Visualization of Acupuncture Meridians in the Hypodermis of Rat Using Trypan Blue

Microneedle-mediated transdermal nanodelivery systems: a review

The greatest limitation in the development of transdermal drug delivery systems is that only a few drugs can permeate the skin due to the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Active and passive methods are generally available for improving the ability of drug transdermal delivery. However, nanoparticles, as a passive approach, exhibit capacity-constrained permeation enhancement. Thus, microneedle-mediated nanoparticles possess enormous potential and broad prospects. Microneedles promote the penetration of macromolecules by creating microchannels on the skin surface. In this review, the prevailing subknowledge on microneedles (mechanism, classification, and applications of microneedles combined with nanoparticles) is discussed to provide a guideline for readers and a basic reference for further in-depth studies of this novel drug delivery system.

Research status and prospects of acupuncture for prevention and treatment of chemo- and radiotherapy-induced salivary gland dysfunction in head and neck cancer

Salivary gland dysfunction (SGD) induced by chemo- and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) has always been a difficult problem in modern medicine. The quality of life of a large number of HNC patients is severely impaired by SGD such as xerostomia and dysphagia. In recent years, several studies have found that acupuncture can improve patients' salivary secretion, but it has not yet been approved as an alternative therapy for SGD. For this reason, we collected the clinical study reports on acupuncture in the treatment of SGD induced by chemo- and radiotherapy in HNC patients in the past 20 years, and analyzed and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these studies with respect to tumor types, group setting, intervention modality, acupoints selection, outcome evaluation, and safety. We believed that acupuncture is beneficial for SGD, but the existing objective evidence is insufficient to support its effectiveness. Therefore, improving the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture, selecting the optimal combination of acupoints through scientific and rigorous study design, and exploring the potential mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of diseases combined with the meridian theory may be effective ways to promote the acceptance of acupuncture as an alternative therapy for SGD in future. The significance of this review is to provide a reference for researchers to carry out high-quality clinical trials of acupuncture in the treatment of SGD in future from the perspective of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.

Production and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies Against Primo Vascular System of Rat

BACKGROUND

The primo vascular system (PVS) has been difficult to detect due to its small diameter and translucent features of the threadlike network. Thus, contrast-enhancing dyes including Alcian blue, Trypan blue and Janus green B had to be used for finding and taking out PVS from rat and mouse.

OBJECTIVE

Generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against PVS of rat was intended to use as a detector for PVS and a biological tool for functional study of PVS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primo vessel (PV) and Primo node (PN) were isolated from organ surfaces of rat and then their proteins were isolated and injected into mouse as an immunogen. The classical traditional method was applied for production of mAbs against PVS. The various techniques, such as cell fusion, screening of hybridoma, ELISA, Western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence microscopy (IF), and limiting dilution, were used to generate mAbs against PVS.

RESULTS

Among 16 mAbs generated, 4 representative mAbs were characterized with their specificities in ELISA, WB, and IF. α-rPVS-m1-1 and α-rPVS-m4-6 had strong binding affinities to PVS in both ELISA and WB but did not show specificities in IF at all. On the contrary, α-rPVS-m3-2 and α-rPVS-m3-4 almost did not respond in WB but had strong binding affinities in ELISA and specificities in IF. Two mAbs stained predominantly at extra cellular matrix and cell membrane of PVS of rat in IF, and they were able to discriminate PVS from blood vessel (BV) and lymphatic vessel (LV).

CONCLUSIONS

4 representative mAbs against PVS of rat were characterized by ELISA, WB, and IF. α-rPVS-m3-2 and α-rPVS-m3-4, which had strong specificities in IF, can be used as a tool in discriminating PVS from other similar tissues and in elucidate biological function of PVS.

Is the Newly Described Interstitial Network the Anatomical Basis of Acupuncture Meridians? A Commentary

A network passing through interstitial tissues of the human body has been recently described. Despite its functional importance is yet unknown, we try to briefly summarize the known data and to interpret it from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese medicine. We consider the peculiarities of the interstitium to be the morphological basis of at least some of the known phenomena along acupuncture meridians.

Interaction of energetic points, tendinomuscular meridian and 5 elements in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in patients over 45 years old: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Acupuncture had a different approaches since its beginnings. Using traditional energetic points with an interaction of 5 elements and meridian theories with manual diagnosis of tender points has been proposed. This procedure can be an effective treatment in musculoskeletal disease but its development is short.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of energetic points of tendinomuscular meridian in the treatment of pain, quality of life and function of the knee.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial, non standardized and double blind. Inclusions criteria were: being over 45 years, having had pain for more than 3 months, level II o greater in Kellgren-Lawrence and suffering morning stiffness. Exclusion criteria were artoplasty, corticosteroids and rehabilitation, arthropaties, autoinmune diseases and neuropathic pain.

