Effect of auricular point therapy on the psychological state and plasma β-endorphin level of patients with burning mouth syndrome / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@# To observe the clinical effects of auricular point therapy on burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and its effect on the psychological state of patients and plasma β-endorphin. @*Methods @# A total of 105 patients diagnosed with BMS were randomly divided into an auricular acupoint application group (50 cases) and a drug treatment group (55 cases). The treatment course lasted one month. The patients in the auricular acupoint application group selected 3 points on their tongue, heart and Shenmen through traditional Chinese medical dialectics used for patients with BMS. Wangbuliu seeds were applied, two ears were pressed alternately and one ear was applied each time. The patient was instructed to press the treatment site three times a day, 1-2 min each time, until the auricle skin became reddish and hot. The patients in the drug treatment group took vitamin E 100 mg+oryzanol 10 mg+vitamin B2 10 mg orally three times a day. Before and after treatment, the pain intensity and mental and psychological state of the patients were evaluated. The patient's plasma was detected before and after β-endorphin treatment. @* Results@#The pain sensation intensity of the two groups decreased after treatment (P<0.001). After treatment, the scores of somatization (t = 2.118, P = 0.037), fear (t = 2.084, P = 0.039) and diet and sleep (t = 2.047, P = 0.043) in the auricular acupoint application group were significantly improved compared with the level before treatment. The level of β-endorphin in plasma was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (t = 2.247, P = 0.027) in the auricular acupoint application group after treatment. @*Conclusion@#Auricular point therapy is an effective method for patients with BMS, improving psychological state and promoting the synthesis of plasma β-endorphin may be one of its mechanisms.

Effects of moxibustion on serum levels of β-EP, SP and expression of IL-1β and COX-2 protein in brainstem in rats with migraine / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) at different time points on the serum level of β-endorphin (β-EP), substance P (SP) and expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in brainstem in rats with migraine, and to explore the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in preventing and treating migraine.@*METHODS@#Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prevention+treatment (PT) group and a treatment group, 10 rats in each group. Except the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were injected with nitroglycerin subcutaneously to prepare migraine model. The rats in the PT group were treated with moxibustion 7 days before modeling (once a day) and 30 min after modeling, while the rats in the treatment group were treated with moxibustion 30 min after modeling. The "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) were taken for 30 minutes each time. The behavioral scores in each group were observed before and after modeling. After intervention, ELISA method was used to detect the serum level of β-EP and SP; the immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the number of positive cells of IL-1β in brainstem; the Western blot method was used to detect the expression of COX-2 protein in brainstem.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the blank group, the behavioral scores in the model group were increased 0-30 min, 60-90 min and 90-120 min after modeling (P<0.01); compared with the model group, in the treatment group and the PT group, the behavioral scores were decreased 60-90 min and 90-120 min after modeling (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the serum level of β-EP was decreased (P<0.01), while the serum level of SP, the number of positive cells of IL-1β in brainstem and the expression of COX-2 protein were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the PT group and and the treatment group, the serum level of β-EP was increased (P<0.01), while the serum level of SP, the number of positive cells of IL-1β and the expression of COX-2 protein in brainstem were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the treatment group, in the PT group, the serum level of β-EP was increased and COX-2 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion could effectively relieve migraine. The mechanism may be related to reduce the serum level of SP, IL-1β and COX-2 protein expression in brainstem, and increase the serum level of β-EP, and the optimal effect is observed in the PT group.

