BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent

The adulteration and counterfeiting of herbal ingredients in medicinal and food homology (MFH) have a serious impact on the quality of herbal materials, thereby endangering human health. Compared to pharmaceutical drugs, health products derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are more easily accessible and closely integrated into consumers' daily life. However, the authentication of the authenticity of TCM ingredients in MFH has not received sufficient attention. The lack of clear standards emphasizes the necessity of conducting systematic research in this area. This study utilized DNA barcoding technology, combining ITS2, psbA-trnH, matK as universal barcode sequences, and DX, HH, JYH as specific barcode sequences, to identify the authenticity of commercial medicinal and food homology scented herbal teas. The aim was to investigate the authenticity of scented herbal tea products circulating in the market. The research results revealed that among 180 scented herbal tea samples, DNA barcodes were successfully obtained from 164 samples, while the remaining samples either lacked the target components or suffered severe DNA degradation, resulting in failed amplification. Combined with morphological identification studies, it was found that out of the 180 samples, 141 were authentic, accounting for 78.33% of the total samples, while 31 samples showed adulteration and 8 samples lacked the target components, accounting for 21.67% of the total samples. Additionally, water testing revealed that 5 samples of Carthamus tinctorius herbal tea exhibited the phenomenon of weight adulteration. This study exposed the presence of adulteration and weight adulteration in scented herbal tea products, highlighting the need for regulatory authorities to expedite the establishment of quality standards in scented herbal tea industry. These findings provide valuable insights for the rapid development of the scented herbal tea industry.

Objective Analyze the temporal trend of ischemic stroke(IS)mortality among the residents of Tengzhou City of Shandong Province during the period of hypertension control from 2013 to 2021.Methods On January 1,2013,Tengzhou City,Shandong Province,began its hypertension control program.The IS mortality rate was calculated using the mortality data from January 1,2013 to December 31,2021,and analyzed for its time trend among residents with different characteristics.The registered population was derived from the Public Security Bureau of Tengzhou City,Shandong Province,and the age and sex standardized mortality rate was calculated using the data of China's 7th population census in 2020.The Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in mortality rate,and Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to compare the time trend and age trend of mortality rate.Results The overall crude and standardized mortality rates of IS in Tengzhou showed a temporal trend from 2013 to 2021(Z values were 12.647,7.305,respectively;all P＜0.001),and decreased by 23.77％and 30.99％(Z values were-7.393,-9.975,respectively;all P＜0.001)respectively in 2021 compared with 2019.The crude mortality rate of IS in male increased by 13.27％in 2019 compared with 2017,while the crude and standardized mortality rate in female decreased by 16.39％and 19.49％in 2018 compared with 2017,respectively,with statistical significance(x2 values were 7.160,9.789,and 15.109,respectively;all P＜0.05).Except the crude mortality rates in 2013 and 2015,the crude mortality rates and standardized mortality rates for males in other years were all higher than those for females,with statistically significant differences(x2 values:25.816-124.040,all P＜0.001).The crude mortality rate for IS increased with age in all years(Z values:42.604-61.025,all P＜0.001).The proportion of IS deaths among those aged≥65 was 85.85％.The overall crude mortality rates of the age group of male 45-54 years old showed a temporal trend from 2013 to 2021(Z=3.035,P＜0.01),while females in the same age group did not show a temporal trend(P＞0.05).The IS mortality rate in urban areas decreased from 62.61 per 100 000 in 2013 to 54.00 per 100 000 in 2021(Z=-2.097,P＜0.05).The rural areas increased by 213.15％in 2019 compared with 2013 and decreased by 22.75％in 2021 compared with 2019(Z values were 19.074,-6.390,respectively;all P＜0.001).Conclusions The IS mortality rate in Tengzhou City showed a decreasing trend in urban areas from 2013 to 2021,and a decreasing trend in rural areas after 2019.Compared to females,there is a trend of younger mortality among males in the age range of 45-54.Males and rural IS patients should be given special attention.

