Objective To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the quality of recovery during the early period after gynecological laparoscopic surgery using the Quality of Recovery?40 questionnaire ( QoR?40). Methods Sixty patients, aged 20-60 yr, with body mass index of 18.5-28.0 kg∕m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status ⅠorⅡ, scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery, were equally and randomly divided into either control group ( group C ) or acupuncture group (group Acu) using a random number table. Bilateral Neiguan (PC6) and Hegu (L14) acupoints were stimulated for 30 min starting from the time point before skin incision and immediately after the end of surgery. The quality of recovery was assessed using the QoR?40 on 1 day before surgery, and at 24 and 48 h after surgery. The patient′s cognitive function was assessed using Mini?Mental State Examination. The requirement for rescue analgesics was recorded. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting was also recorded. Results Compared with group C, the global QoR?40 and Mini?Mental State Examination scores were significantly increased, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting and requirement for rescue analgesics were decreased at 24 and 48 h after surgery in group Acu ( P<0. 05 ) . Conclusion Acupuncture can improve the quality of recovery during the early period after gynecological laparoscopic surgery using the QoR?40.

Objective To evaluate the effect of isoflurane preconditioning on autophagy during focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Methods Thirty-six healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 250-280 g,aged 7-8 weeks,were divided into 3 groups (n =12 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),cerebral I/R group (group I/R) and isoflurane preconditioning group (group IP).Focal cerebral I/R was induced by 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 24 reperfusion.Group IP inhaled 1.5％ isoflurane for 1 h per day for 5 consecutive days,the other two groups only inhaled 30％ oxygen,and focal cerebral I/R was induced at 24 h after the last inhalation.At 24 h of reperfusion,neurologic deficit was assessed and scored,the rats were then sacrificed,and brains were removed for determination of cerebral infarct size (using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining) and expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-Ⅱ (LC3-Ⅱ) and Beclin-1 (by Western blot).Results Compared with group S,the neurologic deficit scores and cerebral infarct size were significantly increased,and the expression of hippocampal LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was significantly up-regulated in I/R and IP groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group I/R,the neurologic deficit scores and cerebral infarct size were significantly decreased,and the expression of hippocampal LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 was significantly upregulated in group IP (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which isoflurane preconditioning ameliorates focal cerebral I/R injury is related to enhancement of autophagy in the rats.

Objective To investigate the intensive atorvastatin therapy on B7-H4 in peripheral blood monocytes of patients with unstable angina PCI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods 80 patients with unstable angina were randomized to pretreatment with intensive dose (80 mg/day ,n = 40) and conventional dose(20 mg/day,n=40)of atorvastatin. Peripheral blood were subsequently obtained prior to PCI,and 18 ~ 24 h after PCI. Peripheral blood serum level of IL-4,IL-10 and IFN-γ were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Fluorescence-based quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure levels of periph-eral blood monocytes B7-H4 mRNA. Results Levels of IL-10 ,sB7-H4 and B7-H4 mRNA increased in patients of both groups after PCI. The increase in intensive dose group is more significant (P < 0.05). IL-4 and IFN-γ decreased in patients of both groups after PCI. The decrease in intensive dose group is more significant (P <0.05). Conclusion Intensive dose atorvastatin treatment improve post-PCI immune inflammation in patients with unstable angina,possibly by promoting the expression of B7-H4 in peripheral blood monocytes.

Objective To evaluate the effect of isoflurane preconditioning on the expression of hippocampal GluR1 subunits-containing α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate(AMPA)receptors in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R).Methods Forty-eight pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 250-280 g,aged 7-8 weeks,were divided into 3 groups(n=16 each)using a random number table:sham operation group(group S),focal cerebral I/R group(group I/R)and isoflurane preconditioning group(group IPC).Focal cerebral I/R was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 2 h followed by reperfusion to induce cognitive decline in I/R and IPC groups. Rats were exposed to 1.5% isoflurane for 1 h every day for 5 consecutive days,and the model was established at 24 h after the last exposure in group IPC. Eight rats in each group were selected to perform Morris water maze test for 6 consecutive days starting from 9 or 23 days after operation. The rats were sacrificed at 14 and 28 days after operation,and the hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of the expression of GluR1 mRNA(by using real-time polymerase chain reaction)and GluR1 protein(by Western blot).Results Compared with group S,the escape latency was significantly prolonged at each time point after operation,the frequency of crossing the original platform quadrant and percentage of swimming distance at the original platform quadrant were decreased at 14 and 28 days after operation,and the expression of GluR1 protein and mRNA was down-regulated at 14 days after operation in I/R and IPC groups(P<0.05).Compared with group I/R,the escape latency was significantly shortened at 10-13 days after operation,the percentage of swimming distance at the original platform quadrant and frequency of crossing the original platform quadrant were increased at 14 days after the operation,and the expression of GluR1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated at 14 days after operation in group IPC(P<0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which isoflurane preconditioninig improves the cognitive function is related to up-regulation of the expression of hippocampal GluR1 subunits-containing AMPA receptors in a rat model of focal cerebral I/R.