Curative effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on postpartum abdominal pain and its influence on serum β-EP level in puerpera / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the clinical effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on postpartum abdominal pain and its influence on serum beta-endorphin (β-EP) level in puerpera.@*METHODS@#Seventy patients with postpartum abdominal pain were randomly divided into an acupuncture + herbal medication group (35 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a herbal medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In the herbal medication group, 1 day after delivery, modified shenghua decoction was taken orally, one dose a day. In the acupuncture + herbal medication group, on the basis of herbal medication, wrist-ankle acupuncture was given at the Lower 1 and Lower 2 of the ankles, once daily. The duration of treatment was 3 days in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, serum β-EP level, uterine fundus height, postpartum conditions of lochia and the uterine recovery at 42 days postpartum were compared in the patients of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#At each time point after treatment (24 h, 48 h and 72 h after delivery), VAS scores and the uterine fundus height were reduced as compared with those before treatment (2 h after delivery) in the two groups (P<0.05); these indexes in the acupuncture + herbal medication group were lower than those in the herbal medication group (P<0.05). After treatment (72 h after delivery), β-EP levels in the serum were increased when compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the β-EP level in the acupuncture + herbal medication group was higher than that in the herbal medication group (P<0.05). The volume of postpartum lochia discharge in the acupuncture + herbal medication group was higher than that in the herbal medication group (P<0.05), while the duration of postpartum lochia discharge and the total time of lochia discharge were shorter (P<0.05). Regarding the recovery of the uterus at 42 days postpartum, there was no statistical significance between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Wrist-ankle acupuncture obviously reduces the degree of postpartum abdominal pain and promotes the lochia discharge and the uterine recovery. The effect mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of serum β-EP level and the increase of pain threshold so that analgesia is obtained.

Application value of serum PEDF, FGF19 and β-EP in the diagnosis and severity assessment of primary glaucoma / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To explore the application value of serum pigment epithelial derived factors(PEDF), fibroblast growth factor 19(FGF19)and β-endorphin(β-EP)in the diagnosis and severity assessment of primary glaucoma. <p>METHODS: A total of 102 patients with primary glaucoma in the hospital were enrolled as study group between February 2018 and February 2020, while other 102 healthy controls during the same period were enrolled as control group. The levels of peripheral serum PEDF, FGF19 and β-EP were compared between the two groups. And their diagnostic value for primary glaucoma was analyzed. The study group was divided into severe and non-severe groups according to the diagnostic criteria for severe primary glaucoma. The levels of peripheral serum PEDF, FGF19 and β-EP were compared between severe group and non-severe group. And their evaluation value for disease severity was analyzed. The risk factors of disease severity were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression analysis. <p>RESULTS: The level of serum PEDF in study group was significantly lower than that in control group, while levels of FGF19 and β-EP were significantly higher than those in control group(<i>P</i><0.001). AUC values of PEDF, FGF19 and β-EP levels in the diagnosis of primary glaucoma were 0.695, 0.754 and 0.768, respectively. The level of serum PEDF in severe group was significantly lower than that in non-severe group(<i>P</i><0.001), while levels of FGF19 and β-EP were significantly higher than those in non-severe group(<i>P</i><0.001). <i>AUC</i>values of PEDF, FGF19 and β-EP levels in assessing the severity of primary glaucoma were 0.731, 0.709 and 0.685, respectively. PEDF lower than 9.66pg/mL, FGF19 higher than 143.75ng/L and β-EP higher than 106.27ng/L were independent influencing factors of severe primary glaucoma(<i>OR</i>=2.280, 1.570, 1.413, all <i>P</i><0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: FGF19 and β-EP are of auxiliary diagnostic value in primary glaucoma, while PEDF and FGF19 are of evaluation value in disease severity. PEDF lower than 9.66pg/mL, FGF19 higher than 143.75ng/L and β-EP higher than 106.27ng/L are independent influencing factors of severe primary glaucoma.

Effect of auricular point sticking therapy on perioperative pain in patients with partial lung resection / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the analgesic effect of auricular point sticking therapy during the perioperative stage in the patients with partial lung resection.@*METHODS@#A total of 92 patients with partial lung resection were randomized into an auricular point group (31 cases, 1 case dropped off), the sham-auricular point group (30 cases) and a medication group (31 cases, 1 case dropped off). The routine medication for analgesia was provided in all of the three groups. In the auricular point group, 1 day before operation, the auricular point sticking therapy was applied at shenmen (TF@*RESULTS@#In 8, 16, 24, 48 h and 72 h after operation, VAS scores in the auricular point group were lower than those in the sham-auricular point group and the medication group separately (@*CONCLUSION@#Auricular point sticking therapy relieves perioperative pain, shortens analgesic time, releases anxious and depressive emotions and reduces postoperative adverse reaction in the patients with partial lung resection. The analgesic mechanism is probably related to the increase of plasma concentration of β-endorphin.

