Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and miuci therapy combined with Qinggan Tongqiao Decoction for sudden sensor-neural hearing loss (SSHL) and the effects on level of plasma endothelin (ET) and serum nitrate oxide (NO). Methods Totally 110 patients with SSHL were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 55 patients in each group. The control group was given Qinggan Tongqiao Decoction combined with acupuncture routine treatment, and treatment group was given miuci therapy on the basis of the control group, two weeks as a course of two groups. Level changes of plasma ET and serum NO, and pure tone listening threshold changes before and after treatment were observed. Tinnitus and hearing efficacy was evaluated. Results The total effective rate for tinnitus efficacy was 94.54% (52/55) in the treatment group and 85.45% (47/55) in the control group, with statistical significance (u=2.038, P=0.040). The total effective rate for hearing efficacy was 96.46%(53/55) in the treatment group and 81.82% (45/55) in the control group, with statistical significance (u=2.913, P=0.040). Compared with before treatment, the level of plasma ET decreased and the level of serum NO increased after the treatment (P<0.05); After the treatment, the level of plasma ET in the treatment was lower than the control group, and the level of serum NO in the treatment group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). Pure tone threshold scores in the two groups on treatment 3, 7, 14 d were significantly improved (P<0.05), and pure tone threshold scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture and miuci therapy combined with Qinggan Tongqiao Decoction can significantly reduce clinical symptoms and enhance the hearing level of SSHL patients. The mechanism mainly lies in regulating levels of plasma ET and serum NO, and improving the inner ear micro-circulation.

BACKGROUND: At present, there is no ideal way to treat auditory injury, and acupuncture would become an effective method to prevent and cure drug auditory injury.OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at Yifeng, Ermen and Zhongzhu acupoints on improving histopathologic form of basilar membrane of guinea pig with drug poisoning auditory injury.DESIGN: Completely randomized design on the basis of experiment al animals.SETTING: Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences.MATERIALS: A total of 45 white male guinea pigs with normal Preyer's reflex were selected in this study. Guinea pigs were 3-4 months old, of general grade and weighted from 250 g to 300 g. All guinea pigs were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, Yifeng group, Ermen group and Zhongzhu group with 9 in each group.METHODS: The experiment was completed at the Laboratory of College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Affiliated to Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April to July 2002. ① Normal group: Guinea pigs were fed with normal feed. Other four groups: Guinea pigs were injected into muscle with 80 mg/kg gentamycin for 20 days, and guinea pigs in Yifeng group, Ermen group and Zhongzhu group were acupunctured at corresponding acupoints at the same time. Before acupuncture, guinea pigs were fixed and rapidly acupunctured into subcutaneous tissue with stainless steel needle sized 0.35 mm × 25 mm. The needle was inserted about 10 mm. According to uniform reinforcing-reducing method, the needle was thrusted once every 10 minutes with each for 30 seconds and retained for 30 minutes. The course was 20 days. ② Basilar membrane of guinea pigs was established. Amount of hair cell was calculated under optic microscope (×200) to record deletion amount of hair cell and observe activity of succinic dehydrogenase; meanwhile, ultrastructure of hair cells was observed with transmission electron microscope (×5 000). Measurement data were compared with t test among groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Activities of succinic dehydrogenase of hair cell in stretched preparation and changes of ultrastructure of hair cell in cochlea of guinea pigs.RESULTS: All 45 guinea pigs were revolved in the final analysis. ① Comparing activities of succinic dehydrogenase: Activity in normal group was great, and structures of inter and outer hair cells were normal. Activity in mode group was reduced gradually till disappeared. Outer hair cell at base was damaged severely, and there was significant difference from that in normal group (P ＜ 0.01). Activity of succinic dehydrogenase in Yifeng group was changed a little as compared with that in normal group, and difference was not obviously (P ＞ 0.05). Activity of succinic dehydrogenase in Ermen group was decreased, and hair cell showed a little swelling and deletion. Activity of succinic dehydrogenase in Zhongzhu group was decreased remarkably, and outer hair cell at base was damaged severely.There was significant difference between Ermen group and Zhongzhu group as compared with that in normal group (P ＜ 0.01). ② Deletion amount of outer hair cells in basilar membrane of guinea pigs: Amounts in Yifeng group, Ermen group and normal group were less than those in model group (P ＜ 0.05-0.01), but those in Zhongzhu group were similar to those in model group. ③ Ultrastructure: Structure of hair cell of cochlea was normal in normal group, pathological changes were observed on hair cells in model group, and pathological changes in acupuncture groups were milder than those in model group. Pathological changes of outer hair cells were mild in Yifeng group, structure of hair cells was changed a little in Ermen group,pathological changes in Zhongzhu group were severe, but its degree was milder than that in model group.CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can improve and maintain the activity of succinic dehydrogenase, relieve or resist toxic effect of gentamycin, especially at Yifeng, then at Ermen and Zhongzhu.

