Mechanism of Icariin in Ameliorating Neuronal and Dendritic Damage in Alzheimer's Disease by Regulating RhoA/ROCK Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of icariin on the recombinant Ras homolog family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase （ROCK） signaling pathway in rats with Alzheimer's disease （AD）， and to explore the mechanism of icariin in ameliorating the neuronal and dendritic damage. MethodThe β-amyloid 1-42 （Aβ1-42， 2.5 g·L-1） was used to induce AD in rats via lateral ventricle injection， and the rats were divided into a model group， a low-dose icariin group （0.03 g·kg-1）， a middle-dose icariin group （0.06 g·kg-1）， a high-dose icariin group （0.09 g·kg-1）， and a control group. The control group and the model group were given an equal volume of normal saline at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1. The cognitive function of rats was assessed by the Morris water maze. The pathological morphology of the rat hippocampal CA1 area was observed by Nissl staining. Dendritic spine density and dendritic length in the CA1 region of the hippocampus were observed by Golgi-Cox staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus. Western blot assay was used to detect the protein expression levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus. ResultAs compared with the control group， the escape latency of the rats in the model group was increased （P<0.01）， while the number of crossing the platform and the dwelling time in the target quadrant were decreased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the escape latency of the rats in the middle and high-dose icariin groups was decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the number of crossing the platform and the dwelling time in the target quadrant were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. As compared with the control group， the number of neurons， dendritic spine density， and dendritic length in the hippocampal CA1 area of the rats in the model group were decreased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the number of neurons， dendritic spine density， and dendritic length in the hippocampus of the rats in the middle and high-dose icariin groups were increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. As compared with the control group， the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus of the rats in the model group were increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the mRNA and protein expression levels of TNF-α， IL-1β， IL-6， RhoA， ROCK1， and ROCK2 in the hippocampus of the rats in the middle and high-dose icariin groups were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionIcariin improves cognitive function and neuronal and dendritic damage in AD by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Determination of R(-)- isomer in repaglinide tablets by capillary electrophoresis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a capillary electrophoresis system for enantiomeric impurity test of repaglinide.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An uncoated fused silica capillary (50 μm×50 cm, with an effective length of 41 cm) was used. The running buffer was composed of 30 mmol/L NaH2PO4 and 5 mg/ml carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin(pH 3.5).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Linear range was 2.00-80.00 μg/ml (correlation coefficient was 0.9993). The average recovery rate was 92.5% to 105.0%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method is simple, accurate and sensitive and it can be used for determination of enantiomeric impurities in repaglinide tablet.</p>

Determination of enantiomeric impurity in levocetirizine tablets by capillary electrophoresis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine enantiomeric impurity in levocetirizine tablets by using capillary electrophoresis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The effects of pH and the concentrations of sulfated-Β-cyclodextrin (S-Β-CD) and buffer salt on chiral resolution were examined with S-Β-CD as chiral selector.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A good enantioseparation of cetirizine was achieved with 30 mmol/L NaH2PO4 buffer solution (pH 7.0) containing 20 g/L of S-Β-CD.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method developed in the study is sensitive and reliable for determination of enantiomeric impurity in levocetirizine tablets.</p>

