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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture with twirling reducing method for tinnitus of excessive liver-fire type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and one patients with tinnitus of excessive liver-fire type were randomly divided into a twirling reducing method group (35 cases), a needle retaining group (33 cases) and a physical therapy group (33 cases). The patients in the twirling reducing method group were treated by acupuncture at Tinggong (SI 19), Tinghui (GB 2), Yifeng (TE 17), Zhongzhu (TE 3), Waiguan (TE 5), Xiaxi (GB 43), Taichong (LR 3), Qiuxu (GB 40), while the strong low-frequency twirling reducing method was applied at Xiaxi (GB 43) and Taichong (LR 3); the patients in the needle retaining group were treated with identical acupoints and needle insertion manipulation, but no reducing method was applied after needle insertion. Needles were all retained for 30 min. The patients in the physical therapy group were treated with laser and ultrashort wave. All the treatment was given once a day; one session was consisted of 7 days of treatment, and there was an interval of 2 days between sessions; totally 3 sessions were given. Before and after treatment, the tinnitus severity scale, the tinnitus handicap inventory (THI) and clinical efficacy were compared in the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, the tinnitus severity scale and THI in the three groups were reduced (all<0.05), and the scores in the twirling reducing method group were lower than those in the physical therapy group (both<0.05). After treatment, the cured and markedly effective rate was 71.4% (25/35) in the twirling reducing method group, which was higher than 42.4% (14/33) in the physical therapy group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The efficacy of acupuncture with twirling reducing method for tinnitus of excessive liver-fire type is superior to that of physical therapy.</p>
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Objective To understand the performance of the basic medical security system in Guangxi for decision-making support on the development planning of the system during the 12th FiveYear Plan in Guangxi.Methods Descriptive statistics were made to analyze the annual report data of Guangxi's basic medical security system during 2009 to 2011,regarding the basic medical security for urban workers and that for urban residents,as well as those of the new rural cooperative medical system.Results The survey found that the three basic medical security systems in Guangxi have almost achieved full coverage; the compensation ratio keeps rising as the inpatient expenses of urban residents was up to 62.21％,64.96％ and 66.96％ respectively from 2009 to 2011,and that for urban residents up to 34.26％,39.96％ and 49.68％ respectively; the ratio for those covered by the new rural cooperative medical system has been maintained at 45％ for the three years; the coverage of the systems keeps expanding.Conclusion Recommend to integrate pilots of the three security systems and carry out serious diseases pilot programs; encourage reform of the payment system at institutions at or above county level; reform the risk-pooling of disease management of at primary medical institutions; strengthen the information systems of basic medical insurance system,in an effort to ensure the sound development of the basic medical insurance system.
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Objective To investigate the effects of oxidative stress on homocysteine and related amino acids metabolism in methionine-loading BRL rat hepatocytes.Methods Cultured BRL rat hepatocytes were divided into control and oxidatively stressed group(100 μmol/L H2O2 was added in culture medium for 2 hours),methionine group(50 mmol/L methionine was added in culture medium for 1 hour),and oxidatively stressed + methionine group(100 μmol/L H2O2 was added in culture medium for 2 hours + 50 mmol/L methionine was added in culture medium for 1 hour).At the end of the experiment,culture fluid was collected.Homocysteine,cysteine,and glutathione were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography,and amino acids were assayed by amino acids analyzer.Results Compared with the control group,the contents of homocysteine[(3.76 ± 0.22)vs.(1.54±0.05)μmol/L,P=0.000]and cysteine[(199.80 ±8.75)vs.(99.11 ±2.47)μmol/L,P=0.000]significantly increased in methionine group,and the contents of homocysteine[(3.84 ± 0.34)vs.