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25 November 2012, Volume 7 Issue 33 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Antioxidant effects of the orientin and vitexin in Trollius chinensis Bunge in D-galactose-aged mice Fang An, Guodong Yang, Jiaming Tian, Shuhua Wang 2012, 7 (33):  2565-2575.  Abstract ( 284 )   PDF (459KB) ( 1848 )   Save Total flavonoids are the main pharmaceutical components of Trollius chinensis Bunge, and orientin and vitexin are the monomer components of total flavonoids in Trollius chinensis Bunge. In this study, an aged mouse model was established through intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose for 8 weeks, followed by treatment with 40, 20, or 10 mg/kg orientin, vitexin, or a positive control (vitamin E) via intragastric administration for an additional 8 weeks. Orientin, vitexin, and vitamin Eimproved the general medical status of the aging mice and significantly increased their brain weights. They also produced an obvious rise in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase,catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels in the serum, and the levels of superoxide dismutase,catalase and glutathione peroxidase, Na+-K+-ATP enzyme, and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATP enzyme in the liver,brain and kidneys. In addition, they significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels in the liver, brain and kidney and lipofuscin levels in the brain. They also significantly improved the neuronal ultrastructure. The 40 mg/kg dose of orientin and vitexin had the same antioxidant capacity as vitamin E. These experimental findings indicate that orientin and vitexin engender anti-aging effects through their antioxidant capacities. Related Articles | Metrics

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Underlying mechanism of protection from hypoxic injury seen with n-butanol extract of Potentilla anserine L. in hippocampal neurons Xiaojing Qin, Lingzhi Li, Qi Lv, Baoguo Yu, Shuwang Yang, Tao He, Yongliang Zhang 2012, 7 (33):  2576-2582.  Abstract ( 217 )   PDF (200KB) ( 1281 )   Save The alcohol and n-butanol extract of Potentilla anserine L. significantly protects myocardium from acute ischemic injury. However, its effects on rat hippocampal neurons and the mechanism of protection remain unclear. In this study, primary cultured hippocampal neurons from neonatal rats were incubated in 95% N2 and 5% CO2 for 4 hours. Results indicated that hypoxic injury decreased the viability of neurons, increased the expression levels of caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA, as well as cytochrome c, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 protein. Pretreatment with 0.25, 0.062 5,0.015 6 mg/mL n-butanol extract of Potentilla anserine L. led to a significant increase in cell viability.Expression levels of caspase-9 and caspase-3 mRNA, as well as cytochrome c, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3 protein, were attenuated. The neuroprotective effect of n-butanol extract of Potentilla anserine L. was equivalent to tanshinone IIA. Our data suggest that the n-butanol extract of Potentilla anserine L. could protect primary hippocampal neurons from hypoxic injury by deactivating mitochondrial cell death. Related Articles | Metrics

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Puerarin prevents high glucose-induced apoptosis of Schwann cells by inhibiting oxidative stress Yingying Wu, Bing Xue, Xiaojin Li, Hongchen Liu 2012, 7 (33):  2583-2591.  Abstract ( 325 )   PDF (399KB) ( 1029 )   Save Oxidative stress may be the unifying factor for the injury caused by hyperglycemia in diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Puerarin is the major isoflavonoid derived from Radix puerariae and has been shown to be effective in increasing superoxide dismutase activity. This study sought to investigate the neuroprotective effect of puerarin on high glucose-induced oxidative stress and Schwann cell apoptosis in vitro. Intracellular reactive oxygen radicals and mitochondrial transmembrane potential were detected by flow cytometry analysis. Apoptosis was confirmed by TUNEL and oxidative stress was monitored using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the DNA marker 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. The expression levels of bax and bcl-2 were analyzed by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, while protein expression of cleaved caspase-3 and -9 were analyzed by means of western blotting. Results suggested that puerarin treatment inhibited high glucose-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial depolarization and apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, puerarin treatment downregulated Bax expression,upregulated bcl-2 expression and attenuated the activation of caspase-3 and -9. Overall, our results indicated that puerarin antagonized high glucose-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in Schwann cells. Related Articles | Metrics