RESULTS

Intervention group had significant improvement in average pain in the last 15 days at end of treatment (p<0.04) and quality of life at the end of follow-up (p<0.015). Other measurements no show significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Energetic points of tendinomuscular meridian and the 5 elements related are equal or better than local acupuncture in the treatment of pain, quality of life and function in osteoarthritis of the knee. However, it is necessary to have more research with more tracing and poblation to improve the quality of the results.

Unilateral and Immediate Stimulation of Acupuncture Points Xiaohai (SI8) and Jianwaishu (SI14) of the Small Intestine Meridian Increases Electromyographic Activity and Strength in the Ipsilateral and Contralateral Upper Trapezius Muscle

We previously showed that a yin meridian of the upper limb decreased electromyographic activity (root mean square) and muscle strength ipsilateral and contralateral to the side of stimulation. Here, we tested the upper trapezius (UT) muscle response after stimulation of a yang meridian of the upper limb, the small intestine (SI). Thirty-eight healthy volunteers were randomized into the following groups: UT muscle (SI14), distant of the UT muscle (SI8), without stimulation (CG), and sham (R3). An acupuncturist certificated by the Brazilian Society of Physical Therapists and Acupuncturists performed the needle insertion. Each volunteer received only one stimulation to the right upper limb. The evaluation occurred before, 5 minutes after, and 20 minutes after needle withdrawal. The root mean square activity increased on the right side in the UT muscle for the SI8 and SI14 groups (F_3,37 = 4.67; p < 0.025) at the 20-minute evaluation. The most vigorous response occurred on the contralateral side because the effects were maintained for 5 minutes after withdrawal (F_3,37 = 4.52; p < 0.025). Both groups showed an increase in the UT muscle strength at the 20-minute evaluation (F_3,37 = 3.41; p < 0.025). The CG and R3 groups did not show any changes. Our data indicate that SI a yang meridian increases the UT muscle response.

Measuring Cell Death by Trypan Blue Uptake and Light Microscopy

Trypan blue is a colorimetric dye that stains dead cells with a blue color easily observed using light microscopy at low resolution. The staining procedure is rapid and cells can be analyzed within minutes. The number of live (unstained) and dead (blue) cells can be counted using a hemocytometer on a basic upright microscope. Trypan blue staining is therefore a convenient assay for rapidly determining the overall viability of cells in a culture before commencing scientific experimentation, or for quantitating cell death following treatment with any cytotoxic stimuli.

Primo Vascular System: A Unique Biological System Shifting a Medical Paradigm

The primo vascular system has a specific anatomical and immunohistochemical signature that sets it apart from the arteriovenous and lymphatic systems. With immune and endocrine functions, the primo vascular system has been found to play a large role in biological processes, including tissue regeneration, inflammation, and cancer metastases. Although scientifically confirmed in 2002, the original discovery was made in the early 1960s by Bong-Han Kim, a North Korean scientist. It would take nearly 40 years after that discovery for scientists to revisit Kim's research to confirm the early findings. The presence of primo vessels in and around blood and lymph vessels, nerves, viscera, and fascia, as well as in the brain and spinal cord, reveals a common link that could potentially open novel possibilities of integration with cranial, lymphatic, visceral, and fascial approaches in manual medicine.

Identification of Primo-Vascular System in Abdominal Subcutaneous Tissue Layer of Rats

The primo-vascular system (PVS) is a novel network identified in various animal tissues. However, the PVS in subcutaneous tissue has not been well identified. Here, we examined the putative PVS on the surface of abdominal subcutaneous tissue in rats. Hemacolor staining revealed dark blue threadlike structures consisting of nodes and vessels, which were frequently observed bundled with blood vessels. The structure was filled with various immune cells including mast cells and WBCs. In the structure, there were inner spaces (20–60 µm) with low cellularity. Electron microscopy revealed a bundle structure and typical cytology common with the well-established organ surface PVS, which were different from those of the lymphatic vessel. Among several subcutaneous (sc) PVS tissues identified on the rat abdominal space, the most outstanding was the scPVS aligned along the ventral midline. The distribution pattern of nodes and vessels in the scPVS closely resembled that of the conception vessel meridian and its acupoints. In conclusion, our results newly revealed that the PVS is present in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue layer and indicate that the scPVS tissues are closely correlated with acupuncture meridians. Our findings will help to characterize the PVS in the other superficial tissues and its physiological roles.

