Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)at"Baihui(GV 20),""Pishu(BL 20),"and"Zusanli(ST 36)"on the learning and memory functions of rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD)induced by Aβ1-42.Additionally,the mechanism of EA in treating AD was explored from the perspective of the inflammatory cascade mediated by the NF-κ B/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.Methods A rat model of Alzheimer's disease was established by bilateral injection of Aβ1-42 solution into the C1 region of the hippocampus.According to the random number table method,32 male SPF-grade rats were divided into four groups(n=8 per group):a sham-operated group,a model group,an electroacupuncture(EA)group,and a Western medicine group(donepezil hydrochloride).The EA group received electroacupuncture at the"Baihui","Pishu",and"Zusanli"acu-points;the Western medicine group received donepezil hydrochloride via gavage.After the treatment period,Morris water maze experiments were conducted to evaluate learning and memory abilities.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to examine morphological changes in hippocampal tissues.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to assess the co-expression levels of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 proteins in the hippocampal region.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,rats in the post-modeling group exhibited significantly prolonged escape latency(P<0.05),reduced crossings of the original platform location,and decreased time spent in the target quadrant(P<0.05).Additionally,nuclear morphology was altered,neurons surrounding the hippocampus displayed necrosis,vacuolar degeneration,and chromatin marginalization.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were elevated(P<0.05),and protein expression levels as well as fluorescent positivity for NF-κB p65,NLRP3,and caspase-1 in the hippocampus were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,rats in both the EA and Western medicine groups showed a trend toward shorter escape latency(P<0.05),increased crossings of the original platform location and time spent in the target quadrant(P<0.05).Cell structures were largely intact,with only a few nuclei showing slight irregularities and some chromatin accumulation at the edges.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were reduced(P<0.05),and protein expression levels and fluorescence positivity for NF-κB p65,NLRP3,and caspase-1 in the hippocampus were also decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion EA enhances the learning and memory capabilities of AD rats,potentially by downregulating the NF-κ B/NLRP3/Caspase-1+signaling+pathway and decreasing the release of neuroinflammatory factors,thereby alleviating cognitive dysfunction in AD rats.

Objective To investigate the distribution of gender,age,and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome elements and syndrome types in patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma,and to explore the medication rules for the patients,thus to provide reference for the formulation of clinical diagnosis and treatment plans for novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma.Methods From December 2022 to January 2023,the information of gender,age,syndrome elements,TCM syndrome types and medication frequency of the herbal medicine was collected among the patients suffering from novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma who were treated in outpatient clinics of the respiratory department and emergency department of Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.The information data were statistically analyzed and then the network visualization of results was presented.Results A total of 63 cases were included,including 27 males and 36 females,with an average age of 51.8 years old.Thirteen TCM syndrome types were involved,of which the three with the leading occurrence frequency were wind-phlegm syndrome(17 cases),spleen deficiency with dampness accumulation syndrome(11 cases),and phlegm-heat stagnation in the lung syndrome(8 cases).There were four disease-location syndrome elements,and the top two were lung(36 cases)and spleen(12 cases).Eight disease-nature syndrome elements were involved,and the top three were wind(36 cases),phlegm(28 cases)and qi deficiency(24 cases).A total of 128 Chinese herbal medicines were used,and their properties and flavors were predomiated by being pungent,bitter,sweet and cold.Most of the Chinese herbal medicines had the meridian tropism of lung,spleen,liver and stomach meridians,and most of the Chinese herbal medicines had the therapeutic actions of resolving phlegm,easing cough and relieving asthma.The top four Chinese herbal medicines with higher medication frequency were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma(51 times),Ephedrae Herba(47 times),blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum(44 times),and Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus(40 times).The core two-drug groups were Ephedrae Herba-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Ephedrae Herba-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus,and blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Pinelliae Rhizoma.The core three-drug groups were Pinelliae Rhizoma-blanching Armeniacae Semen Amarum-Ephedrae Herba,and Ephedrae Herba-Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.Conclusion Pathogenic phlegm retention in lung is the core pathogenesis of novel coronavirus infection complicated with asthma,which is protracted through the disease.The pathogenic wind is the driving factor of the disease's development and progression,and in the middle and late stages of the disease,the complicated syndrome manifestations of pathogenic heat,qi deficiency,qi and yin deficiency,and blockage of upper orifice are commonly seen.Its therapeutic principles are to relieve exterior syndrome and clear heat,resolve phlegm,ease cough and relieve asthma,thus to restore the qi movement of the zang-fu organs,support the healthy qi,eliminate pathogens and strengthen body resistance.