AIM: To investigate the effect of insulin on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation and to evaluate the intracellular signaling pathways involved. METHODS; VSMCs separated from Sprague - Dawley rats were used in this study. The proliferation of VSMCs induced by insulin was assayed by [~3H ] - thymidin incorporation. The protein expression and activity of p -ERK1/2 were determined by immunblot and [~(γ-32)P]ATP incorporation. RESULTS: Insulin induced cell proliferation in a concentration - dependent manner. The proliferative effect of insulin on VSMCs was inhibited partly by LY294002 (48.8% ) , an inhibitor of PI -3 kinase, and the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 (43.6% ) , respectively. Moreover, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and activity of ERK1/2 induced by insulin were also inhibited partly by LY294002.CONCLUSION: PI -3 kinase and ERK1/2 are involved in insulin induced VSMCs proliferation.

Objective:To investigate the significance of metronomic therapy against Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the prevention of delayed emesis caused by chemotherapy of gastric cancer compared with the routine therapy. Methods:HP infection was confirmed by carbon 14 breath test in 69 patients. Combined chemotherapy was employed for the first time in the patients, who were divided into groups A and B. Metronomic therapy was administered to group A (n=33). Briefly, triplex medication against Helicobacter bacil i triplex was oral y ad-ministered:20 mg of omeprazole and 0.5 g of amoxicillin twice daily, with 200 mg of tinidazole once daily. Oral administration in group A was performed for 14 days from the start of chemotherapy. Simultaneously, 5-HT3 antagonists were applied. By contrast, group B (n=36) was treated with the oral triplex medication against Helicobacter bacilli:20 mg of omeprazole and 1 g of amoxicillin twice daily, with 400 mg of tinidazole once daily. Oral administration in group B was performed for 7 days from the beginning of chemotherapy with simultaneous application of 5-HT3 antagonists. Both groups were simultaneously treated with the 5-HT3 antagonist granisetron at 3 mg once daily during the administration of anti-HP therapy. HP infection was evaluated by immunohistochemistry before and after treatment. Results:The total effective rate for emesis in group A was 84.85%, which was significantly higher than that in group B (55.56%). Among the patients in group A, 15.15%demonstrated delayed emesis, compared with 44.44%of the patients in group B;the number of individuals was significantly lower in group A than in group B. The average number of chemotherapy cycles in group A was significantly higher than that in group B at 3.1 cycles;the difference between groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). In addition, the HP infection in group B was significantly lower than that in group A (P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared with one week of treatment with the conventional dose, two weeks of low-dose metronomic therapy against HP during chemotherapy can significantly reduce chemotherapy induced delayed emesis and can significantly reduce the degree of HP infection in patients with gastric cancer with HP infection.

