Emulating the Anatomy of Acupuncture Points With In Vitro Models

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Julias ◽  
Lowell T. Edgar ◽  
Helen M. Buettner ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Connective Tissue ◽  
Needle Insertion ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Infinite Plane ◽  
Fiber Winding ◽  
Two Sides

In traditional acupuncture, fine needles are inserted and rotated at specific locations on the body that correspond to specific therapeutic effects, which can occur locally or at a distance from the needling point. The majority of acupuncture points co-align with fascial planes under the skin, which present more subcutaneous connective tissue [1] (Fig 1). Needle insertion and rotation induces this connective tissue to couple to and wind around the needle, forming a whorl of alignment and generating measurable force on the needle that is significantly higher at fascial planes in comparison to insertion above a muscle [2, 3]. However, the effects of the varying tissue anatomy at fascial planes on fiber winding are not known. At these planes, the tissue is bounded on two sides by skeletal muscle and generally becomes narrower with increasing depth, presenting distinct boundary conditions compared to locations above a muscle, which resembles an infinite plane.

The Geometry of Connective Tissue Planes Accentuates the Biophysical Response to Traditional Acupuncture: An In Vitro Study

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Julias ◽  
Helen M. Buettner ◽  
David I. Shreiber
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Connective Tissue ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Infinite Plane ◽  
Black Dot ◽  
Loose Connective Tissue ◽  
Two Sides

In traditional acupuncture, fine needles are inserted and rotated at defined points that correspond to specific therapeutic effects, which can occur locally or at a distance from the needling point. The majority of acupuncture points co-align with fascial planes under the skin, which present more subcutaneous loose connective tissue [1] (Fig 1 – black dot). Needle rotation induces this connective tissue specifically to couple to and wind around the needle, forming a whorl of alignment and generating measurable force on the needle that is significantly higher at fascial planes in comparison to insertion above a muscle (Fig 1A – black dot) [2, 3]. At these planes, the loose connective tissue is bounded on two sides by skeletal muscle and generally becomes narrower with increasing depth, presenting distinct geometry and boundary conditions compared to locations above a muscle, which resembles an infinite plane (Fig 1B&C).

scholarly journals Cell-Penetrating Peptide and siRNA-Mediated Therapeutic Effects on Endometriosis and Cancer In Vitro Models

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1618
Author(s):  
Kristina Kiisholts ◽  
Kaido Kurrikoff ◽  
Piret Arukuusk ◽  
Ly Porosk ◽  
Maire Peters ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Cellular Proliferation ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Cell Penetrating Peptides ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cell Penetrating ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion

Gene therapy is a powerful tool for the development of new treatment strategies for various conditions, by aiming to transport biologically active nucleic acids into diseased cells. To achieve that goal, we used highly potential delivery vectors, cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), as oligonucleotide carriers for the development of a therapeutic approach for endometriosis and cancer. Despite marked differences, both of these conditions still exhibit similarities, like excessive, uncoordinated, and autonomous cellular proliferation and invasion, accompanied by overlapping gene expression patterns. Thus, in the current study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of CPP and siRNA nanoparticles using in vitro models of benign endometriosis and malignant glioblastoma. We demonstrated that CPPs PepFect6 and NickFect70 are highly effective in transfecting cell lines, primary cell cultures, and three-dimensional spheroids. CPP nanoparticles are capable of inducing siRNA-specific knockdown of therapeutic genes, ribonucleotide reductase subunit M2 (RRM2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which results in the reduction of in vitro cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration. In addition, we proved that it is possible to achieve synergistic suppression of endometriosis cellular proliferation and invasion by combining gene therapy and hormonal treatment approaches by co-administering CPP/siRNA nanoparticles together with the endometriosis-drug danazol. We suggest a novel target, RRM2, for endometriosis therapy and as a proof-of-concept, we propose a CPP-mediated gene therapy approach for endometriosis and cancer.

scholarly journals Probiotics: A Promising Tool for Calcium Absorption

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahendrakumar R. Dubey ◽  
Vipul P. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Significant Role ◽  
Calcium Absorption ◽  
Dairy Product ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Human Organism ◽  
Bacterial Survival ◽  
Adequate Amount ◽  
Promising Tool

As we know nutrients are necessary for the development and proper functioning of the human organism. Bioavailabilities of nutrients are the major concern rather than the supply of an adequate amount of nutrients in the diet. Many of the researches have been shown that the consumption of probiotics along with dairy foods buffers the acidity of the stomach and increases the bacterial survival rate into the intestine. A dairy product with probiotics also provides many of essential nutrients, including protein and calcium. From all the necessary nutrients the calcium having a major role in the human body including the development of bone and teeth are also regulating enzymes and many more. Calcium is the most essential nutrient, about 99% of calcium found in teeth and bone in the body and only 1% is found in serum. A numbers of researches have shown that adequate amount of calcium intake leads to reduce risk of fracture, Osteoporosis and Hypoglycaemia and diabetes in some population. Many of the researches suggested that the Probiotics having a significant role in improvement of calcium uptake and absorption, hence the present review gives information about the relationship of probiotics and calcium, ensuring higher bioavailability of calcium and promising a better bone health. Here, the review study showed a significant role of probiotics in calcium absorption and thus the bioavailabilities. Moreover, it is focused on glimpse of various studies and in-vitro models associated with the phenomena of calcium absorption and uptake.