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical efficacy of different technical combinations in treating ischemic diabetic foot (DF). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 35 patients with DF who were treated with vascular interventional opening technique, periosteal distraction technique and bone cement coverage technique from January 2024 to November 2024. They were divided into comprehensive group and periosteal distraction group according to whether the vascular interventional opening technique was used in combination or not. There were 5 patients in comprehensive group, including 4 males and 1 female, aged from 59 to 73 years old with an average of (64.40±5.46) years old;the duration of diabetes ranged from 0.17 to 30.00 years with an average of (14.63±12.02) years;the courses of DF ranged from 30 to 150 days with an average of (84.00±61.48) days;2 patients were grade 2, 2 patients were grade 3, and 1 patient was grade 4 according to Wagner classification;combined vascular interventional opening, periosteal distraction and bone cement coverage surgery for treatment. There were 30 patients in periosteal stretch group, including 22 males and 8 females, aged from 58 to 86 years old with an average of (72.63±7.84) years old;the duration of diabetes was 10.00 (6.75, 16.75) years;the courses of DF was 30.00 (15.00, 37.50) days;14 patients were grade 2, 11 patients were grade 3, and 5 patients were grade 4 according to Wagner classification; combined periosteal distraction and bone cement coverage surgery for treatment. Changes of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and procalcitonin (PCT), toe skin temperature, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were compared between two groups before operation and 1 week after operation. The number of operations, healing period, healing number, toe amputation number, preoperative fever situation and the number of complications were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Both groups were followed up for at least 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of operations, healing period, toe amputation rate, wound healing rate and complications between two groups (P>0.05). Before operation, the toe skin temperature of comprehensive group (26.98±0.88) ℃ was lower than that of periosteal distraction group (28.17±1.45) ℃, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);while there were no statistically significant difference in CRP, IL-6, PCT, toe SpO2 and VAS between two groups (P>0.05). At 1 week after operation, IL-6, toe skin temperature, toe SpO₂ and VAS in comprehensive group were 12.29(7.92, 22.15) pg·ml-1, (36.02±0.23) ℃, (95.80±0.84) % and(1.40±0.55) respectively, while those in periosteal distraction group were 5.49(4.36, 7.45) pg·ml^-1, (31.36±1.57) ℃, (84.53±6.38) %, (2.20±0.81);and there were statistically significant differences between two groups(P<0.05). CRP, IL-6 and VAS at 1 week after operation in both groups were decreased compared with those before operation, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05). The toe skin temperature and SpO₂ were increased compared with those before operation, and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001). CONCLUSION The multi-technique combination therapy, including vascular interventional opening technique, periostealdistraction technique and bone cement covering technique, could protect each other, enhance efficacy, effectively promote the wound healing of ischemic diabetic foot ulcer, and reduce the toe amputation rate. For moderate to severe ischemic DF, the combined use of periosteal distraction and bone cement coverage techniques has a satisfactory effect. For extremely severe ischemic DF with inflow tract lesions, vascular interventional opening techniques need to be added.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Diabetic Foot/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Ischemia/surgery* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism*

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)at"Baihui(GV 20),""Pishu(BL 20),"and"Zusanli(ST 36)"on the learning and memory functions of rats with Alzheimer's disease(AD)induced by Aβ1-42.Additionally,the mechanism of EA in treating AD was explored from the perspective of the inflammatory cascade mediated by the NF-κ B/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway.Methods A rat model of Alzheimer's disease was established by bilateral injection of Aβ1-42 solution into the C1 region of the hippocampus.According to the random number table method,32 male SPF-grade rats were divided into four groups(n=8 per group):a sham-operated group,a model group,an electroacupuncture(EA)group,and a Western medicine group(donepezil hydrochloride).The EA group received electroacupuncture at the"Baihui","Pishu",and"Zusanli"acu-points;the Western medicine group received donepezil hydrochloride via gavage.After the treatment period,Morris water maze experiments were conducted to evaluate learning and memory abilities.Hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining was used to examine morphological changes in hippocampal tissues.