Neuropathic pain(NP)is directly caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory system.It can be attributed to a variety of causes and has a complex pathological mechanism.Purinergic P2X receptors play a critical role in NP.P2X receptors will be activated by the extracellular adenosine triphosphate(ATP)to mediate the pain when the tissue is damaged.In vertebrates,there are 7 subtypes of P2X receptors(P2X1-7)encoded by genes,among which the receptors of P2X3,P2X4,and P2X7 are closely related to NP.Acupuncture produces good therapeutic efficacy on NP.To explore the mechanism of purinergic signaling involved in acupuncture analgesia,a review of the actions of P2X3,P2X4,and P2X7 receptors in acupuncture for NP was conducted.The P2X3 receptor is specifically expressed in small-and moderate-sized neurons in the dorsal root ganglion of the primary afferent nerve and trigeminal ganglion.Acupuncture can directly mediate analgesia by down-regulating the expression of P2X3 receptor in neurons.P2X4 and P2X7 receptors mainly exist in the spinal microglia.Acupuncture can inhibit the nociceptive transmission of substantia gelatinosa neurons by regulating P2X4 receptor in spinal microglia.Moreover,acupuncture may alleviate NP by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors by reducing P2X7 receptor in the spinal microglia.

Objective To find out the exposure level and distributional characteristics of risk factors for stroke in health checkup population. Methods Target population was selected from two health management centers including Qianfoshan Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University and Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University in Shandong province. Data were investigated with a questionnaire which included general information, physical examination, laboratory examination and electrocardiography. Exposure rate of risk factors and its distributional characteristics were described. Results A total of 95 909 individuals were enrolled into data analysis, including 59 686 males (age:44.48± 14.43), 36 223 females (age: 44.80 ± 13.90). The major risk factors were lack of exercises (68.02%), overweight (60.54%)and dyslipidemia (58.27%). There were significant differences in age groups and sex. Conclusion Exposure rate of risk factor for stroke was high and there were substantial differences between sex and age in health checkup population. Screening and health management for stroke risks might be a necessary strategy for the preventive intervention.

Objective To obtain the classification and characteristics of acupuncture manipulations by analyzing teacher's lifting-thrusting manipulation parameters derived from Germany-made Simi Motion 3D image analysis system using self-organizing feature map neural network (SOM). Method Thirty acupuncture teachers were selected for the study. Unilateral Quchi (LI11) was used as a point for acupuncture. A motion video of lifting-thrusting even reinforcing-reducing, reinforcing and reducing manipulations was made. The video was analyzed using Simi Motion 3D image analysis system to obtain original motion parameters at thumb tip tracking mark point. Teacher's manipulation classification parameters were analyzed using SOM. Result Acupuncture manipulation parameters showed nonnormal distribution with larger dispersion. Even reinforcing-reducing and reinforcing manipulations could be classified into four types and reducing manipulation, into five types. The characteristics of every type showed general concentration degree. Conclusion Acupuncture manipulation parameters overall showed the diversity characteristics of nonnormal distribution and are typical artificial control curve. They have the characteristic of lower concentration degree of neural network classification. Their classification is mainly based on curve shape and cycle length and related to the degree of difficulty of manipulation. This technique can be applied to the quantitative analysis of various manipulationsand the study of technical inheritance and provide reference for the standardization of acupuncture manipulation.

The aim of this study was to observe whether necroptosis is involved in the process of cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload. SD rats underwent transverse abdominal aortic constriction (TAC) operation for establishing cardiac hypertrophy model. The structure and function of the left ventricle of rats were evaluated via echocardiography, left ventricular mass index, the expression of markers of cardiac hypertrophy and histological detection. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to measure the gene and protein expression of receptor interacting protein kinase 1 and 3 (RIPK1 and RIPK3, the necroptosis markers) respectively. Four weeks after TAC operation, rat model for cardiac hypertrophy was established. The experimental data showed that the gene and protein expressions of RIPK1 and RIPK3 in the rat heart hypertrophic tissues after TAC for 4 weeks were increased significantly compared with those in the sham group. HE staining showed cardiomyocytes injury and hypertrophy in the hearts of TAC rat models. By transmission electron microscope, we observed that mitochondria of cardiomyocytes were damaged seriously in the TAC models. Treatment with losartan used, the selective antagonist of angiotensin II type I receptor could improve the cardiac function of TAC rats. Moreover, losartan treatment decreased the expression of RIPK1 and RIPK3 in heart tissues of TAC rats. The results suggest that necroptosis occurrs in the process of cardiac hypertrophy with pressure overload, and losartan could alleviate the cardiac hypertrophy and inhibit necroptosis.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cardiomegaly ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Echocardiography ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Losartan ; pharmacology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; Pressure ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are multipotent stem cells that differentiate into a variety of cell types and widely used in tissue regeneration engineering. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the cyclic biaxial stretching strain could promote the rat BMSCs (rBMSCs) to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro. The second or third generation of rBMSCs were randomly divided into the cyclic stretching stain group, the control group and the blank group. Those rBMSCs in the cyclic stretching strain group were seeded on a silicone membrane with complete medium were exposed to biaxial stretching strain of 10% of membrane at a frequency of 1 Hz lasting for 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. Those in the control group were seeded on silicone membrane with complete medium. Those in the blank group were seeded in the 6-wells plates with complete medium. The mRNA expression of GATA4 and myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF-2C) were detected by the real-time fluorescent quantification PCR and the protein expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was detected by using the Western blot method. The results showed that the mRNA expression level of the GATA4 and MEF-2C, and the protein expression level of Cx43 were significantly higher in the cyclic stretching strain groups, compared with those in the relative control groups (P < 0.05). It suggests that cyclic biaxial stretching strain could play a part in the induction of rBMSCs to differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells in vitro, but the differentiation mechanism is still unclear.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Stress, Mechanical

