Objective： To clarify the effects of acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli（ST 36） on the hormonal changes. Methods： Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received acupuncture stimulation at acupoint ST 36 or Quchi（LI 11...Objective： To clarify the effects of acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli（ST 36） on the hormonal changes. Methods： Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received acupuncture stimulation at acupoint ST 36 or Quchi（LI 11） once a day for 3 or 5 days in the acupuncture-stimulated groups, but not received in the normal group（n=6 in each group）. On day 3 or 5, animals were given 0.1 m L of charcoal orally with a bulbed steel needle, 30 min after the last acupuncture stimulation. Ten minutes later, mice were anesthetized, and the intestinal transit and the concentrations of vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP）, motilin, ghrelin and gastrin in the serum were measured. Results： Compared to no acupuncture stimulation, acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days increased the intestinal transit and down-regulated the concentration of VIP and up-regulated the concentrations of motilin, ghrelin and gastrin（P〈0.05 or 0.01）, whereas acupuncture stimulation at LI 11 did not change them significantly（P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days enhances the small intestinal motility and regulates the secretion of hormones related to small intestinal motility.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of electroacupucture (EA) on gastric motility in restrained-cold stressed rats. METHODS: An...AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of electroacupucture (EA) on gastric motility in restrained-cold stressed rats. METHODS: An animal model of gastric motility disorder was established by restrained-cold stress. Gastric myoelectric activities were recorded by electrogastroent erography (EGG). VIP and NO concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). VIP expression in the gastric walls was assayed using avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) and image analysis. RESULTS: In cold restrained stressed rats, EGG was disordered and irregular. The frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). VIP and NO contents of plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were obviously decreased (P < 0.01). Following EA at “Zusanli” (ST36), the frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were obviously lowered (P < 0.01), while the levels of VIP and NO in plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues increased strikingly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and expression of VIP in antral smooth muscle was elevated significantly (P < 0.01) in comparison with those of model group. CONCLUSION: VIP and NO participate in the modulatory effect of EA on gastric motility. EA at “Zusanli” acupoint (ST36) can improve gastric motility of the stressed rats by increasing the levels of VIP and NO.展开更多
OBJECTIVE: To compare the impacts of electroacupuncture(EA) and moxibustion(Mox) on the primary gastrointestinal symptoms and the expressions of colonic mucosa-associated neuropeptide substance P(SP) and vasoactive in...OBJECTIVE: To compare the impacts of electroacupuncture(EA) and moxibustion(Mox) on the primary gastrointestinal symptoms and the expressions of colonic mucosa-associated neuropeptide substance P(SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in patients with either diarrhea-predominant or constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D and IBS-C,respectively).METHODS: Eighty-five IBS patients were randomly allocated to the EA and Mox groups. Zusanli(ST 36)and Shangjuxu(ST 37) were selected as acupoints for electroacupuncture or warm moxibustion treatment once a day for 14 consecutive days. Before and after the treatment sessions,a Visual Analog Pain Scale and the Bristol Stool Form Scale were used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms. There were four dropout cases,leaving 81 participants(41 with IBS-D and 40 with IBS-C) who volunteered to undergo colonoscopy before and after the treatment sessions. During colonoscopy,sigmoid mucosa were collected to detect SP and VIP expression using immunohistochemistry assay.RESULTS: Both EA and Mox treatments were effective at relieving abdominal pain in IBS-D and IBS-C patients. However,Mox was more effective at reducing diarrhea in IBS-D patients,whereas EA was more effective at improving constipation in IBS-C patients. EA and Mox treatments both down-regulated the abnormally increased SP and VIP expression in the colonic mucosa,with no significant difference shown between the two treatments.CONCLUSION: Both EA and Mox treatments are effective at ameliorating gastrointestinal symptoms by reducing SP and VIP expression in the colonic mucosa of IBS patients.展开更多
