Clinical observation on filiform-fire needling of "Biaoben acupoint combination" for 33 cases of sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 during recovery period / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of filiform-fire needling of "Biaoben acupoint combination" on the sequelae of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the recovery period.@*METHODS@#A total of 33 patients with COVID-19 during the recovery period were treated with filiform-fire needling at the acupoints of Mingmen (GV 4), Shenzhu (GV 12), Gaohuang (BL 43), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37), etc., once every other day, 3 times a week, and 3 times was one course of treatment and totally 2 courses of treatment were required. The TCM symptom, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) scores, pulmonary function indexes (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], peak expiratory flow [PEF]) and chest CT imaging change were observed before and after treatment, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of TCM symptom, HAMA and HAMD were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of FVC, FEV1 and PEF were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the recovery rate of 22 patients with pulmonary ventilation dysfunction was 86.4% (19/22). After treatment, the lung shadow area was smaller than that before treatment (P<0.05). The effective rate of 25 patients with lung CT abnormalities was 84.0% (21/25). After treatment, 23 cases were cured, 5 cases were markedly effective, 4 cases were effective, 1 case was ineffective, the cured and markedly effective rate was 84.8%.@*CONCLUSION@#The filiform-fire needling of "Biaoben acupoint combination" could significantly reduce the sequelae of cough, fatigue, chest tightness, etc. and mental symptoms such as anxiety and depression in patients with COVID-19 during the recovery period, and promote inflammatory exudation absorption of pulmonary lesion and improve lung ventilation function.

Mechanism of electroacupuncture for regulation of lipid production and improvement in obesity by mediating Wnt/ β-catenin pathway through activating SIRT1 / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) for the regulation of lipid production and improvement in obesity by mediating Wnt/β-catenin pathway through activating silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1).@*METHODS@#Of 75 Wistar male rats, 10 rats were selected randomly as the normal group and fed with standard diet. The rest rats were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish the obesity model. Forty rats of successful modeling were randomized into a model group, an EA group, an EA plus inhibitor group (EA+I group) and an agonist group, 10 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was applied at "Guanyuan" (CV 4), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 40), with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency and around 1 mA in intensity. The needles were retained for 20 min. In the EA+I group, sirtinol solution was injected from caudal vein and EA was exerted simultaneously. In the agonist group, resveratrol solution was given by intragastric administration. The intervention of the above three groups was given once every two days, 3 times a week, consecutively for 8 weeks. Before and after intervention, body mass and Lee's index were recorded in the rats of each group. After intervention, the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) were detected in the rats of each group. After intervention, the mass of white adipose tissue (WAT) and the area of adipocytes were compared in the rats among the 5 groups. Using Western blot method, the protein expressions of SIRT1, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), β-catenin, cyclin D1 and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) were detected in WAT in the rats of each group.@*RESULTS@#After intervention, compared with the model group, the body mass and Lee's index were reduced in the rats of the EA group and the agonist group (@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture remarkably improves the body mass, Lee's index and blood lipid metabolism and reduces WAT mass and adipocyte size in obesity model rats, which is probably related to up-regulating the protein expression of SIRT1 in WAT, activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inhibiting the expression of PPARγ of downstream lipogenic gene so as to affect lipid production.

Research progress and thinking on the mechanism of acupuncture in treatment of perimenopausal syndrome / 中国针灸

The potential effect mechanism of acupuncture for perimenopausal syndrome is analyzed and summarized from five aspects, i.e. the influence on reproductive endocrine system, the regulation on nervous system, the improvement of immune function, the intervention on free radical metabolism and the regulation of adverse emotions. It is believed the mechanism research of acupuncture in the treatment of perimenopausal syndrome should be deepened in terms of acupoint specificity and the influence of acupoint compatibility based on the characteristics of acupuncture therapy itself. In clinic, the research on therapeuticmethods and treatment frequency should be enhanced.

