1.87 +/- 0.29) mmol/L and (1.59 +/- 0.16) mmol/L respectively (both P < 0.05). The differences of each time point after moxibustion in the model-moxibustion group were statistically significant compared with those in the model group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The moxibustion could increase the concentration of potassium ion in rat's acupoint local under physiological status but time of effect is short; with moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) under pathological status, the concentration of local potassium ion is obviously increased and maintains for a long time.

Intestinal microecology in rats with ulcerative colitis

AIM: To study the abundance and diversity of the gut flora in rats with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) to provide new knowledge about the pathogenesis of this disease.

METHODS: Twenty-six healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group and a model group. UC was induced by giving 40g/L of DSS for 7 days. Fecal samples were collected from the rats and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) was employed to analyze the composition and diversity of gut flora. The specific bands were recovered and sequenced, and data were analyzed using Quantity-one, Chromas, SIMCA-P+, MGAE5 and SPSS18.0.

RESULTS: After 7 days of treatment with DSS, rats showed typical symptoms and characteristics of UC. DGGE results showed that gut floras in both group mainly belonged to Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Compared to the control group, the numbers of Lactobacillus sp. and Lachnospiraceae bacterium significantly decreased and the number of Clostridium bifermentans increased significantly in the model group (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The abundance and diversity of the intestinal floras obviously decrease in rats with UC. The numbers of Lactobacillus sp., Lachnospiraceae bacterium and Clostridium bifermentans change significantly in the intestinal tract of rats with UC.

Revealing metabolite biomarkers for acupuncture treatment by linear programming based feature selection

Background

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years as part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has gradually accepted in western countries as an alternative or complementary treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of acupuncture, especially whether there exists any difference between varies acupoints, remains largely unknown, which hinders its widespread use.

Results

In this study, we develop a novel Linear Programming based Feature Selection method (LPFS) to understand the mechanism of acupuncture effect, at molecular level, by revealing the metabolite biomarkers for acupuncture treatment. Specifically, we generate and investigate the high-throughput metabolic profiles of acupuncture treatment at several acupoints in human. To select the subsets of metabolites that best characterize the acupuncture effect for each meridian point, an optimization model is proposed to identify biomarkers from high-dimensional metabolic data from case and control samples. Importantly, we use nearest centroid as the prototype to simultaneously minimize the number of selected features and the leave-one-out cross validation error of classifier. We compared the performance of LPFS to several state-of-the-art methods, such as SVM recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) and sparse multinomial logistic regression approach (SMLR). We find that our LPFS method tends to reveal a small set of metabolites with small standard deviation and large shifts, which exactly serves our requirement for good biomarker. Biologically, several metabolite biomarkers for acupuncture treatment are revealed and serve as the candidates for further mechanism investigation. Also biomakers derived from five meridian points, Zusanli (ST36), Liangmen (ST21), Juliao (ST3), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Weizhong (BL40), are compared for their similarity and difference, which provide evidence for the specificity of acupoints.

Conclusions

Our result demonstrates that metabolic profiling might be a promising method to investigate the molecular mechanism of acupuncture. Comparing with other existing methods, LPFS shows better performance to select a small set of key molecules. In addition, LPFS is a general methodology and can be applied to other high-dimensional data analysis, for example cancer genomics.

[On feasibility of researching acupoint combination by using complex network analysis techniques]

One of the fundamental factors for achieving a better clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy is to compose an appropriate acupoint recipe or a set of acupoint recipes for an illness or a clinical condition. The present article reviews recent development of researches about acupoint combination from the methods of combination style, properties and functions (synergic or antagonistic role) of different acupoints, etc., and holds that "integrity" and "nonlinear" ideas are probably the key factors for composing reasonable acupoint prescriptions. Moreover, with reference to the achievements got in the field of complex network researches of Chinese medicine, the authors discuss the applicability of studies about acupoint combination literature, and biological data integration for acupoint compatibility. The authors point out that the current complex network analysis approach may be an effective measure for understanding the regularities and mechanisms of reasonable combination of acupoints.