(1.54 ±0.05)μmol/L,P=0.000]and cysteine[(200.66±8.60)vs.(99.11 ±2.47)μ mol/L,P=0.000]also increased in oxidatively stressed + methionine group.Compared with oxidatively stressed group,the concentrations of homocysteine[(3.76 ± 0.22)vs.(1.67 ± 0.13)μmol/L,P =0.000],cysteine[(199.80 ± 8.75)vs.(82.64±15.88)μmol/L,P=0.000],and glutathione[(1.50 ±0.14)vs.(1.00 ±0.11)μ mol/L,P=0.011)]significantly increased in methionine group,and the concentrations of homocysteine[(3.84 ± 0.34)vs.(1.67±0.13)μmol/L,P=0.000],cysteine[(200.66±8.60)vs.(82.64±15.88)μmol/L,P=0.000]and glutathione[(1.40 ± 0.30)vs.(1.00 ± 0.11)μmol/L,P =0.028]significantly increased in oxidatively stressed + methionine groups.Compared with the control group,the contents of serine[(12.41 ± 1.51)vs.(24.00 ±2.54)mg/L,P =0.000],glutamate[(33.31 ±0.17)vs.(43.10 ±0.52)mg/L,P =0.000]and glycine[(6.23 ± 0.18)vs.(24.66 ± 10.87)mg/L,P =0.000]significantly decreased,while taurine [(7.99 ±0.16)vs.(6.17 ±0.15)mg/L,P =0.000]increased significantly in oxidatively stressed group.Compared with the oxidatively stressed group,the concentrations of serine[(16.98 ± 0.39)vs.(12.41 ± 1.51)mg/L,P=0.006)]and glutamate[(35.44 ±0.82)vs.(33.31 ±0.17)mg/L,P =0.002]in methionine group significantly increased,while taurine[(3.77 ±0.16)vs.(7.99 ±0.16)mg/L,P =0.000]significantly decreased in methionine group.Compared with the methionine group,the contents of serine[(12.59 ± 0.66)vs.(16.98±0.39)mg/L,P=0.008],glutamate[(30.87±0.60)vs.(35.44±0.82)mg/L,P=0.000]significantly decreased while taurine[(4.37 ± 0.12)vs.(3.77 ± 0.16)mg/L,P =0.001]in oxidatively stressed + methionine group significantly increased.Conclusion Oxidative stress can somehow promote homocysteine production in methionine loading BRL rat hepatocytes,but it is not the main effects.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of quercetin on hepatic vein metabolic profiles in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were administrated orally with 40 mg/kg quercetin. Hepatic vein plasma was collected at 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h respectively after administration and analyzed by 1H NMR. Results: The identifiable biochemical effects associated with quercetin dosing included decreased plasma concentration of glucose and increased plasma concentration of succinate,β-hydroxybutyrate and pyruvate. Conclusion: Quercetin changes hepatic metabolism in rats, manifested mainly as increased glucose catabolism and production of ketone bodies.
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HPLC method is quick,accurate,and sensitive,and can be applied to the determination of riboflavin in hepatic tissue.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of quercetin on metabolic profiles of portal blood plasma in rats. Method:Twenty five male Wistar rats were administered orally with 40 mg/kg bw quercetin. Portal blood was collected at 0,0.5h,1 h,2 h and 4 h after dosing respectively and analyzed by 1H NMR. The acquired data were subjected to partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Results:The identified biochemical effects associated with quercetin dosing included increased plasma concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide,lactate,glucose,alanine,glutamate,succinate,?-hydroxybutyrate,acetone and decreased plasma concentrations of citrate and tyrosine. Conclusion:Quercetin may change the intestinal endogenous metabolism significantly in rats.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of pomegranate peel extract on antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice fed high fat diet in comparison with pomegranate juice extract. Method: The hyperlipidemic model was developed by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high fat diet. The effects of pomegranate peel extract (supplemented in drinking water) on serum FRAP value, paraoxonase(PON), GSH-Px and SOD activities as well as serum and hepatic lipids contents were observed. The morphologic change of aortic walls was also examined. Results: The antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism were improved by supplementation of pomegranate peel extract in hyperlipidemic mice. The pathologic changes manifested in aortic walls were also inhibited. The pomegranate juice extract presented similar effects. Conclusion: The pomegranate peel extract inhibited the early process of atherosclerosis. The possible mechanisms were related to the improved antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism.
