ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical efficacy of nape eight needles plus cephalic ashi point acupuncture in treating cervicogenic headache.MethodA randomized controlled trial was carried out. Eighty-nine patients with cervicogenic headache were randomly allocated to two groups, the treatment group of 45 cases and the control group of 44 cases. Nape eight points [bilateral Fengchi(GB20), Fengfu(GV16), Dazhui(GV14) and “nape Sihuaxue”] and cephalic ashi points were selected inthe treatment group and Huatuo jiaji(Ex-B2) points at the affected cervical vertebrae and points Tianzhu(BL10), Fengchi, Yuzhen(BL9), Lieque(LU7), Taichong(LR3)and Zulinqi(GB41), in the control group. Every group was treated three times a week for two weeks. A follow-up was performed at one month after the completion of treatment. Headache was scored using the VAS, and continuous headache time, headache frequency and range of motion (ROM) of cervical spine were scored before treatment, at the end ofone week’s treatment, at the completion of treatment and at one month after the completion of treatment. The therapeutic effect at the completion of treatment and the follow-up was evaluated according to criteria for assessing the therapeutic effect.ResultAt the completion of treatment and the follow-up, the headache score and the range of motion of cervical spine score were lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). In the treatment group, the total efficacy rate was 91.1% at the completion of treatment and 86.7% at the follow-up; the short-term and the long-term therapeutic effects were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05). After one week of treatment, the total efficacy rate was 57.8%, which was higher than 11.4% in thecontrol group (P<0.05).ConclusionTreatment with nape eight needles plus cephalic ashi point needle retention has a marked improving effect on headache symptoms and range of motion of cervical spine in cervicogenic headache. Its short-term and long-termtherapeutic effects are superior to those of conventional acupuncture. It has a higher efficacy rate and effect-producing speed.

Objective To explore the changes of frequency, BAFF expression and sensitivity to apoptosis of CD19 + CD5 + B cells in endometriosis patients and investigate the relationship between CD19 +CD5 + B cells and endometriosis. Methods Flow cytometry and quantitative PCR were used to assess the frequency, BAFF expression and sensitivity to apoptosis of CD19+ CD5 + B cells in the peripheral blood,peritoneal fluids and endometrium biopsies of 39 patients with endometriosis and 31 patients with myoma of uterus ( control subjects). Results: All 39 endometriosis patients had higher frequencies ( all P ＜ 0. 01 ) of CD19 + CD5 + B cells in the peripheral blood, peritoneal fluids and endometrium biopsies than that in 31 control subjects. CD19 + CD5 + B cells from endometriosis patients expressed higher BAFF, and were more resistant to CD95L-induced apoptosis than the cells from control subjects ( P ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusion CD19 + CD5 + B cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis through higher BAFF expression and more resistance to CD95L-induced apoptosis.

Objective:To investigate sinomenine (Sinomenine,SIN) effect on RAW264.7 cells polarization to M1 or M2 phenotype induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin-4 (IL-4) .Methods:RAW264.7 cells were induced to polarize to M1 by LPS ,and to M2 by IL-4.Sinomenine effects on LPS or IL-4 induced macrophages:TNF-αand IL-10 secretion induced by different condition were detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA);The expression level of mRNA of Arginase1(Arg-1),Nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-2(SOCS2) and suppressor of cytokine signaling protein-3(SOCS3) of M1/M2 phenotypes were detected by real time PCR respectively.Results:Sinomenine inhibited the increase of TNF-αsecretion,iNOS and SOCS3 mRNA expression level induced by LPS.Sinomenine inhibited the increase of IL-10 secretion and Arg-1 mRNA expression level induced by IL-4,but SOCS2 mRNA expression level was not affected by Sinomenine.Conclusion: Sinomenine can inhibite the macrophage polarization to M1 and M2 induced by LPS and IL-4.Sinomenine plays a regulatory role on imbalance of M1/M2,and is conducive to maintain the dynamic balance.

Objective To develop a scale for evaluating the curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for liver disease under the guidance of the theory of TCM, and to improve the TCM efficacy evaluation standard system for liver disease. Methods According to the TCM theory, the concept model of the liver disease-specific scale was built in combination with the international connotation of QOL and patient-reported outcomes ( PRO). A primary clinical scale was established after item pool screening, field test, culture adaptation and clinical pre-survey by the research staff. Finally, 200 questionnaires were distributed and 198 questionnaires were reclaimed. Statistical analysis was conducted to choose the items. Results All the selected items were analyzed by the different statistical methods, including significance grading, discrete tendency ( coefficient of variation ) method, stepwise regression analysis, discriminatory analysis, Cronbach’s al pha, and principal component analysis and factor analysis. A self-reported subjective scale and a perceived objective scale were developed, including 17 self-reported subjective items and 13 objective items. Conclusion According to the TCM theory and the international connotation of QOL, the scale of assessing curative effect of TCM for liver disease is practical and repeatable. It will be worthy of further evaluation and promotion to clinical application.

