ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the impacts of acupoint catgut embedding therapy on postpartum weight retention.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-one women of postpartum weight retention were divided into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (36 cases) according to their own wishes when re-examination in 42 days after delivery. In the control group, the nutrition consultation was provided and the calories intake was controlled continuously for 20 weeks. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, the acupoint embedding therapy was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29), Shuifen (CV 9), Shousanli (LI 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Yinlingquan (SP 9). The sutures, No. 4-0 were cut as 2 to 4 mm in length and put into the embedding needle. Afterarrival, the sutures were pushed into the acupoints with the needle core and the needle was removed quickly. The treatment was given once every two weeks, continuously for 20 weeks. Totally, 10 times of acupoint catgut embedding therapy were required. Before and after treatment, the body mass, weight retention, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and health promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-Ⅱ) were observed in the participants of the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, body mass, weight retention, BMI, PBF, WC and WHR were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the participants of the two groups, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05). After treatment, the body mass, weight retention, BMI, PBF, WC and WHR in the participants of the observation group were lower than those in the control group, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05). The score of every dimension of HPLP-Ⅱ after treatment was higher than that before treatment in the participants of the observation group, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05); and the scores of health responsibility, sports and spiritual growth in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The acupoint catgut embedding therapy improves in the postpartum weight retention and achieves the satisfactory clinical therapeutic effects.</p>
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture on the E-selectin and resistin protein expression in the hippocampus of rats of chronic stress depression;To explore the role and mechanism of electro-acupuncture in the micro-environment of brain with depression. Methods 40 Fourty rats were randomly divided into four groups:blank group, model group, model+EA group, and model+fluoxetine group by using chronic stress combined with solitary raising methods, 10 rats in each group. Electro-acupuncture intervention was used 1 hour before the modeling. Electro-acupuncture was given at points Baihui (Du 20) and Yintang (Extra) for twenty minutes (2 Hz, 0.6 mA) every day. Fluoxetine was given at the volume of 5 mL/kg, dosage of 10 mg/kg. E-selectin and resistin protein expression in hippocampus were determined by biotin label-based antibody array. Results Compared with the blank group, the protein expression of E-selectin and resistin in the model group increased (fold change=1.23, 1.22). Compared with the model group, E-selectin and resistin expression decreased (fold change=0.65, 0.62;fold change=0.76, 0.65). Conclusion Electro-acupuncture intervention could down-regulate E-selectin and resistin expression in the hippocampus of chronic stress depression model.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the potential role of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor mRNA (IGF-IR mRNA) in the onset and development of retinopathy in diabetic rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A diabetic model was duplicated in Wistar rats. The early changes in the retina were examined using light and transmission electron microscopy. Expression of IGF-IR mRNA was analyzed using in situ hybridization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Weak expression of IGF-IR mRNA (5%) was found in retinas of normal rats, but was significantly increased (15% and 18%) in the retinas of diabetic rats after 3 and 6 months of diabetes (P < 0.01). In situ hybridization and morphological study demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between IGF-IR mRNA expression and retinal changes at various stages.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increased IGF-IR mRNA might play an important role in the onset and development of diabetic retinopathy.</p>