OBJECTIVETo explore the expression of Ghrelin and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) in the serum and the intestinal tissue of sepsis model rats, and to evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) on the expression of HMGB1 and Ghrelin.

METHODSForty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the sham-operation (sham), the cecal ligation and puncture group (CLP), the CLP + EA at Zusanli (ST36) group (EA), and the CLP + Ghrelin receptor blocking agent + EA group (GHSRA), 12 in each group. A sepsis rat model was prepared by CLP. The incision of the abdominal wall was immediately sutured along the ventral midline for rats in the Sham group. In the EA group EA at Zusanli (ST36) was performed 20 min after CLP surgery with the constant voltage (2 - 100 Hz, 2 mA) for 30 min. In the GHSRA group, Ghrelin receptor blocking agent, [D-Arg1, D-Phe5, D-Trp79, Leu11]-substance P (700 nmol/kg), was administered through intravenous injection immediately after CLP, and 20 min later, EA at Zusanli (ST36) was performed in the same way as for rats in the EA group. Blood samples were withdrawn 12 h after CLP. The serum levels of Ghrelin and HMGB1 were detected using ELISA. Ghrelin expressions and the number of Ghrelin immunopositive cell in the jejunum were determined by immunohistochemistry. HMGB1 contents of the jejunum tissue were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTSCompared with the Sham group, the number of serum immunopositive cells and the expression of HMGB1 in the jejunum tissue significantly increased and levels of Ghrelin and the expression rate of immunopositive cells significantly decreased in the CLP group (P < 0.05). Compared with the CLP group, the number of serum immunopositive cells and the expression of HMGB1 in the jejunum tissue significantly decreased, but levels of Ghrelin and the expression rate of immunopositive cells significantly increased in the EA group (P < 0.05). Compared with the EA group, the number of serum immunopositive cells and the expression of HMGB1 in the jejunum tissue significantly increased in the GHSRA group (P < 0.05), but there was no statistical difference in levels of Ghrelin between the two groups (P > 0.05). The serum level of HMGB1 was negatively correlated with Ghrelin in the Sham group, the CLP group, and the EA group (r = -0. 528, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSEA at Zusanli (ST36) could inhibit the expression of HMGB1 in the jejunum of septic rats, and promote the expression of Ghrelin. The expression of HMGB1 was inhibited by Ghrelin receptor blocking agent, which suggested that the anti-inflammation of EA at Zusanli (ST36) might be associated with Ghrelin.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Electroacupuncture ; Ghrelin ; metabolism ; HMGB1 Protein ; metabolism ; Jejunum ; metabolism ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Sepsis ; metabolism

Objective To study the influence of electro-acupuncture(EA)at Zusanli points(足三里穴) on the apoptosis of thymocytes in rats with abdominal infection and its mechanism.Methods A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly divided into four groups,including normal control group,model group,non-acupoint group and Zusanli group.The abdominal infection model of rat was made by cecal ligation and puncture(CLP).After abdominal cavity infection for 36 hours,the apoptosis of thymocytes was observed under electron microscope and light microscope,and the apoptosis ratio of thymocytes was determined by Annexin V-PI method with flow cytometry technique.The content of Bcl-2 protein of thymocytes and concentration of corticosterone in plasma were determined.Results Abdominal infection resulted from CLP could significantly increase the apoptosis of thymocytes and lead to the typical histopathological changes of apoptosis of thymocytes under electron microscope and light microscope.Apoptosis ratios of thyrnocytes in model group[(44.7?3.3)%],non-acupoint group[(42.7?3.0)%]and Zusanli group[(32.6?3.3)%] were significantly higher than the ratio in the control group[(21.2?2.3)%,all P0.05).Abdominal infection resulted from CLP also could reduce the content of Bcl-2 protein of thymocytes.The content of Bcl-2 protein of thymocytes in model group(71.2?5.6),non-acupoint group(73.5?5.9)and Zusanli group(82.4?6.8) were significantly lower than normal control group(95.3?6.3,all P

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association between Arg16Gly polymorphism of beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene and blood pressure levels.

METHODSA total of 487 hypertensive individuals were recruited from YueXi county of Anhui province. 672 patients' parents and siblings were also invited to take part in the study and used as genomic control. Blood pressure was measured and a standardized questionnaire regarding social-economic characteristics, general health status, occupational history and life-style and dietary factors was administered for each participant. The ADRB2 Arg16Gly polymorphism was genotyped by using a PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) method. The association between the ADRB2 polymorphism and hypertension in hypertensive adults was determined by utilizing a family-based association test analysis.