Experimental research has recently shown that acupuncture induces the formation of opioid-like peptides (OLPs) in animals. In order to provide further evidence, we tested the beta-endorphin levels and other parameters...Experimental research has recently shown that acupuncture induces the formation of opioid-like peptides (OLPs) in animals. In order to provide further evidence, we tested the beta-endorphin levels and other parameters (VIP, lymphocyte subsets, NK cells and monocyte phagocytosis) in a group of 90 patients suffering from various painful disorders treated with acupuncture. Zusanli (St 36) and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints were selected. A homogeneous group of 30 subjects was used as control. Evaluation of the above parameters was made with 3 series of blood tests before treatment, 30 minutes and 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In the acupuncture group, the following results were achieved: 1) A considerable increase in beta-endorphin levels remained high even 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In addition, we demonstrated an inverted correlation between beta-endorphins and VIP; 2) 30 minutes after acupuncture session, 80% of the treated patients showed a significant increase of CD3 and CD4 values and an increase of CD8 24 hours after stimulation; 3) Monocyte phagocytosis was increased in 45% of the treated subjects 30 minutes from starting treatment, and in 100% of them after 24 hours. The percentage of NK cells was also increased in 40% of cases after 30 minutes, and in 50% after 24 hours. However, in the control group, no such significant changes in immune parameters were found.展开更多
Necrotizing enterocolitis is an inflammatory bowel disease of neonates with significant morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Due to the multifactorial nature o the disease and limitations in disease models, ear...Necrotizing enterocolitis is an inflammatory bowel disease of neonates with significant morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Due to the multifactorial nature o the disease and limitations in disease models, early diagnosis remains challenging and the pathogenesis elusive. Although preterm birth, hypoxic-ischemic events formula feeding, and abnormal bacteria colonization are established risk factors, the role of genetics and vasoactive/inflammatory mediators is unclear Consequently, treatments do not target the specific underlying disease processes and are symptomatic and surgically invasive. Breast-feeding is the most effective preventative measure. Recent advances in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis have focused on bioactive nutrients and trophic factors in human milk. Developmen of new disease models including the aspect of prematurity that consistently predisposes neonates to the disease with multiple risk factors will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis and lead to discovery of innovative therapeutics.展开更多
Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension exhibit characteristic cardiovascular and pulmonary hemodynamic changes. A vasodilatatory state and a hyperdynamic circulation affecting the cardiac and pulmonary functi...Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension exhibit characteristic cardiovascular and pulmonary hemodynamic changes. A vasodilatatory state and a hyperdynamic circulation affecting the cardiac and pulmonary functions dominate the circulation. The recently defined cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may affect systolic and diastolic functions, and imply electromechanical abnormalities. In addition, the baroreceptor function and regulation of the circulatory homoeostasis is impaired. Pulmonary dysfunction involves diffusing abnormalities with the development of the hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension in some patients. Recent research has focused on the assertion that the hemodynamic and neurohumoral dysregulation are of major importance for the development of the cardiovascular and pulmonary complications in cirrhosis. This aspect is important to take into account in the management of these patients.展开更多
Background Vasoactive factors have been reported to correlate with vulnerable plaque and acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vasoactive factors and plaque morpholo...Background Vasoactive factors have been reported to correlate with vulnerable plaque and acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vasoactive factors and plaque morphology in patients suffering from non-ST-segment elevated ACS. Methods From April 2007 to April 2009, 124 consecutive patients suffering from non-ST-segment elevated ACS who had received coronary angiography （CAG） and intravascular ultrasound （IVUS） in the People＇s Liberation Army General Hospital and Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in this study. Three serum vasoactive factors, plasma soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 （sFIt-1）, placental growth factor （PLGF） and interleukin-18 （IL-18）, were measured by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay of the patients. The levels of vasoactive factors were compared between vulnerable plaque group and stable plaque group, and between unstable angina pectoris （UAP） group and non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction （NSTE-AMI） group. The relationship between the plaque morphology and levels of vasoactive factors was analyzed. Results The levels of vasoactive factors were similar between the UAP group （69 patients） and NSTE-AMI group （55 patients）. The levels of sFIt-1 and PLGF in the vulnerable plaque group were significantly higher than those in the stable plaque group. The level of IL-18 was correlated positively with plaque morphology. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the level of PLGF was an independent risk factor for vulnerable plaque （OR=2.115, 95%Cl 1.415-5.758, P=0.018）. Using the ROC curve, PLGF was a significant factor for the diagnosis of vulnerable plaque （the diagnostic point was 26.3 ng/L, the proportion of square area under the ROC curve was 0.799, 95%C/0.758-0.839, P 〈0.001 ; the sensitivity of PLGF under the ROC curve was 86%, and the specificity 63%）. Conclusion Both IL-18 and PLGF are biomarkers for vulnerable plaques and helpful to pre展开更多
