Effect of somatostatin on postoperative gastrointestinal function and stress level in children with acute abdomen: a prospective randomized controlled study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effect of somatostatin on postoperative gastrointestinal function and stress level in children with acute abdomen.@*METHODS@#A total of 102 children with acute abdomen who underwent surgery in Xuzhou Children's Hospital from August 2019 to June 2021 were enrolled as subjects and were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 51 children in each group. The children in the control group were given conventional treatment such as hemostasis and anti-infective therapy after surgery, and those in the observation group were given somatostatin in addition to conventional treatment. Peripheral blood samples were collected from both groups before surgery and on days 1 and 5 after surgery. The two groups were compared in terms of the serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, gastrin, and motilin, postoperative recovery, and the incidence rate of complications.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in the serum levels of ET-1, ACTH, cortisol, gastrin, and motilin between the two groups before surgery (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly lower serum levels of ET-1, ACTH, and cortisol on days 1 and 5 after surgery (P<0.05) and significantly higher levels of motilin and gastrin on day 5 after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly shorter time to first passage of flatus, first bowel sounds, and first defecation after surgery, as well as a significantly shorter length of hospital stay (P<0.05). The incidence rate of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (6% vs 24%, P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#In children with acute abdomen, somatostatin can significantly reduce postoperative stress response, improve gastrointestinal function, and reduce the incidence rate of complications, thereby helping to achieve a good prognosis.

Effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion at point on plasma motilin and serum gastrin in patients of diabetic gastroparesis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical therapeutic effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion at point in patients of diabetic gastroparesis differentiated as spleen and stomach deficiency and retention of turbid dampness as well as its effect mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 134 patients with diabetic gastroparesis were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 67 cases in each one. In the observation group, herb-partitioned moxibustion at point was adopted, 40 min each time, once a day for 5 times a week. In the control group, itopride hydrochloride tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 50 mg each time, three times a day. A total of 6 weeks of treatment was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) scores, 4-hour gastric emptying rate, TCM symptom score, as well as the levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin were observed in the patients of the two groups. Additionally, the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the score of every item of GCSI, TCM symptom scores and the levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (<0.05). Regarding 4-hour gastric emptying rates, which were increased as compared with those before treatment in the two group (<0.05), and the rate in the observation group was higher remarkably than that in the control group (<0.05). The total effective rate was 92.5% (62/67) in the observation group, higher than 74.6% (50/67) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Herb-partitioned moxibustion at point relieves the clinical symptoms in the patients with diabetic gastroparesis and increases the gastric emptying rate, which is probably related to the regulation of the levels of plasma motilin and serum gastrin.

Regulation of gastrointestinal hormones during laxative activity of gallotannin-enriched extract isolated from Galla Rhois in loperamide-induced constipation of SD rats / 한국실험동물학회지

Regulation of gastrointestinal hormones have been reported in animal models for constipation undergoing laxative therapy when administered herbal products. We undertook to investigate whether the laxative activity of gallotannin-enriched extracts isolated from Galla Rhois (GEGR) affects the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones, by examining the concentration of four hormones and the activation of their receptors in the loperamide (Lop)-induced constipation model. Stool parameters, including number, weight and water content, were significantly recovered in the Lop+GEGR treated group, relative to the Lop+vehicle treated group; however, food intake and water consumption were maintained at a constant level. Also, a similar recovery was detected for thickness of mucosa, muscle and flat luminal surface in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Furthermore, concentration of the four gastrointestinal hormones evaluated, namely, cholecystokinin (CCK), gastrin (GAS), somatostatin (SS) and motilin (MTL), were lower in the Lop+vehicle treated group than the No treated group, but were remarkably enhanced in the Lop+GEGR treated group. Moreover, the downstream signaling pathway of MTL and SS receptors were recovered after GEGR administration. Results of the present study therefore indicate that the laxative effects of GEGR treatment may be tightly related with the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the Lop-induced constipation model.