Aim To explore how Danzhi Jiangtang cap-sules(DJC)safeguard the mitochondrial activity of vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs)by controlling the LncRNA TUG1/β-catenin signaling pathway to de-crease vascular calcification(VC).Methods Vascu-lar smooth muscle cell calcification models were in-duced with β-glycerin and diabetic vascular calcifica-tion rat models were induced with vitamin D3+high-fat diet.Von Kossa staining was applied to detect cal-cification of cells and vascular tissue.Colorimetric method of phthalein complex was used to determine calcium content.P-nitrobenzene phosphate colorimetry was employed to assess alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity.RT-qPCR was used to analyze the expression of VSMCs'osteoblast transformation related genes bone morphogenetic protein2(BMP2),smooth muscle actin alpha(α-SMA),taurine up-regulated1,LncRNA Tug1(Lnc-RNA TUG1),and β-catenin.Western blotting was utilized to detect the protein expression of BMP2,α-SMA and β-catenin.The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 fluorescence probe.Mitochondrial structure was observed by trans-mission electron microscope.Results DJC reduced LncRNA TUG1 expression,down-regulated β-catenin expression,decreased ALP activity and calcium depo-sition,protected mitochondrial function,restored mem-brane potential,and decreased osteoblastic transforma-tion of VSMCs induced by glycerin phosphate.Impor-tantly,DJC attenuated diabetic lower limb VC by down-regulating the expression of LncRNA TUG1,β-catenin,and elevating the expression of α-SMA.Con-clusions DJC capsules significantly improved VSMCs by protecting mitochondrial function by LncRNA TUG1/β-catenin signaling to reduce VSMCs'osteo-blast transformation.

Aim To develop a ultra-high performance liquid chromatography electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry ( UPLC-MS/MS ) method for the simultaneous determination of salidroside derivative pOBz in rat plasma and brain tissue, and to study the pharmacokinetic profile and penetration of the blood-brain barrier in rats after a single dose intravenous administration of pOBz. Methods SD rats were administered pOBz at a dose of 50 mg • kg

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture on threshold of pain, gait, proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cell in rats with acute blunt trauma of gastrocnemius muscle, and to explore the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture in promoting the repair of acute injury of skeletal muscle. METHODS: A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (6 rats), a model group (24 rats) and an electroacupuncture group (18 rats). In the model group and the electroacupuncture group, the model of acute blunt trauma of gastrocnemius muscle was established by self-made impactor. In the electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied at "Chengshan" (BL 57) and "Yanglingquan" (GB 34) on the right side, with disperse-dense wave, in frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, once a day, 30 min each time. Electroacupuncture intervention was performed for 3, 7 and 14 days according to the sampling time. On the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling, the mechanical withdrawal pain threshold of hindfoot was detected by Von Frey method; the standing time and the maximum contact area of the right hindfoot were recorded by Cat Walk XT^TM animal gait analysis instrument; the morphology of the right gastrocnemius muscle and the number of inflammatory cells were observed by HE staining; the positive expression of paired box gene 7 (Pax7) and myogenic differentiation (MyoD) of the right gastrocnemius muscle was detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: After modeling, the muscle fiber rupture and massive infiltration of red blood cells and inflammatory cells were observed in the right gastrocnemius muscle; after electroacupuncture intervention, the morphology of muscle fiber was intact and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was improved. Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the differences of mechanical withdrawal pain threshold between the left and right foot were increased (P<0.05), the standing time was shortened and the maximum contact area of the right hindfoot was decreased (P<0.05), the number of inflammatory cells and the positive expression of Pax7 and MyoD of the right gastrocnemius muscle were increased (P<0.05) on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling. Compared with the model group, in the electroacupuncture group, the differences of mechanical withdrawal pain threshold were decreased (P<0.05), the standing time was prolonged (P<0.05), the number of inflammatory cells of right gastrocnemius muscle was decreased (P<0.05) on the 7th and 14th days after modeling; the maximum contact area of the right hindfoot was increased (P<0.05), the positive expression of MyoD of the right gastrocnemius muscle was increased (P<0.05) on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days after modeling; the positive expression of Pax7 of the right gastrocnemius muscle was increased (P<0.05) on the 3rd day after modeling. CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture can effectively improve the pain threshold and gait in rats with acute blunt trauma of gastrocnemius muscle, and promote the repair of skeletal muscle injury, the mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of Pax7 and MyoD, so as to promoting the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cell.
Animals ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Satellite Cells, Skeletal Muscle ; Electroacupuncture ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Gait ; Wounds, Nonpenetrating ; Pain ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Proliferation