Neuroblastoma(NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Diarrheal NB is quite rare and is not easy to diagnose in the early stage. Six cases of diarrheal NB in our hospital treated from 1996 to 2006...Neuroblastoma(NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Diarrheal NB is quite rare and is not easy to diagnose in the early stage. Six cases of diarrheal NB in our hospital treated from 1996 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, including characteristics such as electrolyte imbalance, pathologic features, vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) immunohistochemical staining results, treatment, and prognosis. All patients were boys with 3-8 loose or watery stools each day and routine fecal tests were normal. Abdominal tumors were identified by B-ultrasound. Drugs were ineffective. Three patients underwent surgery, and the remaining three patients received surgery and chemotherapy. Diarrhea stopped after treatment in five patients. Two patients died due to intractable hypokalemia. The tumor was located in the adrenal gland in four patients, in the upper retroperitoneum in one patient, and in the presacral area in one patient. Pathologic findings were NB and ganglioneuroblastoma. Five patients were at clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, and one was at stage Ⅲ. Four patients survived(followed-up for 6 mo to 4 years). Immunohistochemical staining for VIP was positive. Refractory diarrhea is a paraneoplastic syndrome of NB and is rare. Patients aged 1-3 years who present with chronic intractable diarrhea should be followed closely. Intractable diarrhea, hypokalemia, and dysplasia are the initial clinical manifestations. Increased VIP is characteristic of this disease. Potassium supplementation plays a vital role in the treatment procedure, especially preoperatively. The prognosis of diarrheal NB is good following appropriate treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The disorders of gallbladder motility may play an important role in the formation of gallstones. Many neural and hormonal factors and their interactions regulate gallbladder motility and bile flow into the...BACKGROUND: The disorders of gallbladder motility may play an important role in the formation of gallstones. Many neural and hormonal factors and their interactions regulate gallbladder motility and bile flow into the duodenum. Further study in these factors may help to reveal the etiology of gallbladder diseases. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship of the levels of motilin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gastrin in blood and gallbladder tissues with the formation of cholelithiasis. METHODS: The levels of motilin, gastrin and VIP in blood and gallbladder tissues of 36 patients with gallbladder stones, 14 patients with gallbladder polyps, 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with common bile duct stones were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The level of motilin in plasma and gallbladder tissues of the gallbladder stone group was higher than that of the control and gallbladder polyp groups (P<0.05). The levels of plasma VIP and serum gastrin were much higher than those of the other three groups (P<0.01). The level of VIP in gallbladder tissues was higher than that of the control and gallbladder polyp groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal excretion of hormonal factors is closely related to gallstone formation. The high level of VIP in gallbladder tissues may be an important cause of gallbladder hypomotility. The abnormal level of serum gastrin may be related to the gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with gallstones.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Zengye Decoction(增液汤, ZYD) on the submandibular glands(SMGs) in nonobese diabetic(NOD) mice. Methods: Twenty-seven female NOD mice were randomly equally divided in...Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Zengye Decoction(增液汤, ZYD) on the submandibular glands(SMGs) in nonobese diabetic(NOD) mice. Methods: Twenty-seven female NOD mice were randomly equally divided into 3 groups: the model group, the hydroxychloroquine(HCQ) group, and the ZYD group. Nine C57/B6 mice served as the normal group. After 1-week acclimation, the HCQ and ZYD groups were intragastrically administered with HCQ and ZYD, respectively, and the normal and model groups were administered with normal saline. Changes in the salivary flow rate were observed. Mice from all 4 groups were sacrificed at the age of 20 weeks. The serum and SMGs were collected. Serum cytokines gamma-interferon(IFN-γ), interleukin-10(IL-10) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histological changes in the submandibular glands were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mRNA expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) in the submandibular glands were measured by realtime polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared with the model group, the salivary flow of the ZYD group significantly increased(P<0.05), the extent of the histological changes was ameliorated(P<0.05), and the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance was remedied(P<0.05). In the ZYD-treated mice, the VIP mRNA was up-regulated(P<0.05). Conclusions: ZYD is beneficial in protecting structure and function of SMGs in NOD mice. The mechanism may be associated with the correction of the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, and with the prevention of a progressive decline of the VIP level.