RESULTSIn this study population, carriers of the ADRB2 Arg16 allele had lower systolic (P < 0.01) and diastolic (P < 0.01) blood pressure, suggesting that the genetic effect on blood pressure was more likely to fit an additive model.

CONCLUSIONOur results suggest a probable association between Arg16Gly polymorphism of ADRB2 gene and hypertension.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Blood Pressure ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pedigree ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2 ; genetics ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture on sepsis and explore its mechanism.

METHODSFifty cases were randomized into an observation group (26 cases) and a control group (24 cases). The therapeutic programs of anti-infection, anti-shock, respiratory support and nutritional support were provided, but the drugs that might affect gastrointestinal motility were not prescribed in two groups. In the observation group, on the basic treatment as above, electroacupuncture was applied to Zusanli (ST 36), Tianshu (ST 25), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39). The excretion ratio of lactulose to mannitol (L/M) in urine and serum D-lactic acid level were detected before and after treatment, as well as the time of target feeding of the patients in two groups. The efficacy was compared between two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment for 3 days, L/M was (0.083 +/- 0.020) and serum D-lactic acid was (0.155 +/- 0.196) mmol/L in the observation group, which were apparently reduced as compared with (0.123 +/- 0.034) and (0.193 +/- 0.377) mmol/L in the control group respectively (both P < 0.05). The time of target feeding was (93.69 +/- 27.58) h in the observation group, which was shortened apparently than (118.17 +/- 40.28) h in the control group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 80.8% (21/26) in the observation group, which was better than 54.2% (13/24) in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONConventional treatment combined with electroacupuncture can improve intestinal permeability in sepsis patients, recover intestinal function as quickly as possible to achieve target feeding.

Acupuncture Points ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Intestines ; metabolism ; Lactulose ; metabolism ; Male ; Mannitol ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Permeability ; Sepsis ; metabolism ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of nasal cavity expansion surgery on the abnormal blood supply of the cerebral arterial system.

METHODSFifty-nine inpatients with abnormal blood supply of cerebral arterial system confirmed by transcranial doppler (TCD) and chronic nasal obstructive diseases were included in this study. All patients accepted nasal cavity expansion surgery and were followed-up with TCD every month after operation until TCD became normal, or up to seven months even if the TCD was still abnormal. SPSS 17.0 software was used to analyze the data.

RESULTSIn all 59 patients, there were 164 TCD-abnormal cerebral arteries. Among them, 37 patients(62.71%) with abnormal TCD arteries became normal within 1 to 7 months after operation, 8 patients (13.56 %) got better, but 14 patients (23.73 %) did not improve.

CONCLUSIONSAbnormal blood flow of some cerebral arteries was possibly induced by increasing the activation of sympathetic nervous system around the vertebral arterial system, caused by chronic nasal obstruction. Nasal dilatancy surgery can improve the blood supplement of the cerebral arterial system.

Blood Flow Velocity ; Cerebral Arteries ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; Humans ; Nasal Cavity ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of acupoint Shuigou (GV 26) and non-acupoint on inhibiting the neuronal necrosis induced by the middle cerebral artery obstruction (MCAO) in rats through the morphological observation.

METHODSForty two healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, false-ope ration group, model control group, non-acupuncture group, Shuigou-acupuncture group and non-acupoint acupuncture group, 7 rats in each group. Besides the normal and false-operation groups, the experimental modal of MCAO was established in the other groups by using the Zea-Longa thread method. Acupoint Shuigou (GV 26) and non-acupoint (below the costal region) were selected respectively in the Shuigou-acupuncture group and non-acupoint acupuncture group for puncturing at 180 times/min for 5 seconds. Its effect was estimated by measuring the rate of the neuronal necrosis at the level of the light microscope and the degree of the neuronal necrosis at the level of the electron microscope.