Heat Sensitisation in Suspended Moxibustion: Features and Clinical Relevance

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 422-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dingyi Xie ◽  
Zhongyong Liu ◽  
Xiaoqin Hou ◽  
Bo Zhang ◽  
Jun Xiong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Internal Organs ◽  
Suspended Moxibustion ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Progression Of Disease ◽  
Heat Penetration ◽  
Heat Expansion ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

We have observed a ‘heat-sensitisation’ phenomenon in a large proportion of patients receiving suspended moxibustion treatment. Patients become thermally sensitised to moxibustion stimulation at certain locations on the body, indicated by sensations of strong warmth or heat penetrating into the body (heat penetration), warmth spreading around the stimulation site (heat expansion), warmth conducting in certain directions and reaching some body regions or even internal organs remote from stimulation sites (heat transmission), or other non-thermal sensations such as aching, heaviness, pressure etc. These heat-sensitised locations are not fixed, but may, during the progression of disease, dynamically change within a certain range centred on acupuncture points. Each condition seems to have its specific set of such sensitised acupuncture points and such phenomena are not commonly observed in other body regions or in healthy subjects. A number of clinical trials have shown that the appearance of heat sensitisation is correlated with better therapeutic effects in various diseases, indicating the clinical significance of such responses. Further investigation is required to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics and biological mechanisms of the heat sensitisation in suspended moxibustion.

scholarly journals The Therapeutic Effects of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Recombinant Peptide Pieces on Mouse Model of DSS Colitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1390-1400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reiko Iwazawa ◽  
Sayako Kozakai ◽  
Tsukasa Kitahashi ◽  
Kentaro Nakamura ◽  
Ken-ichiro Hata
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Mouse Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Adipose Derived Stem Cells ◽  
Recombinant Peptide ◽  
General Toxicity

Cell therapies using adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in human and dog. We previously reported the CellSaic technique, which uses a recombinant scaffold to enhance the efficacy of cell therapy. To examine whether this technique can be applied to cell therapy for colitis, we evaluated the efficacy of CellSaic in colitis mouse models. Colitis mouse models were developed by administering dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to C57BL/6 mice for 7 days. Then CellSaic comprising human/canine ADSCs (1.2 × 106 cells) or human/canine ADSCs only (1.2 × 106 cells) were administered to the mice. The body weights were measured, and the colon length measurements and histological evaluations were conducted at 7 days after administration. After in vitro culture of human ADSC (hADSC) CellSaic and hADSC spheroids in medium containing TNFα, the levels of the anti-inflammatory protein TSG-6 in each supernatant were measured. Furthermore, we conducted tumorigenicity and general toxicity tests of canine ADSC (cADSC) CellSaic in NOG mice for 8 weeks. In the colitis mouse models, the ADSC CellSaic group presented recovery of body weight and colon length compared with the ADSC-only group. Histological analysis showed that ADSC CellSaic decreased the number of inflammatory cells and repaired ulceration. In vitro, hADSC CellSaic secreted 3.1-fold more TSG-6 than the hADSCs. In addition, tumorigenicity and general toxicity of cADSC CellSaic were not observed. This study suggests that human and canine ADSC CellSaic has a therapeutic effect of colitis in human and dogs.

Seeing the Body: A New Mechanism for Acupuncture Analgesia?

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Needle Insertion ◽  
Visual Input ◽  
The Body ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Acupuncture Analgesia ◽  
Preliminary Examination ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Needle Stimulation

The use of visual illusions to study how the brain gives rise to a representation of the body has produced surprising results, particularly in relation to modulation of pain. It seems likely that this research has relevance to how we understand acupuncture analgesia. Acupuncture supplies several different kinds of signal to the brain: touch in the preliminary examination for tender areas; needle stimulation, mainly of Aδ fibres; and sometimes visual input from the patient's sight of the needle insertion. In the light of recent research, all these are likely to modulate pain. There are implications here for clinical practice and for research. Acupuncture may be more effective if patients can see the needles being inserted. The use of non-penetrating stimuli to the skin or minimal needle insertion at non-acupuncture points as control procedures becomes more than ever open to question and this, in turn, has relevance for claims that acupuncture is indistinguishable from placebo.

scholarly journals Health Concerns of Various Nanoparticles: A Review of Their in Vitro and in Vivo Toxicity

Nanomaterials ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marziyeh Ajdary ◽  
Mohammad Moosavi ◽  
Marveh Rahmati ◽  
Mojtaba Falahati ◽  
Mohammad Mahboubi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Protein Corona ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Physico Chemical