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in plasma and small intestine, and to explore th...AIM: To investigate the effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in plasma and small intestine, and to explore the relationship between small intestinal motor disorders and gastrointestinal hormones under psychological stress. METHODS: Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into psychological stress group and control group. A mouse model with psychological stress was established by housing the mice with a hungry cat in separate layers of a two-layer cage. A semi-solid colored marker (carbon-ink) was used for monitoring small intestinal transit. CCK and VIP levels in plasma and small intestine in mice were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Small intestinal transit was inhibited (52.18±19.15% vs70.19±17.79%, P<0.01) in mice after psychological stress, compared to the controls. Small intestinal CCK levels in psychological stress mice were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.75±0.53 μg/g vs1.98±1.17 μg/g, P<0.01), whereas plasma CCK concentrations were not different between the groups. VIP levels in small intestine were significantly higher in psychological stress mice than those in the control group (8.45±1.09 μg/g vs7.03±2.36 μg/g, P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in plasma VIP levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Psychological stress inhibits the small intestinal transit, probably by down-regulating CCK and up-regulating VIP expression in small intestine.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the vasoactive intestinal peptides(VIP) expression in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) induced colitis.METHODS: The VIP gene expression and protein plasma level...AIM: To investigate the vasoactive intestinal peptides(VIP) expression in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) induced colitis.METHODS: The VIP gene expression and protein plasma levels were measured in adult participants(45.8% male) who met Rome Ⅲ criteria for IBS for longer than 6 mo and in a rat model of colitis as induced by TNBS.Plasma and colons were collected from naive and inflamed rats.Markers assessing inflammation(i.e.,weight changes and myeloperoxidase levels) were assessed on days 2,7,14 and 28 and compared to controls.Visceral hypersensitivity of the rats was assessed with colo-rectal distension and mechanical threshold testing on hind paws.IBS patients(n = 12) were age,gender,race,and BMI-matched with healthy controls(n = 12).Peripheral whole blood and plasma from fasting participants was collected and VIP plasma levels were assayed using a VIP peptide-enzyme immunoassay.Human gene expression of VIP was analyzed using a custom PCR array.RESULTS: TNBS induced colitis in the rats was confirmed with weight loss(13.7 ± 3.2 g) and increased myeloperoxidase activity.Visceral hypersensitivity tocolo-rectal distension was increased in TNBS treated rats up to 21 d and resolved by day 28.Somatic hypersensitivity was also increased up to 14 d post TNBS induction of colitis.The expression of an inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase was significantly elevated in the intracellular granules of neutrophils in rat models following TNBS treatment compared to naive rats.This confirmed the induction of inflammation in rats following TNBS treatment.VIP plasma concentration was significantly increased in rats following TNBS treatment as compared to naive animals(P < 0.05).Likewise,the VIP gene expression from peripheral whole blood was significantly upregulated by 2.91-fold in IBS patients when compared to controls(P < 0.00001; 95%CI).VIP plasma protein was not significantly different when compared with controls(P = 0.193).CONCLUSION: Alterations in VIP expression may play a role in IBS展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects of Wei Chang An Pill(WCAP) on enzyme activity and gastrointestinal hormones in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea.METHODS:Forty Wistar rats were randomly...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects of Wei Chang An Pill(WCAP) on enzyme activity and gastrointestinal hormones in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea.METHODS:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control,diarrhea model,and WCAP high,medium,and low dose groups.The control group was not treated,and the model group was administered intragastric distilled water.The WCAP groups were given WCAP suspension,80,60 or 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1,for 4 days.Stool properties were observed.After the experiment,thymus and spleen indices were measured,and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),malate dehydrogenase(MDH),and disaccharidase(lactase) in the small intestinal mucous membrane,and levels of substance P(SP) and vasoactive peptide(VIP) in the colon were determined.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly decreased,LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine was decreased,and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly increased inthe diarrhea model group.Compared with the model group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly increased,and LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly decreased in theWCAP medium dose group.CONCLUSION:The diarrhea model rats exhibited pathological changes including atrophy of the thymus and spleen,decreased enzyme activity in the small intestine,and gastrointestinal hormone disturbance.WCAP can increase the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and regulate gastrointestinal hormones,thereby relieving diarrhea.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) grant funded by the Korea government(MSIP,No.NRF-2013R1A1A1005580)