RESULTS(1) At the level of the light microscope, comparing with the model control group (0.66 +/- 0.18), of the neuronal necrosis there were no significant differences in the rate of neuronal necrosis in the non-acupuncture group (0.67 +/- 0.34) and non-acupoint acupuncture group (0.59 +/- 0.11) (both P > 0.05), while it was significantly decreased in the Shuigou-acupuncture group (0.200 +/- 12) (P < 0.05). It indicates that no intervention and wrong (non-acupoint) intervention could light the damage of the neurons, however, only right intervention (Shuigou, GV 26) can obviously decrease the rate of the neuronal necrosis, showing with the specificity of acupoint. (2) At the level of the electron microscope, the ultrastructure of the involved neurons in the non-acupuncture group and non-acupoint acupuncture group is similar to that of the model control group, showing with the serious edema and structure damage. In contrast, the ultrastructure of the involved neurons in the Shuigou-acupuncture group is similar to that of the normal group and false-operation group, showing with light neuronal damage.

CONCLUSIONAcupuncturing Shuigou (GV 26) could protect the involved neurons and inhibit the neuronal necrosis induced by the MCAO in rats, but acupuncturing the non-acupoint couldn't, which imply that there is the specificity of acupoint in the acupuncture.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Brain Ischemia ; pathology ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Male ; Necrosis ; Neurons ; pathology ; ultrastructure ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the application of the lateral arm free flap (LAFF) in the reconstruction for intraoral defects.

METHODSIntraoral reconstruction was performed using the LAFF for 10 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (n = 3), cheek (n = 4), gingiva (n = 1) and oropharynx (n = 2). There were 8 men and 2 women (mean age, 52 years).

RESULTSNine LAFF healed uneventfully. One flap was lost on the second postoperative day due to venous insufficiency. The donor defect was closed primarily In all patients. There were no significant complications at the donor site.

CONCLUSIONSBecause of the thin and pliable nature, the lateral upper arm flap can be recommended as a choice for repair of moderate-sized defects of the oral maxillofacial area.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; rehabilitation ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Neoplasms ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo probe into effective methods for treatment of ischemic cerebral infarction and specificity of acupoints in the acupuncture treatment.

METHODSThe rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established with thread ligation according to Zea-Longa's method. They were divided into normal group, non-operation group, model control group, non-acupuncture group and acupuncture group, and the acupuncture group was divided into sham-acupuncture group and four Xingnao Kaiqiao groups (contain Shuigou group, Neiguan group, Chize group, Sanyinjiao group and Weizhong group). Then they were treated by acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Chize" (LU 5), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Weizhong" (BL 40) and non-acupoints, 3 times/second, for 5 seconds. Cerebral blood blow (CBF) was used for assessment of the effect.

RESULTSAs compared with the model control group, in the non-acupuncture group CBF did not significantly change (P>0.05); compared with the non-acupuncture group, after acupuncture CBF was significantly increased in the Shuigou group and the Neiguan groups (all P<0.05), but did not significantly increased in the Chize group, Sanyinjiao group and Weizhong group (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONCBF has a tendency of spontaneous cure within 72 h after cerebral infarction in the MCAO rat; acupuncture can significantly improve CBF in the MCAO rat, so it is an effective method for treatment of ischemic stroke; among the acupoints in the "Xingnao Kaiqiao" needling method, "Shuigou" (GV 26) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) have obvious effect in improvement of CBF, indicating acupoint specificity of "Shuigou" (GV 26) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) in treatment of ischemic stroke.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Brain ; blood supply ; Brain Ischemia ; therapy ; Cerebral Infarction ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Male ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar

OBJECTIVEto investigate the influence of acupuncture parameter on acupuncture effect and to probe the optimum stimulation parameter for Shuigou (GV 26) in Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method.

METHODSThe rat model of middle cerebral artery obstruction (MCAO) was replicated and "Shuigou" (GV 26) was stimulated by 9 acupuncture parameters combined by two factors at 3 levels, i. e. frequency 1, 2, 3 times/second, and needling duration 5 s, 60 s, 180 s. The effects of acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26) with the 9 different acupuncture parameters on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the MCAO rat were investigated by orthogonal test, factor analysis and one-way ANOVA.

RESULTSAcupuncture effect was influenced by acupuncture frequency, acupuncture duration and their combination. Among them, the acupuncture duration was the most important factor. The best acupuncture effect could be attained by using as long acupuncture duration as possibly with the fastest acupuncture frequency.

CONCLUSIONIn the Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method, acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26) with fastest frequency and enough long duration can get the best acupuncture effect, which are the optimum stimulation parameters for "Shuigou" (GV 26).

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; methods ; Animals ; Cerebral Arterial Diseases ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Needles ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar