ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the intervening effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture on rat neuralgia and its regulating effect on substance P (SP) in the spinal dorsal horn. Method SD rats were randomized to normal, sham operation (sham SNI), operation (SNI) and electroacupuncture (SNI+EA) groups, 8 rats each. A rat model of neuralgia was made by spared sciatic nerve injury (SNI). Points Zusanli(ST36) and Kunlun(BL60) on the operation side were given 2 Hz electroacupuncture once daily for 14 days. The rat hind paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was measured on the operation side to observe its pain hypersensitivity. SP-positive expression in the spinal dorsal horn on the operation side was determined by immunofluorescence. Result Operative side PWT decreased significantly in the SNI group of rats (P<0.01). Electroacupuncture increased operative side PWT in the SNI neuralgia rats (P<0.01). Pain threshold onthe healthy side had no marked change in the SNI group of rats (P>0.05). SP-positive expression in the spinal dorsal horn increased on the operation side (P<0.01) and also on the healthy side (P<0.05) in the SNI group of rats. Electroacupuncture decreased SP-positive expression in the spinal dorsal horn on the operation side in the SNI rats (P<0.01). Electroacupuncture did not significantly change SP-positive expression in the spinal dorsal horn on the healthy side (P>0.05). PWT on the operation and healthy sides and SP-positive cell expression in the spinal dorsal horn on the operation and healthy sides had no marked changes in the SNI group of rats (P>0.05). Conclusion Low-frequency electroacupuncture can relieve rat neuralgia. Its mechanism may be related to it inhibiting SP-positive expression in the spinal dorsal horn on the operation side.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the expression levels of MRE11 and Ku80 mRNA, and telomere length in bone marrow mononuclear cells of aplastic anemia(AA) patients, and to explore their correlation with pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Bone marrow mononuclear cells were collected from 40 cases of AA and 20 normal controls for detecting mRNA expression of MRE11 and Ku80 and telomere length by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), then MRE11, Ku80 and telomere length were analyzed for their correlation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with controls, the expression levels of MRE11 and Ku80 in patients with AA were significantly reduced, and the telomere length in patients with AA was obviously shortened, respectively (P<0. 05). The telomere length was significantly shorter in the persons aged ≥45 years in comparison with the AA patients and normal control younger than 45 years old (P<0.05). For the AA patients older than or equal to 45 years and less than 45 years in comparison with the controls at the same age, the telomere length was significantly shorter(P<0.05). The expression levels of MRE11 and Ku80 didn't correlate with telomere length (P>0.05). The mRNA expression level of MRE11 correlated positively and significantly with that of Ku80 (r=0.863, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The change of telomere length may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of aplastic anemia. The lower expression of MRE11 and Ku80 may be involved in the pathogenesis of aplastic anemia.</p>