文摘Objective： To clarify the effects of acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli（ST 36） on the hormonal changes. Methods： Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received acupuncture stimulation at acupoint ST 36 or Quchi（LI 11） once a day for 3 or 5 days in the acupuncture-stimulated groups, but not received in the normal group（n=6 in each group）. On day 3 or 5, animals were given 0.1 m L of charcoal orally with a bulbed steel needle, 30 min after the last acupuncture stimulation. Ten minutes later, mice were anesthetized, and the intestinal transit and the concentrations of vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP）, motilin, ghrelin and gastrin in the serum were measured. Results： Compared to no acupuncture stimulation, acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days increased the intestinal transit and down-regulated the concentration of VIP and up-regulated the concentrations of motilin, ghrelin and gastrin（P〈0.05 or 0.01）, whereas acupuncture stimulation at LI 11 did not change them significantly（P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days enhances the small intestinal motility and regulates the secretion of hormones related to small intestinal motility.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of the Education Bureau, Anhui Province, No. 2003kj244
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of electroacupucture (EA) on gastric motility in restrained-cold stressed rats. METHODS: An animal model of gastric motility disorder was established by restrained-cold stress. Gastric myoelectric activities were recorded by electrogastroent erography (EGG). VIP and NO concentrations in plasma and gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). VIP expression in the gastric walls was assayed using avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) and image analysis. RESULTS: In cold restrained stressed rats, EGG was disordered and irregular. The frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). VIP and NO contents of plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues were obviously decreased (P < 0.01). Following EA at “Zusanli” (ST36), the frequency and amplitude of gastric motility were obviously lowered (P < 0.01), while the levels of VIP and NO in plasma, gastric mucosal and bulb tissues increased strikingly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) and expression of VIP in antral smooth muscle was elevated significantly (P < 0.01) in comparison with those of model group. CONCLUSION: VIP and NO participate in the modulatory effect of EA on gastric motility. EA at “Zusanli” acupoint (ST36) can improve gastric motility of the stressed rats by increasing the levels of VIP and NO.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Comparison Research on the Mechanisms of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and their Effect on Target Organs,No.30973784)the National Basic Research Program of China,973 Program(Research on the Mechanism and Application Principles of Moxibustion,No.2009CB522900)+1 种基金the Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Program of Zhejiang Province:(Comparative Study between Electroacupuncture and Trimebutine Maleate Combined with Probiotics on Brain-Gut Axis of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients,No.2014zb126)Science and Technology Program of Jinhua(Comparative Study between Electroacupuncture and Trimebutine Maleate Combined with Probiotics on Brain-Gut Axis of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients,No.2014-3-046)
文摘OBJECTIVE: To compare the impacts of electroacupuncture(EA) and moxibustion(Mox) on the primary gastrointestinal symptoms and the expressions of colonic mucosa-associated neuropeptide substance P(SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP)in patients with either diarrhea-predominant or constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D and IBS-C,respectively).METHODS: Eighty-five IBS patients were randomly allocated to the EA and Mox groups. Zusanli(ST 36)and Shangjuxu(ST 37) were selected as acupoints for electroacupuncture or warm moxibustion treatment once a day for 14 consecutive days. Before and after the treatment sessions,a Visual Analog Pain Scale and the Bristol Stool Form Scale were used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms. There were four dropout cases,leaving 81 participants(41 with IBS-D and 40 with IBS-C) who volunteered to undergo colonoscopy before and after the treatment sessions. During colonoscopy,sigmoid mucosa were collected to detect SP and VIP expression using immunohistochemistry assay.RESULTS: Both EA and Mox treatments were effective at relieving abdominal pain in IBS-D and IBS-C patients. However,Mox was more effective at reducing diarrhea in IBS-D patients,whereas EA was more effective at improving constipation in IBS-C patients. EA and Mox treatments both down-regulated the abnormally increased SP and VIP expression in the colonic mucosa,with no significant difference shown between the two treatments.CONCLUSION: Both EA and Mox treatments are effective at ameliorating gastrointestinal symptoms by reducing SP and VIP expression in the colonic mucosa of IBS patients.
