Objective:To explore the influences of neutrophilic granule protein (NGP) on nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and the regulatory mechanism.Methods:NGP highexpression RAW264.7 cells (NGP/RAW) and negative control empty vector cells (NC/RAW), NGP knockout RAW264.7 cells (NGP KO/RAW) and wild-type cells (WT/RAW) were cultured in vitro. Cells in logarithmic phase were stimulated with 10 mg/L LPS (LPS group) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS group) respectively. The content of NO in the supernatant was detected by Griess method. The mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The protein expressions of iNOS and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1) were detected by Western blotting.Results:Compared with PBS group, iNOS mRNA and NO expression were significantly increased at different time after LPS stimulation, the mRNA expression of iNOS peaked at 12 hours after LPS stimulation (2 -ΔΔCt: 38.45±1.34 vs. 1.00±0.00 in NC/RAW cells, 56.24±2.41 vs. 1.45±0.30 in NGP/RAW cells, 37.84±1.52 vs. 1.00±0.00 in WT/RAW cells, 5.47±0.62 vs. 0.98±0.40 in NGP KO/RAW cells, all P < 0.05), and the production of NO peaked at 24 hours after LPS stimulation (μmol/L: 24.15±1.26 vs. 0.15±0.04 in NC/RAW cells, 58.80±2.11 vs. 0.18±0.02 in NGP/RAW cells, 25.04±1.80 vs. 0.16±0.02 in WT/RAW cells, 2.42±0.38 vs. 0.12±0.03 in NGP KO/RAW cells, all P < 0.05). After being stimulated by LPS, the expression of iNOS mRNA and NO in NGP/RAW cells were increased significantly compared with NC/RAW cells [iNOS mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 8.42±0.59 vs. 4.63±0.37 at 2 hours, 27.16±1.60 vs. 14.25±1.02 at 6 hours, 56.24±2.41 vs. 38.45±1.34 at 12 hours; NO (μmol/L): 4.12±0.25 vs. 2.23±0.17 at 6 hours, 16.50±1.52 vs. 6.35±0.39 at 12 hours, 58.80±2.11 vs. 24.15±1.26 at 24 hours, all P < 0.05]. At the same time, the protein expressions of p-STAT1 and iNOS were also significantly enhanced (p-STAT1/GAPDH: 4.26±1.84 vs. 1.00±0.32 at 0 hours, 20.59±4.97 vs. 0.93±0.21 at 2 hours, 141.99±10.99 vs. 11.17±2.11 at 6 hours; iNOS/GAPDH: 1.27±0.86 vs. 1.00±0.22 at 0 hours, 7.94±1.94 vs. 2.01±0.92 at 2 hours, 24.24±4.88 vs. 3.72±1.11 at 6 hours, all P < 0.05), indicating that NGP might increase the expression of iNOS by promoting the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) pathway, thereby increasing the production of NO. After being stimulated by LPS, the expression of iNOS mRNA and NO in NGP KO/RAW cells were significantly lower than that of WT/RAW cells [iNOS mRNA (2 -ΔΔCt): 2.46±0.31 vs. 4.22±0.18 at 2 hours, 3.61±0.44 vs. 13.02±1.34 at 6 hours, 5.47±0.62 vs. 37.84±1.52 at 12 hours; NO (μmol/L): 1.22±0.19 vs. 2.01±0.12 at 6 hours, 1.60±0.44 vs. 5.15±0.62 at 12 hours, 2.42±0.38 vs. 25.04±1.80 at 24 hours, all P < 0.05]. It showed that iNOS activation was reduced after NGP knockout, which in turn reduced NO production. Conclusion:NGP can positively regulate NO production in activated macrophages by activating the STAT1/iNOS pathway.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions that lead to surgery, and until now surgical hemorrhoidectomy has been the major effective treatment. Post-operative pain from hemorrhoidectomy has been experienced by thousands of patients and remains a major inconvenience of the operation. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the pestle needle therapy, an acupoint stimulation method, for relief of post-hemorrhoidectomy pain. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: This was a single-center, patient-assessor-blinded and randomized controlled trial with 154 patients receiving Milligan hemorrhoidectomy surgery. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group at a ratio of 1:1. The treatment group received the pestle needle therapy, with manual stimulation at Yaoshu (DU2), Mingmen (DU4), Changqiang (DU1), Chengshan (BL57), Erbai (EX-UE2) and the perianal points (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11o'clock around the lesion); while the control group received a sham treatment with very light pressure. Three sessions of treatment were performed at 30 min, 4 h and 12 h after the surgery, and each lasted for 15 min. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was post-operative pain measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 12 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the VAS scores measured at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 h after surgery, the analgesic dose, the time and the VAS score of the patients' first defecation after surgery, as well as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) evaluated before discharge. RESULTS: The mean pain score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.10 ± 1.27 vs 4.82 ± 1.29; P < 0.001) at 12 h after surgery. Compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group needed a smaller dose of analgesic within the first 24 hours after surgery (P = 0.002); and their HAMA scores before discharge were lower (4.07 ± 2.40 vs 5.10 ± 2.45, P = 0.009). Compared to the treatment group, patients in the control group had a greater time to the first defecation after surgery ([52.34 ± 15.72] h vs [27.08 ± 13.68] h; P < 0.001), but there was no difference in their VAS scores at the first defecation (P = 0.092). CONCLUSION The pestle needle therapy was effective for relieving pain, reducing anxiety and improving bowel function after hemorrhoidectomy, and it is worthy of clinical application.