Effect and safety of electroacupuncture analgesia at the latent stage of labor on the epidural analgesia / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia at the latent stage of labor on epidural analgesia, labor outcome and neonatal score so as to provide the reference to the clinical labor analgesia. METHODS: According to the random number table, 104 primipara of vaginal delivery were divided into three groups, named an EA group (37 cases), a sham-EA group (36 cases) and an epidural block group (31 cases). In the EA group, when the cervix opened up by 1 cm, Han's acupoint nerve stimulation apparatus was attached to bilateral Hegu (LI4) and bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6) to achieve EA analgesia till the active stage (the cervix up 3 cm). In the sham-EA group, the procedure was same as the EA group, but with the sham-stimulation. In the epidural block, EA was not used in intervention. When the cervix opened up 3 cm, the epidural block and the patient-controlled epidural analgesia were all adopted in each group. The score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and the dosage of Sufentanil and Ropivacaine in patient-controlled analgesia pump at the different time points were compared among the groups. Respectively, in 1 h of EA stimulation (T1), 2 h of EA stimulation (T2), at the moment of epidural block (T3) and the complete open of the cervix (T6), the venous blood sample was collected to determine the concentration of beta-endorphin (beta-EP), and the use time of oxytocin, the bleeding amount and the state of newborn were recorded. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in immediate of EA stimulation (T0) among the groups in VAS score (P>0.05). But, in T1 to T6, VAS score in the EA group was reduced obviously as compared with the sham-EA group and the epidural block group separately (P0.05). In the sham-EA group and the epidural block group, bleeding amount during labor and in 24 h after labor was all higher than that of the EA group (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture analgesia at the latent stage of labor effectively relieves labor pain of primipara, increases the concentration of beta-EP, enhances the effect of epidural block analgesia, reduces labor bleeding and has no side effect on newborn. The combination of electroacupuncture analgesia and the epidural anesthesia in the latent stage is applicable in the whole process of labor.

Effects of Tai Chi Chuan on the changes of bone mineral density of perimenopausal women / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: There are few reports about the effects of Tai Chi Chuan on perimenopausal syndrome and bone mineral density. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of regular Tai Chi Chuan exercise on symptoms, plasma dopamine, plasma beta-endorphin and bone mineral density in perimenopausal women. METHODS: The study was in accordance with the ethical requirements of Southwest University of Science and Technology, and all participants signed the informed consents. Totally 74 perimenopausal women aged 45-55 years were randomly divided into two groups: Tai Chi group (n=36) and control group (n=38). Taichi group took Tai Chi Chuan for 48 weeks (thrice a week, 60 minutes/times). The control group went on previous habits only. The scores of Kupperman scale, dopamine, beta-endorphin, and bone mineral density of lumbar spine and proximal femur were measured before and after 48 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After 48 weeks, the total scores of hot flashes, sweating, dysesthesia, insomnia, restlessness, vertigo, depression, fatigue, muscular and articular pain and Kupperman scale cores in the Tai Chi group were decreased significantly (P 0.05). (2) Dopamine concentration was negatively correlated with insomnia, depression and Kupperman total score (P < 0.05), while beta-endorphin concentration was negatively correlated with insomnia, anxiety and Kupperman total score (P < 0.05). (3) In summary, 48-week Tai Chi Chuan exercise can significantly improve the symptoms of perimenopausal women, suggesting that the changes of plasma dopamine and beta-endorphin levels are one of the factors to alleviate the symptoms of perimenopause. However, there is no significant effect on bone mineral density of lumbar spine and proximal femur.

Clinical trials of acupuncture treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of "Tiaoshen Zhitong" (mental regulating and pain relieving) needling and its influence on serological indicators in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain, so as to provide new therapeutic thoughts and approach for post-stroke shoulder pain. METHODS: A total of 80 inpatients with post-stroke shoulder pain were randomly divided into a control group (routine needling, 39 cases) and an observation group ("Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling, 41 cases) according to the random number table. Patients of the two groups accepted basic medication treatment including anticoagulants, hypotensive drugs, hypoglycermic drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, etc. In addition, patients of the control group were also treated by routine acupuncture stimulation (uniform reinforcing-reducing stimulation) of Jianyu (LI15), Jianqian (EX-UE12), Jianhou (Extra), Jianliao (TE14), Waiguan (TE5) and Hegu (LI4) on the affected side, and those of the observation group also treated by "Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling of Ear-Shenmen (MA-TF1), bilateral Neiguan (PC6, lifting-thrusting-reducing method), Shuigou (GV26, lifting-thrusting-reducing method), and Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao(TE14), Jianzhen (SI9) and Yanglingquan (GB34, the latter 4 points were stimulated with uniform reinforcing-reducing method) on the affected side. The treatment was given once every day, 6 days a week for 4 weeks. The pain severity was assessed by using visual analogue scale (VAS), the upper limb function evaluated by using Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale, the shoulder-joint function evaluated by using Constant-Murley score (CMS) questionnaire, and the daily living ability assessed by using Barthel index (BI) scale. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the contents of serum beta-endorphin (β-EP), enkephalin (ENK) and dynorphin (Dyn). The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated by using Nimodipine scale method. RESULTS: Of the 39 and 41 cases in the control and observation groups, 7(17.95%) and 12(29.27%) were basically cured, 12(30.77%) and 13(31.71%) experienced marked improvement, 8(20.51%) and 11(26.83%) were effective, 12(30.77%) and 5 (12.19%) failed, with the total effective rate being 69.23% and 87.80%, respectively. The effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the VAS score was obviously reduced (P<0.01), and the scores of FMA scale, CMS questionnaire and BI scale, and contents of serum β-EP, ENK and Dyn were all increased obviously in the two groups compared with their own pre-treatment (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect of "Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling was significantly superior to that of the routine needling in lowering VAS, and in raising scores of FMA scale, CMS questionnaire and BI scale and in up-regulating serum β-EP, ENK and Dyn levels (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: "Tiaoshen Zhitong" needling is effective in reducing post-stroke shoulder pain and improving the motor function of the upper limb and shoulder-joint as well as the quality of daily life in stroke patients with shoulder pain. Its analgesic effect is probably related to the increase of the levels of serum β-EP, ENK and Dyn.

Spinal Interleukin-10/β-Endorphin Pathway Suppresses Neuropathic Pain in Infant Rats / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To unmask the mechanisms underlying the suppression of infant neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury.【Methods】Rats were subjected to spared nerve injury(SNI)at postnatal 10 d or 33 d. Mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds as well as spinal interleukin-10(IL-10)and the β-endorphin precursor gene proopiomelanocortin(POMC)mRNA expression were detected 7 d after surgery. The IL-10 or β-endorphin neutralizing antibody was intrathecally injected for 3 d(the 7 th-9 th day after surgery)and mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds were tested 1 h after each injection. Spinal IL-10 mRNA and POMC mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR.【Results】In contrast to adult rats,infant rats subjected to SNI displayed no mechanical allodynia but an increase in spinal cord IL-10 and POMC mRNA expression. Intrathecal administration of the IL-10 antibody and β-endorphin antibody evoked neuropathic painlike behaviors in infant rats. SNI-induced POMC mRNA increase was blocked by the pretreatment with intrathecal the IL-10 antibody,while the increased IL-10 mRNA expression was not affected by the β-endorphin antibody pretreatment.【Conclusions】The suppression of neuropathic pain in infant rats may be mediated by activation of spinal IL-10/β-endorphin pathway.

Effect of electroacupunture on supplementary analgesia and the levels of serum β-endorphin and prostaglandin E in patients with total knee arthroplasty / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect on supplementary analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) treated with electroacupunture, and explore it's mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 40 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 20 cases in each one. During the operation, patients were given epidural anesthesia in the two groups, conventional patient controlled epidural analgesia and oral celecoxib were applied after the operation. In the observation group, electroacupunture was used at Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Qiuxu (GB 40) on the operation side from the 1st to 7th day after the operation to support analgesia, 30 min for each time, once a day. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to record postoperative pain of resting state and active state. The levels of serum prostaglandin E and β-endorphin were measured on the 1st and 7th day after surgery in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#In the observation group, the VAS scores of resting state and active state were superior to the control group on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day after the operaton (all <0.05); after the treatment, the level of serum β-endorphin was increased and the level of serum prostaglandin E was reduced in the two groups (all <0.05), and the change of the observation group was larger than that of the control group (both <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupunture has the effect of supplementary analgesia for patients after TKA, the mechanism may be related to promote the synthesis of β-endorphin and inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandin E.