Nanoparticles (NPs) are currently used in diagnosis and treatment of many human diseases, including autoimmune diseases and cancer. However, cytotoxic effects of NPs on normal cells and living organs is a severe limiting factor that hinders their use in clinic. In addition, diversity of NPs and their physico-chemical properties, including particle size, shape, surface area, dispersity and protein corona effects are considered as key factors that have a crucial impact on their safe or toxicological behaviors. Current studies on toxic effects of NPs are aimed to identify the targets and mechanisms of their side effects, with a focus on elucidating the patterns of NP transport, accumulation, degradation, and elimination, in both in vitro and in vitro models. NPs can enter the body through inhalation, skin and digestive routes. Consequently, there is a need for reliable information about effects of NPs on various organs in order to reveal their efficacy and impact on health. This review covers the existing knowledge base on the subject that hopefully prepares us better to address these challenges.

scholarly journals Current Advances in 3D Tissue and Organ Reconstruction

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 830
Author(s):  
Georgia Pennarossa ◽  
Sharon Arcuri ◽  
Teresina De Iorio ◽  
Fulvio Gandolfi ◽  
Tiziana A. L. Brevini
Keyword(s):  
Cell Biology ◽  
Drug Testing ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
3D Culture ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Culture Systems

Bi-dimensional culture systems have represented the most used method to study cell biology outside the body for over a century. Although they convey useful information, such systems may lose tissue-specific architecture, biomechanical effectors, and biochemical cues deriving from the native extracellular matrix, with significant alterations in several cellular functions and processes. Notably, the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) platforms that are able to re-create in vitro the structures of the native tissue, have overcome some of these issues, since they better mimic the in vivo milieu and reduce the gap between the cell culture ambient and the tissue environment. 3D culture systems are currently used in a broad range of studies, from cancer and stem cell biology, to drug testing and discovery. Here, we describe the mechanisms used by cells to perceive and respond to biomechanical cues and the main signaling pathways involved. We provide an overall perspective of the most recent 3D technologies. Given the breadth of the subject, we concentrate on the use of hydrogels, bioreactors, 3D printing and bioprinting, nanofiber-based scaffolds, and preparation of a decellularized bio-matrix. In addition, we report the possibility to combine the use of 3D cultures with functionalized nanoparticles to obtain highly predictive in vitro models for use in the nanomedicine field.

scholarly journals Advanced Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems and Their Cellular Evaluation for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 3539
Author(s):  
Noratiqah Mohtar ◽  
Thaigarajan Parumasivam ◽  
Amirah Mohd Gazzali ◽  
Chu Shan Tan ◽  
Mei Lan Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Small Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
Cell Lung Cancer ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
The Body ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Different Types

Lung cancers, the number one cancer killer, can be broadly divided into small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with NSCLC being the most commonly diagnosed type. Anticancer agents for NSCLC suffer from various limitations that can be partly overcome by the application of nanomedicines. Nanoparticles is a branch within nanomedicine that can improve the delivery of anticancer drugs, whilst ensuring the stability and sufficient bioavailability following administration. There are many publications available in the literature exploring different types of nanoparticles from different materials. The effectiveness of a treatment option needs to be validated in suitable in vitro and/or in vivo models. This includes the developed nanoparticles, to prove their safety and efficacy. Many researchers have turned towards in vitro models that use normal cells or specific cells from diseased tissues. However, in cellular works, the physiological dynamics that is available in the body could not be mimicked entirely, and hence, there is still possible development of false positive or false negative results from the in vitro models. This article provides an overview of NSCLC, the different nanoparticles available to date, and in vitro evaluation of the nanoparticles. Different types of cells suitable for in vitro study and the important precautions to limit the development of false results are also extensively discussed.

scholarly journals Predicting the In Vivo Performance of Cardiovascular Biomaterials: Current Approaches In Vitro Evaluation of Blood-Biomaterial Interactions

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (21) ◽  
pp. 11390
Author(s):  
Anne Strohbach ◽  
Raila Busch
Keyword(s):  
Complement Activation ◽  
Clinical Success ◽  
In Vitro Models ◽  
The Body ◽  
Coagulation Cascade ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Testing Strategies ◽  
Cardiovascular Implants

The therapeutic efficacy of a cardiovascular device after implantation is highly dependent on the host-initiated complement and coagulation cascade. Both can eventually trigger thrombosis and inflammation. Therefore, understanding these initial responses of the body is of great importance for newly developed biomaterials. Subtle modulation of the associated biological processes could optimize clinical outcomes. However, our failure to produce truly blood compatible materials may reflect our inability to properly understand the mechanisms of thrombosis and inflammation associated with biomaterials. In vitro models mimicking these processes provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of biomaterial-induced complement activation and coagulation. Here, we review (i) the influence of biomaterials on complement and coagulation cascades, (ii) the significance of complement-coagulation interactions for the clinical success of cardiovascular implants, (iii) the modulation of complement activation by surface modifications, and (iv) in vitro testing strategies.

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