12-HETE is a metabolite of arachidonic acid (AA). AA is normally present in membrane phospholipids. The exposure to different stimuli can trigger the release of AA through the activity of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) by cells. An important metabolic pathway which utilizes AA as its substrate is 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LOX), resulting in the formation of 12-HETE. 12-HETE plays an important role in many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and participates in the pathogenesis of inflammation and oxidative stress and other pathological processes.Current research shows that it participates in metamorphism and exudation in the process of inflammation. This review is aimed at summarizing its role in inflammation and oxidative stress, with improved understanding of 12-HETE.

Objective: To investigate the potential effects of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) in regulating macrophages polarize to M2 type and explore the molecular mechanism. Methods: All trials were completely randomized. ① Experiment 1: 6-8 weeks old healthy male C57BL/6J mice were collected, and primary peritoneal cells were extracted, then the cells were divided into phosphate buffered saline (PBS) group and interleukin-4 (IL-4) group. The cells in the IL-4 group were stimulated with 10 mg/L IL-4 (M2 macrophage inducer); and those in the PBS group were given with an equal amount of PBS. The mRNA expressions of intracellular M2 type polarized marker molecules including arginase-1 (Arg-1) and chitinase 3 like protein 1 (YM1) at 2, 4, 6 hours after IL-4 challenge were determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The phosphorylation of tyrosine protein kinase 1/signaling transcriptional and transduced activator 6 (JAK1/STAT6) signaling pathway and protein expressions of CYP1A1 and Arg-1 at 6, 12, 24 hours after IL-4 challenge were determined by Western Blot. ② Experiment 2: RAW264.7 cells with high expression CYP1A1 (CYP1A1/RAW) and their negative control cells (NC/RAW) were cultured in vitro. The cells in logarithmic growth phase were collected, and then they were divided into PBS control group and IL-4 group. The treatment method was the same as experiment 1. The phosphorylations of intracellular JAK1/STAT6 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathways in different cells at 1 hour and 2 hours after IL-4 challenge were determined by Western Blot. The mRNA and protein expressions of Arg-1 in different cells at 2 hours and 4 hours after IL-4 challenge were determined by RT-qPCR and Western Blot, respectively. Results: ① Experiment 1: after IL-4 challenge for 2 hours, the mRNA expressions of Arg-1 and YM1 in the primary peritoneal macrophages of mice were significantly increased as compared with the PBS control group [Arg-1 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 1.75±0.82 vs. 1.00±0.21; YM1 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 2.58±0.53 vs. 1.00±0.20, both P < 0.05] which indicated that IL-4 induced macrophage to M2 type polarization successfully. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of CYP1A1 in polarized mouse peritoneal primary macrophages was also elevated as compared with the PBS control group, and peaked at 4 hours [CYP1A1 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 2.25±0.69 vs. 1.00±0.17, P < 0.01]. The results indicated that CYP1A1 expression was enhanced when macrophages polarized to M2 type. Compared with the PBS control group, the bands of phosphorylated JAK1 (p-JAK1), phosphorylated STAT6 (p-STAT6), Arg-1 and CYP1A1 were enhanced in primary peritoneal macrophages of mice in the IL-4 group, and reached the peak value at 12 hours then gradually decreased. This result indicated that the phosphorylation of JAK1/STAT6 pathway was enhanced in M2 macrophages with high expression of CYP1A1, and the pathway was activated. ② Experiment 2: after IL-4 challenge for 2 hours, the expression of Arg-1 mRNA in CYP1A1/RAW cells was significantly higher than that in NC/RAW cells (2^-ΔΔCt: 3.02±0.60 vs. 1.47±0.43, P < 0.05), and the protein band signal was also stronger, and both peaked at 4 hours. This indicated that CYP1A1 could promote the polarization of macrophages to M2. After IL-4 challenge for 2 hours, the expression of p-JAK1 and p-JAK3 protein bands in both cells were significantly enhanced as compared with the PBS control group, but the enhancement of p-STAT6 band in CYP1A1/RAW cells was stronger than that of NC/RAW cells, indicating that CYP1A1 promoted macrophage polarization by promoting phosphorylation of the JAK1/STAT6 pathway. In the meantime, the protein band of Akt, a downstream protein of the PI3K/Akt pathway, in CYP1A1/RAW cells was significantly lower than that of NC/RAW cells, indicating that CYP1A1 did not promote macrophage polarization through this pathway. Conclusions CYP1A1 promotes the polarization of macrophage to M2 type. The mechanism is related to promoting the phosphorylation of JAK1/STAT6 pathway.