Effect of extensively hydrolyzed formula on growth and development of infants with very/extremely low birth weight / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of extensively hydrolyzed formula on the growth and development in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 375 VLBW or ELBW infants were enrolled and divided into an observation group (187 infants) and a control group (188 infants) using a random number table. The infants in the observation group were given extensively hydrolyzed formula, and when the amount of extensively hydrolyzed formula reached 10 mL/time, it was changed to the standard formula for preterm infants. The infants in the control group were given standard formula for preterm infants. Both groups were fed for 4 consecutive weeks and were compared in terms of incidence rate of feeding intolerance, time to establish full enteral feeding, time to complete meconium excretion, number of spontaneous bowel movements, growth and development, motilin level at 4 and 10 days after feeding, and incidence rate of infection.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the observation group had a lower rate of feeding intolerance (P<0.05), a shorter duration to full enteral feeding and time to complete meconium excretion (P<0.05), a higher mean number of daily spontaneous bowel movements (P<0.05), higher body weight (1 793±317 g vs 1 621±138 g; P<0.05), head circumference (30.5±1.1 cm vs 30.0±1.6 cm; P<0.05), and body length (43.9±1.2 cm vs 42.1±2.0 cm; P<0.05), a higher motilin level at 4 and 10 days after feeding (P<0.05), and a significantly lower infection rate (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Extensively hydrolyzed formula can increase motilin level, improve gastrointestinal feeding tolerance, promote early growth and development, and reduce the incidence of infection in VLBW and ELBW infants.</p>

Gastric dynamics analysis of TEAS combined SNP induced general anesthesia when controlled hypotension dropped to 60% of the MAP baseline / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of gastric dynamics by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined general anesthesia when controlled hypotension dropped to 60% of the mean arterial prenssure (MAP) baseline, and to provide experimental evidence for organ protection in clinical controlled hypotension.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen male beagles were randomly divided into three groups, the general anesthesia group (blank), the general anesthesia induced controlled hypotension group (control), and the general anesthesia combined TEAS induced controlled hypotension group (experiment), 6 in each group. Controlled hypotension was performed in the latter two groups with isoflurane inhalation and intravenous injection of sodium nitroprusside (SNP). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was lowered to 60% of the MAP baseline and kept for 60 min. Controlled hypotension was not performed in Beagles of the control group. For Beagles in the experiment group, TEAS [2/100 Hz, (4 ± 1) mA] was applied to bilateral Hegu (LI4), Quchi (LI11), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6) from stable physiological conditions to the end of maintaining stages. Changes of EGG frequencies and EGG amplitudes were monitored. Serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were also detected at corresponding time points during and after experiment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As for the pressure control effect of TEAS combined general anesthesia in the controlled hypotension, during the process of controlled hypotension (T1-T4), MAP levels of two controlled pressure groups remained relatively stable, and were kept at 60% of the MAP baseline. When the blood pressure dropped to the target low MAP and maintained at 60 min (T1-T4), EGG amplitudes of Beagles in all the three groups showed decreasing tendency. But it was more obviously lower than its basic level in the control group (P <0.05), while it was not obviously decreased in the experiment group (P < 0.05). EGG frequencies of Beagles in all the three groups showed no obvious change during this stage. By the end of the MAP rising stage (T8), the EGG amplitude of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group and the blank group (P < 0.05), while it didn' t show any obvious increase in the control group. During this period, EGG frequencies of the two controlled hypotension groups decreased more than those of the blank group. Two h after rising blood pressure (at T9), EGG amplitudes and frequencies in the two controlled hypotension groups basically restored to their respective baselines and levels of the blank group at T9. At 2 h (T9) after controlled hypotension, serum levels of GAS and MTL were lower than those of basic levels in the two controlled hypotension groups (P <0.05). However, serum levels of GAS and MTL had an increasing trend in the two controlled hypotension groups at 24-72 h (T10-T12). Besides, the increasing speed and amplitude was better in experiment group than in the control group at T10-T12. However, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 72 h (T12) serum levels of GAS and MTL had basically restored to their basic levels in the two controlled hypotension groups and that of the blank control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EGG amplitudes could be effectively improved in TEAS combined general anesthesia for controlled hypotension at 60% of the MAP baseline, the recovery of the serum GAS level accelerated, gastric power improved and stomach protected.</p>