Antitumor effects and chemical compositions of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker ethanol extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker popularly known as "preferred drug to regulate blood flow" are traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of ecchymoma, posttraumatic wound, hepatic fibrosis and tumor.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To characterize chemical compositions and to evaluate the antitumor and immunomodulatory of Eupolyphaga sinensis Walker ethanol extract (ESEE) in hepatocarcinoma H(22) bearing mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ESEE was obtained by ethanol reflux extraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after methylation. ICR mice were treated with ESEE for 14 consecutive days at doses of 31mg/kg (low-dose), 62mg/kg (mid-dose) and 124mg/kg (high-dose) after H(22) tumor cells were implanted. At the end of the experiments, the tumor weight of each mouse was measured. Levels of serum TNF-α and IFN-γ was assayed by ELISA. Protein expressions of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspases-3 were detected by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Chemical analysis revealed the presence of 6 components that account for 97.55% of fatty acids, indicating the occurrence of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Oral administration of ESEE could inhibit tumor growth, promote Th1 type cytokine productions (TNF-α and IFN-γ) and induce apoptosis of hepatocarcinoma via increase of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of caspases-3. Oral administration of ESEE in a dosage of 6.2g/kg did not lead to toxic effects in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

ESEE was effective in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo and could also serve as immunoadjuvant for tumor therapy.

[Effects of electroacupuncture of "Weishu" (BL 21) and "Zhongwan" (CV 12) on serum large molecular metabolites in functional dyspepsia rats]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of Shu-acupoint "Weishu" (BL 21), Mu-acupoint "Zhongwan" (CV 12) and BL 21 + CV 12 on serum large molecular metabolites in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats.

METHODS

A total of 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, BL 21, CV 12 and BL 21 + CV 12 groups (n = 10/group). FD model was established by clamping the rats' tails for 30 min, once every 3 h, 4 times daily for 7 days. EA was applied to BL 21,CV 12, or BL 21 + CV 12, respectively for 20 min, once daily for 10 days. The rats' venous blood was collected for detecting large molecular metabolites by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer (Varian UnityInova, 600 MHz). Segmental integral calculus (0.04 ppm per segment) was performed from 6.0-0 ppm (longitudinal eddy-delay, LED) as defaulted 1H spectra values by using the VNMR software. Data was saved as text or excel files after normalization and then used for pattern recognition analyses. All the data were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) using the SIMCA-P 10.04 software (Umetrics AB, Umea, Sweden), and orthogonal signal correction and partial least squares discriminant analysis (OSC-PLS-DA).

RESULTS

The rat serum proton-LED-1H NMR spectra revealed different metabolic spectra among control,model, BL 21, CV 12, and BL 21 + CV 12 groups. PCA and OSC-PLS-DA showed that compared with the normal control group, FD rats in model group displayed serum N-acetylglucoprotein (NAc) content was reduced considerably, high density lipoprotein (HDL) level decreased to a certain degree, while very low density lipoprotein (VLDL)/LDL increased significantly. In comparison with model group, VLDL/LDL was decreased in BL 21, CV 12 and BL 21 + CV 12 groups, while NAc content increased. Compared with BL 21 and CV 12 groups respectively, HDL level in BL 21 + CV 12 increased to a certain degree.

CONCLUSION

EA of BL 21, CV 12 and BL 21 + CV 12 groups can reverse or relieve FD induced increase of VLDL/LDL and decrease of serum NAc level in rats, which may contribute to its function in improving symptoms of FD patients.

Effects of acute exercise on plasma erythropoietin levels in trained runners

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate further the influence of exercise on erythropoietin.

METHODS

We observed the effects of high intensity running on plasma erythropoietin concentration in competitive distance runners. A repeated measures design was used to compare the responses of intermittent high intensity (HIGH) exercise to continuous moderate intensity (MOD) exercise and rest (REST). The HIGH treatment consisted of 60 min of exercise alternating 5 min of running at approximately 90% of VO2max with 5 min of brisk walking. The MOD treatment consisted of a continuous 60-min run on the treadmill at 60% of VO2max. Blood samples were collected immediately before the exercise (PRE), immediately following the exercise (POST), and 4 (heart rate (4HR), 12 (12HR), 24 (24HR), and 48 (48HR)) h following the exercise. The variables examined included plasma erythropoietin concentration ([EPO]), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration ([Hb]), hematocrit (Hct), red blood cell count (RBC), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV).

RESULTS

ANOVA revealed the expected treatment-by-time interaction for Hct and [Hb] suggesting a hemodilution at 24 and 48 h postexercise for the MOD and HIGH treatments. However, no significant treatment-by-time interactions were observed for [EPO], RBC, or MCV.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that intermittent high intensity exercise does not have a significant effect on [EPO] in trained distance runners.