Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis model rats, as well as the relationship between sensory and sympathetic nerves and the formation of sensitized area, and to initially reveal the partial physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area in the colitis model rats.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10), a model group (n=18) and a guanethidine group (n=7). 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was adopted for 6-day free drinking to establish colitis model in the model group and the guanethidine group. On day 6 and 7, in the guanethidine group, guanethidine solution (30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for sympathetic block. On day 7, after injection of evans blue (EB) solution, the EB extravasation areas on the body surface were observed to investigate the distribution and physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area. The control area was set up, 0.5 cm away from the sensitized area, and with the same nerve segment innervation. Disease activity index (DAI) score of rats was compared between the normal group and the model group, and the morphological changes in the colon tissue were investigated with HE method. Using infrared thermal imaging technology and laser speckle flow imaging technology, skin temperature and blood infusion were determined in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. Immunofluorescence technique was adopted to observe the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the correlation with blood vessels; as well as the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in skin tissue in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. MSD multi-level factorial method and ELISA were applied to determine the contents of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10) and anti-inflammatory substance corticosterone (CORT).@*RESULTS@#Sensitization occurred at the T12-S1 segments of the colitis model rats, especially at L2-L5 segments. Compared with the normal group, DAI score was increased in the rats of the model group (P<0.05), and the colonic mucosal damage was obvious, with the epithelial cells disordered, even disappeared, crypt destructed, submucosal edema and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated. In comparison with the control area, the skin temperature and blood infusion were increased in the sensitized area of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01); as well as the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of SP, CGRP and TH of skin tissue (P<0.05), which was specially distributed in peripheral vessels, the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-HT of the skin tissue were all expanded (P<0.05) in the sensitized area of the model group. Compared with the model group, the number of sensitized areas was reduced in the guanethidine group (P<0.05). In comparison with the control area of the model group, in the sensitized area, the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and the anti-inflammatory substance CORT of skin tissue were all increased (P<0.05); and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CORT (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The sensitized areas on the body surface of colitis rats are mainly distributed in the L2-L5 segments. Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the acupoint sensitization, and the sensitized areas may have the dynamic changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances.

Effect of acupuncture on the cognitive function of migraine patients with depression/anxiety disorder / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of five-element acupuncture on the cognitive function repair of migraine patients with depression/anxiety disorder.@*METHODS@#The migraine patients with depression/anxiety disorder (19 cases, 5 cases dropped off) were taken as the observation group, and received five-element acupuncture twice a week for 8 weeks. Healthy subjects (19 cases) were selected by demographic data matching as the control group. The cognitive function was evaluated with the event related potential (ERP) technique, and the latency and amplitude of visual evoked potential P300 were adopted as the observation indexes. The headache days (every 4 weeks), headache intensity [visual analogue scale(VAS) score], and headache impact test-6 (HIT-6) score, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were used as the observation indexes for curative effect.@*RESULTS@#Before the treatment, latency of target stimulus at Fz [ (417.5±34.3) ms] in the observation group was extended compared with the healthy subjects of the control group [(388.6±42.1) ms, @*CONCLUSION@#There are some cognitive impairments in migraine patients with depression/anxiety disorder. Five-element acupuncture not only relieves headache, anxiety and depression effectively, but also improves the activation level of the frontal lobe. It significantly repairs the impaired cognitive function.

Association between TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Qingdao Han population and molecular mechanism / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To investigate the association between the TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Qingdao Han Population, and the molecular mechanism of TM6SF2 167 locus polymorphism affecting lipid metabolism. Methods We genotyped a cohort of NAFLD patients (NAFLD group) treated in Qingdao Municipal Hospital from Octorber 2016 to November 2017 and 451 healthy controls (control group) matched for age and sex by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies of TM6SF2 rs58542926 and the relative risk of NAFLD were assessed. In addition, we concentrated the lentivirus of TM6SF2-mutant type and TM6SF2-wild type and transfected into Hepa1-6 cells. The concentration of lipid indicators and the expressions of SREBP-1c mRNA and protein were determined. Results There were significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism between the NAFLD and control group (P<0.001). Carriers of T allele had significantly increased susceptibility to NAFLD (OR=2.327, 95%CI: 1.542-3.513, P<0.001). Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) contents of the TM6SF2-mutant type group were both increased to high levels when compared with the TM6SF2-wild type group (P<0.001). Furthermore, the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c) mRNAs and protein of the TM6SF2-mutant type group were significantly increased when compared with either of the TM6SF2-wild type group (P<0.001). Conclusions The TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism is associated with risk of NAFLD in Qingdao Han Population. Furthermore, the mutant T allele at TM6SF2 167 locus may regulate the hepatic lipid metabolism through increasing the expression of SREBP-1c.