Observation on clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment on functional dyspepsia based on syndrome differentiation / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy difference in treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) between syndrome differentiation based acupuncture and ordinary acupuncture.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy FD patients were assigned to a syndrome differentiation based acupuncture group (Group A) and an ordinary acupuncture group (Group B) by Excel Software randomization. Zhongwan (RN12 ), Tianshu (ST25), and Zusanli (ST36) were needled as main points for patients in Group A. Meanwhile, different combined acupoints were needled according to syndrome differentiation. Only the same main points were needled for patients in Group B. All patients were needled once per day, 30 min each time, 6 days as one treatment cycle, 2 treatment cycles in total. Fasting serum levels of gastrin (GAS) and motilin (MTL) were determined before treatment and after 2 treatment cycles. 36-item Short-form Heath Survey (SF-36) and Nepean Dyspepsia Index [NDI, including Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI) and Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI)] were assessed before treatment, after 2 treatment cycles, and one month after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with before treatment in the same group, serum levels of GAS and MLT increased in the two groups after 2 treatment cycles (P <0. 05), but changes were more obvious in Group A (P <0. 05). Compared with before treatment in the same group, SF-36 and NDLQI score increased, and NDSI score decreased in the two groups after 2 treatment cycles and 1 month after treatment (all P <0. 05). Compared with Group B, SF-36 and NDLQI score increased in Group A after 2 treatment cycles and 1 month after treatment (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). But NDSI score at 1 month after treatment was lower in Group A than in Group B (P <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Syndrome differentiation based acupuncture could evidently improve dyspeptic symptoms of FD patients, and significantly improve their quality of life with remarkable curative effect.</p>

Dalitong granule combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized controlled trial / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore clinical short and long-term effect of combining dalitong granule (DG) and electroacupuncture group (EA) in the treatment of functional dyspepsia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 640 patients with confirmed functional dyspepsia were randomly divided into 4 groups using a randomized digital table: the DG group, the EA group, the combined group and the control group, 160 cases in each group. The DG group was treated with 6 g DG 3 times daily; the EA group was treated with puncture of points Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), Neiguan (PC6), Taichong (LR3) and Gongsun (SP4) twice daily; the combined group with above-mentioned DG and EA; and the control group with 5 mg mosapride 3 times, 20 mg pantoprazole and 25 mg amitriptylines twice daily. The treatment course was 4 weeks for all groups. The symptom score, quality of life score by Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaires (SF-36), plasma motilin by radioimmunoassay, electrogastrographic frequencies by electrogastrogram (EGG) and gastric emptying by B-sonography were examined, and adverse reactions were observed before, at the end of treatment and 60 weeks post-treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the DG group 1 case dropped out for not taking medicine strictly and 1 case was lost to follow-up, while 1 case in the EA group and 2 cases in the combined therapy group were lost to follow-up. Compared with pre-treatment, quality of life score, plasma motilin, electrogastrographic frequencies and gastric emptying were all increased significantly, while symptom score was decreased significantly at the end of treatment in each group (P<0.01); in the combined group quality of life score, plasma motilin, electrogastrographic frequencies and gastric emptying were all significantly higher than those in the other groups, while symptom score was significantly lower than in the other groups (P<0.05). Compared with at the end of treatment, these indices changed insignificantly in the combined group and the EA group 60 weeks post-treatment (P>0.05), but the 4 increased indices were all decreased significantly, and symptom score was increased significantly in the DG and the control groups (P>0.05). The short and long-term total effective rates in the combined group were all significantly higher than those in the other treatment groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No serious adverse reaction occurred in the four groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined treatment of DG and EA could increase both plasma motilin and electrogastrographic frequencies, promote gastric emptying, alleviate the symptom of dyspepsia so as to increase quality of life, with better safety and long-term effect.</p>