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was employed to measure serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β.Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to assess the co-expression levels of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,and Caspase-1 proteins in the hippocampal region.Results Compared with the sham-operated group,rats in the post-modeling group exhibited significantly prolonged escape latency(P<0.05),reduced crossings of the original platform location,and decreased time spent in the target quadrant(P<0.05).Additionally,nuclear morphology was altered,neurons surrounding the hippocampus displayed necrosis,vacuolar degeneration,and chromatin marginalization.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were elevated(P<0.05),and protein expression levels as well as fluorescent positivity for NF-κB p65,NLRP3,and caspase-1 in the hippocampus were increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,rats in both the EA and Western medicine groups showed a trend toward shorter escape latency(P<0.05),increased crossings of the original platform location and time spent in the target quadrant(P<0.05).Cell structures were largely intact,with only a few nuclei showing slight irregularities and some chromatin accumulation at the edges.Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were reduced(P<0.05),and protein expression levels and fluorescence positivity for NF-κB p65,NLRP3,and caspase-1 in the hippocampus were also decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion EA enhances the learning and memory capabilities of AD rats,potentially by downregulating the NF-κ B/NLRP3/Caspase-1+signaling+pathway and decreasing the release of neuroinflammatory factors,thereby alleviating cognitive dysfunction in AD rats.

ObjectiveTo screen out the transcriptomes related to the intervention of Wuzi Yanzongwan on the spermatogenic function of semi-castrated male mice， and to explore its potential mechanism in the intervention of the progress of low spermatogenic function. MethodBalb/c mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group， model group， testosterone propionate group（0.2 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， intramuscular injection） and Wuzi Yanzongwan group（1.56 g·kg^-1·d^-1， intragastric administration） according to body weight， with 12 mice in each group. The right testicle and epididymis were extracted from the model group and the drug administration group to construct the semi-castrated model of low spermatogenic function， while the fur and the right scrotum of the sham-operated group were only cut and immediately sterilized and sutured. At the end of the intervention， hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to observe the histopathology of testis， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to detect the levels of serum testosterone（T）， luteinizing hormone（LH） and follicle stimulating hormone（FSH）. The sperm count and motility of epididymis were measured by automatic sperm detector of small animal. Transcriptomic microarray technology was used to detect the mRNA expression level of testicular tissue in each group， the transcriptome of genes related to the regulation of Wuzi Yanzongwan was screened， and three mRNAs were selected for Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） to verify the transcriptome data. Through the annotation analysis of Gene Ontology（GO） and the signaling pathway analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes（KEGG）， the related functions of drugs regulating transcriptome were analyzed. ResultCompared with the sham-operated group， the testicular tissue of mice in the model group showed spermatogenic injury， contraction and vacuolization of the seminiferous tubules， reduction of spermatogenic cells at all levels， widening of the interstitial space， obstruction of spermatogonial cell development and other morphological abnormalities， and serum T significantly decreased， LH significantly increased（P<0.01）， and FSH elevated but no statistically significant difference， the count and vitality of epididymal sperm significantly decreased（P<0.01）. There were 882 differentially expressed mRNAs in the testicular tissues， of which 565 were up-regulated and 317 were down-regulated. Cluster analysis showed that these differentially expressed mRNA could effectively distinguish between the sham-operated group and the model group. Compared with the model group， the damage to testicular tissue in the Wuzi Yanzongwan group was reduced， the structure of the seminiferous tubules was intact， vacuolization was reduced， and the number of spermatogenic cells at all levels was significantly increased and arranged tightly. The serum T significantly increased， LH significantly decreased（P<0.01）， and FSH decreased but the difference was not statistically significant. The count and vitality of sperm in the epididymis were significantly increased（P<0.01）. Moreover， Wuzi Yanzongwan could regulate 159 mRNA levels in the testes of semi-castrated mice， of which 32 were up-regulated and 127 were down-regulated， and the data of the transcriptome assay was verified to be reliable by Real-time PCR. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the transcriptome functions regulated by Wuzi Yanzongwan were involved in the whole cell cycle process of sperm development such as sex hormone production of interstitial cells in testis， renewal， differentiation， metabolism， apoptosis and signal transduction of spermatogenic cells， and were closely related to the biological behaviors of signaling pathways such as spermatogenic stem cell function， endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and metabolic program. ConclusionWuzi Yanzongwan can effectively improve the low spermatogenic function of semi-castrated male mice， and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of testicular transcriptional regulatory network， the synthesis of sex hormones in testicular interstitial cells， the function of spermatogenic stem cells， the whole cell cycle process of spermatogenesis， as well as the expression of endoplasmic reticulum protein processing and metabolic program related genes transcription.

Abstract Allergic diseases can occur in all systems of the body, covering the whole life cycle, from children to adults and to old age, can be lifelong onset and even fatal in severe cases. Children account for the largest proportion of the victims of allergic disease, Children s allergies start from scratch, ranging from mild to severe, from less to more, from single to multiple systems and systemic performance, so the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases in children is of great importance, which can not only prevent high risk allergic conditions from developing into allergic diseases, but also further block the process of allergy. At present, there is no consensus on the management system of allergic children in kindergartens and primary schools. The "Consensus on Allergy Management and Prevention in Kindergartens and Primary Schools", which includes the organizational structure, system construction and management of allergic children, provides evidence informed recommendations for the long term comprehensive management of allergic children in kindergartens and primary schools, and provides a basis for the establishment of the prevention system for allergic children.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether the ethanol extract of Herpetospermum caudigerum Wall (EHC), a Xizang medicinal plant traditionally used for treating liver diseases, can improve imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to determine the effects of topical EHC use in vivo on the skin pathology of imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice. The protein levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in mouse skin samples were examined using immunohistochemical staining. In vitro, IFN-γ-induced HaCaT cells with or without EHC treatment were used to evaluate the expression of keratinocyte-derived intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and chemokine CXC ligand 9 (CXCL9) using Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and proteasome inhibitor MG132 were utilized to validate the EHC-mediated mechanism underlying degradation of ICAM-1 and CXCL9. RESULTS: EHC improved inflammation in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model and reduced the levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A in psoriatic lesions. Treatment with EHC also suppressed ICAM-1 and CXCL9 in epidermal keratinocytes. Further mechanistic studies revealed that EHC suppressed keratinocyte-derived ICAM-1 and CXCL9 by promoting ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated protein degradation rather than transcriptional repression. Seven primary compounds including ehletianol C, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, herpetrione, herpetin, herpetotriol, herpetetrone and herpetetrol were identified from the EHC using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry. CONCLUSION Topical application of EHC ameliorates psoriasis-like skin symptoms and improves the inflammation at the lesion sites. Please cite this article as: Zhong Y, Zhang BW, Li JT, Zeng X, Pei JX, Zhang YM, Yang YX, Li FL, Deng Y, Zhao Q. Ethanol extract of Herpetospermum caudigerum Wall ameliorates psoriasis-like skin inflammation and promotes degradation of keratinocyte-derived ICAM-1 and CXCL9. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(6): 584-592.