Effect of electroacupuncture on SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway in adipose tissue of obese rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on insulin sensitivity, adipose tissue inflammatory reaction and silent information regulation factor 1(SIRT1)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in obese rats.@*METHODS@#A total of 100 SPF-grade Wistar male rats were collected. Thirteen rats of them were selected randomly as the normal group and fed with common forage, and the rest rats were fed with high-fat forage. Eight weeks later, 39 rats that met the obesity criteria were randomized into a model group, an EA group and a sham-EA group, 13 rats in each one. In each group, 3 rats were collected randomly and the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was exerted to record glucose infusion rate (GIR) so as to determine insulin sensitivity. Afterwards, in the EA group, EA was applied to "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Fenglong" (ST 40), "Zhongwan" (CV 12) and "Guanyuan" (CV 4), stimulated with continuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in current intensity, for 15 min. The treatment was given once every 2 days, 3 times a week, for 8 weeks totally. In the sham-EA group, the needles were inserted shallowly at the sites, 5 mm lateral to each of the acupoints stimulated in the EA group, and the electrodes were attached to the needle handles, but without electric stimulation exerted. The rest management was the same as the EA group. Before and after intervention, the body mass and the insulin sensitivity were measured. After intervention, the white adipose tissue was collected from the kidney in the rats. Western blot was adopted to detect the relative protein expressions of SIRT1, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and acetylated NF-κB (Ac-NFκB). The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of SIRT1, IL-6 and TNF-α. The immunofluorescence double labeling method was applied to detect the co-expression of SIRT1 and Ac-NFκB in adipose tissue.@*RESULTS@#After fed with high-fat forage for 8 weeks, the body mass was significantly increased and GIR decreased in the rats of the model group as compared with the normal group (0.05). Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the protein and mRNA expressions of SIRT1 in adipose tissue were decreased, and the protein expression of Ac-NFκB increased, the protein and mRNA expressions of IL-6 and TNF-α increased (0.05). The results of immunofluorescence double labeling showed that SIRT1 and Ac-NFκB were co-expressed in adipose tissue.@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture significantly reduces the body mass, inflammatory reaction conditions of adipose tissue and improves insulin sensitivity in obese rats. Regarding the potential mechanism, after the activation of SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway by electroacupuncture, and down-regulates the transcription of downstream inflammatory factors.

Review and thinking of fifth national clinical skill competition of acupuncture-moxibustion and / 中国针灸

Through the review and summary of the 5th national clinical skill competition of acupuncture-moxibustion and , it is recognized that the strict security of training, the concentrated training items, active competition of training and the diversity of training patterns are the keys of achievement. Besides, the suggestions are proposed in terms of manipulations and the recitation content of classic in competition. It hopes that the competition greatly play its role in promoting learning, teaching and education construction.

Effect of electroacupuncture of " acupoint combination" on central sensitivity of cholecystokinin in obese rats with insulin resistance / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of " acupoint combination" on appetite, body fat, insulin sensitivity and central sensitivity of cholecystokinin (CCK) in obese rats with insulin resistance (IR), and to explore the mechanism of EA on improving obesity with insulin resistance.@*METHODS@#Among the fifty 8-week-old healthy SPF male Wistar rats, 10 rats were randomly selected and fed with normal diet; after 8 weeks, 8 rats were randomly selected as a normal group. The remaining 40 rats were fed with high-fat diet to establish the model of obsesity IR; after 8 weeks, 24 rats with successful model of obsesity IR were randomly divided into a model group, an EA group and a sham EA group, 8 rats in each group. Eight weeks after model establishment, the rats in the EA group were intervened with EA at "Fenglong" (ST 40), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), with continuous wave, in frequency of 2 Hz, and current intensity of 1 mA, for 10 min each time. The rats in the sham EA group were intervened with EA at the points 5 mm next to the acupoints used in the EA group and no electricity was given; the sham EA was given for 10 min each time. Both the treatments were given once every other day for 8 weeks. The Lee's index and food intake were observed before the intervention as well as 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks into intervention; after the intervention, serum insulin (INS) and glucose infusion rate (GIR) were detected; serum cholecystokinin (CCK) level was detected by ELISA; c-fos expression in the area postrema (AP) and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of medulla oblongata was detected by immunohistochemistry.@*RESULTS@#Before the intervention as well as 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks into intervention, the Lee's index and food intake in the model group were higher than those in normal group (<0.01). The Lee's index (6 weeks and 8 weeks into intervention) and food intake (4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks into intervention) in the EA group were lower than those in the model group and the sham EA group (<0.05, <0.01). After intervention, compared with the normal group, serum level of INS was increased (<0.01), while GIR, serum CCK level, c-fos expression in AP and NTS in the model group were decreased (<0.01, <0.05). Compared with the model group and the sham EA group, serum level of INS in the EA group was decreased (<0.01), and GIR, serum CCK level, c-fos expression in AP and NTS were increased (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA of " acupoint combination" could effectively reduce appetite, body fat and enhance insulin sensitivity in obese rats with IR. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of central sensitivity of CCK.