History of bioelectrical study and the electrophysiology of the primo vascular system

Background. Primo vascular system is a new anatomical structure whose research results have reported the possibility of a new circulatory system similar to the blood vascular system and cells. Electrophysiology, which measures and analyzes bioelectrical signals tissues and cells, is an important research area for investigating the function of tissues and cells. The bioelectrical study of the primo vascular system has been reported by using modern techniques since the early 1960s by Bonghan Kim. This paper reviews the research result of the electrophysiological study of the primo vascular system for the discussion of the circulatory function. We hope it would help to study the electrophysiology of the primo vascular system for researchers. This paper will use the following exchangeable expressions: Kyungrak system = Bonghan system = Bonghan circulatory system = primo vascular system = primo system; Bonghan corpuscle = primo node; Bonghan duct = primo vessel. We think that objective descriptions of reviewed papers are more important than unified expressions when citing the papers. That said, this paper will unify the expressions of the primo vascular system.

Gross morphological features of the organ surface primo-vascular system revealed by hemacolor staining

The primo-vascular system (PVS), which consists of primo-vessels (PVs) and primo-nodes (PNs), is a novel thread-like structure identified in many animal species. Various observational methods have been used to clarify its anatomical properties. Here, we used Hemacolor staining to examine the gross morphology of organ-surface PVS in rats. We observed a sinus structure (20-50  μ m) with a remarkably low cellularity within PNs and PVs and several lines of ductules (3-5  μ m) filled with single cells or granules (~1  μ m) in PV. Both sinuses and ductules were linearly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the PVS. Such morphology of the PVS was further confirmed by acridine orange staining. In PN slices, there was a honeycomb-like structure containing the granules with pentagonal lumens (~10  μ m). Both PVs and PNs were densely filled with WBCs, RBCs, and putative mast cells (MCs), which were 90.3%, 5.9%, and 3.8% of the cell population, respectively. Granules in putative MCs showed spontaneous vibrating movements. In conclusion, the results show that Hemacolor, a simple and rapid staining system, can reveal the gross morphological features reported previously. Our findings may help to elucidate the structure and function of the PVS in normal and disease states in future studies.

Review and Comment on the Relationship between Primo Vascular System and Meridians

This paper aims to summarize the recent progress of researches on the primo vascular system (PVS) and to analyze characteristics between PVS and traditional Chinese meridians. With the distribution, position features, identification and origin of PVS, and its function related to meridians elaborated on, we propose that there is still a lack of enough evidence to support the correlation between PVS and traditional Chinese meridians.

The primo vascular structures alongside nervous system: its discovery and functional limitation

The primo vascular structures comprising primo nodes and vessels (originally called Bonghan corpuscles and ducts, resp.) have recently been suggested to be the anatomical correlate of acupuncture, a therapeutic technique used in oriental medicine. Although the primo vascular structures have been observed in many parts of animals, including the nervous system, using anatomical methodologies, its physiological functions are still unclear. This paper summarizes the reports on the primo vascular structures, particularly in the nervous system and its surroundings, as well as the electrophysiological properties of cells in the primo nodes. In addition, recent reports examining the potential roles of the primo vascular structures in acupuncture are discussed. This review raises some fundamental questions and, at the same time, highlights the potential physiological roles of the primo vascular structures in acupuncture.

Visualization of the network of primo vessels and primo nodes above the pia mater of the brain and spine of rats by using Alcian blue

By spraying and injecting Alcian blue into the lateral ventricle, we were able to visualize the network of the nerve primo vascular system above the pia mater of the brain and spine of rats. Staining these novel structures above the pia mater with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole demonstrated that they coexisted in cellular and extracellular DNA forms. The cellular primo node consisted of many cells surrounded by rod-shaped nuclei while the extracellular primo node had a different morphology from that of a general cell in terms of DNA signals, showing granular DNA in a threadlike network of extracellular DNA. Also, differently from F-actin in general cells, the F-actin in the primo vessel was short and rod-shaped. Light and transmission electron microscopic images of the PN showed that the nerve primo vascular system above the pia mater of the brain and spine was a novel dynamic network, suggesting the coexistence of DNA and extracellular DNA. Based on these data, we suggest that a novel dynamic system with a certain function exists above the pia mater of the central nerve system. We also discuss the potential of this novel network system in the brain and spine as related to acupuncture meridians and neural regeneration.

High capacity optical channels for bioinformation transfer: acupuncture meridians

Mammalian bodies are hierarchical systems whose internal cooperation and coherent activity require high capacity information transfer between the central control unit--the brain--and the periphery--the organs. A communication system capable of meeting information capacity requirements should be based on transmission of electromagnetic signals. Structures that fulfill requirements for such information transfer have not yet been analyzed. Acupuncture meridians have been demonstrated experimentally in some animals. They might represent systems of information transfer between the brain and the peripheral organs. The ducts of the meridians may correspond to optical fibers operating from the far infrared to the visible wavelength region. The main features of a model of the duct as an optical fiber are delineated and its properties outlined. However, to analyze essentials of the transmission capabilities, the whole meridian structure should be mapped and a more comprehensive set of physical parameters measured. In particular, experimental data concerning morphological arrangements of ordered water in the ducts and corpuscles, and a complete content of the biological particles in the flowing water and its permittivity are missing.