Effect of electroacupuncture on behavior and hippocampal inflammatory factors in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the changes of behavior and hippocampal inflammatory factors in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), so as to explore its possible mechanisms in the treatment of CFS.

METHODS

Twenty-seven SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and electroacupuncture (EA) groups (n=9 rats in each group). The CFS model was established by multi-factor compound stress stimulation method. Rats of the EA group received EA (10 Hz) at "Shenting" (GV24) penetrating "Baihui" (GV20), "Dazhui" (GV14) for 15 min, twice a day for 14 days. The general conditions, Morris water maze test, open field test, the exhausted running platform were conducted for determining the rats' locomotor and learning-memory activities. H.E. staining was used to observe the morphological structure of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region. The contents of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17 and transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 in hippocampus and serum of rats were detected by ELISA, and the positive expressions of IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-β1 in hippocampal CA1 region were detected by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the score of general condition was increased (P<0.05), the escape latency was prolonged (P<0.05), the number of crossing the original platform was decreased (P<0.05), the numbers of crossing the grid and entering the central area were increased (P<0.05), and the exhaustive treadmill time was shortened (P<0.05) in the model group. The contents of IL-10 in the hippocampus and serum were decreased (P<0.05), while IL-17 and TGF-β1 contents were increased (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence intensity of IL-10 in the hippocampus was decreased (P<0.05), while the intensity of IL-17 and TGF-β1 were increased (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the model group, the score of general condition was decreased (P<0.05), the escape latency was shortened (P<0.05), the number of crossing the original platform was increased (P<0.05), the numbers of crossing the grid and entering the central area were decreased (P<0.05), and the exhaustive treadmill time was prolonged (P<0.05) in the EA group. The contents of IL-10 in the hippocampus and serum were increased (P<0.05), while IL-17 and TGF-β1 levels were decreased (P<0.05). The immunofluorescence intensity of IL-10 in the hippocampus was increased (P<0.05), while the intensity of IL-17 and TGF-β1 were decreased (P<0.05). H.E. staining showed that in the model group, the number of neurons in the hippocampus decreased, with disordered arrangement and loose structure, and a small numbers of neuronal nuclei were missing. The degree of tissue damage of the EA group was milder than that of the model group.

CONCLUSIONS

EA can alleviate fatigue and spatial learning and memory impairment in CFS rats, which may be related to the regulation of peripheral and central inflammation.

[Mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome from perspective of intestinal flora]

Intestinal flora dysbiosis may play an important role in the occurrence and development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which may induce the inflammatory response and metabolic disturbance of patients with CFS. Acupuncture and moxibustion may achieve anti-fatigue effect by affecting the diversity and quantity of intestinal flora, improving intestinal barrier function, and regulating brain-gut peptides.

[Analgesic mechanism of acupuncture on neuropathic pain]

The research progress of acupuncture analgesia in recent years is analyzed to summarize the analgesic mechanism of acupuncture on neuropathic pain. The analgesic mechanism of acupuncture on neuropathic pain is discussed from peripheral level and central level, including peripheral sensitization and immune inflammatory response, changes of ion channel, central sensitization, regulation of cell signal pathway, activation of spinal glial cells, etc. It is suggested that the focus of future research should include conducting in-vitro studies with the help of multi-omics technology to detect the changes of metabolic substances and signal pathway molecules in patients with neuropathic pain before and after acupuncture to further clarify the mechanism of acupuncture analgesia.

Multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption: a case report

AIM

To report a severe and rare case of multiple idiopathic cervical root resorption (MICRR) in an adult female.

SUMMARY

A healthy 27-year-old Chinese female, with no significant associated factors, presented with MICRR. Resorption progressed quickly and lesions varied in severity, involving 29 teeth and leading to the loss of 23 teeth over a period of only 3 years. The inner surface of the crown showed extensive areas with worm-eaten lacunar resorption, and the resorptive lesions had abundant lysosomes throughout their cytoplasm. Further, heavy deposits of reaction products were shown in variously sized lysosomes.

Effects of mycophenolate mofetil on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fibronectin in high glucose cultured human mesangial cells

The effects of high glucose on the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the main component of the extracellular matrix, fibronectin (FN), were explored in human mesangial cells (HMCs), along with the intervention effects of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on these indicators. Cultured HMCs were divided into five groups: 1) normal control group (5 mM glucose); 2) high glucose group (30 mM glucose); 3) mannitol osmotic pressure control group (5 mM glucose + 25 mM mannitol); 4) high glucose + MMF-10 group (30 mM glucose + 10 μg/mL MMF); 5) high glucose + MMF-100 group (30 mM glucose + 100 μg/mL MMF). At 24, 48, and 72 h, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods were used to detect the effects of MMF on MCP-1 mRNA and protein and FN expression in HMCs under high glucose conditions. MCP-1 mRNA and protein expressions and FN secretion significantly increased in HMCs of the high glucose group compared with the normal control group (P < 0.01), with the highest expression observed at 48 h. MMF could reduce the MCP-1 mRNA and protein and FN expression levels (P < 0.01), and the inhibition occurred in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MMF could inhibit MCP-1 expression and the secretion of FN, indicating that it may delay the progression of glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy to ultimately achieve protective effects on the kidney.

