Increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor is correlated with visceral hypersensitivity in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Background: Visceral hypersensitivity is considered to play a vital role in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Neurotrophins have drawn much attention in IBS recently. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was found to mediate visceral hypersensitivity facilitating sensory nerve growth in pre-clinical studies.

Increased intestinal mucosal leptin levels in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

Aim: To measure the leptin levels in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) and analyze the relationship of leptin with clinical features, visceral sensitivity, mast cells, and nerve fibers.

Methods: Forty-two patients with IBS-D fulfilling the Rome III criteria and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent clinical and psychological evaluations using validated questionnaires (including IBS Symptom Severity Scale, IBS-specific Quality of Life, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, and Hamilton Depression Scale), along with colonoscopy, colonic mucosal biopsy, and visceral sensitivity testing. Serum leptin levels were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

[On the academic value of Wutingzisujiebashiyinanjing (Wutingzi's Vernacular Explanation of Nanjing).].

Nanjing, one of the four ancient classics of TCM, was followed by later students of TCM, XIONG Zong-li, a famous doctor and publisher in the Ming Dynasty, compiled Wutingzisujiebashiyinanjing (Wutingzi's Vernacular Explanation of Nanjing) which combined visual and legible graphic interpretation with vernacular language to explain, or quoted the classics, combined with his own opinions. This book popularly and vividly displayed the substance of Nanjing to the descendants and made a great contribution to the popularization and propagation of TCM classics. It is a valuable reference book both to students and researchers of Nanjing.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture on stroke by "Najia method of Ziwu Liuzhu"].

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment on stroke according to the acupoint selection of "Najia method of Ziwua Liuzhu" and to investigate the mechanism.

Methods: One hundred and ninety cases were randomly divided into a Ziwu Liuzhu group (n=95) and a routine acupuncture group (n=95). Five shu points on different meridians were selected according to the Tiangan (Heavenly Stems)-tables of "Najia method of Ziwu Liuzhu" in the Ziwu Liuzhu group, and the treatment was carried out within the period from Chen (7:00-9:00 AM) to Si (9:00-11:00 AM).