The experimental study on melatonin gastro intestinal motility and plasma levels of stress hormones in overtraining rat / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of melatonin on the gastrointestinal motility and plasma levels of the stress hormone in overtraining rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Thirty adult SD rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10): control group, over-training group, melatonin intervention group. 30 min before each training, rats in the control and over-training groups were fed with normal saline (15 mg/kg) once a day and 5 times per week, while rats in the melatonin intervention group were administrated with melatonin, perfusion in the intervention group (15 mg/kg). Excessive training group and melatonin intervention group rats were subjected to excessive training at 5 times a week for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the gastric emptying rate, small intestinal propulsion ratio and levels of plasma motilin (MTL) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), cortisol (CORT) and catecholamines (CA) were observed in all groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the gastric emptying rate, small intestinal propulsion ratio and levels of plasma MTL, CORT and CA were increased significantly (P < 0.01) while the content of CGRP was reduced (P < 0.01) in over-training group. After treated with melatonin, this trend was reversed, that was, the gastric emptying rate, small intestinal propulsion ratio and levels of plasma MTL, CORT and CA were surpressed significantly (P < 0.01) while the content of CGRP was improved obviously (P < 0.01) in over-training group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Melatonin plays an important role in protecting gastrointestinal tract from dysfunction, in which MTL, CGRP, CORT and CA are all involved.</p>

Effect of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery on Plasma Motilin Levels and Hunger in Obese Patients / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Effect of Modified Baizhu Powder on Gastrointestinal Functions in Mouse Models with Stomach-cold Functional Dyspepsia / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of modified Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) powder on the gastrointestinal function in mouse models with stomach-cold functional dyspepsia. Meanwhile,the mouse models were administered with Shihu (dendrobium), a traditional Chinese drug with cold nature and flavour, to explore the way via which it exert its effect on specific symptoms. Methods: Mouse models with stomach-cold functional dyspepsia were established by ice water and ice NaOH. The effects of modified Baizhu powder and dendrobium on mice were observed in terms of water intake, weight change,small intestine propulsion rate, intestinal absorption function, and effects on ghrelin and motilin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The modified Baizhu powder effectively increased food intake, water intake, body weight (P<0.05) and swimming time (P<0.01), increased the small intestine propulsion rate and serum D-xylose content (P<0.05), and up-regulated ghrelin (P<0.05). Also, it showed a trend to down-regulate the motilin, although the change was not statistically significant (P>0.05). In contrast,the use of Shihu aggravated symptoms in the mouse models. Conclusion: The changes in ghrelin and motilin levels may be the neuro-endocrine mechanisms via which the modified Baizhu powder and Shihu exert their effects on mouse models.</p>

Melatonin Attenuates Noise Stress-induced Gastrointestinal Motility Disorder and Gastric Stress Ulcer: Role of Gastrointestinal Hormones and Oxidative Stress in Rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are increasing evidences for gastrointestinal motility disorder (GIMD) and gastric stress ulcer induced by noise stress. The present study was to investigate the reversed effect of melatonin on GIMD and gastric stress ulcer induced by noise stress and potential mechanism. METHODS: Noise stress was induced on rats, and melatonin (15 mg/kg) was administered to rats by intraperitoneal injection. Differences were assessed in gastric residual rate (GRR), small intestine propulsion rate (SPR), Guth injury score, cortisol, gastrointestinal hormones (calcitonin-gene-related peptide and motilin) and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase and malondialde hyde) in blood plasma as well as gastric mucosa homogenate with or without melatonin. The pathological examination of gastric mucosa was also performed. RESULTS: The GRR and SPR were improved by noise stress compared with control (P < 0.05). The pathological examination and Guth injury score revealed gastric stress ulcer. Moreover, the levels of cortisol, motilin and malondialdehyde in blood plasma and malondialdehyde in gastric mucosa homogenate were increased by noise stress (P < 0.05). CGRP and superoxide dismutase activity in both of blood plasma and gastric mucosa homogenate were significantly decreased (P< 0.05). Furthermore, melatonin reversed changes in GRR, SPR, pathological examination, Guth injury score, cortisol, motilin, CGRP, superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin is effective in reversing the GIMD and gastric stress ulcer induced by noise stress. The underlying mechanism may be involved in oxidative stress and gastrointestinal hormones.