文摘Experimental research has recently shown that acupuncture induces the formation of opioid-like peptides (OLPs) in animals. In order to provide further evidence, we tested the beta-endorphin levels and other parameters (VIP, lymphocyte subsets, NK cells and monocyte phagocytosis) in a group of 90 patients suffering from various painful disorders treated with acupuncture. Zusanli (St 36) and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints were selected. A homogeneous group of 30 subjects was used as control. Evaluation of the above parameters was made with 3 series of blood tests before treatment, 30 minutes and 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In the acupuncture group, the following results were achieved: 1) A considerable increase in beta-endorphin levels remained high even 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In addition, we demonstrated an inverted correlation between beta-endorphins and VIP; 2) 30 minutes after acupuncture session, 80% of the treated patients showed a significant increase of CD3 and CD4 values and an increase of CD8 24 hours after stimulation; 3) Monocyte phagocytosis was increased in 45% of the treated subjects 30 minutes from starting treatment, and in 100% of them after 24 hours. The percentage of NK cells was also increased in 40% of cases after 30 minutes, and in 50% after 24 hours. However, in the control group, no such significant changes in immune parameters were found.
基金Canadian Institute of Health research grant, No. 143315,a National Sciences and Engineering Research Council scholarship
文摘Necrotizing enterocolitis is an inflammatory bowel disease of neonates with significant morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Due to the multifactorial nature o the disease and limitations in disease models, early diagnosis remains challenging and the pathogenesis elusive. Although preterm birth, hypoxic-ischemic events formula feeding, and abnormal bacteria colonization are established risk factors, the role of genetics and vasoactive/inflammatory mediators is unclear Consequently, treatments do not target the specific underlying disease processes and are symptomatic and surgically invasive. Breast-feeding is the most effective preventative measure. Recent advances in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis have focused on bioactive nutrients and trophic factors in human milk. Developmen of new disease models including the aspect of prematurity that consistently predisposes neonates to the disease with multiple risk factors will improve our understanding of the pathogenesis and lead to discovery of innovative therapeutics.
文摘Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension exhibit characteristic cardiovascular and pulmonary hemodynamic changes. A vasodilatatory state and a hyperdynamic circulation affecting the cardiac and pulmonary functions dominate the circulation. The recently defined cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may affect systolic and diastolic functions, and imply electromechanical abnormalities. In addition, the baroreceptor function and regulation of the circulatory homoeostasis is impaired. Pulmonary dysfunction involves diffusing abnormalities with the development of the hepatopulmonary syndrome and portopulmonary hypertension in some patients. Recent research has focused on the assertion that the hemodynamic and neurohumoral dysregulation are of major importance for the development of the cardiovascular and pulmonary complications in cirrhosis. This aspect is important to take into account in the management of these patients.
文摘Background Vasoactive factors have been reported to correlate with vulnerable plaque and acute coronary syndrome （ACS）. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vasoactive factors and plaque morphology in patients suffering from non-ST-segment elevated ACS. Methods From April 2007 to April 2009, 124 consecutive patients suffering from non-ST-segment elevated ACS who had received coronary angiography （CAG） and intravascular ultrasound （IVUS） in the People＇s Liberation Army General Hospital and Beijing Anzhen Hospital were enrolled in this study. Three serum vasoactive factors, plasma soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 （sFIt-1）, placental growth factor （PLGF） and interleukin-18 （IL-18）, were measured by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay of the patients. The levels of vasoactive factors were compared between vulnerable plaque group and stable plaque group, and between unstable angina pectoris （UAP） group and non-ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction （NSTE-AMI） group. The relationship between the plaque morphology and levels of vasoactive factors was analyzed. Results The levels of vasoactive factors were similar between the UAP group （69 patients） and NSTE-AMI group （55 patients）. The levels of sFIt-1 and PLGF in the vulnerable plaque group were significantly higher than those in the stable plaque group. The level of IL-18 was correlated positively with plaque morphology. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the level of PLGF was an independent risk factor for vulnerable plaque （OR=2.115, 95%Cl 1.415-5.758, P=0.018）. Using the ROC curve, PLGF was a significant factor for the diagnosis of vulnerable plaque （the diagnostic point was 26.3 ng/L, the proportion of square area under the ROC curve was 0.799, 95%C/0.758-0.839, P 〈0.001 ; the sensitivity of PLGF under the ROC curve was 86%, and the specificity 63%）. Conclusion Both IL-18 and PLGF are biomarkers for vulnerable plaques and helpful to pre
文摘Neuroblastoma(NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. Diarrheal NB is quite rare and is not easy to diagnose in the early stage. Six cases of diarrheal NB in our hospital treated from 1996 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed, including characteristics such as electrolyte imbalance, pathologic features, vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) immunohistochemical staining results, treatment, and prognosis. All patients were boys with 3-8 loose or watery stools each day and routine fecal tests were normal. Abdominal tumors were identified by B-ultrasound. Drugs were ineffective. Three patients underwent surgery, and the remaining three patients received surgery and chemotherapy. Diarrhea stopped after treatment in five patients. Two patients died due to intractable hypokalemia. The tumor was located in the adrenal gland in four patients, in the upper retroperitoneum in one patient, and in the presacral area in one patient. Pathologic findings were NB and ganglioneuroblastoma. Five patients were at clinical stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ, and one was at stage Ⅲ. Four patients survived(followed-up for 6 mo to 4 years). Immunohistochemical staining for VIP was positive. Refractory diarrhea is a paraneoplastic syndrome of NB and is rare. Patients aged 1-3 years who present with chronic intractable diarrhea should be followed closely. Intractable diarrhea, hypokalemia, and dysplasia are the initial clinical manifestations. Increased VIP is characteristic of this disease. Potassium supplementation plays a vital role in the treatment procedure, especially preoperatively. The prognosis of diarrheal NB is good following appropriate treatment.
