Effect of androgen on bone metabolism in hyperuricemic rats.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of androgen on bone metabolism in hyperuricemic rats. Material and methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group, simple hyperuricemic group, hyperuricemic castration group, and simple castration group. A rat model of chronic hyperuricemia was established using potassium oxonate and ethambutol. Blood was sampled from the vena angularis at week 0, 4, 6, 8 and 12 after surgery to detect for uric acid, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase, and investigate the effect of androgen on bone metabolism in hyperuricemic rats. Results: From the 4th week, compared with the sham operation group, the differences in uric acid levels between the simple hyperuricemic group and hyperuricemia castration group were statistically significant (p < 0.05), suggesting the successful establishment of the model of hyperuricemia. At the 6th week, uric acid levels decreased in the two hyperuricemic groups, and the difference from the sham operation group decreased (p = 0.05), showing that the modeling method had deteriorated. At the 8th week, the differences in uric acid levels between the two castration groups and sham operation group were statistically significant (p < 0.05). At the 12th week, the differences in serum levels of phosphorus between the simple hyperuricemic group and hyperuricemic castration group were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Androgen can induce bone metabolism changes in rats with hyperuricemia.

Inhibition of Peripheral Nerve Scarring by Calcium Antagonists, Also Known as Calcium Channel Blockers.

The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of calcium channel blockers (verapamil) on the formation of scars in the sciatic nerve anastomosis after peripheral nerve injury. One hundred twenty healthy, male Sprague-Dawley rats were selected and prepared with right sciatic nerve injury for this study. Samples were selected at the fourth and 12th weeks, respectively, after treatment and observations were made on the nerve anastomosis healing and diameter. Image analysis and statistical processing were carried out relating to the results of the study. The diameter of the anastomosis of the treatment group at weeks 4 and 12 was noticeably smaller than the control group (P < 0.05). In the treatment group at week 4, there were many vesicles observed in the fibroblasts' cytosol and in the control group, the fibroblasts exhibited high number of rough endoplasmic reticulum. The collagen content of the nerve scarring at week 12 in the treatment group was apparently less than the control group (P < 0.01). The calcium channel blocker (verapamil) reduced the axon resistance through the anastomosis during nerve regeneration. It can effectively inhibit the formation of scarring from nerve injury. It also provided an excellent microenvironment for the regeneration of nerve fibers.

Clinical study on the visceral differentiation-based acupuncture therapy for insomnia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effects of acupuncture for insomnia on the basis of visceral differentiation. METHODS: Seventy cases of insomnia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The former was treated by acupuncture based on visceral differentiation and the latter by the routine acupuncture therapy. RESULTS: The clinical effects were significantly better in the treatment group than that of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The visceral differentiation-based acupuncture therapy may enhance the therapeutic effects for insomnia patients.