Objective To explore the effect of calreticulin (CRT) on cell proliferation and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721 and HepG2.Methods SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells were transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA).The transfection rate was detected by immunoflurescence and western blot.The cell proliferation,invasion and apoptosis of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells were determined by using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays,transwell assays and flow cytometry,respectively.The p-Akt and Akt levels were detected by western blot.Results The growth inhibition rate in the siRNA experimental group of SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells for 24,36 and 48 h were (41.0 ±2.2) ％,(46.5 ±1.6)％,(59.7 ±2.2)％ and (36.8 ±2.7)％,(47.3 ± 1.8)％,(61.5 ±3.2)％,respectively.The apoptosis rate after down-regulating the expression of CRT in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells for 36h were (45.2 ± 9.1) ％ and (48.9 ± 8.0) ％,respectively.Compared with the blank group and the negative control group,the growth inhibition rate in the siRNA experimental group was lower (P ＜0.05),but the apoptosis rate was significantly higher (P ＜ 0.05).Transwell experiments confirmed that the numbers of invaded SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells in the blank group and the negative control group and siRNA experimental group were (96.8±7.3),(95.6±5.4),(34.0±4.2) and (124.0 ±9.9),(121.6 ±7.0),(70.4±9.5),respectively,indicating that cell invasion in the siRNA experimental group was significantly suppressed (P ＜ 0.05).The expression of p-Akt was decreased (P ＜ 0.05) after down-regulating the expression of CRT for 36h.Conclusion CRT gene silencing by siRNA can inhibit the SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cell proliferation and invasion,but increase the cell apoptosis by regulating PI3K/Akt signal pathway.

Objective To investigate the changes in ATPase activity of diaphragm in rats with acute organophosphorus poisoning (AOPP) and to explore the effect of Xuebijing injection on the ATPase activity. Methods 24 clean healthy Spraue-Dawley(SD)rats were divided into control group,model group and Xuebijing treatment group by means of random number table,with 8 rats in each group. AOPP model was established by intra-gastrical administration of 50 mg/kg oxide dimethoate. In Xuebijing treatment group,after oxide dimethoate administration,intraperitoneal injection of Xuebijing(10 mL/kg)was given at the same time,while in control group and model group,equal amount of normal saline(NS)was injected via the same route. The rats were sacrificed at 6 hours after model formation,and their diaphragms were taken sterilely. The activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPsae of diaphragms were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The histopathological changes in diaphragms of rats were observed with light microscopy. Results 6 hours after intoxication,the diaphragm Na+-K+-ATPase activity of rats in model group was markedly lower than that in control group(mmol?h-1?g-1:5.22±0.74 vs. 9.98±0.37,P<0.01),while the Na+-K+-ATPase activity in Xuebijing treatment group(6.93±1.14) was markedly higher than that in model group(P<0.05). The diaphragm Ca2+-ATPase activity of rats in model group was markedly lower than that in control group(mmol?h-1?g-1:7.45±0.74 vs. 12.08±0.74,P<0.01),while the Ca2+-ATPase activity in Xuebijing treatment group(9.35±1.67)was obviously higher than that in model group(P<0.05)after intoxication for 6 hours. Light microscope observation indicated that there were swelling and necrosis in diaphragm in model group,while in Xuebijing treatment group no necrosis was found. Conclusion The diaphragm was degenerated and necrotic in AOPP rats,Xuebijing injection can lessen the injury in such rats,and the curative effect may be related to the improvement of the Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPsae activities of diaphragm.

