OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture on key regulatory factors during mitochondrial apoptosis of testicular tissue in asthenozoospermia mice, and explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect of acupuncture on reproductive function. METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 mice in each group. In the model and the acupuncture groups, the intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (30 mg•kg^-1•d^-1) was delivered for 7 days to prepare the asthenozoospermia model. After the success of modeling, the modeled mice in the acupuncture group were intervened with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture, once daily and the needles were retained for 20 min. The duration of the intervention was 2 weeks. The general condition of each mouse was observed, and the body mass was recorded before modeling, after modeling and after intervention completion. After intervention, the testicular mass was recorded and the weight coefficient was calculated, and the mouse sperm quality was examined; the serum contents of testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected using ELISA, the morphology of testicular tissue was observed using HE, the mitochondrial ultra-microstructure of testicular tissue was observed under transmission electrone microscopy, the mitochondrial membrane potential level of testicular tissue was detected using JC-1 staining, the positive rate of apoptosis cell of testicular tissue was observed using TUNEL; and the mRNA and protein expression of b-cell lymphocytoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C), apoptotic protease-activating factor1 (Apaf-1), Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 of testicular tissue was detected using real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot methods separately; and the positive expression of Cleaved Caspase-3 of the testicular tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the mice were in listless spirits, had shaggy hairs, the reduced appetite and movement, and weight loss in the model group (P<0.01); the testicular mass and the weight coefficient decreased (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability were declined (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH were dropped (P<0.01). The morphology of seminiferous tubules in testicular tissue was abnormal, the number of spermatogenic cells and the number of mitochondria decreased, the inner mitochondrial crest was fractured and lost, and vacuoles appeared. The level of mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced (P<0.01); and the positive rate of apoptosis cell in testicular tissue increased (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was dropped (P<0.01), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 increased (P<0.01). When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the general condition of mice was improved, the testicular mass and the weight coefficient elevated (P<0.01); the total number of sperms, sperm motility, and sperm viability increased (P<0.01); while the levels of serum T, FSH, and LH rose (P<0.01). The pathological morphology of testicular tissue and the inner mitochondrial ultra-microstructure were ameliorated, the level of mitochondrial membrane potential was elevated (P<0.01); the positive rate of apoptosis cell was reduced (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Cyt C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 was dropped (P<0.01, P<0.05), the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 elevated (P<0.05), and the average absorbance value of Cleaved Caspase-3 declined (P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward- "Shuidao" (ST28) acupuncture may ameliorate mouse reproductive function by inhibiting mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, alleviating testicular tissue damage in the asthenospermia mice induced by cyclophosphamide.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Apoptosis ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Asthenozoospermia/genetics* ; Humans ; Testis/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Sperm Motility ; Testosterone/blood* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Caspase 3/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/blood* ; Reproduction ; Cytochromes c/genetics* ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein/genetics* ; Apoptotic Protease-Activating Factor 1/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique on the relative protein expression of the signaling pathway of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 1 (NOD1)/ receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PD), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of this acupuncture technique for pain alleviation in PD. METHODS: Thirty female SD rats of SPF grade with normal estrous cycle were randomized into a blank group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. Using the intraperitoneal injection with estradiol benzoate combined with oxytocin, PD model was prepared in the model group and the acupuncture group. In the acupuncture group, during model preparation, the intervention with "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique was delivered simultaneously, 20 min each time, once daily for consecutive 10 days. On day 11, within 30 min after the intraperitoneal injection with oxytocin, the writhing reaction (latency, frequency and score) was recorded; the morphology of uterine tissue was observed with HE staining, the contents of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in the serum were detected using ELISA method; the relative protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65, phosphorylation-NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65) was detected in the uterine tissue using Western blot method; and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 was detected with the quantitative real-time PCR employed. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score increased (P<0.01) in the rats; the endometrial epithelial cells showed massive degeneration and necrosis, with severe endometrial edema and widespread shedding, combined with neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE₂ content was dropped (P<0.01), while those of PGF_2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α elevated (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65, and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue increased (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the writhing latency was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing frequency and score were reduced (P<0.01) in the rats; there was less degeneration and necrosis of endometrial epithelial cells, with mild endometrial edema and very little neutrophil infiltration; the serum PGE₂ content increased (P<0.01), while those of PGF_2α, IL-1β, IL-18, COX-2, and TNF-α decreased (P<0.01); the protein expression of NOD1, RIP2, NF-κB p65 and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NOD1, RIP2 and NF-κB p65 in uterine tissue were dropped (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION "Zhibian" (BL54)-toward-"Shuidao" (ST28) needling technique can alleviate the pain symptom of PD rats, and its action mechanism may be related to inhibiting the active expression of NOD1/RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the uterine tissue, thereby reducing the inflammatory response.
