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Neurogranin (Ng), as a neuron-specific postsynaptic protein, is abundant in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Ng may alter the affinity with calmodulin through phosphorylation and redox, and participate in the calcium signal pathway through glutamate receptor, to regulate the information transfer and synaptic plasticity. Ng involves in the formation and encoding of memories in related brain regions and plays an important role in learning, memory and cognitive function. Ng is associated with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease and can be used as a synaptic biomarker for diagnosis. Cognitive dysfunction after stroke is associated with decrease of Ng expression in the brain. Ng is one of the sites of genetic variants associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia.
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Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (DU24) acupoints on white matter fiber and learning-memory function in rats with vascular dementia (VD). Methods:Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into operation group and sham group (n = 8). The operation group accepted two-vessel occlusion, while the sham group only separated the bilateral common carotid arteries without ligation. The rats modeled successfully were randomly divided into model group (n = 8), non-acupoint group (n = 8) and electroacupuncture group (n = 8). The electroacupuncture group accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting, and the non-acupoint group accepted electroacupuncture at axillary non-acupoint, once a day for 28 days. All the rats were tested with object recognition test before and after intervention, while the white matter fibers were observed with Diffusion Tensor Imaging. Results:Compared with the sham group, the preference coefficients of the model group, the non-acupoint group and the electroacupuncture group decreased before intervention (P< 0.05), and there was no significant difference among the later three groups (P> 0.05). The preference coefficients increased in the electroacupuncture group compared with the model group after intervention (P< 0.05). The fractional anisotropy (FA) of corpus callosum, cingulate gyrus and hippocampus decreased in the model group, the non-acupoint group and the electroacupuncture group compared with the sham group before intervention. FA of hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, corpus callosum and external capsule increased in the electroacupuncture group compared with the model group after intervention. Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting can improve learning-memory function of VD rats, which may be related with repairment of white matter fibers in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and others.
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β-amyloid (Aβ) plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangles and neuroinflammation are important pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Microglial membrane receptors, such as triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2, Toll-like receptors, complement system and scavenger receptor, play a key role that mediate neuroinflammatory responses, promote Aβ clearance and signal transduction.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (DU24) on brain function of APP/PS1 mice. Methods:Sixteen 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice in the same litter were randomly divided into model group (n = 8) and electroacupuncture group (n = 8). Eight transgenic negative mice in the same litter were as control group. The electroacupuncture group accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting for 16 weeks. They were assessed with Object Recognition Test before and after intervention, and observed under small animal functional magnetic resonance imaging with regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis. Results:Compared with the control group, the discrimination ratio decreased in the model group after intervention (P < 0.05), while it increased in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, ReHo of right basal forebrain and left hippocampus decreased in the model group before intervention. Compared with the control group, ReHo decreased in bilateral hippocampus group and increased in retrosplenial cortex in the model group after intervention; while it increased in bilateral hippocampus and motor cortex and decreased in anterior cingulate gyrus in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group. Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting may delay the decline of learning and memory ability in Alzheimer's disease model mice, which may relate to the regulation of functional activities in hippocampus.
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Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Shenting (GV24) on Alzheimer's disease, and possible mechanism for it.Methods A total of 24 eight-month-old APP/PS1 male mice were randomly divided into model group (n = 8), electroacupuncture group (n = 8) and non-acupoint group (n = 8), and other eight wild-type mice were as wild-type group.The electroacupuncture group accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting, while the non-acupoint group accepted electroacupuncture at bilateral subcostal non-acupoint area, and the wild-type group and the model group accepted the same grasping and fixing, for 28 days. Then they assessed with Morris water maze test. The levels of β-amyloid protein (Aβ) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) in cerebral cortex were detected with immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence respectively, and the level of BACE1 m RNA with RT-PCR.Results Compared with the model group, the escape latency decreased in the electroacupuncture group (P ＜ 0.001), and the times crossing platforms increased (P ＜ 0.001), while the expression of BACE1 and Aβ decreased (P ＜ 0.001).Conclusion Electroacupuncture may improve the learning-memory ability by inhibiting the expression of BACE1 in the cerebral cortex of APP/PS1 mice to decreasing the level of Aβ.