Effects of Xingpi Yang'er granule on serum gastrin, plasma motilin, and somatostatin contents in children patients with pneumonia induced diarrhea / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Xingpi Yang'er Granule (XYG) on serum gastrin (GAS), plasma motilin (MOT), and somatostatin (SS) in children patients with pneumonia induced diarrhea.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Recruited were 120 children inpatients with pneumonia induced diarrhea at the Department of Pediatrics, Liaocheng People's Hospital from June 2011 to June 2012. They were randomly assigned to two groups, the treatment group and the control group, 60 in each group. Those in the treatment group were treated with XYG, while those in the control group were treated with Live Combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus Tablets. Besides, 30 healthy children who received physical examinations at our hospital were recruited as the healthy control group. The clinical efficacy, changes of GAS, MOT, and SS contents were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 95.0% in the treatment group and 93.3% in the control group, showing no statistical difference (P > 0.05). Compared with healthy control group, the GAS and MOT contents increased, and SS decreased before treatment in the other two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the same group before treatment, GAS and MOT contents obviously decreased, and SS increased in the other two groups after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the control group at the same time point, GAS and MOT decreased, and SS increased in the treatment group after treatment, showing statistical differences (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The levels of GAS, MOT, and SS were obviously changed in children patients with pneumonia induced diarrhea. XYG had obvious regulation on their GAS, MOT and SS contents.</p>

Relationship between plasma motilin level and feeding intolerance in preterm infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe changes in plasma motilin (MOT) level among preterm infants after birth, to investigate the relationship between plasma motilin level and feeding intolerance (FI), and to clarify the possible risk factors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 112 preterm infants were divided into feeding tolerance (FT) group (n=59) and FI group (n=53). Their plasma MOT levels were measured by radioimmunoassay on days 1, 4, 7 and 14 of life. The clinical data of FI group were collected and subjected to multivariate logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the FT group, the FI group showed significantly lower plasma MOT levels on days 1, 4, 7 and 14 of life (P<0.05), and there was a positive correlation between plasma MOT level and gestational age, age in days, and volume of enteral feeding in the FI group. The lower the gestational age, the longer the FI duration. There was a negative correlation between the plasma MOT level on day 1 of life and the FI duration (r=-0.913, P<0.001). Gestational age and prenatal use of glucocorticoid were protective factors for FI, while fetal distress, placental abnormality and perinatal infection were risk factors for FI.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Change in plasma MOT level may be closely related to the development of FI in preterm infants. Early monitoring of plasma MOT level may be useful for predicting the occurrence of FI.</p>

Effects of acupoint heat-sensitization moxibustion on the gastrin and motilin in chronic diarrhea patients of Pi-Shen deficiency syndrome / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic efficacy of acupoint heat-sensitization moxibustion on chronic diarrhea patients as well as its effects on the levels of gastrointestinal neurotic mediators such as serum gastrin (GAS) and plasma motilin (MTL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty chronic diarrhea patients of Pi-Shen deficiency syndrome were randomly assigned to Group A (30 cases, treated with acupoint heat-sensitization moxibustion, once daily) and Group B (30 cases, treated with Changtai Oral Liquid, 10 mL each time, three times daily). The therapeutic course was 4 weeks. Another 20 healthy volunteers were recruited as the health control group. The levels of serum GAS and plasma MTL were detected using radioimmunoassay before and after treatment. The cured rate, the markedly effective case, the effective case, the ineffective case, and the total effective rate were calculated by the end of the treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before treatment the serum GAS level was lower and the plasma MTL level higher in the two patient groups than in the health control group with statistical difference (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the symptom integral between the two patient groups and the health control group (P>0.05). After treatment the serum GAS level increased, the plasma MTL level and the symptom integral decreased in the two patient groups, showing statistical difference when compared with the same group before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment the symptom integral was lower in the treatment group than in the control group with statistical difference (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the GAS and MTL levels between the two patient groups (P>0.05). The total effective rate for clinical symptoms was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B with statistical difference (93.3% vs 73.3%, P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The therapy of acupoint heat-sensitization moxibustion was effective for chronic diarrhea patients of Pi-Shen deficiency syndrome. It could regulate the levels of serum GAS and plasma MTL and improve the patients' clinical symptoms.</p>

