Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at meridian point on the mRNA expressions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and corticosteroid (CORT) in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats.MethodsA total of 150 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups by random number table method: normal control group, sham operation group, model group, meridian point electroacupuncture group and non-meridian point electroacupuncture group, with 30 rats in each group. A model of focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion was induced using the modified intraluminal thread method. In the meridian point electroacupuncture group, at 6 h after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, acupuncture “LI11” on both sides, bilateral “ST36”, “GV20”, ”GV16” daily for 7 d. The neurological deficits were evaluated 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, and then all rats were sacrificed and the hippocampi were harvested. The mRNA expressions of CRF and CORT in the hippocampus were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsThe mRNA expressions of CRF (1.122 ± 0.249, 1.190 ± 0.666, 0.454 ± 0.612 in the model group; 0.021 ± 0.049, 0.021 ± 0.027, 0.035 ± 0.005 in the sham operation group) and CORT (0.917 ± 0.113, 1.024 ± 0.290, 0.709 ± 0.055 in the model group; 0.016 ± 0.013, 0.016 ± 0.006, 0.043 ± 0.006 in the sham operation group) in the hippocampus 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham operation group (all P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of CRF (0.424 ± 0.104, 0.339 ± 0.476, 0.095 ± 0.021) and CORT (0.377 ± 0.073, 0.138 ± 0.025, 0.158 ± 0.010) in the hippocampus 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly decreased in the meridian point electroacupuncture group compared with the mode1 group (allP<0.01). The neurological deficits scale 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly decreased in the meridian point electroacupuncture group compared with the mode1 group (1.83 ± 0.75, 1.50 ± 0.55 and 1.17±0.41 in the meridian point electroacupuncture group; 2.50 ± 0.84, 2.33 ± 0.52 and 1.67 ± 0.52 in the model graoup; allP<0.01). Conclusion Electricacupuncture at meridian point can reduce the mRNA expressions of CRF and CORT in the hippocampus, and improve neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats.

A summary and analysis of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, moxibustion, injection of acupoint, and research progress from ancient and modern related literatures on the treatment of hyper-lipemia by acupuncturingFenglong acupointwas made. It was cognized and affirmed thatFenglong acupoint has the unique superiority of definite curative effect and little poisonous side effect in treating hyperlipemia.

BACKGROUNDTo evaluate and compare the effects and toxicity of the domestic product of recombinant mutant human tumor necrosis factor (rmhTNF) combined with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone in the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSTwo hundred patients with NSCLC in multicenter were randomly devided into trial group (150 cases) and control group (50 cases). Chemotherapy with CAP regimen was given to the patients. Meanwhile, rmhTNF injection of 4×10⁶U/m² was also given from the 1st to 7th days, the 11th to 17th days on the chemotherapy cycle in the trial group. The control patients received chemotherapy alone. Twenty-one days were as a cycle, 2 cycles were given to each patient. The chemotherapeutic effects and toxicity were observed and compared between the two groups after the therapy.

RESULTSof the 200 patients, 5 cases in the trial group and 3 cases in the control group were out of the trial because of economy. The other 192 cases (145 cases in the trial group and 47 cases in the control group) could be analyzed and evaluated the clinical effects and toxicity. The response rate of chemotherapy was 46.90% (68/145) in the trial group and 17.02% (8/47) in the control group respectively ( P =0.001). The KPS scores was 86.02±9.74 in the trial group, and 80.14±9.10 in the control group ( P =0.025). No significant difference of degree III+IV toxicity was observed between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The side effects related to rmhTNF included slight fever, cold-like symptoms, pain and red and swelling in the injection site. All of them were mild and didn't need any treatment and disappeared after the therapy. There were no severe abnormality of liver and kidney function and ECG in both groups.

CONCLUSIONSThe results demonstrate that the effects of domestic rmhTNF combined with chemotherapy are remarkably higher than that of chemotherapy alone in the treatment of NSCLC. rmhTNF can increase the sensitivity to chemotherapy and improve the quality of life of the patients with slight toxicity. Hence rmhTNF is worth expanding clinical use.