Role of edaravone in alleviating prognosis of rats following traumatic brain injury / 中华创伤杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of edaravone on improving the prognosis of TBI rats.Methods A total of 150 SD male rats were divided into normal control group (10 rats),TBI group (70 rats) and edaravone group (70 rats).In the edaravone treatment group,the rats were injected intraperitoneally once a day continously for 2 weeks with the injection dose of 5.4 mg · kg-1 · d-1.At 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,1 week and 2 weeks after injury,the neurobehavioral and motor function scores of rats were monitored respectively,with 10 rats monitored at each time point.Serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected and the levels of β-endorphin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA).Results In the edaravone group,the neurobehavioral and motor function scores were higher than those of the TBI group at 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,1 week and 2 weeks after injury.At 48 hours after injury,the neurobehavioral scores of the TBI group and the edaravone treatment group were (8.2 ±0.9) points and (10.3 ±0.7) points,respectively (P ＜ 0.05),and the motor function scores were (5.9 ± 1.0) points and (6.9 ± 1.2) points respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Meanwhile,the contents of β-endorphin in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of the normal control group were (50.2 ± 9.5) pg/ml and (16.2 ± 2.8) pg/ml,and the contents of GnRH were (75.2 ± 11.2) pg/ml and (36.2 ± 10.8)pg/ml,respectively.The levels of β-endorphin and GnRH in serum and cerebrospinal fluid were significantly increased at 6 hours,12 hours,24 hours,48 hours,72 hours,l week and 2 weeks after injury.The levels of β-endorphin and GnRH in the edaravone group were lower than those of TBI group.At 72 hour after injury,the levels of β-endorph in serum in TBI group and edaravone group were (165.2 ± 8.5) pg/ml and (109.5 ± 6.3) pg/ml respectively (P ＜ 0.05),and the levels of β-endorph in cerebrospinal fluid were (63.3 ± 3.1) pg/ml and (38.2 ± 2.3) pg/ml respectively (P ＜ 0.05).At 72 hour after injury,the levels of GnRH in serum in TBI group and edaravone group were (203.7 ± 17.1)pg/ml and (110.4 ± 19.2)pg/ml respectively (P ＜0.05),and the levels of GnRH in cerebrospinal fluid is (153.0 ± 13.4) pg/ml and (93.2 ± 10.5) pg/ml respectively (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion During acute and recovery periods after TBI,continuous treatment with edaravone can obviously reduce the levels of β-endorphin and GnRH,which is beneficial to alleviate the secondary brain injury after TBI in rats,promote the recovery of nerve and function,and improve the prognosis.

Effect of ethnicity on pain perception among healthy Nigerians

@#Gender, age and ethnic differences in pain perception have been reported in clinical and experimental research. However, it is not known whether cold and ischemia-induced pain models can explain ethnic-related variability in pain perception. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of ethnicity on pain perception in healthy Nigerians and to assess whether the variability in pain perception is dependent on the circulating level of β-Endorphin. One hundred and sixty healthy volunteers were randomly selected from the four main ethnic groups (Fulani, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba) in Nigeria. There were 40 volunteers per group. The selected individuals were informed on what they should expect during the study after which their informed consents were requested. Questionnaires were used to obtain the socio-demographic and biodata of each of the consented volunteers. Cold, ischemia and cold+ischemia- induced pains were administered, after which the pain threshold and tolerance were estimated by monitoring the time (seconds) taken for pain to occur and the point at which the subject can no longer withstand the pain. Our results show that Igbo ethnic group has significantly lower threshold in cold-induced pain and significantly higher threshold/tolerance in ischemia-induced pain. No significant difference in pain threshold of all the four ethnic groups during cold+ischemia-induced pain. However, the pain tolerance was significantly higher in Igbo ethnic group when compared with Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba ethnic groups. In addition, the pain tolerance significantly decreased in Hausa and Yoruba compared to Fulani ethnic group, while the pain tolerance was significantly higher in Yoruba ethnic group compared with Hausa ethnic group. Also, the circulating β-Endorphin decreases in all the subjects. The present study demonstrates that ethnicity causes variability in pain perception and this is accompanied with alteration in circulating level of β-Endorphin