Mechanism of Interdigestive Migrating Motor Complex

Migrating motor complex (MMC) is well characterized by the appearance of gastrointestinal contractions in the interdigestive state. This review article discussed the mechanism of gastrointestinal MMC. Luminal administration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) initiates duodenal phase II followed by gastrointestinal phase III with a concomitant increase of plasma motilin release in conscious dogs. Duodenal 5-HT concentration is increased during gastric phase II and phase III. Intravenous infusion of motilin increases luminal 5-HT content and induces gastrointestinal phase III. 5-HT4 antagonists significantly inhibits both of gastric and intestinal phase III, while 5-HT3 antagonists inhibited only gastric phase III. These suggest that gastrointestinal MMC cycle is mediated via the interaction between motilin and 5-HT by the positive feedback mechanism. Gastric MMC is regulated via vagus, 5-HT3/4 receptors and motilin, while intestinal MMC is regulated via intrinsic primary afferent neurons and 5-HT4 receptors. Stress is highly associated with the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Acoustic stress attenuates gastric phase III without affecting intestinal phase III in conscious dogs, via reduced vagal activity and increased sympathetic activity. It has been shown that subset of functional dyspepsia patients show reduced vagal activity and impaired gastric phase III. The physiological importance of gastric MMC is a mechanical and chemical cleansing of the empty stomach in preparation for the next meal. The impaired gastric MMC may aggravate dyspeptic symptoms following a food ingestion. Thus, maintaining gastric MMC in the interdigestive state is an important factor to prevent the postprandial dyspeptic symptoms.

Comparative study on effect of three preparations of xiaoyao formula on soothing liver and strengthening spleen / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the effect of three preparations of xiaoyao formula (xiaoyao capsule, xiaoyao pill and Xiaoyao decoction) on soothing liver and strengthening spleen.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The liver depression and spleen deficiency rat model were established by forcing swimming, confining movement test and feeding on alternate days. The rats were randomly divided into eight groups, namely the blank group, the model group, the Cisapride group (2.7 mg x kg(-1)), the xiaoyao decoction group (1.62 g x kg(-1)), the xiaoyao pill group (1.62 g x kg(-1)) and the Xiaoyao capsule groups of high dose (3.24 g x kg(-1)), medium dose (1.62 g x kg(-1)) and low dose (0.81 g x kg(-1)), with intragastric administration for 3 weeks. The contents of NE, DA, 5-HT in serum were measured by HPLC-electrochemical detection method. The contents of motilin (MTL) and somatostation (SS) in plasma was determined by radioimmunassay. The expressions of MTL and SS in tissue were determined by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The contents of NE and MTL in the xiaoyao decoction group was significantly higher than that in the model group, while the content of 5-HT and SS was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.01). The expression of MTL in the xiaoyao capsule group (1.62 g x kg(-1)) was significantly higher than that in the model group and the contents of 5-HT and SS was significantly lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05). The mean optical density of MTL in gastrointestinal tissue of rats in the xiaoyao decoction group and the xiaoyao capsule group (1.62 g x kg(-1)) was remarkably higher than that in the model group, while the expression of SS was notably lower than that in the model group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>All of the three preparations of Xiaoyao formula have the effect on soothing liver and strengthening spleen. Xiaoyao decoction shows better effect than xiaoyao capsule with same dosage, while xiaoyao capsule shows better effect than xiaoyao pill with same dosage.</p>