In this study, the mechanism of Xiaoyan Lidan formula (XYLDF) against 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-collidine (DDC)-induced chronic intrahepatic cholestasis (CIHC) in mice was investigated based on metabolomics, molecular docking and pharmacological methods. In the pharmacodynamics study, a dosage of 5 g·kg^-1 (clinical equivalent) XYLDF was administered in DDC-induced mice, then the effect of XYLDF against CIHC was evaluated by measuring the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) as well as total bilirubin (TBIL) in serum and observing liver histopathological changes. All experiments were approved by the Ethical Committee Experimental Animal Center of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (ZYD-2021-001). The serum metabolites of mice in each group were detected and identified based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, and the relevant biological pathways and molecular key targets were further enriched. Molecular docking technology was used to further evaluate the binding activity of the main active ingredients of XYLDF with potential targets. Subsequently, the in vitro experiment was conducted for the validation of the vital target. The results showed that compared with the model group, XYLDF significantly decreased the levels of ALT, AST, AKP and TBIL in the serum of CIHC mice, as well as alleviated inflammatory infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis in liver tissue. According to the metabonomic study, a total of 35 differential metabolites was identified as biomarkers associated with cholestasis, 12 of which were significantly recovered by XYLDF treatment. These biomarkers were involved in the pathways of primary bile acid biosynthesis and linoleic metabolism, which are closely related to the mechanism of XYLDF against CIHC. Protein-protein interaction network indicated that cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) are significant potential targets with good binding properties with six major active ingredients of XYLDF. Furthermore, it was found that 4-methoxy-5-hydroxycanthin-6-one, dehydroandrographolide and isodocarpin, three of the main active components in XYLDF, markedly induced the expression of CYP3A4 mRNA in vitro. This study revealed that XYLDF mainly mediates the biosynthesis of bile acids in CIHC mice to improve liver tissue lesions and bile efflux disorders, among which, CYP3A4 is the key target in the protection of XYLDF against CIHC. This research provides a reference for further elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism of XYLDF.

Objectives: To find the prognostic factors related to early triple-negative breast cancer to optimize the therapeutic strategies, and explore the influence of programmed cell death ligand-1(PD-L1)expression in early triple-negative breast cancer on its prognosis, so as to provide support for clinical treatment decisions. Methods: Early triple-negative breast cancer patients treated at the National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences during 1st June, 2009 and 31st Oct, 2015 were enrolled in this study. All the clinicopathological data of patients were collected, and the paraffin sections of the surgical specimens were stained with estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), androgen receptor, PD-L1 and other antibodies by the immunohistochemical method. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression curves were used for survival analysis of relevant clinical and pathological results and nomogram survival prediction models were established to explore the influence of relevant factors on the prognosis. Results: A total of 205 patients with triple-negative breast cancer were enrolled. Ninety patients (43.9%) were PD-L1 positive. The median follow-up time was 63 months. Thirty-seven patients were relapsed or recurrent and 16 patients were dead. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate and overall survival (OS) rate were 86.1% (95% CI: 81.4%-90.8%) and 93.6% (95% CI: 91.0%-97.6%), respectively, in the general population. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that PD-L1 expression and lymph node metastasis were correlated with DFS and OS (P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, PD-L1 expression was an independent influencing factor of DFS, with PD-L1 positive patients possessing a significant survival benefit in DFS (HR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.13-0.73). Lymph node metastasis was an independent influencing factor of OS, and OS was significantly shortened in patients with positive lymph node metastasis (HR=3.24, 95% CI: 1.15-9.17). PD-L1, lymph node metastasis, menopausal status, Ki-67 index and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen were included to establish the 1- and 3-year DFS and OS nomogram prediction models, resulting in C indices of 0.698 and 0.748, respectively. Conclusions: PD-L1 expression is a predictive biomarker of good prognostic factor in triple-negative breast cancer patients. DFS is significantly prolonged in PD-L1 positive patients and OS also shows a prolongation trend. The nomogram prognosis prediction models have reference values for adjuvant chemotherapy in this patient group.
Humans ; Female ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism* ; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology* ; Breast Neoplasms ; Osteonectin/therapeutic use* ; Prognosis

Child ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Organic Anion Transporters/genetics*