Changes in Wnt pathway inhibiting factors in nitrosamine-induced esophageal precancerosis lesions and effect of gexia zhuyu decoction / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the changes in Wnt pathway inhibiting factors in esophageal precancerosis lesions induced by methyl benzyl nitrosamine (MBNA) and the effect of Gexia Zhuyu decoction.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Wistar rats were subcutaneously injected with MBNA (3.5 mg x kg(-1) for twice per week to establish the model. Since the 1st day after the model establishment, they were orally administered with Gexia Zhuyu decoction (16, 8 mg x kg(-1)). At the 10th week, esophageal tissues were collected to observe the pathological changes of esophageal mucosa, detect SFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1, Axin2 and GSK-3β mRNA levels.by fluorescent quantitation PCR analysis and β-catenin protein level by Western blotting.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Being induced by MBNA, rats in the model group showed slight atypical hyperplasia in the histopathological examination. Compared with the normal group, Gexia Zhuyu decoction dose high and low groups showed no significant pathomorphological and histological changes. The model group showed lower gene transcription levels of esophageal tissues sFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1 and Axin2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and higher β-catenin protein expression level (P < 0.01) than the normal control group. The Gexia Zhuyu decoction low dose group showed higher gene transcription levels of esophageal tissues sFRP1, sFRP4, Axin1 and Axin2 (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) and lower β-catenin protein expression level (P < 0.01) than the normal control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Up-regulated β-catenin protein level and down-regulated Wnt pathway could enhance Wnt pathway activity of MBNA-induced esophageal precancerous lesions. Gexia Zhuyu decoction could down-regulate the β-catenin protein level and up-regulate the transcription level of Wnt pathway inhibiting factors, but could not block MBNA-induced esophageal precancerosis lesions.</p>

The mathematical theory of acupoints / 中国针灸

The ancient medical classics were retrieved to explore narrative on acupoints. And the relevant content of legal calendar in Shiji (Historical Records) and Hanshu (History of the Former Han Dynasty) were taken as a reference. The result showed that the total number of acu-points were based on the number of 365 days of a year. And the corrupts can be restored with the theory of numerology. The 59 heat point originated from the phase of moon, while the 57 water points originated from the number or year related with diasters. Although acupoints are considered to be related with numerology, the recognition of hot points and water points are held to be associated with experiential points in clinic.

Rethink on "experiment of propagated sensation along meridian" / 中国针灸

With retrieval of the ancient medical classics, the descriptions on meridians and collaterals are checked, and the different methods, way of thinking and presuppositions on experiment of propagated sensation along meridian are studied and compared in this paper. The result shows that the basic feature of meridians and collaterals is based on not the propagated sensation along meridian, but the arteriopalmus. Therefore, propagated sensation along meridian can not reflect the entity of meridian. It is the abuse of inference to conclude that the result of "experiment of progated sensation along meridian" equals to meridians and collaterals. The experimental methods are difficult to be applied on part of the meridian theory that is gained through experiences and practice. Thus, a new foothold should be taken as the basis of study on essence of meridians.

Discussion of relation between acupuncture methods and the directions of qi in meridians / 中国针灸

To search ancient literature and Chinese medicine references, consult the modern humanities research achievement, and discuss the meridians theories such as "going and coming", "going along and against", "acupuncture method of reinforcing and reducing", and "deficiency and excess" etc. the results show that the ancient's space and time idea, meridian qi moving are manifested in meridian theory, and play an important role in "the unity of heaven and humanity". The pulse and circulation of meridian qi can be checked by the method of "waiting for qi arriving", and the acupuncture method of reinforcing and reducing is applied due to the "waiting for qi arriving", in order to promote qi in line with time. Nowadays, compared with ancient method, the acupuncture method of reinforcing and reducing in teaching material is lack of the time factor.

Rethink on "experiment of progated sensation along meridians" / 中国针灸

The theory, methods and ideas of "experiment of progated sensation along meridians (PSM)" were examined in the article through retrieval of ancient medical books, excavating the theory of meridians, the qi of meridians, ying (nutrient) qi, wei (defensive) qi and the related acupuncture techniques. The result shows that PSM is not the reaction of the meridian qi, but the reflection of wei (defensive) qi. Therefore, whether the experiment of PSM revealed with the phenomenon of meridian and all hypothesis based on it or not are still remained as a question. However, although PSM is considered to be related with the wei (defensive) qi, it can not be concluded that the experiment of PSM revealed the function of the wei (defensive) qi.