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Objective: To investigate the dynamic changes of plasma and erythrocyte riboflavin and its derivatives concentrations after riboflavin deficiency and so as to provide theoretic basis for their application in riboflavin status assessment. Methods: The riboflavin deficiency was induced in rats by feeding a riboflavin deficient diet. The plasma and erythrocyte riboflavin and its derivatives (FMN and FAD) were analysed with HPLC method. The blood glutathione reductase activity coefficient (BGRAC), erythrocyte GSH concentration and urinary riboflavin excretion were also measured. Results: The plasma riboflavin concentration as well as the urinary riboflavin excretion were decreased rapidly early after riboflavin deficiency and followed by plasma riboflavin derivatives. The erythrocyte riboflavin and its derivatives and GSH concentrations were decreased significantly later. On the other hand, the BGRAC was increased significantly in the early period of riboflavin deficiency and the change, however, was limited in a narrow range. Conclusion: The plasma and erythrocyte riboflavin concentration can be applied as a marker in riboflavin status assessment but human studies are necessary for further research.
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AIM: To investigate the effects of exogenous L-carnitine on lipid metabolism in semi-starved rats fed on high fat diet. METHODS: The semi-starved rats were restricted half in calorie intake on high fat diet for 2 week. L-carnitine was supplied at dose of 250 mg/kg?bw. The changes of plasma carnitine concentration, urinary excretion of ketone body, serum lipase activity, muscle carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity, triglyceride secretion and clearance rate were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that the concentration of plasma free carnitine increased significantly in carnitine supplemented rats compared to normal and semi-starved rats.The activities of muscle carnitine palmitoyltransferase and serum lipase were significantly enhanced in carnitine supplemented rats. The triglyceride secretion rate(TGSR) was also improved remarkably by carnitine supplementation. Meanwhile, the urinary excretion of ketone body was reduced significantly in carnitine supplemented rats compared to semi-starved rats. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that carnitine supplementation can significantly increase the plasma concentration of free carnitine and accelerate the lipid metabolism in semi-starved rats fed on high fat diet.
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AIM: To investigate the effects of exogenous L - carnitine on lipid metabolism in semi - starved rats fed on high fat diet. METHODS: The semi - starved rats were restricted half in calorie intake on high fat diet for 2 week. L - carnitine was supplied at dose of 250 mg/kg· bw. The changes of plasma carnitine concentration, urinary excretion of ketone body, serum lipase activity, muscle carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity, triglyceride secretion and clearance rate were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that the concentration of plasma free camitine increased significantly in carnitine supplemented rats compared to normal and semi - starved rats. The activities of muscle carnitine palmitoyhransferase and serum lipase were significantly enhanced in carnitine supplemented rats. The triglyceride secretion rate (TGSR) was also improved remarkably by carnitine supplementation. Meanwhile, the urinary excretion of ketone body was reduced significantly in carnitine supplemented rats compared to semi - starved rats. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that carnitine supplementation can significantly increase the plasma concentration of free carnitine and accelerate the lipid metabolism in semi - starved rats fed on high fat diet.
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Objective To evaluate the sanitation of the ecological toilet systems used in rural areas. Methods The urine diverting Ecosan toilets in rural areas of Guangxi province were observed for the utilization, maintenance and sanitization. The hygienic evaluation was carried out according to the Hygienic Standards for Excreta Sanitization GB 7959-87. Results The new type of urine diverting Ecosan toilets could meet the requirements of non-hazard treatment of excreta. Conclusion Such toilet system should be developed in most parts of Guangxi.