The impact factors were explored to determine the horizontal positional relationship between the umbilicus and the 2nd lumbar spinal process in adults and to verify the accuracy of the localization of Shenshu (BL 23) via the umbilicus. The position of the umbilicus and the 2nd lumbar spinal process was measured in 100 participants and the data were analyzed through SPSS 20.0 software. It was found that the umbilicus and the 2nd lumbar process were not positioned horizontally. The positional relationship of these two sites was not apparently correlated with gender, age, body weight, body height, BMI, waistline and discomfort of lumbar region. The umbilicus was commonly and posteriorly projected on the site between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra. It is explained that the localization of Shenshu (BL23) via the umbilicus is not accurate.
Acupuncture Points ; Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Lumbosacral Region ; anatomy & histology ; Male ; Meridians ; Middle Aged ; Umbilicus ; anatomy & histology ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND:Myocardial fibrosis following myocardial infarction is an important mechanism of ventricle reconstitution. However, there are few reports concerning effects of myocardial transplantation related to stern cells on this process. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of auto-skeletal muscle satellite cells implanted into ischemic myocardium on myocardial fibrosis in rats with myocardial infarction and their mechanisms.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: The randomized controlled animal study was performed at the Third Research Room, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from July to September 2007. MATERIALS: A total of 45 Wistar rats, of both genders, weighing 150-200 g, were used in this study. Of them, 30 rats were used to establish models of myocardial infarction.METHODS: A total of 45 rats were assigned to 3 groups (n=15). Rats in the myocardial infarction group received ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce myocardial infarction. 2 weeks later, 0.2 mL serum-free M199 medium was infused into the juncture between infarct region and normal myocardium through multiple points. In the transplantation group, following model induction, 0.2 mL auto-skeletal muscle satellite cells in rats after 2-weeks in vitro culture were transplanted into the surrounding of infarct region. Rats in the sham operation group were not induced to create models, only injected with 0.2 mL saline in the heart anterior wall surrounding the left anterior descending branch through multiple points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Four weeks after injection, vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression in the ischemic myocardium was demonstrated. Capillary density changes in the ischemic myocardium were detected. Growth and proliferation of myocardial cells in the infarct region were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.RESULTS: Vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression was significantly decreased in the sham operation and myocardial infarction groups compared with the transplantation group at 4 weeks following satellite cell transplantation (P<0.01). Capillary density was greater in the myocardial infarction group compared with the sham operation group (P<0.05). Capillary density was significantly higher in the rat ischemic myocardium in the transplantation group compared with the sham operation and myocardial infarction groups (P<0.01). Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that myocardial morphology was normal in rats of the sham operation group, with clear structure, orderly myocardial fibrosis. There were no fibroblastaggregation and hyperplasia among myocardial fibrosis. Fibroblast hyperplasia and collagent formation were found in the rat myocardium in the myocardial infarction group, with disorderly myocardial structure. Myocardial cells with transverse striation and many nuclei were observed in the rat infarct region of the transplantation group, with orderly arrangement. Fibrous tissue was significantly less in the transplantation group compared with the myocardial infarction group.CONCLUSION: Satellite cells can proliferate and differentiate into striated muscle-like cells with flexible and systolic functions in the infarct region. Satellite cells secrete vascular endothelial growth factor and promote blood capillary hyperplasia in ischemic myocardium by autocrine and paracrine, which finally effectively inhibits fibrosis progress in the ischomic myocardium.

Objective To investigate the effect of auto-skeletal muscle satellite cell implantation into ischemic myocardium on cardiac function and the mechanisms.Methods Approximately 10 7 to 10 9 muscle satellite cells(SCs)were cultivated in vitro.The left anterior descending(LAD)artery was ligated in Wistar rats to create myocardial infarction(MI).Some rats only underwent sham operation served as control.Two weeks after MI,autologous SCs,serum-free culture medium and sodium chloride injection were injected into ischemic myocardium of implantation rats(n=15),control rats(n=15)and myocardium around LAD of sham operation rats(SO,n=15),respectively.Four weeks after injection,hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function in all groups were evaluated by polygraph system,capillary density in the ischemic myocardium was demonstrated by immunohistochemical method,serum VEGF concentration was examined by ELISA,and the differentiated myofibers from SCs in the infarcted site were observed by pathologic examination and immunohistochemical method.Results Four weeks after injection,the SCs had progressively differentiated into striated muscle fibers in the myocardial infarction site,and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed their skeletal muscle origin.Compared with the SO rats,systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),mean ar-tery pressure(MAP),left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP)and dp/dtmaxwere markedly decreased(P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the epidemiological status of cholestasis in first-hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease in Shanghai, and to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and treatment measures.