Animals ; Female ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Dysmenorrhea/metabolism* ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Humans ; Acupuncture Analgesia ; Nod1 Signaling Adaptor Protein/metabolism* ; Receptor-Interacting Protein Serine-Threonine Kinase 2/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Therapy

ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory effect of Mankuining Formula （MKNF） on the gut microbiota and the NOD-like receptor （NLR）P3/Caspase-1/gasdermin D （GSDMD） pyroptosis pathway-mediated inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium （DSS）-induced ulcerative colitis （UC） mice. MethodSixty SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a MKNF group （20 g·kg^-1）， and a mesalazine group （0.266 g·kg^-1）， with 15 mice in each group. The UC model was induced in mice by freely drinking a 3% DSS solution for 7 days. After 12 hours of modeling， the treatment groups received daily oral administration， while the other groups received an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. Daily body weight and disease activity index （DAI） were recorded. On the 8th day， mice were euthanized after anesthesia， and the colon and feces were collected. The colon length was measured， and histopathological changes were observed after hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-18 （IL-18） levels in the colon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The differences in gut microbiota among the groups were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing technology. The protein content of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD in colon tissues was detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， mice in the model group showed increased DAI （P<0.01）， shortened colon length （P<0.01）， severe colon mucosal damage， elevated levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 （P<0.01）， increased protein content of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD in colon tissues （P<0.01）， altered gut microbiota structure with decreased abundance of Actinobacteria， Bacteroidetes， and Proteobacteria， and increased abundance of Firmicutes at the phylum level. At the genus level， there was a decrease in Lactobacillus， Alloprevotella， and Yersinia， and an increase in Bacteroides， Bacillus， and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136. Compared with the model group， the MKNF group and the mesalazine group showed a significant reduction in DAI after the 3^rd day （P<0.01）， a significant increase in colon length （P<0.01）， alleviated colon inflammation and mucosal structural damage， and decreased TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-18 levels in the colon （P<0.01）， reduced protein content of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD in colon tissue （P<0.05， P<0.01），an increase in the abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes， and a decrease in Firmicutes at the phylum level. ConclusionMKNF can alleviate UC-induced colonic inflammation， reduce colon damage， and improve dysbiosis of the gut microbiota by inhibiting the classical pyroptosis pathway.

Objective To explore the feasibility of the reconstruction of three dimensional dynamic finite element model of the knee joint based on two-dimensional CT and MRI image data. To analyze the impact of mobile-bearing versus fixed-bearing platform prostheses of the knee joint on patellofemoral stress by the finite element method. Methods A three-dimensional digital model of the knee joint including bone,cartilage,meniscus, ligaments and tendons was reconstructed through the Mimics software. The best clinical bone cutting angle and implant placement position measurement were simulated according to the standard of total knee replacement by computers in a three-dimensionalknee model. A three-dimensional dynamic finite element model of mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing total knee arthroplasties was reconstructed finally. The data was analyzed by the SPSS 19.0 software. The test standard level α was 0.05. Results There was no significant difference in the peak value of patellofemoral stresses between fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing platform posterior cruciate-substituting prostheses at 0° ,30° ,60° ,90° ,or 120° of knee flexion(P>0.05). Conclusion There is no significant difference in the peak value of patellofemoral stresses between fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing platform prostheses.

Objective:This study aimed to achieve the early diagnosis and active treatment of adult hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) and investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of this syndrome. Methods:A single-center retrospective analysis was performed to analyze clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and survival data. Results:In 58 patients, the most common clinical manifestations were fever (100%) and splenomegaly (89.7%). The most common laboratory parameters were serum ferritin 500 g/L (100%) and peripheral cytopenia in two or more lineages (96.6%). platelet count, fibrinogen, and lactate dehydrogenase in the death group were significantly lower than in the survival group (P=0.000, 0.001, and 0.000). Survival analysis results showed that infections in the rheu-matological group exhibited good prognosis [the overall survival (OS) time was not reached in 190 d]. Patients with unexplained causes had moderate prognosis (OS time was 60 d);tumor-associated HPS patients had poor prognosis (the OS time was only 30 d). Univariate analysis results showed that patients with Fbg<1.5 g/L, PLT<40×109/L, and LDH≥2000 U/L also exhibited poor prognosis (P=0.000). Multivariate analysis results showed that PLT<40 × 109/L was an independent adverse factor (HR=6.472, 95%CI:1.526-26.065, P=0.011). Conclusion:HPS exhibits complex clinical manifestations and varied etiology. Patients with infection and rheumatism-related HPS had good prognosiss compared with those manifesting tumor-associated HPS. Fbg<1.5 g/L, PLT<40×109/L, and LDH≥2 000 U/L were the univariate factors that affected the survival time of patients. PLT<40×109/L is an independent adverse factor. These patients need systemic treatments as early as possible.