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OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of tai chi exercise on cardiac and static lung function for older community-dwelling adults at risk of ischemic stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 170 older community-dwelling adults (aged 55-75 years old) at risk of ischemic stroke were allocated to either tai chi training group (85 cases, five 60-min sessions of tai chi training per week for 12 weeks) or control group (85 cases, usual pbysical activity for 12 weeks) using a computer-generated randomization. The echocardiographic parameters of cardiac structure, cardiac function and static lung function were measured at baseline, after 12 weeks of intervention and additional 12-week follow-up period by a blinded professional staffmember using a color Doppler ultrasound imaging device or a cardiopulmonary function instrument. The t test and linear mixed model based on the intentionto-treat analysis principle was used to calculate the effect. The adverse effect was observed.@*RESULTS@#Most of echocardiographic parameters on the cardiac structure, cardiac function and static lung function between the tai chi group and control group did not have a significant difference either post 12-week intervention or additional 12-week follow-up period. Only three parameters involving in right ventricular diameter (P=0.024), main pulmonary artery diameter (P=0.002) and vital capacity maximum (P=0.036) were beneficial to be improved in the tai chi group compared to the control group by the analysis of mixed linear model. No adverse effects were found during the intervention period.@*CONCLUSION@#The 12-week tai chi exercise did not have an obvious beneficial effect on cardiac structure, cardiac function and static lung function in older community-dwelling adults at risk of ischemic stroke. The study with a longer duration of intervention should be necessary. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-13003601).
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Objective:To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints may regulate microRNA-34a (miR-34a) to promote neural stem cells differentiation in ischemic peripheral areas in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury or not. Methods:A total of 108 rats were randomly assigned into sham group, model group and EA group, and each group was divided into three subgroups (three days, seven days and 14 days), with twelve rats in each subgroup. Besides, 16 rats were randomly divided into EA+dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and EA+miR-34a inhibitor group, with eight rats in each group. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was induced for focal cerebral ischemia in rats. EA group was electroacupunctured at the ipsilateral Quchi and Zusanli acupoints on the second day. The dilatational wave was 1/20 Hz, 30 minutes every time, once a day for seven days, totally. At the same time, 5-Bromo-2′-Deoxyuridine (BrdU) was intraperitoneally injected twice a day, with an 8-hours interval. The DMSO and miR-34a inhibitor were injected into the lateral ventricle before modeling. The co-location condition was evaluated by immunofluorescence. The expression of miR-34a in ischemic peripheral areas was detected by reverse transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results:The Longa's score was lower in EA group than in the model group (t > 2.084, P < 0.05). At the same time points, the paw print areas (right forepaw, right hind paw) and maximum pressures (right forepaw, right hind paw) of the affected limbs decreased in the model group than in the sham group (P < 0.05), and the paw print area of right hind paw gradually increased in the model group (P < 0.05); the paw print areas (right forepaw and right hind paw) of the affected limbs improved in EA group, compared with the model group (P < 0.05); and there was no significant difference in the maximum pressure of the affected limbs three days and seven days after electroacupuncture (P > 0.05); however, it was higher in EA group than in the model group 14 days after electroacupuncture (P < 0.05). And the paw print area of the right hind paw and the maximum pressure of the right forepaw gradually increased in EA group three days and seven days after electroacupuncture, which was in time-dependent manner (P < 0.05). The Nestin+/GFAP+ and BrdU+/GFAP+ cells expressed in ischemic peripheral areas both in the model group and EA group. And the Nestin+/GFAP+ and BrdU+/GFAP+ double positive cells increased in EA group compared to the model group three days, seven days and 14 days after electroacupuncture (t > 3.292, P < 0.05), and they reached peak seven days after electroacupuncture. The expression of miR-34a in ischemic peripheral areas was higher in the model group than in the sham group seven days after modeling (P < 0.01), however, the expression of miR-34a further increased in EA+DMSO group after electroacupuncture (P < 0.05). After injection of miR-34a inhibitor, the expression of miR-34a and BrdU+/GFAP+ cells was lower in EA+miR-34a inhibitor group than in EA group (P < 0.05). Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Quchi and Zusanli acupoints could promote the neural stem cells differentiation in ischemic peripheral areas by regulation of miR-34a expression.