Acupuncture based on the theory of Biao and Ben / 中国针灸

Ancient literatures on traditional Chinese medicine were retrieved, and theory of Biao (Branch) and Ben (Root) of meridians was studied from the aspect of acupuncture based on tracing of Weiqi (defensive qi). It was found that Biao and Ben were related with the gathering and dispersing of Weiqi (defensive qi) in 12 regular meridians. Therefore, observation of Weiqi (defensive qi) and tracing its running course is required before the application of acupuncture. Disease may cause migration of Weiqi (defensive qi) between Biao and Ben of meridians. Thus, points selection from Biao of meridians, Ben of meridians or both Biao and Ben can be adopted. Primary disease and secondary disease are held as the primary consideration for point selection from Biao or Ben. The idea can also be applied in treatment of complicated syndromes to clarify and simplify the situation. And during the treating process, physicians should proceed from Biao to Ben so as to conduct the anti-pathogenic qi to play its role in disease cure and health maintenance.

Existing state of meridians and experimental difficulties / 中国针灸

The existing state of meridians through study of thinking way of unity of subjective and objective of the ancient people was discussed in this paper, so as to review the experiments on meridians. The result indicates that the construction of meridian theory is a life experience of checking the interior of the body, and it is considered that meridians and collaterals are the projects of the mind to the trunk and limbs under the condition of physical and psychological unification. It often differs from the experimental medicine in the identification of ultimate facts. Therefore, meridians revealed by experiments probably greatly differ from its actual existing state. Thus, experimental study of meridian should focus on theory of traditional Chinese medicine concerning the body, energy and the mind, and be applied to verify the experimental result.

Study on meridians and collaterals through ying-qi and wei-qi / 中国针灸

Assisted with inference, and approved by the ancient medical classics, it is concluded that meridians and collaterals are often felt in the form of qi through imitation of the methods of life experiencing of the ancient people. Ying-qi is considered as jing-qi (meridian qi), which originates from the experiences of respiration. And wei-qi relates with experiences of sleep. Part of meridian theory originated from the traditional Chinese thought of seeking the internal cause but not the external manifestations, and paying attention to the self-adjustment, accomplishment and comprehension. It is also believed that the theory of ying-qi traveling inside the meridians and wei-qi outside the meridians is based on the theory that needling sensation has close relationship with wei-qi.

Acupuncture treatment based on properties of Weiqi (defensive qi) / 中国针灸

The function, circulation, distribution and characteristics of Weiqi (Defensive qi) in ancient literatures are retrieved and extracted in this article to analyze and study the theory of "applying acupuncture according to the properties of Weiqi (Defensive qi)" in Internal Classic. The result shows that Deqi (arrival of qi) is closely related with Weiqi (Defensive qi). The circulation of Weiqi (Defensive qi) has its own temporal regularity, which should be followed by the application of acupuncture. The gathering and scattering of Weiqi (Defensive qi) can be used to explain the relationship between distribution of acupoint and curative effect. Circulation of Weiqi (Defensive qi) is influenced by yang qi in the universe which varies according to seasonal factors. Therefore, acupoint selection according to time should not be adopted mechanically. Furthermore, the circulation of Weiqi (Defensive qi) can be either independent or identical with the channels. Therefore, it is still under discussion whether the needling sensation is actually transmit along the channels in the experiment of "propagated sensation along channels".

Shushu (ancient Chinese numerology) in Lingshu: Gudu (Miraculous Pivot: Bone-Length Measurement) / 中国针灸

Lingshu: Gudu (Miraculous Pivot: Bone-Length Measurement) is compared with literatures concerning the Shushu (ancient Chinese numerology) of the Qin Dynasty (221 B. C. - 206 B. C. ) and the Han Dynasty (206 B. C.-220 A. D.) in this article. And it is discovered that "the number of heaven and earth" in Yijing (The Book of Change) was implied in the bone-length measurement. The theory of Shushu is hidden in the sized of head, neck, chest, abdomen, back and 4 extremities according to the measurement. The meaning of establishment of bone-length measurement, which is found to have universality, laid in setting down the measurement of meridians. And it is the origin of the proportional measurement of locating acupoints. Checked with the theory of Shushu, errors in the description of bone-length measurement could also be found in Lingshu: Gudu (Miraculous Pivot: Bone-Length Measurement) of the present edition, which is helpful for the modern study on the measurement.