Long-term efficacy and safety research on functional dyspepsia treated with electroacupuncture and Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the long-term efficacy and safety on functional dyspepsia treated with electroacupuncture and Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule and explore the therapeutic mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Three hundreds and twenty patients with confirmed diagnosis as functional dyspepsia were randomly divided into 4 groups: an electroacupuncture group, a Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule group, a combined therapy group and a western medication group, 80 cases in each group. In electroacupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Neiguan (PC 6), Taichong (LR 3) and Gongsun (SP 4), twice per day, continuously for 5 days each week. In Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule group, Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule, 1.29 g was administered for oral application, three times each day. In combined therapy group, the therapeutic programs in the above-mentioned groups were applied in combination. In western medication group, Mosapride 5 mg, three times per day; Omeprazole 20 mg, twice per day and Amitriptyline 25 mg, twice per day were administered for oral application. Six weeks treatment was required in each group. The symptoms score, the Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI), the Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI), Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), electrogastrography, plasma motilin, gastric emptying by B-sonography and adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment, as well as 4 weeks after treatment separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with those before treatment, the symptom score and NDSI decreased apparently after treatment (all P < 0.01), NDLQI, SF-36, electrogastrographic frequency, plasma motilin and gastric emptying were up-regulated apparently (all P < 0.01) after treatment in each group. The results of the above-mentioned indices in combined therapy group were superior to the other groups (all P < 0.05). As compared with the condition at the end of treatment, in 4 weeks after treatment, the above indices were not rebound apparently in electroacupuncture group and combined therapy group (all P > 0.05). But they were rebound obviously in Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule group and western medication group (all P < 0.05). The short-term and long-term efficacies in combined therapy group were significantly higher than the total effective rates in the other groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No serious adverse reaction was reported in each group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture and Zhizhu Kuanzhong capsule all up-regulate plasma motilin and electrogastrographic frequency, promote gastric emptying, alleviate the symptom of functional dyspepsia and improve NDLQI. But the combined medication achieves much better efficacy and presents better safety and long-term therapeutic effect.</p>

Effect of electroacupuncture and acupoint injection on expression of plasma proinflammatory cytokines and motilin for patients with early postoperative inflammatory intestinal obstruction / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To verify the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) and acupoint injection on early postoperative intestinal obstruction and explore its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixteen cases were divided randomly into two groups. In control group (56 cases), the conventional western medicine was applied, including gastrointestinal decompression, parenteral nutrition (PN), anti-inflammation and supporting therapy. In observation group (60 cases), on the basis of the treatment as control group, EA and acupoint injection with Neostigmine were supplemented. Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37)/Xiajuxu (ST 39) and Dachangshu (BL 25) were selected as main points. Before treatment and after 3 days treatment, the levels of plasma interleukint (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and motilin (MOT) were determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In observation group, the mean recovery time of bowel sound and the mean frequency of passing gas were less than those in control group (both P < 0.01). After treatment, in either group, the levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were down-regulated as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01). After treatment, in observation group, IL-6 level was (15.2 +/- 4.1) pg/mL and TNF-alpha level was (18.3 +/- 6.5) pg/mL. They were (35.5 +/- 7.2) pg/mL and (52.7 +/- 12.3) pg/mL respectively in control group, indicating significant difference in statistics between two groups (both P < 0.01). In either group, MOT level increased after treatment as compared with that before treatment (both P < 0 01). After treatment, in observation group, the increase of MOT level was superior to that in control group [(190.7 +/- 48. 5 ) pg/mL vs (114.6 +/- 36.9) pg/mL, P < 0.01].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture and acupoint injection are significantly effective in the treatment of early postoperative intestinal obstruction. This therapy may inhibit the release of inflammatory factors to reduce intestinal wall edema and it may promote MOT secretion to increase intestinal peristalsis. As a result, the recovery of gastrointestinal function is promoted.</p>