基金a grant from the Science and Technique Foundation of Liaoning Province (No. 9910500707).
文摘BACKGROUND: The disorders of gallbladder motility may play an important role in the formation of gallstones. Many neural and hormonal factors and their interactions regulate gallbladder motility and bile flow into the duodenum. Further study in these factors may help to reveal the etiology of gallbladder diseases. This study was undertaken to assess the relationship of the levels of motilin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and gastrin in blood and gallbladder tissues with the formation of cholelithiasis. METHODS: The levels of motilin, gastrin and VIP in blood and gallbladder tissues of 36 patients with gallbladder stones, 14 patients with gallbladder polyps, 10 healthy volunteers and 10 patients with common bile duct stones were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The level of motilin in plasma and gallbladder tissues of the gallbladder stone group was higher than that of the control and gallbladder polyp groups (P<0.05). The levels of plasma VIP and serum gastrin were much higher than those of the other three groups (P<0.01). The level of VIP in gallbladder tissues was higher than that of the control and gallbladder polyp groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal excretion of hormonal factors is closely related to gallstone formation. The high level of VIP in gallbladder tissues may be an important cause of gallbladder hypomotility. The abnormal level of serum gastrin may be related to the gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with gallstones.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81102525/H2701 and 81473607/H2708)Funds for Key Project Medical Science and Technology Development Foundation from Nanjing Department of Health(No.YKK11043)+1 种基金Funds for Opening Project from Nanjing university of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.ZYNK003)Funds for Graduate Student Innovation Project of Jiangsu Province,China(No.CXZZ13_0608)
文摘Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Zengye Decoction(增液汤, ZYD) on the submandibular glands(SMGs) in nonobese diabetic(NOD) mice. Methods: Twenty-seven female NOD mice were randomly equally divided into 3 groups: the model group, the hydroxychloroquine(HCQ) group, and the ZYD group. Nine C57/B6 mice served as the normal group. After 1-week acclimation, the HCQ and ZYD groups were intragastrically administered with HCQ and ZYD, respectively, and the normal and model groups were administered with normal saline. Changes in the salivary flow rate were observed. Mice from all 4 groups were sacrificed at the age of 20 weeks. The serum and SMGs were collected. Serum cytokines gamma-interferon(IFN-γ), interleukin-10(IL-10) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histological changes in the submandibular glands were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mRNA expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP) in the submandibular glands were measured by realtime polymerase chain reaction. Results: Compared with the model group, the salivary flow of the ZYD group significantly increased(P<0.05), the extent of the histological changes was ameliorated(P<0.05), and the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance was remedied(P<0.05). In the ZYD-treated mice, the VIP mRNA was up-regulated(P<0.05). Conclusions: ZYD is beneficial in protecting structure and function of SMGs in NOD mice. The mechanism may be associated with the correction of the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, and with the prevention of a progressive decline of the VIP level.
