ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on sedation in healthy volunteers.Methods:Forty-six healthy volunteers of both sexes, with the Sleep Self-Rating Scale score 10-30, aged 22-28 yr, with the body mass index 18.5-23.0 kg/m 2, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=23 each) using a random number table method: TEAS group (E group) and control group (C group). Bilateral Neiguan and Shenmen acupoints were stimulated for 30 min in group E, while the stimulator was only connected, and no current was given in group C. The bispectral index (BIS)value, heart rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure were recorded at 10 min in the supine position (T 0) during the quiet period, at 10 min intervals during stimulation (T 1, 2) and at 5 min intervals within 15 min after the end of electrical stimulation (T 3-5). Then the condition whether the patient had fallen asleep was observed, and the patients were followed up on the second day for sleep status and related complications. Results:Compared with the baseline at T 0, the BIS value was significantly decreased at T 2-5 in group E ( P<0.05). The BIS value was significantly lower at T 3, 4 in group E than in group C ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in sleep status during stimulation and at the night of the trial between the two groups ( P>0.05). Heart rate, oxygen saturation and mean arterial pressure were in the normal range at each time point, and no trial-related complications occurred in the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:TEAS can produce certain sedative effect on healthy volunteers.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of aging on procollagen α polypeptide gene transcription and protein expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells.Methods Vascular smooth muscle cells from thoracoabdominal aorta in neonate and 9 months old healthy Wistar rats were cultured in vitro.Results Transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT PCR) and Western blotting were used to detect type Ⅰ and Ⅲ pro-collagen α polypeptide mRNA and protein.The RT-PCR displayed that type Ⅰ procollagen α polypeptide mRNA expression had no significant difference between young group and adult group [(76.62±1.05) vs.(78.37±2.42),P＞0.05].Type Ⅲ procollagen α polypeptide mRNA expression was (105.40 ± 2.66) in young group and (123.10 ± 3.81) in adult group(P＞0.05).Type Ⅰ procollagen α polypeptide mRNA expression was (3.13 ±0.54) in young group and (4.63 ± 1.03) in adult group (P=0.05).Type Ⅲ procollagen α polypeptide mRNA expression had no significant difference between the adult and young groups[(6.86 ±0.41) vs.(7.68±0.63),P＞0.05].Type Ⅰ and type Ⅲ procollagen α polypeptide protein expressions were increased significantly in adult group as compared with the young group [(0.10 ± 0.03) vs.(0.06±0.03),(0.58±0.06) vs.(0.40±0.02),both P＜0.05].Conclusions Aging increases the procollagen α polypeptide level in vascular smooth muscle cell,which may involve in the development of vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of adiponectin on the development of atherosclerosis.Methods The in vivo role of adiponectin on the development of atherosclerosis in rabbits was investigated mainly using adiponectin-producing adenovirus(Ad-APN)and intravascular ultrasound(IVUS).On day 14 after Ad-APN local transfer to the intima of abdominal aortas,abdominal IVUS images were recorded and then rabbits were sacrificed.Abdominal aortas were collected and performed histochemical analysis.Results Ultrasonography revealed a significantly reduced atherosclerotic area,in abdominal aortas of rabbits infected through intima with Ad-APN,by 36.39% compared with the area in adenovirus expressing β galactosidase gene(Ad-βgal)treated rabbits(P＜0.01),and by 37.50% compared with that before treatment(P＜0.01).The lumen area stenosis was also reduced by 23.37%(P＜0.05)and 33.15%(P＜0.01),respectively.In rabbits with Ad-APN infection,the atherosclerotic plaque area as seen on Oil Red O staining was reduced significantly,by 30.70%(P＜0.05)and the greatest thickness of plaque was reduced,by 20.83%(P＜0.05)as compared with those in Ad-βgal-treated rabbits,respectively.Conclusions Intravascular ultrasound analysis is a valuable method in the in vivo study about the effects of adiponectin on the development of atherosclerosis.