ABSTRACT
The term Jingluo, translated as meridian or channel, is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has played a fundamental role in guiding the clinical practice of acupuncture for thousands of years. However, the essence of the meridian remains elusive and is a source of both confusion and debate for researchers. In this study, a "4D" systemic view on the essence of the meridian, namely substantial, functional, chronological, and cultural dimensions, was proposed based on a review of the ancient medical classics, recent research developments, and results from clinical practice. Previous studies have primarily focused on the substantial dimension of the meridian system, with scant interpretation about its functional domain. Neither systemic data nor evaluations have been adequately documented. Additionally, a limited but increasing number of studies have focused on the chronological and cultural dimensions. More investigations that embody the holistic concept of TCM and integrate the systemic modes and advanced techniques with dominant diseases of TCM need to be performed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the essence of meridians. The goal of this study is to yield useful information in understanding the essence of meridians and provide a reference and perspective for further research.
Subject(s)
Acupuncture , Acupuncture Points , Acupuncture Therapy , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , MeridiansABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Abnormal insulin secretion of pancreatic beta cells is now regarded as the more primary defect than the insulin function in the etiology of type 2 diabetes. Previous studies found impaired mitochondrial function and impaired Ca(2+) influx in beta cells in diabetic patients and animal models, suggesting a role for these processes in proper insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to investigate the detailed relationship of mitochondrial function, Ca(2+) influx, and defective insulin secretion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We investigated mitochondrial function and morphology in pancreatic beta cell of diabetic KK-Ay mice and C57BL/6J mice. Two types of Ca(2+) channel activities, L-type and store-operated Ca(2+) (SOC), were evaluated using whole-cell patch-clamp recording. The glucose induced Ca(2+) influx was measured by a non-invasive micro-test technique (NMT).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mitochondria in KK-Ay mice pancreatic beta cells were swollen with disordered cristae, and mitochondrial function decreased compared with C57BL/6J mice. Ca(2+) channel activity was increased and glucose induced Ca(2+) influx was impaired, but could be recovered by genipin.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Defective mitochondrial function in diabetic mice pancreatic beta cells is a key cause of abnormal insulin secretion by altering Ca(2+) influx, but not via Ca(2+) channel activity.</p>