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Objective To understand the status of the sanitary quality in some areas of countryside in Guangxi. Methods The investigation on the type of water source and the water supply was carried out in 9 counties.10 sampling points were established in each observed county.91 water samples were collected totally for the measurement of water quality ,then their sanitary quality was assessed based on the Criteria for Implementing the Hygienic Standards for Drinking Water in Countryside. Results In the observed 9 counties ,15.33% of total population drank water supplied with surface water,and 84.67% with ground water source. Drinking water from centralized water supply system was supplied to 43.16% of total population.In the centralized water supply system,the finished water completely treated by sedimentation and filtration was supplied to 10.57% of the total population,the disinfected finished water was only supplied to 2.96% of the total population,the raw water was directly supplied to 68.66% of the tap water-supplied population without any treatment.The completely-qualified rate of water samples was 20.88% for total 91 water samples,14.81% for surface water samples and 23.44% for ground water samples respectively.The qualified rate of bacterial indexes was 32.61% for water samples collected from centralized water supply system and 20.00% for those from decentralized water supply system. Conclusion Most of the peasants in the investigated 9 counties hadn't been supplied by safe and health drinking water.Contamination of drinking water by microorganisms was the main sanitary problem in water supply in countryside of Guangxi.
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The effects of high concentrations (1-5mmol/L) of different amino acids in Hanks solution on the proliferation of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cells were examined. In order to demonstrate the inhibitory effect of some amino acids at high concentration level, the further studies were conducted on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells, human hepatoma cells and lung cancer cells, using Eagle's MEM as culture medium. The possible toxicity of the high concentrations of single amino acids to normal tissue cells was tested on mouse bone marrow cells. Although some amino acids exhibited a significant inhibitory effect, the responses of different tumor cells to the high concentrations of different amino acids were not entirely similar. Moreover, the effects presented by some amino acids on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in Hanks solution could be diminished or eliminated in Eagle's MEM. Among the aromatic and basic amino acids, only the tryptophan was found to be inhibitory to the multiplication of mouse bone marrow cells at high concentration levels in vitro.
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Objective To analyze the flavonoid content of common vegetables consumed in China.Method Forty-six vegetables were sampled from Beijing,Tianjin,Shanghai and Hangzhou.The contents of quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,myricetin,apigenin were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography.Results Mei celery sampled from Hangzhou was the highest in content of 5 flavonoids among 46 vegetables.Quercetin distributed more widely and was more abundant than other flavonoids in vegetables.The daily intake of 5 flavonoids from vegetables by Chinese people was estimated to be 13.90 mg,in which quercetin accounted for 51.1%.Conclusion The content of flavonoids varies significantly among different vegetables and quercetin is the most common flavonoid contained in vegetables.The dietary intake of flavonoids was more from vegetables than fruits in Chinese people.
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Objective To analyze the flavonoid content of common fruits consumed in China.Method Thirty-eight fruits were sampled from Beijing,Tianjin,Shanghai and Hangzhou.The contents of quercetin,kaempferol,luteolin,myricetin,apigenin were determined with high-performance liquid chromatography.Results Pomegranate and hawthorn were the highest in contents of 5 flavonoids among 38 fruits.Quercetin distributed more widely and was more abundant than other flavonoids in fruits.The daily intake of 5 flavonoids from fruits by Chinese people was estimated to be 2.80 mg.Conclusion The content of flavonoids varies significantly among different fruits and quercetin is the most common flavonoid contained in fruits.
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Objective: To develop a high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for determination of riboflavin, FMN, and FAD in human plasma and erythrocytes. Method: Waters 600 model HPLC pump and an Atlantis TM C18 column (150 mm?4.6 mm i.d. 5 ?m) were used. The mobile phase consisted of 35% methanol and 65% 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution. The flow rate was 1.0ml/min. The spectro-photofluorimeter was set at wavelength of 450 nm for excitation and 520 nm for emission. Plasma and erythrocyte hemolyzed samples were treated with acetonitrile and chloroform. and the supernatant was analyzed. Results: A good linear correlation existed between riboflavin, FMN and FAD concentration (from 1 to 400 nmol/L) and fluorescence intensity. The detection limits were 2.0 nmol/L, 2.5nmol/L and 2.5nmol/L at a signal to noise ratio of 3, respectively. The intra-assay and inter-assay relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.3% to 3.7%. The recoveries for riboflavin, FMN and FAD in both plasma and erythrocytes were satisfactory. Conclusion:This method for determination of riboflavin,FMN, and FAD in human plasma and erythrocytes is sensitive, rapid and accurate.