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in plasma and small intestine, and to explore the relationship between small intestinal motor disorders and gastrointestinal hormones under psychological stress. METHODS: Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into psychological stress group and control group. A mouse model with psychological stress was established by housing the mice with a hungry cat in separate layers of a two-layer cage. A semi-solid colored marker (carbon-ink) was used for monitoring small intestinal transit. CCK and VIP levels in plasma and small intestine in mice were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Small intestinal transit was inhibited (52.18±19.15% vs70.19±17.79%, P<0.01) in mice after psychological stress, compared to the controls. Small intestinal CCK levels in psychological stress mice were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.75±0.53 μg/g vs1.98±1.17 μg/g, P<0.01), whereas plasma CCK concentrations were not different between the groups. VIP levels in small intestine were significantly higher in psychological stress mice than those in the control group (8.45±1.09 μg/g vs7.03±2.36 μg/g, P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in plasma VIP levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Psychological stress inhibits the small intestinal transit, probably by down-regulating CCK and up-regulating VIP expression in small intestine.
基金Supported by National Institutes of Health grant,No.NS045614the Ruth L.Kirschstein National Research Service Award,No.1F31 DK083165-01A1 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney DiseasesDivision of Intramural Research,National Institute of Nursing Research,No.1ZIANR000018-01-05 to Henderson WA and Intramural Training Award to Del Valle-Pinero AY and Sherwin LB
文摘AIM: To investigate the vasoactive intestinal peptides(VIP) expression in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) and trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid(TNBS) induced colitis.METHODS: The VIP gene expression and protein plasma levels were measured in adult participants(45.8% male) who met Rome Ⅲ criteria for IBS for longer than 6 mo and in a rat model of colitis as induced by TNBS.Plasma and colons were collected from naive and inflamed rats.Markers assessing inflammation(i.e.,weight changes and myeloperoxidase levels) were assessed on days 2,7,14 and 28 and compared to controls.Visceral hypersensitivity of the rats was assessed with colo-rectal distension and mechanical threshold testing on hind paws.IBS patients(n = 12) were age,gender,race,and BMI-matched with healthy controls(n = 12).Peripheral whole blood and plasma from fasting participants was collected and VIP plasma levels were assayed using a VIP peptide-enzyme immunoassay.Human gene expression of VIP was analyzed using a custom PCR array.RESULTS: TNBS induced colitis in the rats was confirmed with weight loss(13.7 ± 3.2 g) and increased myeloperoxidase activity.Visceral hypersensitivity tocolo-rectal distension was increased in TNBS treated rats up to 21 d and resolved by day 28.Somatic hypersensitivity was also increased up to 14 d post TNBS induction of colitis.The expression of an inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase was significantly elevated in the intracellular granules of neutrophils in rat models following TNBS treatment compared to naive rats.This confirmed the induction of inflammation in rats following TNBS treatment.VIP plasma concentration was significantly increased in rats following TNBS treatment as compared to naive animals(P < 0.05).Likewise,the VIP gene expression from peripheral whole blood was significantly upregulated by 2.91-fold in IBS patients when compared to controls(P < 0.00001; 95%CI).VIP plasma protein was not significantly different when compared with controls(P = 0.193).CONCLUSION: Alterations in VIP expression may play a role in IBS
基金Supported by Tianjin City Science and Technology Innovation Special fund No.06FZZDSH00405
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the regulatory effects of Wei Chang An Pill(WCAP) on enzyme activity and gastrointestinal hormones in the small intestine of rats with compound diarrhea.METHODS:Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control,diarrhea model,and WCAP high,medium,and low dose groups.The control group was not treated,and the model group was administered intragastric distilled water.The WCAP groups were given WCAP suspension,80,60 or 40 mg · kg-1 · d-1,for 4 days.Stool properties were observed.After the experiment,thymus and spleen indices were measured,and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),malate dehydrogenase(MDH),and disaccharidase(lactase) in the small intestinal mucous membrane,and levels of substance P(SP) and vasoactive peptide(VIP) in the colon were determined.RESULTS:Compared with the control group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly decreased,LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine was decreased,and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly increased inthe diarrhea model group.Compared with the model group,thymus and spleen indices were significantly increased,and LDH,MDH,and disaccharidase activity in the small intestine and SP and VIP levels in the colon were significantly decreased in theWCAP medium dose group.CONCLUSION:The diarrhea model rats exhibited pathological changes including atrophy of the thymus and spleen,decreased enzyme activity in the small intestine,and gastrointestinal hormone disturbance.WCAP can increase the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes and regulate gastrointestinal hormones,thereby relieving diarrhea.