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Objective The mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of neurological dysfunction caused by ischemic stroke remains to be further explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA at the Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) points on the expressions of Nrg-1 and ErbB4 proteins and their correlation with the expressions of cell apoptosis-related proteins bcl-2 and Bax in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) rats.Methods Totally 160 male adult SD rats were randomly assigned to four groups of equal number: sham operation, middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO-R) model, acupoint, and non-acupoint. After MCAO/R modeling, EA was applied at Quchi and Zusanli in the acupoint group and at ipsilateral non-acupoints below the axillary striation and apex of the coccyx in the non-acupoint group. At 3 days after treatment, the protein and mRNA expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, Nrg-1 and ErbB4 were determined by TTC, TUNEL, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-PCR.Results The neurological deficit score was significantly increased after cerebral I/R injury in the MCAO-R model, acupoint and non-acupoint groups compared with that in the sham operation group (P<0.01). EA therapy markedly reduced the neurological deficit scores (P<0.05), cerebral infarct area (P<0.05) and the number of apoptotic cells (P<0.05), up-regulated the protein expressions of Nrg-1, ErbB4 and Bcl-2 (P<0.05), and down-regulated that of Bax (P<0.05). There was a pronounced increase in the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrg-1 and ErbB4 in the acupoint group compared with the MCAO-R model and non-acupoint groups after cerebral I-R injury (P<0.01).Conclusion EA at the Quchi and Zusanli points has a neuroprotective effect in ischemic brain injury by up-regulating the expressions of endogenous Nrg-1 and its receptor ErbB4 and down-regulating those of Bcl-2 and Bax. The underlying mechanism is probably associated with the Nrg-1/ErbB4 signaling pathway.
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Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Shenting (GV24) on learning and memory in rats after cerebral ischmeia-reperfusion and the possible mechanism. Methods A total of 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=12) and operation group (n=30). The left middle cerebral arteries of the operation group were occluded with the modified Longa's method for 90 minutes and reperfused, and 24 qualified rats were randomly divided into model group (n=12) and elec-troacupuncture group (n=12), and the latter accepted electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting for seven days. They were assessed with Longa's score two hours after modeling, and one, three, seven days after intervention. They were tested with Barnes maze since three days after intervention, once a day for five days. The expression of purinoceptor P2X7 in CA1 of the hippocampus were detected with immunofluorescence seven days after inter-vention, while the expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in CA1 were detect-ed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The Longa's score was improved in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group seven days after intervention (P<0.05); while the escape latency and the times entering the wrong hole increased in the model group compared with that in the sham group (P<0.001), and decreased in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group (P<0.001). The expression of P2X7, IL-1β and TNF-α increased in the model group compared with the sham operation group (P<0.001), and decreased in the electroacupuncture group compared with that in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion Electroacupuncture at Baihui and Shenting can improve the learning and memory in rats after cerebral isch-emia-reperfusion, which may associate with inhibition of P2X7 to alleviate inflammation in hippocampus.
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To investigate the role of volatile components in the compound and to find the substance foundation of Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) for curing extremities spasticity after stroke. The chemical compositions of essential oil, obtained by hydrodistillation from Gualou Guizhi decoction and its major constituting herbs (Trichosanthis Radix, Paeoniae Alba Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) were analyzed by GC-MS to evaluate the correlativity between volatile components of GLGZD and its major constituting herbs, and volatile components after oral administration of GLGZD in the rats' brain. Volatile components of GLGZD are mainly derived from Cinnamomi Ramulus, Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma, Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus, Trichosanthis Radix. The volatile components in the brain is mostly derived from radix trichosanthis. Compared with individual herbs of GLGZD, the dissolution of the components increase or new components appear after compatibility of six herbs. Adminstrated with GLGZD, the results point out that volatile components in the brain play a neuroprotective role through passing the brain.