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Shuanghuanglian injection downregulates nuclear factor-kappa B expression in mice with viral encephalitis Naibing Gu, Ye Tian, Zhengli Di, Caiping Han, Hui Lei, Gejuan Zhang 2012, 7 (33):  2592-2599.  Abstract ( 245 )   PDF (229KB) ( 1143 )   Save A mouse model of viral encephalitis was induced by intracranial injection of a Coxsackie virus B3 suspension. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR and western blot assay were applied to detect mRNA and protein expression of intelectin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B in the viral encephalitis and control groups. Nuclear factor-kappa B and intelectin-2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in mice with viral encephalitis. After intraperitoneal injection of Shuanghuanglian at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg for 5 successive days, intelectin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased. To elucidate the relationship between intelectin-2 and nuclear factor-kappa B, mice with viral encephalitis were administered an intracerebral injection of 107 pfu recombinant lentivirus expressing intelectin shRNA. Both protein and mRNA levels of intelectin and nuclear factor-kappa B in brain tissue of mice were significantly decreased. Experimental findings suggest that Shuanghuanglian injection may downregulate nuclear factor-kappa B production via suppression of intelectin production, thus inhibiting inflammation associated with viral encephalitis. Related Articles | Metrics

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Heat-sensitive moxibustion attenuates the inflammation after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury Aijiao Xiao, Rixin Chen, Mingfei Kang, Shenghai Tan 2012, 7 (33):  2600-2606.  Abstract ( 255 )   PDF (248KB) ( 985 )   Save Heat-sensitive moxibustion has neuroprotective effects against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, however its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, rat models of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were treated with suspended moxibustion at acupoint Dazhui (DU14) for 35 minutes. Results showed that suspended moxibustion decreased infarct volume, reduced cortical myeloperoxidase activity, and suppressed serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines in rats with focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Our experimental findings indicated that heat-sensitive moxibustion can attenuate inflammation and promote repair after focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Related Articles | Metrics

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Acupuncture inhibits cue-induced heroin craving and brain activation Xinghui Cai, Xiaoge Song, Chuanfu Li, Chunsheng Xu, Xiliang Li, Qi Lu 2012, 7 (33):  2607-2616.  Abstract ( 298 )   PDF (446KB) ( 891 )   Save Previous research using functional MRI has shown that specific brain regions associated with drug dependence and cue-elicited heroin craving are activated by environmental cues. Craving is an important trigger of heroin relapse, and acupuncture may inhibit craving. In this study, we performed functional MRI in heroin addicts and control subjects. We compared differences in brain activation between the two groups during heroin cue exposure, heroin cue exposure plus acupuncture at the Zusanli point (ST36) without twirling of the needle, and heroin cue exposure plus acupuncture at the Zusanli point with twirling of the needle. Heroin cue exposure elicited significant activation in craving-related brain regions mainly in the frontal lobes and callosal gyri. Acupuncture without twirling did not significantly affect the range of brain activation induced by heroin cue exposure, but significantly changed the extent of the activation in the heroin addicts group. Acupuncture at the Zusanli point with twirling of the needle significantly decreased both the range and extent of activation induced by heroin cue exposure compared with heroin cue exposure plus acupuncture without twirling of the needle. These experimental findings indicate that presentation of heroin cues can induce activation in craving-related brain regions, which are involved in reward, learning and memory, cognition and emotion. Acupuncture at the Zusanli point can rapidly suppress the activation of specific brain regions related to craving, supporting its potential as an intervention for drug craving. Related Articles | Metrics

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Electroacupuncture improves neuropathic pain Adenosine, adenosine 5’-triphosphate disodium and their receptors perhaps change simultaneously Wen Ren, Wenzhan Tu, Songhe Jiang, Ruidong Cheng, Yaping Du 2012, 7 (33):  2618-2613.  Abstract ( 239 )   PDF (169KB) ( 1183 )   Save Applying a stimulating current to acupoints through acupuncture needles – known as electroacupuncture – has the potential to produce analgesic effects in human subjects and experimental animals. When acupuncture was applied in a rat model, adenosine 5’-triphosphate disodium in the extracellular space was broken down into adenosine, which in turn inhibited pain transmission by means of an adenosine A1 receptor-dependent process. Direct injection of an adenosine A1 receptor agonist enhanced the analgesic effect of acupuncture. The analgesic effect of acupuncture appears to be mediated by activation of A1 receptors located on ascending nerves.In neuropathic pain, there is upregulation of P2X purinoceptor 3 (P2X3) receptor expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Conversely, the onset of mechanical hyperalgesia was diminished and established hyperalgesia was significantly reversed when P2X3 receptor expression was downregulated. The pathways upon which electroacupuncture appear to act are interwoven with pain pathways, and electroacupuncture stimuli converge with impulses originating from painful areas. Electroacupuncture may act via purinergic A1 and P2X3 receptors simultaneously to induce an analgesic effect on neuropathic pain. Related Articles | Metrics