Clinical features analysis of Qingkailing injection for adolescent patients based on real world HIS / 中国中药杂志

To explore the clinical application features of Qingkailing injection for adolescent patients. This study was based on the information from the hospitalized patients in 1998-2011 in HIS (hospital information system) of 16 tertiary hospitals in China. 615 adolescent patients with Qingkailing injection were used to investigate the clinical characteristics of Qingkailing injection. Apriori algorithm was adopted to establish the model, and Clementine 12.0 was used for correlation analysis. The results showed that male patients (355 cases) were more than female patients (243 cases); the age of the most patients was under 14 years old, with an average age of 9.40 years old; the hospital stay was most of 4-7 d; the patients were mostly concentrated in pediatrics, mainly including upper respiratory tract infection; outpatient admission to the majority (451 cases, accounting for 75.54%). The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome mainly included phlegm-dampness internal resistance (38.46%), Qi and Yin Deficiency (11.54%), Liver qi stagnation (15.38%), and Yang deficiency syndrome (11.54%); the highest admission rate was during Slight Cold (13.01%). In combined application, the most common western medicine pair was Cephalosporin injection+vitamin C (with supporting rate of 24.6%) and the most common TCM pair was Shuanghuanglian+Ganmao Qingre granules (with supporting rate of 4.065%). The most common 3 western medicines in combined use were Potassium chloride injection+Cephalosporin injection+vitamin C (supporting rate of 15.93%); while the most common three Chinese medicines were Shuanghuanglian+Yunnan Baiyao+Ganmao Qingre granules (supporting rate of 1.138%). Qingkailing injection was also widely used in adolescent patients; the diagnosis and use were basically in line with the instructions; men were slightly more than women; age of onset, solar terms and TCM syndromes were highly consistent. Qingkailing injection was mainly combined with western medicines in combined drug use, and Chinese medicines were also available. Combined drug use was more reasonable. Based on the results of the real world HIS, Qingkailing injection could provide the idea and reference for regulating the medication in adolescent patients.

A single nucleotide polymorphism in the Epstein-Barr virus genome is strongly associated with a high risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 癌症

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) commonly infects the general population and has been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which has a high incidence in certain regions. This study aimed to address how EBV variations contribute to the risk of NPC.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Using logistic regression analysis and based on the sequence variations at EBV-encoded RPMS1, a multi-stage association study was conducted to identify EBV variations associated with NPC risk. A protein degradation assay was performed to characterize the functional relevance of the RPMS1 variations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Based on EBV-encoded RPMS1 variations, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the EBV genome (locus 155391: G>A, named G155391A) was associated with NPC in 157 cases and 319 healthy controls from an NPC endemic region in South China [P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 4.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.71-7.37]. The results were further validated in three independent cohorts from the NPC endemic region (P < 0.001, OR = 5.20, 95% CI 3.18-8.50 in 168 cases vs. 241 controls, and P < 0.001, OR = 5.27, 95% CI 4.06-6.85 in 726 cases vs. 880 controls) and a non-endemic region (P < 0.001, OR = 7.52, 95% CI 3.69-15.32 in 58 cases vs. 612 controls). The combined analysis in 1109 cases and 2052 controls revealed that the SNP G155391A was strongly associated with NPC (P(combined) < 0.001, OR = 5.27, 95% CI 4.31-6.44). Moreover, the frequency of the SNP G155391A was associated with NPC incidence but was not associated with the incidences of other EBV-related malignancies. Furthermore, the protein degradation assay showed that this SNP decreased the degradation of the oncogenic RPMS1 protein.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our study identified an EBV variation specifically and significantly associated with a high risk of NPC. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of NPC and strategies for prevention.</p>

Research on effect of Sargentodoxae caulis on activity of osteoclasts and proliferation differentiation of osteoblasts / 中国中药杂志

Through morphological observation, HE staining, TRAP staining and toluidine blue staining of bone resorption pits to identify osteoclasts which obtained by 1α, 25-(OH)2 VitD3 inducing rabbit bone marrow cells. Three indicators-TRAP staining, TRAP enzyme activity detecting and the number and area of bone resorption pits were adapted to detect the effect of Sargentodoxae caulis on the activity of osteoclasts. Culturing MC3T3-E1 Subclong 14 cells and detecting the effect of S. caulis on differentiation and proliferation of them by MTT and detecting the alkaline phosphatase in cells. The results show that all of the low, middle and high doses of water and alcohol extracts of S. caulis have significant inhibition on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption ability in a dose-dependent manner. The low and middle doses of water and alcohol extracts of S. caulis can stimulate differentiation and proliferation of MC3T3-ElSubclone 14 cells, which indicates S. caulis can prevent osteoporosis and the function could be achieved by inhibiting osteoclast activity and promoting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.