Warming Needle Moxibustion Relieves Symptoms of Lumbar Disc Herniation Patients and Upregulates Plasma β-endorphin / 针刺研究

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of warming needle moxibustion of Jiaji (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), etc. on lumbago and other symptoms of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients and changes of plasma β-endorphin (β-EP) content. METHODS: A total of 60 LDH patients were equally randomized into warming needle moxibustion group and conventional acupuncture group. Patients of the conventional acupuncture group were treated by puncturing lumbar Jiaji (EX-B 2), Huantiao (GB 30), Weizhong (BL 40), and Yanglingquan (GB 34) with filiform acupuncture needles. Patients of the warming needle moxibustion group were treated by puncturing the same 4 acupoints, and with the acupuncture needle in lumbar EX-B 2 attached an ignited moxa-stick segment. The treatment in both groups lasted for 30 min every time, once every other day for 15 times, with 5 times being a therapeutic course and two days' rest between every two courses. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the "Criteria for Evaluating the Therapeutic Effect of Disorders of Traditional Chinese Medicine". The lumbago severity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS), and the lumbar functional activity assessed using modified Oswestry dysfunction (in objects-lifting, sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, pain, activity of daily living, social activity, outing, etc.) index (ODI). The plasma β-EP content was assayed using ELISA. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 30 cases in the conventional acupuncture and warming needle moxibustion groups, 8 (26.67%) and 12 (40.00%) were under control, 8 (26.67%) and 10 (33.33%) had a marked improvement, 3 (10.00%) and 4 (13.33%) were effective, and 11 (36.66%) and 4 (13.33%) ineffective, with the effective rates being 63.34% and 86.66%, respectively. The effective rate of the warming needle moxibustion was significantly higher than that of the conventional acupuncture (P<0.05). The VAS scores and ODI values of the two groups were gradually decreased along with the prolongation of treatment, and significantly lower in the warming needle moxibustion group than in the acupuncture group at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment (P<0.01). The levels of plasma β-EP were gradually increased in the two groups at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd course of treatment, and were obviously higher in the warming needle moxibustion group than in the conventional acupuncture group at each of the 3 courses (P<0.01). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Warming needle moxibustion has a better therapeutic effect in relieving lumbago and lumbar dysfunction, and can up-regulate blood β-EP level.

Comparative study on anti-dysmenorrhea efficacy of habitat fresh-cut processed and traditional processed Linderae Radix / 中草药

Objective To evaluate the anti-dysmenorrhea efficacy of habitat fresh-cut processed and traditional processed Linderae Radix based on the dysmenorrhea model. Methods By using the estrogen-induced dysmenorrhea model of ICR mice, the effect of treatment from two different processing methods on dysmenorrhea was compared by recording the writhing reaction as well as the changes of levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), vasopressin (AVP), and β-endorphin (β-EP). Results Compared with the model group, Linderae Radix from two different processing methods significantly reduced the frequency of writhing (P 0.05). Conclusion The two processing methods of Linderae Radix both have good therapeutic effect on dysmenorrhea model mice, and the effect of habitat processed Linderae Radix is not inferior to that of traditional processed Linderae Radix.