Objective To investigate the abnormality of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells autophagy in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) mice,and explore the mechanism of UC-Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) in treating PBC.Methods After establishing the PBC model,we divided them into the PBC model group;the UC-MSCs treatment group and the Stattic group [Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor group].Six mice were used as the control group.Liver pathology and the serum pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2 subunit (PDC-E2) antibody titers were detected.Autophagosome of the intrahepatic biliary epithelial cell was observed by electronic microscope.Protein levels of STAT3/pSTAT3,Beclin-1 were detected by western blot.We cultured human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells in vitro,and down regulated STAT3.After stimulated by GCDC,we co-cultured them with UC-MSCs,and collected the cells in order to detect LC3 Ⅱ.The measurement data were compared with t test or single factor analysis of variance.Results Compared with the control group,periportal inflammatory cell infiltration and granuloma formation were observed in the PBC group.MSCs treatment decreased the infiltration of inflammatory cells.The level of antiPDC-E2 of the PBC group (107±18) ng/ml was higher than that of the control group (42±6) ng/ml (q=6.326,P＜0.01),MSCs treatment down regulated anti-PDC-E2 level (43±4) ng/ml (q=5.801,P＜0.01).More autophagosomes in the PBC group (5.00±1.29) than the control group (1.75±0.25) were observed (q=4.061,P＞0.05).Western blot showed that the level of Beclin-1 was higher in PBC group (1.80±0.36) than the control group (0.40±0.20) (q =6.757,P＜0.01),MSCs reduced the expression of Beclin-1 (0.86±0.06)(q=4.536,P＜0.05) as well as Stattic (0.72±0.03) (q=5.226,P＜0.05).PBC group had a higher expression level of STAT3 (1.80±0.42) (q=5.730,P＜0.05) and pSTAT3 (2.04±0.29)(q=6.492,P＜0.01) than the control group (0.50±0.05)(0.91±0.14).MSCs treatment decreased the expression of STAT3 (0.51±0.13)(q =5.703,P＜0.01) and pSTAT3 (0.76±0.07) (q =7.388,P＜0.01) in intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells.After down regulated STAT3 of HiBECs,MSCs reduced the expression of LC3 Ⅱ of HiBECs.Conclusion The intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells autophage of PBC mice is abnormal,MSCs can alleviate PBC by down regulating the autophage of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells via STAT3.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for repairing damaged heart tissue are a new kind of important treatment options because of their potential to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. We in this experiment investigated the effect of different electrical stimulation time on the expression of myocardial specificity gene and protein in rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) in vitro. The rBMSCs of second or third generation were randomly divided into three groups, i.e, electrical stimulation (ES) group, 5-Azacytidine (5-Aza) group and the control group. The rBMSCs in the ES groups with complete medium were exposed to 2 V, 2 Hz, 5 ms electrical stimulation for 0. 5 h, 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h respectively every day for 10 days. Those in the 5-Aza group were induced by 5-Aza (10 μmol/L) for 24 h, and then cultured with complete medium for 10 days. Those in the control group were only cultured with complete medium, without any treatment, for 10 days. The rBMSCs' morphological feature in each group was observed with inverted phase microscope. The mRNA expression of myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF-2C) and connexin 43 (Cx43) were examined with Real-Time quantitative PCR and the protein expression of MEF-2C, Cx43 were detected with Western Blot method. The results showed that the mRNA expression level of the MEF-2C, Cx43 and the protein expression level of MEF-2C, Cx43 were significantly higher in the ES group and 5-Aza group than those in the relative control group (P < 0.05). It suggests that electrical stimulation could play a part of role in the induction of the rBMSCs to differentiate into the cariomyocyte-like cells in vitro and the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation with 2 h/d had the best in our experiment. But the mechanism how electrical stimulation promotes the differentiation of rBMSC into cardiomyocyte is still unclear.
Animals ; Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Connexin 43 ; metabolism ; Electric Stimulation ; MEF2 Transcription Factors ; metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Myocytes, Cardiac ; cytology ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The studies of the simulation of acupuncture manipulation mainly focus on mechanical simulation and virtual simulation (SIM). In terms of mechanical simulation, the aim of the research is to develop the instruments of the simulation of acupuncture manipulation, and to apply them to the simulation or a replacement of the manual acupuncture manipulation; while the virtual simulation applies the virtual reality technology to present the manipulation in 3D real-time on the computer screen. This paper is to summarize the recent research progress on computer simulation of acupuncture manipulation at home and abroad, and thus concludes with the significance and the rising problems over the computer simulation of acupuncture manipulation. Therefore we put forward that the research on simulation manipulation should pay much attention to experts' manipulation simulation, as well as the verification studies on conformity and clinical effects.
Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Computer Simulation ; Humans ; Professional Competence