12-HETE is a metabolite of arachidonic acid (AA). AA is normally present in membrane phospholipids. The exposure to different stimuli can trigger the release of AA through the activity of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂) by cells. An important metabolic pathway which utilizes AA as its substrate is 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LOX), resulting in the formation of 12-HETE. 12-HETE plays an important role in many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and participates in the pathogenesis of inflammation and oxidative stress and other pathological processes.Current research shows that it participates in metamorphism and exudation in the process of inflammation. This review is aimed at summarizing its role in inflammation and oxidative stress, with improved understanding of 12-HETE.
12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid ; Arachidonic Acid ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Oxidative Stress

Objective To investigate the protective effect of agmatine (AGM) against peritoneal inflammatory response and neutrophil (PMN) infiltration induced by zymosan (ZYM) in mice. Methods Thirty-six adult male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham group, model group, and AGM treatment group. Peritonitis model was reproduced by intra-peritoneal injection of 1 mg/mL ZYM (0.5 mL), while equivalent phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was given to sham group. 200 mg/kg AGM was injected into peritoneal cavity after ZYM challenge in AGM treatment group. Six mice in each group were sacrificed at 2 hours and 6 hours, respectively, after reproduction of the model. Blood sample and peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) were collected. The levels of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins-6 (IL-6) in serum and PLF were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The number of leukocytes and PMN in PLF were determined by hemocytometer and flow cytometry, respectively. Results Compared with sham group, all serum and PLF levels of KC, MIP-2, TNF-α and IL-6 were greatly elevated at 2 hours after ZYM injection in model group, while AGM treatment could dramatically reduce the levels of the above-mentioned cytokines in serum and PLF as compared with those of the model group [serum KC (ng/L): 990.7±137.9 vs. 2 053.2±262.7, MIP-2 (ng/L): 642.2±124.4 vs. 1 369.7±146.5, TNF-α (ng/L): 608.6±38.1 vs. 1 044.7±101.0, IL-6 (ng/L): 1 058.2±129.1 vs. 1 443.3±190.1; PLF KC (ng/L): 7 462.3±839.6 vs. 12 723.5±1 515.7, MIP-2 (ng/L): 1 570.8±193.4 vs. 3 471.4±384.7, TNF-α (ng/L): 1 115.8±156.7 vs. 1 499.2±231.2, IL-6 (ng/L): 2 646.5±223.2 vs. 3 126.7±291.4; all P < 0.05]. The expressions of KC, MIP-2 and TNF-α at 6 hours were significantly lower than those at 2 hours in model group and AGM treatment group, but IL-6 levels were further increased. The levels of KC and MIP-2 in serum and PLF at 6 hours were decreased to the levels of sham group. At 6 hours after the reproduction of the model, the number of total inflammatory cells and PMN of PLF in the model group was significantly higher than those of the sham group. In contrast, AGM notably lowered the number of inflammatory cells and PMN in peritoneal fluid after ZYM attack [total inflammatory cells (×109/L): 14.7±1.1 vs. 2.0±0.4, 10.1±1.2 vs. 14.7±1.1; PMN (×109/L): 11.37±1.22 vs. 0.18±0.05, 7.69±0.57 vs. 11.37±1.22, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion AGM can effectively alleviate acute peritoneal inflammatory injury induced by ZYM, mainly through reducing the secretion of inflammatory mediators and chemokines, and inhibiting the infiltration of leukocytes and neutrophils.

Objective To evaluate the effect about medication compliance for patients with chronic heart failure in outpatients using nursing intervention model based on Omaha system.Methods 100 patients were randomly divided into observation group(50 patients)and control group(50 patients).The two groups of patients were given routine nursing intervention,the observation group also used the Omaha system to develop care programs on this basis, and was given the implementation about continuity of care.Results On the point of the two or three months after the patients were discharged,the AHFKT -V2 questionnaire scores in the observation group[(17.690 ±1.892)points, (20.900 ±2.052)points]were significantly higher than the control group[(14.080 ±2.374)points,(18.450 ± 1.781)points],the differences were statistically significant (t =-8.488,-6.442,all P <0.05).However,the same as the points after the patients were discharged,Morisky questionnaire scores in the observation group[(1.036 ± 0.780)points,(0.487 ±0.260)points]were significantly lower than the control group[(1.54 ±1.182)points, (0.920 ±0.804)points],the differences were statistically significant(t =3.420,4.965,all P <0.05).Conclusion The use of Omaha system to develop the targeted continuity of care,can improve the patients medication compliance.