Spinal GLP-1 Receptor/IL-10/β-endorphin Pathway and It's Relation with Lamiophlomis rotate Analgesia / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors belong to the class B of G protein coupled-receptors and are expressed in pancreas,lungs,GI tract,kidneys,heart and the central nervous system.During episodes of hyperglycemia activation of GLP-1 receptors located on pancreas islet β-cells facilitates insulin release and increases insulin sensitivity to regulate blood sugar.In the central nervous system,activation of GLP-1 receptors produces neuroprotection and analgesia.In this mini-review,we have summarized our recent work:1) identification of microglial GLP-1 receptor/IL-10/ β-endorphin pathway in the spinal cord;2) discovery of the mechanisms of activation of GLP-1 receptors by which analgesic Lamiophlomis rotata and its effective ingredients iridoid glycosides produce antinociception.Our work highlight that spinal microglial GLP-1 receptor might be a human-demonstrated target for the treatment of chronic pain.

Study on the Analgesic Effect and Mechanism of Gutongtie Paste on Model Rats with Formaldehyde-in-duced Pain / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the analgesic effect and mechanism of Gutongtie paste on model rats with formaldehyde-in-duced pain. METHODS:60 SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,Gutongtie paste low-dose,medi-um-dose,high-dose groups(0.594,1.188. 2.376 g/paste,containing crude drug 0.48,0.96,1.92 g)and prednisone acetate group (ig,0.0054 g/kg,external bonding matrix). Model rats with pain was induced by formaldehyde method and immediately adminis-trated after modeling. Electronic tenderness instrument was adopted to determine the pain threshold of rats'ankle joint after adminis-tration of 1,2,3,4,6 h. After 6 h,blood sample 0.3 mL was taken from abdominal aorta then rats were sacrificed. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to determine the β-endorphin (β-EP),prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) contents;spectrophotometry was used to determine nitric oxide(NO)content in rats'serum and inflammatory tissue;and radioimmunoassay was adopted to detect the substance P content in rats'serum,inflammatory tissue and brain tissue. RESULTS:Compared with be-fore modeling,pain thresholds in model group at each period were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with blank group,PGE2,NO of rats,substance P content in inflammatory tissue and brain tissue in model group were significantly in-creased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with model group,pain thresholds in Gutongtie paste groups at corresponding time points were increased,PGE2 and substance P contents in inflammatory tissue and brain tissue were decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01);β-EP and NO contents in serum in Gutongtie paste medium-dose,high-dose groups(P<0.05 or P<0.01),NO contents in serum in Gutongtie paste high-dose group were decreased(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Gutongtie paste has a certain analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect,and the mechanism may be related to reducing PGE2, NO, substance P contents, increasing β-EP content.

Effects and mechanisms of Liujing Toutong Tablets on migraine of rats / 中草药

Objective To investigate effect and mechanisms of Liujing Toutong Tablets (LTT) on migraine model rats. Methods Rats were sc injected with nitroglycerin to establish migraine model, effect of LTT on scratching latency and frequency of migraine model rats was investigated; 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) in brain tissue were detected; And β-endorphin (β-EP), calcitonin gene related pepitde (CGRP), and endothelin (ET) in serum were examined by ELISA; The content of nitric oxide (NO) and activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in serum were examined. Results After sc injected with nitroglycerin in 1 to 3 min, the rats in model group began to scratch its head frequently, scratching latency of rats in high- and low- dose (1.4 and 0.7 g/kg) of LTT group was extended (P < 0.01) and scratching frequency was decreased (P < 0.001); The content of β-EP and ET in serum and DA in brain tissue of rats in high- and low-dose (1.4 and 0.7 g/kg) of LTT group were increased (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), and the content of CGRP and the activity of NOS in serum were decreased (P < 0.05). The content of 5-HT and NE in brain tissue of rats in high- and low- dose (1.4 and 0.7 g/kg) of LTT group had no significant change. Conclusion LTT has a significant therapeutic effect on migraine, and could inhibit contractile response of vascular. The mechanisms may be connected with increasing content of β-EP, ET, DA and decreasing content of CGRP and the activity of NOS.