METHODSFrom April 2005 to September 2014, 5,146 first-hospitalized patients in Shanghai with a diagnosis of chronic liver disease were enrolled in this study. Clinical data of the 4,660 patients who fit the study criteria for participation were collected for retrospective analysis.Diagnosis of cholestasis was made according to serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels higher than 1.5 times the upper limit normal (ULN) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels higher than 3 times the ULN. The incidence rate of cholestasis was assessed for relation to age, sex, etiology, and type of liver disease, and statistically compared to the general clinical data and specific biochemical indicators with potential sex-related differences. T-test and chi-square test were performed for the statistical analyses.

RESULTSOf the 4,660 study participants, 10.26% had cholestasis; the prevalence of cholestasis increased with increasing age in male patients. The distribution of the cholestasis incidence according to the type of chronic liver disease was: 75.00%, primary sclerosing cholangitis; 42.86%, primary biliary cirrhosis; 35.97%, hepatic tumor; 30.77%, autoimmune hepatitis; 28.31%, drug-induced liver disease; 16.46%, alcoholic hepatitis; 13.98%, cryptogenic cirrhosis; 12.99%, schistosomal cirrhosis; 7.53%, alcoholic cirrhosis; 7.32%, mixed cirrhosis; 5.94%, viral liver cirrhosis; 2.70%, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of cholestasis between the two sexes. In the patients with cholestasis, the levels of GGT and total bilirubin were significantly different between the two sexes.

CONCLUSIONThe incidence rate of cholestasis in first-hospitalized patients with chronic liver disease was 10.26%, and the rate increased with increased age. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis had higher incidence rates of cholestasis. Incidence rates of cholestasis of the various chronic liver diseases were not related to sex.

Bilirubin ; China ; Cholestasis ; Chronic Disease ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver Diseases ; Male ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase

Dizziness,chest discomfort,chest depression and dyspnea are a group of symptoms that are common complaints in clinical practice. Patients with these symptoms are usually informed that while neurosis consequent to coronary heart disease is excluded nonetheless they remain unhealthy with no rational explanation or treatment. 165 cases of these symptoms and 85 control subjects were reviewed and underwent further medical history inquiry,routine EKG test and cardiac ultrasound examination. Thirty-five patients received coronary artery angiography to exclude coronary heart disease. Serum myocardial autoantibodies against beta1-adrenoceptor,alpha-myosin heavy chain,M2-muscarinie receptor and adenine-nucleotide translocator were tested,and inflammatory cytokines and high sensitivity C-reaction protein were measured and lymphocyte subclass was assayed by flow cytometry. All patients had a complex of four symptoms or tetralogy: (1) persistent throat or upper respiratory tract infection,(2) neck pain,(3) chest pain and (4) chest depression or dyspnea,some of them with anxiety. Anti-myocardial autoantibodies (AMCAs) were present in all patients vs. 8% in and CD4-CD8+ lymphocytes were significantly higher and CD56+ lymphocytes lower in patients than those in controls (P<0.01). The ratio of serum pathogen antibodies positive against Coxsackie virus-B,cytomegalovirus,Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae were all markedly higher in patients. These data led to identification of a persistent respiratory infection-related clinical syndrome,including persistent throat infection,neck spinal lesion,fib cartilage inflammation,symptoms of car-diac depression and dyspnea with or without anxiety.