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Objective: To establish the method of HPLC for determination of 5 flavonoids in vegetables. Methods: The hydrolysis, extraction and HPLC procedures were optimized and used to determine the contents of quercetin, myricetin, luteolin, kaempferol and apigenin in 30 vegetables commonly consumed in Tianjin. Results: The procedures were well optimized with the CV ranging from 2.8% to 6.5%, and the recoveries ranging from 90.2% to 108.4%. The detection limits were 0.4 mg/L for quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol and 0.8mg/L for myricetin and apigenin, respectively. Quercetin was detected in 29 vegetables, ranging from 7.55 mg/100g FW to 0.60 mg/100g FW; apigenin was found in 5 vegetables, luteolin in 7 vegetables and myricetin in 8 vegetables, but no kaempferol in all vegetables. Lotus root, onion, kidney bean, tomato, celery contained higher contents of total flavonoids. Conclusion: The optimized HPLC method was reliable and accurate. The composition of flavonoids was different in analyzed vegetables in which quercetin was predominant almost in all of them.
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Objective: To investigate the free radical scavenging activities of the extract from pomegranate peel and compare with that from juice. Methods: Free radicals (-2O, 稯H and ROO? scavenging activities were investigated in different special chemical systems. Its inhibition activity on LDL oxidation was studied with LDL oxidation model in vitro. Results:Both extracts had strong abilities to scavenge -2O, 稯H and ROO?radicals and prevent LDL oxidation in dose-dependent manner. The extract from peel showed higher activities than that from juice. Conclusion: The natural antioxidants in the extracts of pomegranate peel or juice can effectively scavenge -2O, 稯H and ROO?radicals, and prevent LDL oxidation significantly, especially much more in the former.
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Objective: To investigate the effect of quercetin on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) in rats.Methods: Quercetin was administered intragastrically. Vitamin C was used as positive control. HIRI was induced by blocking and then releasing portal vein and hepatic artery in rats. The hepatic content of quercetin was analyzed by HPLC. Plasma GPT, GOT activities, MDA concentration and hepa-tic GSH and MDA contents, GSH-Px, SOD, XO activities, total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), ROS, DNA fragmentation were measured.Results: After HIRI, plasma GPT, GOT activities and MDA concentration were increased significantly. Hepatic GSH and TAOC were decreased remarkably. The activities of SOD and GSH-Px were significantly decreased while XO activity, ROS production and DNA fragmentation increased. Intragastric administration of quercetin increased hepatic quercetin and decreased ROS production and plasma activities of GPT, GOT and MDA concentration. Hepatic GSH and SOD, GSH-Px activities and TAOC also recovered remarkably, but no significant change in DNA fragmentation. Vitamin C was also effective in protecting against HIRI. Conclusion: Quercetin is effective against HIRI. The mechanism is associated with increased hepatic antioxidant capacity.
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Objective: To study if the immune-enhancing effect of Arg was mediated via liver.Methods: The direct effect of Arg on T cell proliferation was measured by 3H-TdR incorporation. Rat hepatocytes were primarily cultured in serum-free DMEM/F12 medium, and then cultured in medium containing Arg(?mol/L:0,7.5,75,750,7 500), and the supernatant was collected at 0, 24, 48, 72 hours, and added to splenocytes culture, and T cell proliferation, NK cell activity and IL-2 activity,〔Ca 2+〕i were measured respectively.Results: Arg had no direct effect on splenocyte proliferation. The hepatocyte culture supernatant significantly increased the lymphocyte〔Ca 2+〕i ,IL-2 activity and T lymphocyte proliferation; 7 500 ?mol/L was most effective. Conclusion: Arg may enhance immune function via secretion of bioactive molecules by hepatocytes.