Effects and mechanisms of Herba dendrobii on rats with stomach-heat syndrome / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of Herba dendrobii on rats with stomach-heat syndrome and to explore the mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Rats were fed with decoction of Rhizoma Zingiberis for 15 continuous days to induce the model of stomach-heat syndrome. After modeling, Herba Dendrobii (HD) decoction were given (in the doses of 1.5, 0.75 g x kg(-1) respectively) for 10 days. After treatment, amount of the daily diet, volume and absorbance of urine, pellet number and moistness of excrement, color and coating degree of tongue were recorded; the body thermal effects were detected with thermal texture maps (TTM) system; the biochemical indexes of blood reflecting the physiological function of stomach, including thromboxaneB2 (TXB2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha(6-keto-PGF1alpha), motilin (MTL), gastrin (Gas), somatostation (SS), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were measured by radio immunoassay; and the histological changes of gastric mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) stain.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The model rat had yellow coating and red tongues (P < 0.05). The amount of daily diet were increased (over 10%), urine volume and excrement pellet number were decreased (over 10%). The their urine color became deep (P < 0.01) and their excrement became dry. The temperatures in head, neck, left fore-armpit, chest, up-abdomen, mid-abdomen of the model rats were raised up (difference > 0.5 degrees C or difference > 1.0 degree C ). The content of 6-keto-PGF1alpha in blood of model rats decreased evidently (P < 0.01), and the contents of MTL, Gas and IL-8 increased conspicuously (P < 0.01). The histological changes of gastric mucosa in the model rats were as follows: diffuse congestion, infiltration of neutrophil, less secretion, decrease of the number of chief and parietal cells, etc (P < 0. 05 or P < 0.01). After treatment with HD, except the daily food weight, the temperatures in head, neck and chest, the content of MTL and the number of chief cells, the other indexes observed above were improved noticeably (difference > 0.5 RC or difference > 1.0 degree C, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The reason why HD relieves the general symptom and sign the gastric mucosa of rats with stomach-heat syndrome is that HD can increase 6-keto-PGF1alpha and decrease IL-8, Gas, TXB2 in their blood.</p>

Clinical observation on treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum by integrative Chinese and Western medicine and its influence on serum motilin / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical therapeutic effect of integrative Chinese and Western medicine on patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) and its influence on serum level of motilin (MOT).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty patients with HG were randomized equally into two groups, the treated group and the control group. They all received the Western medical supportive treatment mainly by fluid infusion, but for patients in the treated group, Chinese herbal medicine, the Yuntu recipe was given orally in combination. The course of treatment was 6 days. Besides, a group of 30 women with regular pregnancy was set up for normal control. Serum levels of MOT and beta-HCG were measured before and after treatment. And patients were followed up for 2 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The curative rate and the relapse rate was 73.3% (22/30) and 16.7% (5/25) in the treated group; 56.7% (17/30) and 33.3% (10/20) in the control group respectively, the curative rate was significantly higher and the relapse rate was significantly lower in the treated group than those in the control group (P>0.05). Blood 3-HCG levels in the two HG groups were similar to that of the normal control, and changed insignificantly after treatment (P>0.05), while serum level of MOT in them were 67.15 +/- 15.94 ng/L and 70.28 +/- 13.56 ng/L respectively before treatment, significantly lowers than that of the normal control (145.35 +/- 30.12 ng/L, P<0.05), but it increased significantly after treatment in the treated and the control groups (P<0.05), being 151.50 +/- 54.84 ng/ L vs 103.28 +/- 38.31 ng/L and the increasing in the treated group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The occurrence of HG is correlated with the lowering of serum MOT level. Integrative medical treatment is effective in treating HG by way of increasing the serum level of MOT and promoting the peristalsis of stomach.</p>