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with estazolam for the treatment of primary insomnia with heart and spleen deficiency type. Methods Seventy qualified patients were randomized into treatment group and control group, 35 in each group. Both groups received oral use of estazolam before bed time for 6 continuous weeks, and acupuncture group was additionally given acupuncture for regulating governor vessel and tranquilizing spirit on acupoints of Baihui(GV20), Yintang(GV29), Shenting(GV25), Anmian (EX-HN22), Shenmen(H7), Sanyinjiao(SP6), 3 times a week and lasting for 6 continuous weeks. The sleep state of the patients was estimated according to Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS) before treatment, on the third and the sixth week of treatment, and one month after the completion of treatment. Results (1) Five cases in the treatment group and 3 cases in the control group were dropped out for not completing the treatment timely. In the end , 30 cases in the treatment group and 32 cases in the control group finished the trial. (2) The total effective rate in the treatment group was up to 90.0%, and was 71.9% in control group, the difference being significant(P<0.01).(3) Compared to the control group, the scores of PSQI, ESS and AIS were much decreased in treatment group on the third and the sixth week of treatment , and one month after treatment(P<0 . 05 or P<0 . 01). Conclusion Acupuncture for regulating governor vessel and tranquilizing mind combined with oral use of estazolam exerts certain therapeutic effect for the treatment of heart and spleen deficiency type insomnia, and the effect was superior to that of estazolam alone.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects and duration of electroacupuncture on the mechanical pain threshold induced by paclitaxel and explore its analgesic mechanism.

METHODSSixty-four C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, a normal+sham EA group, a normal+EA group, a medicine+sham EA(Med+ sham EA) group, a medicine + EA (Med + EA) group, 16 cases in each group. The model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy was established with paclitaxel intraperitoneal injection on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th day in the Med + sham EA group and the Med + EA group. EA of 30 min was used on bilateral "Zusanli (ST 36)" on the 9th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 30th day in the EA groups, 2 Hz/100 Hz and 1~ 1.5 mA. Acupuncture was applied on the same acupoint at the same times in the sham EA groups. Mechanical pain thresholds were tested by VonFrey before and after model establishment, namely on the 8th, 14th; 21st and, 28th day. The heart blood of 8 mice was drawn quickly to collect serum in every group on the 31st day, and the contents of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in proinflammatory cytokine were examined by ELISA. Mechanical pain thresholds were tested by VonFrey for the rest 8 mice of each group until there was no apparent difference in the two paclitaxel groups once a week,namely on the 35th, 42nd, 49th day.

RESULTSThe pain thresholds of each group were not statistically different before model establishment (P > 0.05). After model establishment (on the 8th day), thresholds of the paclitaxel groups were lower than those of the normal groups (all P < 0.05). After EA, the mechanical pain thresholds of the Med + EA group were higher than those of the Med + sham EA group at all the time points, and there was statistical difference on the 14th, 21st and 28th day (all P < 0.05). The analgesic effect was lasting to the 49th day. The contents of TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β of the Med + EA group were decreased than those of the Med+sham EA group in different degree, with statistical significance of IL-1α (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEA can effectively treat paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy,and the analgesic mechanism is probably related to decreasing the proinflammatory cytokine.

Acupuncture Points ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Electroacupuncture ; Humans ; Interleukin-1beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; etiology ; genetics ; metabolism ; therapy ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; genetics ; metabolism

The STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials Of Moxibustion (STRICTOM), in the form of a checklist and descriptions of checklist items, were designed to improve reporting of moxibustion trials, and thereby facilitating their interpretation and replication. The STRICTOM checklist included 7 items and 16 sub-items. These set out reporting guidelines for the moxibustion rationale, details of moxibustion, treatment regimen, other components of treatment, treatment provider background, control and comparator interventions, and precaution measures. In addition, there were descriptions of each item and examples of good reporting. It is intended that the STRICTOM can be used in conjunction with the main CONSORT Statement, extensions for nonpharmacologic treatment and pragmatic trials, and thereby raise the quality of reporting of clinical trials of moxibustion. Further comments will be solicited from the experts of the CONSORT Group, the STRICTA Group, acupuncture and moxibustion societies, and clinical trial authors for optimizing the STRICTOM.
Clinical Trials as Topic ; methods ; standards ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; methods ; standards ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Research Design ; standards