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Animals , Male , Rats , Brain , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Volatile Organic Compounds , Chemistry , PharmacologyABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the effect of electroacupuncture in different frequencies by electromyography and walking function measure in post-stroke patients with lower-extremity (OLE) spasticity and hemiparesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty cases of post-stroke whose motor deficit was classified into Brunnstrom stage II - IV were randomly divided into a 100 Hz group, a 50 Hz group and a 2 Hz group. They were accepted 100 Hz, 50 Hz or 2 Hz of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy combined with standard rehabilitation program. Main outcome measures included integrated electromyography (IEMG) score during maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) of the knee flexors and extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and planterflexors in the affected LE recorded by surface EMG, Co-contraction ratio calculated by IEMG score of the antagonist over that of the agonist plus antagonist, Composite Spasticity Scale (CSS), Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale (FMS) and Functional Ambulation Categories (FAC) on LE. All outcomes were assessed at the baseline and after treatment by the professional practitioners who blinded to the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After EA treatment, IEMG of rectus femoris were decreased in 100 Hz and 50 Hz groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and better than that in 2 Hz group (both P < 0.05); gastrocnemius IEMG were decreased in 100 Hz and 50 Hz groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); but IEMG of tibialis anterior muscle was increased only in 50 Hz group (P < 0.05). During knee flexion, EMG co-contraction ratio in MIVC declined in 100 Hz and 50 Hz groups were decreased significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the co-contraction ratio between the non-affected and affected side were increased significantly in all the 3 groups after treatment (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). During ankle dorsiflexion, co-contraction ratio were decreased significantly in all the 3 groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and cocontraction ratio between the non-affected and affected side was increased significantly only in 100 Hz after treatment (P < 0.01). FMS score, CSS and FAC were improved in all the 3 groups after treatment (all P < 0.01), but only FAC in 100 Hz group showed better effect than that in 50 Hz group or 2 Hz group (both P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture therapy combined with rehabilitation program is effective for the spasticity status of lower-extremity in post-stroke. The therapeutic effect of EA in the frequencies of 100 Hz or 50 Hz is superior to that of 2 Hz stimulation and parameter of 100 Hz may be optimal.</p>
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Electroacupuncture , Electromyography , Lower Extremity , Muscle Spasticity , Therapeutics , Paresis , Therapeutics , Stroke , Treatment Outcome , WalkingABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects of different interference orders of electroacupuncture and exercise therapy on the therapeutic effect of hemiplegia after stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patients of hemiplegia due to stroke were randomly divided into a group A and a group B. The group A were treated by exercise therapy after electroacupuncture (EA) and the group B by EA after exercise therapy. Fugl-Meyer evaluation (FME), modified Barthel index (MBI) and amplitude of somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) on the affected side before treatment and after one therapeutic course (2 weeks) were recorded and compared in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before and after treatment, FME were 31.760 +/- 4.438 and 76.640 +/- 3.621, and MBI were 26.520 +/- 2.413 and 62.360 +/- 3.700 in the group A; and FME were 32.480 +/- 5.903 and 65.640 +/- 5.212, and the MBI were 28.000 +/- 3.383 and 54.480 +/- 5.205 in the group B, respectively, with very significant differences in FME and MBI in the two groups (all P < 0.01); and the different values before and after treatment in the two indexes in the group A were better than those in the group B (all P < 0.05). There was a very significant difference in the amplitude of SEP before and after treatment in the group A (P < 0.01) and no significant difference in the group B, and there was no significant difference between the two groups in the different value of the amplitude of SEP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combination of any orders of electroacupuncture and exercise therapy can improve limb function of the patient with hemiplegia after stroke, but the therapeutic effect of exercise therapy after EA is better.</p>
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Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Combined Modality Therapy , Electroacupuncture , Methods , Exercise Therapy , Methods , Hemiplegia , Rehabilitation , Therapeutics , Stroke , Therapeutics , Stroke RehabilitationABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into using evidence-based medicine to establish TCM stroke unit, so as to serve for clinical treatment of apoplexy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Based on basic theories of TCM and in referred to the stroke unit model with therapeutic effect confirmed by evidence-based medicine, TCM stroke unit with characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion was established.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Establishment of TCM stroke unit with TCM characteristics is objective in future, but it still needs high quality of clinical evidences.</p>