Animals ; Mice ; Interleukin-17/metabolism* ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Imiquimod/adverse effects* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Ligands ; Psoriasis/chemically induced* ; Keratinocytes ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Chemokines/metabolism* ; Interferon-gamma/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of saikosaponin A （SSA） on the reversal of cisplatin （DDP） resistance in human lung cancer cell line A549/DDP. Methods:The resistance of A549 and A549/DDP cells to DDP and the inhibitory effects of SSA against the proliferation of A549 and A549/DDP cells were detected using cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. The apoptosis rates of A549/DDP cells treated with SSA or DDP or SSA combined with DDP and the changes in reactive oxygen species （ROS） were determined by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of C-myc， B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2） and cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease-3 （Caspase-3） were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， followed by the determination of β-catenin transcriptional activity using the TopFish dual-luciferase reporter assay system and the measurement of β-catenin protein expression in A549/DDP cells by Western blot. Results:The results of CCK-8 assay showed that the DDP resistance of A549/DDP cells was 12.82 times that of A549 cells （P<0.05）. SSA inhibited the viability of A549 cells with the half maximal inhibitory concentration （IC₅₀） being 34.9 μmol·L^-1， and also suppressed the viability of A549/DDP cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Since the inhibition rate of 20 μmol/L SSA against A549/DDP cells was less than 10%， the reversal concentration was set at 20 μmol/L. Flow cytometry revealed that compared with the control， DDP alone increased the apoptosis rate of A549/DDP cells （P<0.05）， stimulated the accumulation of intracellular ROS （P<0.05）， down-regulated the mRNA expression levels of C-myc and Bcl-2 in A549/DDP cells， up-regulated Caspase-3 mRNA expression， and reduced the transcriptional activity of β-catenin （P<0.05）. Compared with the DDP group， the SSA+DDP group exhibited obviously increased apoptosis of A549/DDP cells， enhanced accumulation of intracellular ROS， down-regulated C-myc and Bcl-2 mRNA expression， up-regulated Caspase-3 mRNA expression （P<0.05）， and weakened β-catenin transcription （P<0.05）. DDP combined with SSA better decreased the β-catenin protein expression in contrast to that of control or DDP （P<0.05）. Conclusions:SSA enhances the sensitivity of A549/DDP cells to DDP possibly by inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in the therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between the combined -deep needling and bloodletting technique and the regular needling technique. METHODS: A total of 70 patients were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 4 cases dropped-out). Dazhui (GV 14), Shenzhu (GV 12), Zhiyang (GV 9), Jinsuo (GV 8), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhibian (BL 54), Weizhong (BL 40), Taixi (KI 3) and Tianzong (SI 11), etc. were selected in the two groups. Additionally, in the observation group the -deep needling technique was adopted at Tianzong (SI 11) and Zhibian (BL 54), the bloodletting technique at the local swollen area and the even-needling technique at the rest acupoints. In the control group, the even-needling technique was applied to all of the acupoints. Acupuncture treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week and for 12 weeks totally. The numbers of tender points at the knee joint, the numbers of swollen sites at the knee joint, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the American health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score were observed in the two groups before and after treatment, as well as the changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria was adopted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the numbers of tender points, the numbers of swollen sites, VAS score and HAQ score were all improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01), and the results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all <0.05). After treatment, ESR and CRP levels were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01), but there was no significant differences between the two groups (both >0.05). The standard-reaching rates of ACR 20 and ACR 50 in the observation group were 94.3% (33/35) and 31.4% (11/35) respectively, which were better than 67.7% (21/31) and 6.5% (2/31) in the control group (<0.01, <0.05). CONCLUSION The acupuncture with the -deep and bloodletting techniques and the acupuncture with regular needling technique are all effective on RA. The therapeutic effects of the acupuncture treatment with the -deep and bloodletting techniques are better than that with regular needling technique.
Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; therapy ; Bloodletting ; Humans ; Treatment Outcome