ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the association of T help (Th) lymphocyte and heart rate variability (HRV) in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. Methods Ninety-six patients with CHF and thirty healthy persons were enrolled in the study. Time-domain HRV analysis was performed based on 24 hour Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was used as markers for the differentiation of Th1 subsets and interleukin-10 (IL-10) for the Th2 subsets. IFN-γand IL-10 in CD4 + T lymphocytes were quantified by 3-color flow cytometry. Results The frequency of IL-10-Producing T Cells in the CHF group was significantly lower than those in the healthy control ( ( 16.4 ± 5.8 ) % vs. ( 26.8 ± 3.7 ) %, t = 9. 243, P ＜ 0. 001 ). The frequency of IFN-γ in the CHF group ( ( 18.4 ± 7.3 )% ) was significantly lower than that in the healthy controls ( (7.3 ±4.6) % ,t =7. 917, P ＜ 0. 001 ). The following index of HRV in the CHF groups were all significantly lower than those in the healthy controls: (98. 6 ± 21.3) ms vs. ( 145. 1 ± 42. 6) ms for SDNN, (83. 9 ± 22.4) ms vs.(136.5 ±39.6)ms for SDANN, (40.6 ± 14.5) ms vs. (55.8 ± 17.9) ms for SDNNI, (20. 7 ± 12.9) ms vs.(29.1 ± 12.6) ms for RMSSD, (5.6 ± 3.7 ) % vs. ( 11.8 ± 4.4) % for PNN50 ( Ps ＜ 0.05 ). In CHF patients, the frequency of IL-10 were positively associated with SDNN, SDANN, SDNNI, RMSSD and PNN50 ( r = 0. 49,0. 57,0. 58,0.47 and 0. 52 ,respectively,Ps ＜ 0.01 ). In the CHF patients, the frequency of IFN-γand IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio were negatively associated with SDNN ,SDANN ,SDNNI, RMSSD and PNN50 ( r = - 0. 49, - 0. 54, - 0. 57, - 0.52,- 0.53, - 0. 52, - 0.64, - 0.57, - 0. 58, - 0. 67, Ps ＜ 0. 01 ). Conclusions Autonomic nervous system is involved in the regulation of the balance of Th1/Th2 in patients with CHF. Sympathetic nerve system enhances the effect of Th1 ,whereas parasympathetic nervous system enhances the effect of Th2.
ABSTRACT
Fifty-two cases of herpes zoster were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and a control group of 49 cases was treated with traditional Chinese medicine (Kampo). The Visual Analogue scale (VAS) was used as an index of the analgesic effects. The acupuncture and moxibustion groups were treated according to the differentiation of symptoms and signs of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture was also applied around the area of affected skin, followed by 30 minutes of moxibustion. Cases in the Kampo group were given the following formulas: Ryutan-shakan-to (containing Gentianae) was administered for Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gall Bladder, Shoyosan (Pulvis ambulatorius) for Stagnation of Liver Qi and Irei-to (Formula hoelen stomachi) for Damp-Heat in the Spleen meridian. It took an average of 3.8 treatments for the pain to disappear in the 52 cases of the acupuncture group, and an average of five days for the Kampo group. Kampo was ineffective in three cases. There was a significantly higher rate of appearance of analgesic effects in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture is thought to control pain by improving the circulation of the Qi and blood. It also enhances immune function, thereby suppressing virus activity and helping reduce pain. Acupuncture and moxibustion significantly reduced pain in herpes zoster patients, and can be said to have analgesic effects.
ABSTRACT
We treated 200 cases with Spondylosis deformans using acupuncture and Qigong and achieved reasonably good effect.<br>Results: Clinical cure were 144 cases (72%), while 52 cases (26%) were rated effective. Four cases (2%) were invalid. The total rate of effectiveness was 98%. Twenty seven cases were cured in two courses of treatment, 110 in four courses and 7 in six courses.<br>Discussion: This disease belongs to the category krown as “Bi zheng” (arthralgiasyndrome) in tradional Chinese medicine. The disease results from “damage to the Governor Vessel” and “stagnancy of Qi and Blood”. The patients practised Shadow Qigong and Huanghai Qigong during the acupuncture treatment. The patients felt “De qi” (needling sensation by acupuncture) and “Qi gan” (Qi sensation of Qigong). The function of Qigong is to improve the circulation of Qi and Blood and to promote health.