Cellular Mechanisms in Acupuncture Points and Affected Sites

The anatomical basis for the concept of acupuncture points/meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has not been resolved. This paper reviews the fascia research progress and the relationship among acupuncture points/meridians, primo vascular system (PVS), and fascia. Fascia is as a covering, with common origins of layers of the fascial system despite diverse names for individual parts. Fascia assists gliding and fluid flow and holds memory and is highly innervated. Fascia is intimately involved with nourishment of all cells of the body, including those of disease and cancer. The human body’s fascia network may be the physical substrate represented by the meridians of TCM. The PVS is a newly found circulatory system; recent increased interest has led to new research and new discoveries in the anatomical and functional aspects of the PVS. The fasciology theory provides new insights into the physiological effects of acupuncture needling on basic cellular mechanisms including connective tissue mechanotransduction and regeneration. This view represents a theoretical basis and means for applying modern biomedical research to examining TCM principles and therapies, and it favors a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.

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Vascular adaptations to hypoxia: molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating vascular tone

Essays in Biochemistry ◽

10.1042/bse0430105 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

pp. 105-120 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Michael L. Paffett ◽

Benjimen R. Walker

Keyword(s):

Vascular Tone ◽

Cellular Proliferation ◽

Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽

Systemic Circulation ◽

Cellular Mechanisms ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 ◽

Pulmonary Vasoconstriction ◽

Adaptive Mechanisms ◽

Adaptive Processes

Several molecular and cellular adaptive mechanisms to hypoxia exist within the vasculature. Many of these processes involve oxygen sensing which is transduced into mediators of vasoconstriction in the pulmonary circulation and vasodilation in the systemic circulation. A variety of oxygen-responsive pathways, such as HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1 and HOs (haem oxygenases), contribute to the overall adaptive process during hypoxia and are currently an area of intense research. Generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) may also differentially regulate vascular tone in these circulations. Potential candidates underlying the divergent responses between the systemic and pulmonary circulations may include Nox (NADPH oxidase)-derived ROS and mitochondrial-derived ROS. In addition to alterations in ROS production governing vascular tone in the hypoxic setting, other vascular adaptations are likely to be involved. HPV (hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction) and CH (chronic hypoxia)-induced alterations in cellular proliferation, ionic conductances and changes in the contractile apparatus sensitivity to calcium, all occur as adaptive processes within the vasculature.

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Flavonoids in adipose tissue inflammation and atherosclerosis: one arrow, two targets

Clinical Science ◽

10.1042/cs20200356 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 134 (12) ◽

pp. 1403-1432 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Manal Muin Fardoun ◽

Dina Maaliki ◽

Nabil Halabi ◽

Rabah Iratni ◽

Alessandra Bitto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adipose Tissue ◽

Fruits And Vegetables ◽

Metabolic Diseases ◽

Therapeutic Agents ◽

Adipose Tissue Inflammation ◽

Cellular Mechanisms ◽

Tissue Inflammation ◽

Cholesterol Levels ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Abstract Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, in addition to beverages such as tea and coffee. Flavonoids are emerging as potent therapeutic agents for cardiovascular as well as metabolic diseases. Several studies corroborated an inverse relationship between flavonoid consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) or adipose tissue inflammation (ATI). Flavonoids exert their anti-atherogenic effects by increasing nitric oxide (NO), reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, flavonoids alleviate ATI by decreasing triglyceride and cholesterol levels, as well as by attenuating inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, flavonoids inhibit synthesis of fatty acids and promote their oxidation. In this review, we discuss the effect of the main classes of flavonoids, namely flavones, flavonols, flavanols, flavanones, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, on atherosclerosis and ATI. In addition, we dissect the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of action for these flavonoids. We conclude by supporting the potential benefit for flavonoids in the management or treatment of CVD; yet, we call for more robust clinical studies for safety and pharmacokinetic values.

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