Objective To investigate the effect of berberine on the polarization of mice RAW264.7 macrophages induced separately by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Methods Mice RAW 264.7 macrophages cultured in vitro were divided into model group, medication group, and blank control group. Both model group and medication group were given either LPS (in final dose of 100 ng/mL) or IL-4 (in final dose of 10 ng/mL). Additionally, the medication group was treated with berberine in final dose of 20 μmol/L. The blank control group was given the same volume of phosphate buffered saline ( PBS). Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of arginase-1 (Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS) , suppressor of cytokine signaling2 ( SOCS2) and SOCS3. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-10. Results The content of TNF-αand the mRNA expression levels of iNOS and SOCS3 in macrophages induced by LPS were increased, and then were down-regulated by berberine (P<0.05 or P<0.01) . The content of IL-10 and the mRNA expression level of Arg-1 in macrophages induced by IL-4 were increased, and then were down-regulated by berberine ( P<0.05), but berberine had no effect on the mRNA expression level of SOCS2 ( P>0.05). Conclusion Berberine has an effect on inhibiting the M1 and M2 polarization of macrophages in vitro, suggesting that berberine may play a regulatory role in the dynamic balance of M1/M2.

ObjectiveTo explore the changes of the frequency and cytokine production of CD19 + CD5 + B cells in Endometriosis before and after treatment.MethodsFlow cytometry and quantitative PCR were used to assess the frequency,cytokine expression of CD19 + CD5 + B cells in the peripheral blood,peritoneal fluids and endometrium biopsies of 35 patients with Endometriosis and 29 patients with myoma of uterus (control subjects).Changes in the CD19+ CD5+ B cell compartment in the peripheral blood were compared before and after treatment.ResultsAll 35 endometriosis patients had higher frequencies(all P ＜0.01 ) of CD19+ CD5 + B cells in the peripheral blood,peritoneal fluids and endometrium biopsies [ (13.1 ± 1.9)％,(12.1 ±2.0)％,(11.7 ± 1.7)％] than 29 control subjects[ (2.9 ±0.8)％,(2.6 ±0.9)％,(2.8 ±1.1 )％ ].CD19 + CD5+ B cells from endometriosis patients expressed higher IFN-γ[ (7.2 ± 1.0) × 103,(7.9±1.3) ×103,(7.4±1.1) ×103 copies] than control subjects [ (1.9±0.7)×103,(2.2±0.8)×103,(2.0 ±0.5) × 103 copies).The endometriosis patients also had higher IL-10 production of CD19 + CD5 + B cells [ (6.4 ±0.9) × 103,(6.8 ± 1.2) × 103,(6.1 ±0.8) × 103 copies] than control subjects [ ( 1.7 ±0.5) × 103,(2.1 ±0.9) × 103,( 1.6 ±0.4) × 103 copies].Compared with control subjects,the endometriosis patients had a clinical response to treatment demomtrated a significant decrease in CD19 + CD5 + B cells in the peripheral blood[ ( 13.1 ± 1.9)％ vs (7.3 ± 1.2)％ ],expressed lower IFN-γ [ (7.2 ± 1.0)×103 copies vs (3.3 ±0.6) × 103 copies],produced less IL-10 [(6.4 ±0.9) × 103 copies vs (3.2 ±0.7) × 103 copies].ConclusionsCD19+ CD5 + B cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis through higher IFN-γand IL-10 expression.

Objective To discuss the expression level of CUEDC2 protein and its connection with 24 h urinary albumin and serum creatinine iu db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy.Methods db/db mice were selected as experimental groups (n =10),and db/m mice as control (n =10).All mice were fed in barrier facilities under the same conditions.At week 24,all were sacrificed and the samples were collected for analyses.The histological changes were assessed by Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE) staining,periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining and Masson's trichrome (Masson) staining.The location and expression of CUEDC2 were measured by immunohistochemistry assays.24 h urinary albumin and serum creatinine were quantified by clinic lab in our hospital.Results Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CUEDC2 was mainly located in the medulla tubules plasma cells.The results of HE staining revealed that there appeared glomerular number decreased,atrophy and inflammatory cell infiltration in the mice kidney of diabetic nephropathy group at the 24th week.The mesangial matrix expansion and renal tissue collagen deposition were significantly up-regulated in db/db mice compared with the normal control.As compared with the control group,the CUEDC2 protein expression and mRNA expression in db/db mice were significantly decreased than that in db/m mice (both P ＜ 0.05),and 24 h urinary albumin and serum creatinine were significantly increased.The correlation analysis showed CUEDC2 was negatively correlated with 24 h urinary albumin and serum creatinine (both P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The expression of CUEDC2 in diabetic nephropathy mice kidney is significantly decreased and negatively correlated with the levels of 24 h urinary albumin and serum creatinine.