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Use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy A Web of Science-based literature analysis Zhongmin Yin, Yushu Dong, Jiyang Zhang, Li Wang 2012, 7 (33):  2624-2631.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.33.008 Abstract ( 263 )   PDF (81KB) ( 908 )   Save OBJECTIVE: To identify global research trends in the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy. DATA RETRIEVAL: We performed a bibliometric analysis of studies on the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy during 2002–2011, retrieved from Web of Science, using the key words epilepsy or epileptic or epilepticus or seizure and “stem cell”. SELECTION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria: (a) peer-reviewed published articles on the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy indexed in Web of Science; (b) original research articles, reviews, meeting abstracts, proceedings papers, book chapters, editorial material, and news items. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (a) Annual publication output; (b) type of publication; (c) publication by research field; (d) publication by journal; (e) publication by author; (f) publication by country and institution; (g) publications by institution in China; (h) most-cited papers; and (i) papers published by Chinese authors or institutions. RESULTS: A total of 460 publications on the use of stem cell transplantation to treat epilepsy were retrieved from Web of Science, 2002–2011. The number of publications gradually increased over the 10-year study period. Articles and reviews constituted the major types of publications. More than half of the studies were in the field of neuroscience/neurology. The most prolific journals for this topic were Epilepsia, Bone Marrow Transplantation, and Journal of Neuroscience. Of the 460 publications, almost half came from American authors and institutions; relatively few papers were published by Chinese authors or institutions. CONCLUSION: Literature on stem cell transplantation for epilepsy includes many reports of basic research, but few of clinical trials or treatments. Exact effects are not yet evaluated. Epilepsy rehabilitation is a long-term, complex, and comprehensive system engineering. With advances in medical development, some effective medical, social and educational measures are needed to facilitate patient’s treatment and training and accelerate the recovery of life ability, learning ability and social adaptability to the largest extent to improve patient’s quality of life. Related Articles | Metrics

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Therapies for children with cerebral palsy A Web of Science-based literature analysis Yaping Mu, Na Li, Lijun Guan, Chunnan Wang, Shuyun Shang, Yan Wang 2012, 7 (33):  2632-2639.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.33.009 Abstract ( 292 )   PDF (94KB) ( 861 )   Save OBJECTIVE: To identify global research trends in three therapies for children with cerebral palsy. DATA RETRIEVAL: We performed a bibliometric analysis of studies on therapies for children with cerebral palsy from 2002 to 2011 retrieved from Web of Science. SELECTION CRITERIA: Inclusion criteria: (a) peer-reviewed published articles on botulinum toxin,constraint-induced movement therapy, or acupuncture for children with cerebral palsy indexed in Web of Science; (b) original research articles, reviews, meeting abstracts, proceedings papers,book chapters, editorial material, and news items; and (c) publication between 2002 and 2011.Exclusion criteria: (a) articles that required manual searching or telephone access; (b) documents that were not published in the public domain; and (c) a number of corrected papers from the total number of articles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Number of publications on the three therapies; (2) annual publication output, distribution by journals, distribution by institution, and top-cited articles on botulinum toxin; (3) annual publication output, distribution by journal, distribution by institution, and top-cited articles on constraint-induced movement therapy; (4) annual publication, distribution by journal, distribution by institution, and top-cited articles on acupuncture.RESULTS: This analysis, based on Web of Science articles, identified several research trends in studies published over the past 10 years of three therapies for children with cerebral palsy. More articles on botulinum toxin for treating children with cerebral palsy were published than the articles regarding constraint-induced movement therapy or acupuncture. The numbers of publications increased over the 10-year study period. Most papers appeared in journals with a focus on neurology, such as Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology and Journal of Child Neurology.Research institutes publishing on botulinum toxin treatments for this population are mostly in the Netherlands, the United States of America, and Australia; those publishing on constraint-induced movement therapy are mostly in Australia and the United States of America; and those publishing on acupuncture are mostly in China, Sweden and the United States of America. CONCLUSION: Analysis of literature and research trends indicated that there was no one specific therapy to cure cerebral palsy. Further studies are still necessary. References | Related Articles | Metrics