The identification of a bacterial strain BGI-1 isolated from the intestinal flora of Blattella germanica, and its anti-entomopathogenic fungi activity

A bacterial strain BGI-1 was isolated from the gut of German cockroaches (Blattella germanica L.) and was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on 16S rDNA sequence and morphological, physiological, and biochemical characters. The strain BGI-1 inhibited the growth of Beauveria bassiana; the diameter of the inhibition zone exceeded 30 mm. Vesicles were observed in B. bassiana hyphae on the edge of the inhibition zone. Fermentation of BGI-1 reduced the conidial germination rate by 12%. Further studies demonstrated that B. bassiana infections in German cockroaches orally treated with the extracts of BGI-1 fermentation were significantly weakened. Cumulative mortality rate was 49.5% in the treatment group at the 20 d, while that of the control group was 62.3%. The study intends to understand the relationship between the intestinal flora and the cockroach. Those microbes with anti-entomopathogenic fungi activity might contribute to resisting the infection of pathogenic fungi.

Origin and phylogeographical structure of Chinese cattle

Complete mitochondrial D-loop sequences of 231 samples were used to explore the origin and genetic diversity of Chinese cattle. Phylogenetical analysis of these sequences revealed both Bos taurus and Bos indicus mitochondrial types in Chinese cattle. Four of the previously identified mitochondrial DNA lineages (T1-T4) were identified in the Bos taurus type, including lineage T1, which was found for the first time in Chinese cattle. Two lineages (I1 and I2) were identified in the Bos indicus type. Our results support the suggestion that the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau is the domestication site of Chinese zebu. We also found evidence that Tibetan cattle originated from taurine and zebu cattle. The distribution pattern of Chinese cattle breeds was closely related to the geographical and climatic background. It was possible to divide Chinese cattle in this study into two major groups: northern and southern cattle.

The surgical treatment of isolated left-sided hepatolithiasis: a 22-year experience

BACKGROUND

Various therapeutic methods are used in isolated left hepatolithiasis (ILH), and long-term results are not as satisfactory as they should be.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 128 patients with ILH who were treated in our center over the last 22 years was undertaken to address patient age, gender, preoperative evaluation, operative findings, treatment modalities, and postoperative courses.

RESULTS

Sixty of the 128 patients were male and 68 were female, with a mean age of 42 years (range, 16-72 years). Among these patients, most (81%) had stones in both left external hepatic duct (LEHD) and left medial hepatic duct; in contrast 13 patients (10%) had stones only in the LEHD, and 7 patients (6%) had stones only in the left hepatic duct. Concomitant strictures were present in the left hepatic duct, left medial hepatic duct, and LEHD in 60%, 76%, and 82%, respectively, most of which were severe. When compared with left lateral segmentectomy, left hepatic lobectomy had a lower rate of residual stones (4% vs 22%; P < .01). Residual/recurrent stones and ductal strictures were the 2 most common causes that affected the long-term results. Before June 1996, left lateral segmentectomy was performed more frequently than left hepatic lobectomy (59% vs 12%; P < .01); after June 1996, left hepatic lobectomy was performed more frequently (77% vs 13%; P < .01). Although there were no differences in length of operation, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative complications, residual stones were more common after left lateral segmentectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Left hepatic lobectomy appears to be the most effective treatment for selected patients with ILH, if other operative procedures cannot remove all the related lesions, which include stones, dilation, stricture, or potential cholangiocarcinoma.

[Effect of dissolved oxygen on mutanolysin fermentation]

Effects of several parameters relating to dissolved oxygen(DO) on mutanolysin fermentation were studied. The experiment using shake flasks shows that the medium volume and shaker agitation speed affect the production of mutanolysin. At the same time, the agitation rate together with aeation rate has effects on DO in fermentor. Mutanolysin fermentation was affected by DO greatly. Oxygen is a key restricted factor in mutanolysin fermentation. It affects the metablism and physiological action of Streptomyces globisporus S186. Whatever the DO is excessive high or low, it won't benefit the mutanolysin production. If DO is super, S. globisporus S186 will grow luxuriantly but do not produce mutanolysin, while if DO is lower, the S. globisporus S186 won't grow well even not to produce mutanolysin. During the course of fermentation, the DO changed regularly. It is similar to many antibiotic fermentation and some amino acid fermentation. As S. globisporus S186 grow in exponential phase, DO begin to decrease rapidly from 6 h and get to the lowest point at 40 h or so. Subsequently mutanolysin starts to be produced. DO rises again from 90 h. The key technoloyg of oxygen control in the fermentation is to keep the DO at a suboptimum level. In order to get a high mutanolysin yield, during the culture in fermentor the agitation rate and aeration rate should be kept at 200 r/min and 1:0.8(V:V) respectively.

[Staining of complete denture: a preliminary clinical study]

OBJECTIVE:To study the relation between staining of complete denture and drinking tea, coffee and smoking, and to evaluate the result of denture cleaning agent on removing stain of complete denture.METHODS:A survey of 176 patients with complete dentures were carried out, which included the history of drinking tea, coffee and smoking, the use of denture-cleaning agent and the times of daily use. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between staining of denture and the above factors. RESULTS:The results showed (1)The longer the complete denture was weared, the more serious the staining. (2)Drinking tea and smoking were the main causes for denture staining. (3)Daily use of cleaning agent can effictively remove stain of denture. CONCLUSION:Change of life habit(drinking less tea and stop of smoking) and daily use of cleaning agent can reduce denture staining.