Objective To investigate the role of Rho/Rock signaling pathways in ventilator-in-duced lung injury in rats.Methods Ninety-six male SD rats,weighing 300-350 g,were equally and randomly divided into four groups using a random number table (n =24 each):control group (group C),fasudil group (group F),high tidal volume group (group H)and high tidal volume + fasudil group (group HF).Rats in group C and group F received no mechanical ventilation,rats in group H and group HF were intubated and mechanically ventilated (VT = 40 ml/kg,RR = 40 beats per minutes,FiO 2 =40%)for 4 h.The animals in group F and group HF were given intraperitoneal in-jection of fasudil 10 mg/kg at the time 1 h before mechanically ventilated.Six rats were chosen in each group at the time before ventilation (T0 )and at 4,8,24 h after ventilation (T1-T3 ),and blood sam-ples were taken for determination of the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),IL-6 and IL-10,lungs were removed,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)was collected to examine protein content,wet/drying (W/D)ratio was determined,which were then stained with haematoxylin and e-osin and examined under microscope,the pathological changes of lungs were scored.Myeloperoxidase (MPO)activity in lung tissue was determined by spectrophptometry.Protein and gene expression of RhoA and Rock2 in the lung tissue were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR).Results Compared with group C,the serum TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-10,BALF protein content, W/D ratio,the pathological scores,MPO activity,the expression of RhoA,Rock2 protein and mR-NA were significantly increased in group H and HF at T1-T3 (P <0.05 ).Compared with group H, the serum TNF-αand IL-6,BALF protein content,W/D ratio,the pathological scores,MPO activi-ty,the expression of RhoA,Rock2 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased,and the serum IL-10 was significantly increased in group HF at T1-T3 (P <0.05).Conclusion Fasudil can attenuate ventilator-induced lung injury in rats,and the mechanism may be associated with inhibition of the Rho/Rock signaling pathways reducing the inflammatory response.

Objective To study the relationship between the inflammatory cytokine levels and the expression of hepatic alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) in hyperlipidemia rats and to investigate the intervention effect of Yirui Capsules ( mainly composed of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Fructus Crataegi, Rhizoma Alismatis, etc). Methods Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group ( fed with conventional diet, N=10) and high-fat diet group (fed with high-fat diet, N=40). After feeding for 14 d, the forty rats in high-fat diet group were further randomly divided into model control group, and low-, middle-, and high-dose Yirui Capsules groups (140, 280, 560 mg/kg, respectively), 10 rats in each group and the treatment lasting 30 days. And then, the serum levels of lipids were detected, C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) , and the expression of hepatic α7 nAChR was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) . Results Yirui Capsules in different dosages could improve serum lipid levels in hyperlipidemia rats to various degrees. The contents of serum inflammatory cytokines CRP and TNF-α and the mRNA expression of hepatic α7nAChR were increased in the model control group as compared with those in the blank control group ( P<0.01). The contents of inflammatory cytokines CRP, TNF-αand the mRNA expression of hepatic α7nAChR were decreased in the three Yirui Capsules groups as compared with those in the model control group ( P<0.01). The results of immunohistochemical staining for α7nAChR expression were consistent with RT-PCR results. Conclusion The expression of hepatic α7nAChR is increased in hyperlipidemia rats. Yirui capsules are effective on decreasing inflammatory cytokine levels, improving lipid metabolism, and down-regulating α7nAChR expression.

Objective To observe the therapeutic efficacy of eight nape needle therapy in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) after cerebral stroke. Method By following a randomized controlled trial design, 200 eligible patients were randomized into an eight nape needle group and a medication group by the random number table, with 100 cases in each group. The patients all received basic medications, while the eight nape needle group was additionally intervened by acupuncture at the eight nape acupoints including Fengchi (GB20), Fengfu (GV16), Dazhui (GV14) and Xiangsihua points (Extra), and the medication group additionally received oral administration of nimodipine. The intervention lasted eight weeks, followed by a three-month follow-up. Before and after treatment, the two groups of patients were evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Barthel Index (BI). Result Respectively at four-week and eight-week treatment and the follow-up, the scores of MMSE, MoCA and BI showed improvements compared with the corresponding baseline (P<0.01, P<0.05);compared with the medication group, the eight nape needle group was superior to the medication group comparing the MMSE score at each time point after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05); there were no significant differences in the MoCA and BI scores between the two groups at four-week treatment (P>0.05), but the differences were significant at eight-week treatment and the follow-up (P<0.01). Conclusion Eight nape needle therapy can effectively improve the cognitive function in patients with MCI after cerebral stroke.