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and pregnancy outcomes of women receiving double-catheter epidural block in labor analgesia, and compare the results with single-catheter epidural block.Methods A double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 206 full-term singleton primiparas, aged 25-35 and at the 37 -42 weeks of gestation who delivered at the Department of Obstetrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital from August 2006 to December 2008, which were randomly divided into two groups:double-catheter epidural block ( group D, n = 103) and single-catheter epidural-block ( group S, n = 103 ).Women in group D were given mixture of 0.1% repivacaine hydrochloride and 0.5 mg/L sufentinil 4 -6 ml as initial dose.Patient control epidural analgesia pump (PCEA) was connected with the upper catheter after 45 minutes.A bolus dose of 4 -6 ml analgesia mixture was infused according to the condition through the lower catheter.Women in group S received analgesia mixture 10 - 15 ml as initial dose and PCEA pump was connected after 45 minutes.Oxytocin was infused in both groups according to uterine contraction after 30 minutes.The following indexes was observed: ( 1 ) visual analogue scales (VAS); (2) modified Bromage Scores;(3) the total dose of analgesia mixture, the percentage of oxytocin infusion, duration of labor and duration of the second stage of labor; (4) fetal birth weight and Apgar scores( 1,5 minutes); (5) mode of delivery; (6) the concentration of plasma cortisol and angiotension Ⅱ at the beginning of regular uterine contraction and at the time when cervical dilated to 4 cm and 10 cm and fetal disengagement; (7)anesthesia-related complications.Results ( 1 )The neonatal birth weight and Apgar scores ( 1,5 minutes)of group D were (3456 ±468)g, 9.8 ±0.6 and 9.9 ±0.7, respectively, while(3399 ±569) g, 9.8 ±0.5 and 9.9 ±0.7 in group S( P ＞0.05).No motor function block was reported in any group and the modified Bromage score was zero.(2) The total dose of analgesia mixture in group D was similar to that in group S [(57 ±9) ml vs.(58 ±11) ml, P＞0.05].However, the percentage of women received oxytocin in group D was smaller [59.2% (61/103) vs.81.6% (84/103), P ＜ 0.01], and the total time of labor and the duration of second stage of labor in group D were shorter[(532 ± 140) minutes vs.(608 ± 150) minutes;(46 ± 31 ) minutes vs.(60 ± 34) minutes, P ＜ 0.05].(3) There were no significant differences in VAS at 30 minutes after initial dose and in the first stage of labor between group D and S ( 1.2 ± 1.1 vs 1.2 ± 1.1,1.1 ± 1.1 vs.1.2 ± 1.0, P＞0.05).VAS at the second stage of labor stage was lower in group D than in group S ( 1.2 ± 1.1 vs.4.5 ± 2.2, P ＜ 0.01 ).(4) The rate of cesarean section, instrumental delivery and episiotomy in group D were lower than in group S (7.8% vs.17.5%, 7.8% vs.15.5%, 10.7% vs.18.4%, P ＜ 0.05).The incidence of fetal distress and meconium-stained amniotic fluid as the indication of cesarean section were similar between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05 ).Lower incidence of fetal malpresentation and arrested second stage of labor were shown in group D than in group S (2.9% vs.9.7%, 1.0% vs.5.8%, P ＜ 0.05 ).(5) The concentration of plasma cortisol and angiotension Ⅱ were lower in group D than in group S [(86 ±25) ng/L vs.( 100 ±20) ng/L, (278 ±53) nmol/L vs.(311 ±53)nmol/L, P＜0.05] only at the end of second stage of labor, but not at any other times(P ＞0.05).(6) No serious anesthesia-related complications were reported in any groups.Some light backache around the puncture point were complained by 29.1% (30/103) of the women in group D and 31.1% (32/103) in group S(P ＞0.05).Conclusion Double-catheter epidural block can provide better analgesia effect during labor than single-catheter epidural block, without any adverse influence on delivery outcomes.

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of intensive pulse light (IPL) device for facial rejuvenation and the treatment of hyperpigmented lesions, facial telangiectasias, acne vulgaris and hair removal. Methods One hundred females who claim to improve their skin texture, hair re-moval and patients with hyperpigmented lesions, facial telangiectasias and acne vulgaris were treated with IPL device. Patients received five treatments with the time interval of 3 weeks to 1 month. Pho-tographs were assessed 1 month after the last treatment. Results For facial skin texture, the total im-provement were scored 100 %. For hyperpigmented lesions and facial telangiectasias, the total im-provement reached to 90%. For ache vulgaris, the total improvement reached to 75 %. For hair re-moval, the total improvement was 95 %. Conclusion The IPL device is an effective and safe modality for the improvement of skin texture, hyperpigmented lesions, facial telangiectasias and hair removal, and a novel modality for the treatment of acne vulgaris.