Zhang Mingmin

Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology.

SummaryThe clinical effects of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in sperm parameter and on therapeutic results in assisted reproductive technology were investigated. 22 patients failed in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with idiopathic male infertility were treated with acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by ICSI treatment again. The sperm concentration, motility, morphology, fertilization rates and embryo quality were observed. Quick sperm motility after acupuncture (18.3%±9.6%) was significantly improved as compared with that before treatment (11.0%±7.5%,P<0.01). The normal sperm ratio was increased after acupuncture (21.1%±10.4% vs 16.2%±8.2%,P<0.05). The fertilization rates after acupuncture (66.2%) were obviously higher than that before treatment (40.2%,P<0.01). There was no significant difference in sperm concentration and general sperm motility between before and after acupuncture. The embryo quality after acupuncture was improved, but the difference between them was not significant (P>0.05). Acupuncture can improve sperm quality and fertilization rates in assisted reproductive technology.

Effects of Triptolide on the Expression and Activity of NF-κB in Synovium of Collagen-induced Arthritis Rats

SummaryThe expression and activity of NF-κB in the synovium of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats was detected in order to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of triptolide on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The experimental Wistar rat model of CIA was set up by intradermal injection of emulsion of bovine collagen II and the successful rate of setting-up models was evaluated by arthritis index (AI). Rats were grouped randomly into three groups: normal, model and treatment group. The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in synovial fluid was detected by ELISA, and the expression and activity of NF-κB in synovium by immunohistochemistry method and by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) respectively. As compared with normal group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in synovia (P<0.05), and the expression and activity of NF-κB (P<0.05) in synovium were increased in model group. There was statistical difference in above-mentioned indexes between model group and treatment group. Triptolide may play a protective role in RA via downregulating the expression and activity of NF-κB in synovium.

Effect of triptolide on expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand in rat adjuvant induced arthritis

SummaryThe effect of triptolide (TP) on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) was explored in rat adjuvant induced arthritis (AA). AA was induced in Wistar rats. Arthritis rats were treated with TP and methotrexate (MTX) at the onset (day 9) of arthritis. On the peak of arthritis (day 24), the expression of RANKL and OPG protein in the joints and RANKL mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was detected. TNF-α and IL-1β levels in peripheral blood were determined. Bone erosion scores were also evaluated. The results showed that bone erosion scores in TP and MTX groups were lower than in AA group (P<0.01); The expression levels of RANKL in the synovium (P<0.01) and bone (P<0.05), and OPG level in synovium (P<0.05) were lower in TP group than in AA group (P<0.05). In TP group, the expression levels of RANKL mRNA and TNF-α, IL-1β in PBMC were lower than in AA group (allP<0.01). It was concluded that TP could inhibit rat adjuvant arthritis bone erosion by suppressing the expression of RANKL.

Effects of Jiantaiye on estrogen receptor and mRNA expressions in uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.

Objective: To explore the effect of Jiantaiye (JTY) on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) and ER mRNA in uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.Methods: Embryo implantation dysfunction mouse models were induced with mifepristone and treated with JTY. All animals were sacrificed on day 8 of pregnancy. The endometrial ER and ER mRNA expressions were assessed by immunno-histochemical SP method and semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: Area ratio and absorbency of ER in the JTY treated group’s gland and stroma were higher than those of the model group, quite similar to those of the normal control’s, and ER mRNA expression in treated group’s uterus was significantly higher than that in the models, but it was not significantly different from the normal control.Conclusion: JTY improves the endometrial development by increasing ER and ER mRNA expressions of uterus of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction.