[Objective]More accurate anatomical data is discussed to reveal the surrounding structures of the new and former BL54 (Zhibian, Chippen) according to the positional modification of acupuncture points by WHO (2006), and also to demonstrate the acupuncture stimulation points to the sciatic nerve as effective methods for acupuncture treatment of the pain in the lower back.
[Methods]Detailed dissections were performed on the surrounding structures of the acupuncture points of the bladder meridian at the gluteal region and the posterior aspect of the thigh in three cadavers at the Unit of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
[Results] 1. The new BL54 (WHO, 2006) was situated at or near the infrapiriform foramen, with the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, inferior gulteal nerve and vessels and sciatic nerve passing through.
2. The former BL54 was situated at or near the suprapiriform foramen with the inferior gulteal nerve and vessels passing through.
3. The acupuncture stimulation points to the sciatic nerve at the gluteal region and the posterior aspect of the thigh were as follows;(1) the initial portion of the sciatic nerve, (2) the infrapiriform foramen (new BL54, WHO), (3) the lateral one third point of the line connecting the sacrococcygeal junction and the greater trochanter, (4) the midpont of the line connecting the ischial tuberosity and the greater trochanter, (5) the point about 1 cm lateral to BL36 (Chengfu, Shofu), (6) the medial half portion of the biceps femoris muscle lateral to BL37 (Yinmen, Inmon).
[Conclusion] 1. The new and former BL54 are situated near the main nerves and vessels of the gluteal region and the posterior aspect of the thigh, so are considered as effective points for the acupunctural treatment.
2. The six positions are showed as the acupuncture stimulation points to the sciatic nerve in the gluteal region and the posterior aspect of the thigh.

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a mitogen- activated protein kinase kinase kinase, plays pivotal roles in stress responses. In addition, ASK1 has emerged as a key regulator of immune responses elicited by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and endogenous danger signals. Recent studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of ASK1 is required for LPS-stimulated cytokine production as well as extracellular ATP-induced apoptosis in immune cells. The mechanism of ROS-dependent regulation of ASK1 activity by thioredoxin and TRAFs has been well characterized. In this review, we focus on the molecular details of the activation of ASK1 and its involvement in innate immunity.
Apoptosis ; Immunity, Innate ; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5 ; Oxygen ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Thioredoxins

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), a mitogen- activated protein kinase kinase kinase, plays pivotal roles in stress responses. In addition, ASK1 has emerged as a key regulator of immune responses elicited by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and endogenous danger signals. Recent studies have demonstrated that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of ASK1 is required for LPS-stimulated cytokine production as well as extracellular ATP-induced apoptosis in immune cells. The mechanism of ROS-dependent regulation of ASK1 activity by thioredoxin and TRAFs has been well characterized. In this review, we focus on the molecular details of the activation of ASK1 and its involvement in innate immunity.
Apoptosis ; Immunity, Innate ; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5 ; Oxygen ; Phosphotransferases ; Protein Kinases ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Thioredoxins

Background/Aims: Herbal medicine is an important complementary therapy for functional dyspepsia (FD). However, its effect against gastric hypersensitivity in patients with FD has rarely been evaluated. Yokukansan (YKS), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is effective against neuropathic and inflammatory pain. This study aims to use a maternal separation (MS) stress-induced FD model to investigate the effects of YKS against gastric hypersensitivity, gastric motility, and duodenal micro-inflammation. Methods: The MS stress model was established by separating newborn Sprague-Dawley rats from their mothers for 2 hours a day from postnatal days 1 to 10. At the age of 7-8 weeks, the rats were treated with YKS at a dose of 5 mL/kg (1 g/kg) for 7 consecutive days. AfterYKS treatment, electromyographic activity in the acromiotrapezius muscle by gastric distention and the gastric-emptying rate were assessed. Immunohistochemical analysis of eosinophils in the duodenum and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(p-ERK) 1/2 in the spinal cord was performed. Results: YKS treatment suppressed MS stress-induced gastric hypersensitivity and decreased the elevated levels of p-ERK1/2 in the spinal cord.In the gastroduodenal tract, YKS inhibited eosinophil-associated micro-inflammation but did not improve gastric dysmotility. Conclusions YKS treatment improved gastric hypersensitivity by alleviating eosinophil-associated micro-inflammation in the gastroduodenal tract.This treatment may be considered an effective therapeutic option for epigastric pain and micro-inflammation in patients with FD.