Objective To investigate the effect of isoflurane preconditioning on rat learning and memory in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and its possible mechanism.Methods Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Daw ley rats w ere randomly divided into a sham operation group, a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group, and an isoflurane preconditioning group (n=12 in each group). A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and ischemic-reperfusion w as induced by a modified intraluminal suture method. The rats of the isoflurane preconditioning group inhaled 1.5%isoflurane for 1 hour per day for 5 d. At 24 h after the last preconditioning, a model of MCAO w as made. At 24 h after MCAO, the infarct volume w as detected by using 2,3,5 chlorinated diphenyl tetrazolium staining. At day 1, 3, 7, and 14 after MCAO, the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS) were performed. At day 9 after MCAO, the Morris w ater maze test w as used to evaluate the learning and memory of rats. At day 14, Western blotting w as used to detect the protein expression level of hippocampal tissue glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) on the side of ischemia. Results No obvious infarcts w ere observed in the rats of the sham operation group. The infarct volume in the isoflurane preconditioning group w as significantly smal er than that of the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (26.383%±3.128%vs.19.107%±1.661%;P<0.05). No neurological deficit w as observed in the sham operation group (score 0). The mNSS scores at day 1, 3, 7, and 14 after MCAO in the isoflurane preconditioning group w ere decreased significantly (day 1:9.000 ±1.195 vs.11.500 ±1.414;day 3:6.6250 ±1.407 vs.6.625 ±1.407vs.6.625 ±1.407; day 7: 5.875 ±0.707 vs.7.375 ±1.407; and day 14:3.375 ±1.187 vs.5.125 ±1.246;al P<0.05). The Morris w ater maze show ed that the escape latencies at day 1-5 after MCAO in the isoflurane preconditioning group w ere al significantly shorter than those in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (day 1: 95.992 ±15.734 s vs.103.008 ±11.654 s; day 2: 70.949 ±14.708 s vs. 94.705 ±14.709 s;day 3:39.660 ±7.413 s vs.65.716 ±10.155 s;day 4:22.692 ±5.778 s vs.35.240 ±8.553 s;day 5: 14.906 ±4.336 s vs.22.890 ±10.381 s; al P<0.05). The numbers of crossing platform (4.556 ± 1.333 vs.2.889 ±1.536 ) and the percentages of time spent in the target quadrant ( 33.014%±5.223%vs. 21.978%±6.697%) in the isoflurane preconditioning group w ere significantly increased than in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (al P<0.01). The levels of hippocampal GluR1 protein on the ischemic sides in the sham operation group, ischemia-reperfusion group, and isoflurane preconditioning group w ere 0.871 ±0.153, 0.456 ±0.130, and 0.689 ±0.126, respectively. There w ere significant differences among the 3 groups ( F=18.329, P<0.001) and the isoflurane preconditioning group w as significantly higher than the ischemia-reperfusion group (P<0.05). Conclusions Isoflurane preconditioning can improve the learning and memory in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion in rats, its mechanism may be associated w ith the uprelagating GluR1 expression in the hippocampus.

Objective To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on intestinal mucosal injury in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer.Methods Fifty-six American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ patients,aged 35-64 yr,with body mass index of 18-25 kg/m2,scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer,were selected and divided into 2 groups (n =28 each) using a random number table method:general anesthesia group (group G) and TEAS combined with general anesthesia group (group TG).In group TG,patients received continuous TEAS at bilateral Neiguan,Hegu,Zusanli,Shangjuxu and Xiajuxu acupoints from 30 min before anesthesia induction until the end of surgery,with a frequency 2/100HZ,disperse dense waves,intensity the maximum current that could be tolerated (3-8 mA).After induction of anesthesia,the patients were endotracheally intubated and mechanically ventilated,and combined intravenous-inhalational anesthesia was used to maintain anesthesia in both groups.Peripheral venous blood samples were collected when entering the operating room (T1),at the end of operation (T2),and at 24 and 72 h after operation (T3,4) for determination of intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and diamine oxidase (DAO) in palsma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Quality of Recovery-9 (QoR9) was used to assess the postoperative quality of recovery at 24 h before surgery (T0),T3 and T4.Results The concentrations of plasma I-FABP and DAO were significantly higher at T2 and T3 than at T1 in G and TG groups (P＜0.05).Compared with the baseline at T0,QoR-9 scores were significantly decreased at T3 and T4 in G and TG groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group G,the concentrations of plasma I-FABP at T2-T4 and DAO at T2 and T3 were significantly decreased,and QoR-9 scores were increased at T3 and T4 in group TG (P＜0.05).Conclusion TEAS can attenuate intestinal mucosal injury in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer.

Objective To evaluate the cardioprotection of electroacupuncture (EA) in the patients undergoing heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).Methods Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅲ patients,aged 18-55 yr,of New York Heart Association Ⅱ-Ⅲ,scheduled for elective cardiac valve replacement with CPB,were divided into 2 groups (n =20 each) using a random number table:control group (group C) and group EA.In group EA,bilateral Neiguan,Ximen,Shenmen and Baihui acupoints were stimulated with an electrie stimulator with the frequency of 2 Hz from 20 min before anesthesia induction until the end of operation,and the optimal intensity was selected according to the patient's tolerance when awake.Before EA and at 30 min of CPB,30 min,1 h and 2 h after termination of CPB and 6 and 24 h after operation,blood samples were taken from the central vein for determination of concentrations of heart-type fatty acid binding protein and cardiac troponin Ⅰ in plasma (by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay) and concentrations of malondialdehyde (using hydroxylamine method).Cardiac contractility was scored at 1,6 and 24 h after operation,and arrhythmia was scored at 24 h after operation.Results Compared with group C,the plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde at 30 min and 1 and 2 h after termination of CPB and 6 h after operation,plasma concentrations of cardiac troponin Ⅰ at 24 h after operation,and plasma concentrations of heart-type fatty acid binding protein at 30 min of CPB and 24 h after operation were significantly decreased,and the arrhythmia score and cardiac contractility score at 6 and 24 h after operation were decreased in group EA (P＜0.05).Conclusion EA can inhibit lipid peroxidation and exerts cardioprotection in the patients undergoing heart surgery with CPB.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on inflammatory responses during intestinal mucosal barrier damage caused by gastrointestinal surgery in the rats.Methods:Forty-five healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 7-8 weeks, weighing 220-260 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=15 each) by a random number table method: control group (C group), gastrointestinal surgery group (S group), and TEAS group (T group). Rats underwent pylorectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunal anastomosis to establish gastrointestinal surgery models in S and T groups, while group C received no treatment.In group T, bilateral Zusanli and Hegu acupoints were stimulated with disperse-dense waves, current intensity 5 mA, frequency 2 Hz, from 30 min before surgery until the end of operation.Only electrode patches were applied, but no stimulation was applied in group S. Five rats were randomly selected from each group and sacrificed at 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery (T 1-3), and ileal tissues were taken after anesthesia.The pathological changes of ileal tissues were observed with a light microscope and scored according to Chiu.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine contents of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP). Western blot was used to detect the expression of occludin, claudin-3 and ZO-1.The immunohistochemical method was used to determine the percentage of occludin, claudin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) positive cells. Results:Compared with group C, Chiu′s scores and contents of ileal IL-6, TNF-α, DAO and I-FABP were significantly increased, the percentage of occludin, claudin-3 and ZO-1 protein positive cells was decreased, and the expression of occludin, claudin-3 and ZO-1 was down-regulated at T 1-3 in group S and group T ( P<0.05). Compared with group S, Chiu′s scores and contents of ileal IL-6, TNF-α, DAO and I-FABP were significantly decreased, the percentage of occludin, claudin-3 and ZO-1 protein positive cells was increased, and the expression of occludin, claudin-3 and ZO-1 was up-regulated at T 1-3 in group T ( P<0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can reduce the intestinal mucosal barrier damage caused by gastrointestinal surgery by inhibiting the inflammatory response in rats.