Effect of flurbiprofen axetil pretreatment on level of central β-endorphin in a rat model of incisional pain / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of flurbiprofen axetil pretreatment on the level of central β-endorphin in a rat model of incisional pain.Methods Fifty-four SPF male healthy Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 6-7 weeks,weighing 180-230 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=18 each) using a random number table:control group (group C),incisional pain group (group Ⅰ) and flurbiprofen axetil pretreatnent group (group FA).At 30 min before the model of incisional pain was established,fat emulsion 1 ml was injected via the caudal vein in group Ⅰ,and flurbiprofen axetil 6 mg/kg (diluted to 1 ml in fat emulsion) was injected via the caudal vein in group FA.The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) was measured at 1 day before establishment of the model and 1,6 and 12 h after establishment of the model (T1-3).The rats were sacrificed after measurement of pain threshold at T1-3,and the lumbar enlargement segment of the spinal cord and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus specimens were obtained for determination of β-endorphin content (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and β-endorphin expression (by immunohistochemistry).Results Compared with group C,the MWT was significantly decreased at T1-3 in I and FA groups,the content and expression of β-endorphin in the spinal cord were significantly decreased at T2,3,and the content and expression of β-endorphin in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were increased at T1 in group Ⅰ,and the content and expression of β-endorphin in the spinal cord and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were significantly increased at T1-3 in group FA (P＜0.05).Compared with group Ⅰ,the MWT was significantly increased,and the content and expression of β-endorphin in the spinal cord and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were increased at T1-3 in group FA (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which flurbiprofen axetil pretreatment produces analgesic effect may be related to the increased level of central β-endorphine in a rat modal of incisional pain.

The acute effect of maximal exercise on plasma beta-endorphin levels in fibromyalgia patients

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on β-endorphine (β-END) level in fibromyalgia (FM) patients compared to healthy subjects. METHODS: We enrolled 30 FM patients and 15 healthy individuals. All study participants underwent a treadmill exercise test using modified Bruce protocol (M.Bruce). The goal of the test was achieving at least 70% of the predicted maximal heart rate (HRMax). The serum levels of β-END were measured before and after the exercise program. Measurements were done while heart rate was at least 70% of its predicted maximum. RESULTS: The mean ± the standard deviation (SD) of exercise duration in the FM and control groups were 24.26 ± 5.29 and 29.06 ± 3.26 minutes, respectively, indicating a shorter time to achieve the goal heart rate in FM patients (P < 0.003). Most FM patients attained 70% HRMax at lower stages (stage 2 and 3) of M.Bruce compared to the control group (70% versus 6.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared to healthy subjects, FM patients had lower serum β-END levels both in baseline and post-exercise status (Mean ± SD: 122.07 ± 28.56 µg/ml and 246.55 ± 29.57 µg/ml in the control group versus 90.12 ± 20.91 µg/ml and 179.80 ± 28.57 µg/ml in FM patients, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that FM patients had lower levels of β-END in both basal and post-exercise status. Exercise increased serum the β-END level in both groups but the average increase in β-END in FM patients was significantly lower than in the control group.

The acute effect of maximal exercise on plasma beta-endorphin levels in fibromyalgia patients

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on β-endorphine (β-END) level in fibromyalgia (FM) patients compared to healthy subjects. METHODS: We enrolled 30 FM patients and 15 healthy individuals. All study participants underwent a treadmill exercise test using modified Bruce protocol (M.Bruce). The goal of the test was achieving at least 70% of the predicted maximal heart rate (HRMax). The serum levels of β-END were measured before and after the exercise program. Measurements were done while heart rate was at least 70% of its predicted maximum. RESULTS: The mean ± the standard deviation (SD) of exercise duration in the FM and control groups were 24.26 ± 5.29 and 29.06 ± 3.26 minutes, respectively, indicating a shorter time to achieve the goal heart rate in FM patients (P < 0.003). Most FM patients attained 70% HRMax at lower stages (stage 2 and 3) of M.Bruce compared to the control group (70% versus 6.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared to healthy subjects, FM patients had lower serum β-END levels both in baseline and post-exercise status (Mean ± SD: 122.07 ± 28.56 µg/ml and 246.55 ± 29.57 µg/ml in the control group versus 90.12 ± 20.91 µg/ml and 179.80 ± 28.57 µg/ml in FM patients, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that FM patients had lower levels of β-END in both basal and post-exercise status. Exercise increased serum the β-END level in both groups but the average increase in β-END in FM patients was significantly lower than in the control group.