Analysis on theory of meridians and acupuncture manipulation based on ancient Shushu / 中国针灸

The theories of Shushu in the literature of Qin and Han periods are reorganized and related expositions of foreign scholars are consulted, and Shushu theory is compared with the recordation in ancient medical books so as to probe into the relationship between Shushu and theory of meridians together with acupuncture manipulation. It is found that the eleven meridians system is the mathematical foundation of Five Shu Poits, Yuan-primary acupoints and the acupoints of all over the body, and which plays an important role in the theories of TCM. The exterior-interior relationship between viscera and meridians and circulation of ying-qi can be executed on the establishments of twelve meridians system. Shushu can affect needling instrument, needling methods, contraindications, etc. The construction of the meridians theory is full of philosophical dialectics, and it has certain subjectivity but does not influence the ancients to observe physiological phenomenon of viscera and meridians generally.

Spirit, pivot and the way for holding pivot in acupuncture / 中国针灸

To probe into the relation between spirit, pivot and the way for holding pivot. Find out the discussion about spirit, pivot and holding pivot in acupuncture from ancient books, including literature, history and philosophy, and analyze, check and compare with the theory of controlling spirit in acupuncture, and find out the internal relations. Controlling spirit is applied to hold pivot, the way for holding pivot includes finding fine evidence of diseases, holding chance for needling, seizing opportunity, using circumstances and considering the coming-and-going of evil, constitution of patients and reinforcing-reducing methods of acupuncture. The way of holding pivot generalizes the main thought of acupuncture treatment.

Analysis on length of meridians and ebb-flow of ying-qi based on ancient Shushu / 中国针灸

The theories of Shushu in the literature of Qin and Han periods are reorganized and expositions of foreigner scholars about ancient way of thought are consulted, and compared with the recordation about the ebb-flow of ying-qi and the length of meridians in ancient medical books to probe into the relationship between Shushu and these recordation. It is found that the ebb-flow of ying-qi and the length of meridians are completely conform with the principle of Shushu, i. e. the ebb-flow degrees of ying-qi and the length of meridians all are deduced from Shushu for building the close inseparable response relation between nature and humans. Because Shushu can not be verified, modern scientific methods are not suitable to the study on the ebb-flow of ying-qi.

Observation on the therapeutic effect of needling method for harmonizing spleen-stomach on diabetic gastroparesis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effects of acupuncture and Motilium on diabetic gastroparesis (DGP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two cases of DGP were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group were treated with needling method for harmonizing spleen-stomach as main, with Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 10), Diji (SP 8), and others selected, twice each day, 10 days constituting one course, with an in terval of 2 days; the control group were treated with oral administration of Motilium 10 mg, 3 times each day, 30 min before meals.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate of 91.7% in the treatment group was better than 77.8% in the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapeutic effect of the needling method for harmonizing spleen-stomach on diabetic gastroparesis is better than that of Motilium.</p>

Sensation response and controlling spirit in acupuncture / 中国针灸

<p><b>UNLABELLED</b>Find out the discussion about sensation response and controlling spirit in acupuncture from ancient books,</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Find out the discussion about sensation response and controlling spirit in acupuncture from ancient books, including literature, history and philosophy, and analyze, check and compare with the theory of controlling spirit in acupuncture to find out the internal relations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Controlling spirit is based on the theory of sensation response, and it is a special training and a treatment course which forwardly controlled by acupuncturist.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The therapy of controlling spirit in acupuncture incarnates that traditional Chinese medicine advocates the experience of life and pays attention to the amalgamation of lives.</p>

Artery theory of channels / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into the reflection of "artery" phenomenon in human channels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Find out the discussion about "artery" from ancient medical books and compare with Chinese ancient philosophy thoughts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In TCM, "artery" has been used as reference in differentiating channels. The circulation system of channels is possibly established on the expectation of "to and fro circulation" in the Chinese philosophy, and the power of channels originates from the qi stored between the kidney, and the pricking blood therapy was used for treatment of many kinds of diseases in ancient times.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Study on channels should pay attention to this link of "artery".</p>