AIM: To establish an apoptotic model induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion(MPP~+) in PC12 cell and assess the effect of Semen Cuscuta extracts on protecting PC12 cell from apoptosis induced by MPP~+. METHODS: The cell viability was analyzed by MTT method,the morphological changes were observed by Hoechst 33258 staining assay,and the apoptosis rate was measured by flow cytometry analysis(FCM).(RESULTS:) Treatment of 0.15 mM MPP~+ for 48 h induced apoptosis in PC12 cells;concentration of 50 mg/L Semen Cuscuta extracts could protect cells from apoptosis induced by MPP~+. CONCLUSION: MPP~+-induced apoptosis in PC12 cell is greatly inhibited by Semen Cuscuta extracts.

Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture at Yuan-Primordial and Luo-Connecting points by host-guest combination plus Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) on the third lumbar transverse process syndrome. Methods: A total of 88 patients with the third lumbar transverse process syndrome were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table method, with 44 cases in each group. The control group was treated with Tuina, and the observation group was treated with additional acupuncture at Yuan-Primordial and Luo-Connecting points by host-guest combination. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared after treatment. The changes in the scores of physical signs, Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), Oswestry disability index (ODI), Quebec back pain disability scale (QBPDS), and pain factors [including serum prostaglandin (PG) E2, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3)] were observed. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 93.2％, higher than 75.0％ in the control group; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the scores of physical signs and each low back pain scale, and the levels of serum pain factors in the two groups were decreased (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at Yuan-Primordial and Luo-Connecting points by host-guest combination plus Tuina is effective in the treatment of the third lumbar transverse process syndrome; it can improve the patient's physical signs, relieve low back pain, and reduce the levels of serum pain factors.