Association of nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk with cytochrome P450 CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the association between CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families through family-based association study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 457 Cantonese nuclear families,consisting of 2134 members, were recruited as subjects. Each family included two parents and at least one offspring with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CYP1A1 named m1 (rs4646903) and m2 (rs1048943), were genotyped by PCR-RFLP assay and verified by directly sequencing. The genotype data were analyzed with family-based association test (FBAT) software to check the linkage and association between the two genetic markers and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FBAT analysis showed that the minor allele frequencies (MAF) of the two SNP were 0.442 (C) and 0.339 (G) respectively. For m1 polymorphism in CYP1A1 gene was not significantly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in our study population whether stratified with VCA-IgA or not (without stratification: chi2 = 2.399, P = 0.301; with stratification: low-titer group (VCA-IgA <1:80), MAF = 0.457 (C), chi2 = 1.221, P = 0.543; high-titer group (VCA-IgA > or = 1:80), MAF = 0.427 (C), chi2 =2.832, P = 0.243) . For m2 polymorphism, when VCA-IgA <1:80, the G allele showed decreased transmission under additive and dominant model (MAF = 0.347 (G); Zadditive = -2.120, Padditive = 0.034; Zdominant = - 2.303, Pdominant = 0.021) and a boundary P value was got with global statistic (chi2 = 5.394, P = 0.067) . Haplotype TG (0.057), constructed by m1 and m2, might decrease nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk (Z= -2.002, P=0.045). A boundary P value was also got with global statistic (chi2 =7.067, P=0.070).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was no statistical significance between m1 polymorphism and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families. And this study showed that m2 polymorphism might associated with the decrease of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families.</p>

Comparative study on risk factors and family history of familial and sporadic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the difference between familial and sporadic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients on risk factors and family history and provide evidence on genetic counseling and screening strategy for relatives of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in Guangdong province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Cantonese nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients diagnosed in Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University from October, 2005 to October, 2007 were recruited as subjects. 1877 patients were collected, including 181 familial nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and 1696 sporadic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. The demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, risk factors and family history between two groups were compared. Moreover, the distribution of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients in first-degree relatives and the time interval between proband and the affected first-degree relatives in familial nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All 9.64% of 1877 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients had affected relatives in first-degree relatives, among them, 58.49% (124/212) were siblings and 41.51% (88/212) were parents. The mean time interval between siblings and proband were (7.40 +/- 5.41) years while the mean time interval between parents and proband were (15.55 +/- 10.61) years when nasopharyngeal carcinoma occurred, and the difference was statistically significant (t = -5.78, P < 0.01). More than 80% patients of the two group were at advanced stage when they were diagnosed. There were no difference (P values were all > 0.05) both in adulthood and childhood in salted fish (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.59 - 1.75 vs OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 0.92 - 1.86), preserved vegetables (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.58 - 1.49 vs OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.80 - 1.57), fermented pastes (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14 - 1.01 vs OR = 1.61; 95% CI: 0.99 - 2.48), fresh fruits (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.60 - 1.26 vs OR = 0.65; 95% CI: 0.20 - 2.12) and cured meat (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.87 - 1.83 vs OR = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.71 - 2.30) diet. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was obtained on smoking (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.68 - 1.45) and incidence of other cancers in first-degree relatives (OR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.56 - 1.28) in the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Familial nasopharyngeal carcinoma was 9.64% in the observed subjects. In the familial nasopharyngeal carcinoma, the time interval at diagnosis was shorter between proband and siblings as compared with parents. Most of the patients were at advanced stage. So, we recommend the first-degree relatives of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, especially siblings, should be screened regularly according to the specific conditions.</p>

Family-based association study of XRCC1 gene polymorphisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test the association between XRCC1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families through a family-based association study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 2134 study subjects from 457 Cantonese nuclear families were recruited in the study. Each family had two parents and at least one offspring with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Genotyping for three single nucleotide polymorphisms in XRCC1 gene, including rs1799782 (C > T), rs25489 (G > A) and rs25487 (G > A), were performed with PCR-RFLP assay. The genotype data were analyzed with family-based association test (FBAT) software to check linkage and association between the three genetic markers and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>FBAT analysis showed XRCC1 gene genotypes and haplotypes were not significantly associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in our study population (rs1799782: chi(2) = 1.006, P = 0.605; rs25489: chi(2) = 0.470, P = 0.790; rs25487: chi(2) = 2.563, P = 0.278; haplotype: chi(2) = 3.004, P = 0.557, global statistic). For rs25487, the G allele (major allele) showed increased transmission under dominant model (Z = 1.985, P = 0.047). Whereas the C allele (minor allele) exhibited reduced transmission under recessive model (Z = -1.985, P = 0.047). However, no increased/reduced transmission was observed under additive model and with global statistic.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is no evidence of an association between polymorphisms in XRCC1 gene and susceptibility of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Cantonese nuclear families is observed in this study.</p>