Network meta-analysis on the effects of the acupuncture-related therapy on ovulation rate and pregnancy rate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To review systematically the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture-related therapies on ovulation rate and pregnancy rate in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).@*METHODS@#From PubMed, EMbase, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database and VIP database, the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on PCOS were retrieved in the period from the date of database establishment to January 8, 2018. Two researchers screened the articles, extracted the data and assessed the bias risk of the eligible trials independently. Using Stata 13.0 and WinBUGS 1.4.3 software, the data were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 39 RCTs were collected, including 4605 cases of PCOS and 14 kinds of acupuncture-related therapies and the comprehensive therapies. The short-term therapeutic effects were observed. The results of mesh meta-analysis showed: regarding the ovulation rate, the effects of the acupuncture-medication therapy were better than western medication. The top 6 therapeutic measures were the treatment with acupoint thread-embedding therapy and medication (93.3%), the treatment with moxibustion and Chinese herbal medicine (91.4%), moxibustion (74.5%), the treatment with acupuncture and medication (65.7%), the treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and auricular point therapy (61.9%) and the treatment with acupuncture and auricular point therapy (49.6%). Regarding the pregnancy rate, the effects of the acupuncture-medication therapy were better than western medication. The top 6 therapeutic measures were the treatment with acupuncture and auricular point therapy (91.5%), the treatment with moxibustion and Chinese herbal medication (86.9%), the treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and auricular point therapy (81.1%), the treatment with acupoint thread-embedding therapy and medication (69.4%), the treatment with acupuncture and medication (66.1%) and the treatment with placebo and western medication (58.7%).@*CONCLUSION@#Among acupuncture-related therapies, the combined treatment is more advantageous than single therapy and its safety is superior to western medication. The combined therapies are various in advantages. Because of the limitation of the present researches, it needs a large scale of RCTs with rational design, high quality and proper methods to verify this research conclusion.

Effects of electroacupuncture on inflammatory response and intestinal mucosal barrier in obese rats with insulin resistance / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory response and intestinal mucosal barrier in obese rats with insulin resistance, and to explore the mechanism of EA on improving insulin resistance in rats.@*METHODS@#Among 45 Wistar male rats, 15 rats were randomly selected and fed with common diet. After eight weeks, 10 rats were randomly selected and divided into the normal group. The remaining 30 rats were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish obesity model of rat, among 28 rats with successful model of obesity, 20 rats were randomly selected and divided into the model group and EA group, 10 rats in each one. At the same time, 3 rats in the model group and the EA group were randomly selected for hyperinsulinemia-euglycemic clamp operation to determine whether the insulin resistance model was successful. After model establishment, the rats in the EA group were intervented with EA at "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Guanyuan" (CV 4), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 40) with continuous wave, frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of 1 mA; "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 40) were used alternately on both sides; the needles were sustained for 10 min; EA was given once every other day, three times a week for a total of 8 weeks. During the intervention, the rats in the normal group and the model group were fixed but not intervented. The body mass and postprandial blood sugar were measured in each group before and after 8-week intervention. After 6-week intervention, 3 rats in each group were clamped to detect systemic insulin sensitivity. Before the rats were killed, blood was taken from the apex of the heart to detect the serum insulin content. After the rats were killed, the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in liver and adipose tissue and occlidin and ZO-1 in colon tissue were detected by Real time-PCR; the protein expression levels of occludin and ZO-1 in colon tissue were detected by Western blot method.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, the body mass, postprandial blood sugar and serum insulin content in the model group were increased significantly, the glucose infusion rate (GIR) was decreased significantly (all <0.01), the mRNA expressions of TNF- and IL-6 in liver and adipose tissue were increased (<0.05, <0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of ZO-1 in colon tissue were decreased significantly (both <0.01), and the mRNA expression of occludin was significantly decreased (<0.01). Compared with the model group, the body mass, postprandial blood sugar, serum insulin content, mRNA expressions of TNF-a and IL-6 in liver and adipose tissue were significantly decreased (<0.01, <0.05), GIR was significantly increased (<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of ZO-1 in colon tissue were increased (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA could decrease blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. Its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors and improving intestinal mucosal barrier.

High-Tech Acupuncture for Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases-A Sino-Austrian Cooperation Research Protocol on Heart Rate Variability / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Acupuncture can not only be used for well-known diseases, but also for so-called modern lifestyle-related diseases. Using innovative methods like e.g. new analyses of heart rate variability (HRV), it is also possible to investigate diseases like burnout syndrome, ie., qi deficiency in Chinese medicine (CM).</p><p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>The main object of this research protocol is to perform research on the relationship of burnout syndrome and heart rate (HR) and HRV.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 175 patients with burnout syndrome (qi deficiency syndrome) in five groups and 35 healthy volunteers will be investigated. Based on random numbers generated by computer and concealed in opaque envelops, the patients will be assigned to four acupuncture groups using Zusanli (ST 36) acupuncture stimulation, Guanyuan (CV4) acupuncture stimulation, both points, and both points with Streitberger device respectively, and a moxibustion group using both points mentioned above, with 35 cases in each group. Altogether four different experiments are planned. Experiment 1 includes 70 subjects and is a comparison between a burnout group and a control group (healthy volunteers). The evaluation parameters are different scores and indices of HR and HRV. Experiment 2 includes 140 subjects and compares the efficacy of different acupuncture points. In experiment 3 (105 subjects), acupuncture and moxibustion should be compared to healthy volunteers. Experiment 4 (70 subjects) investigates the long-term therapeutic effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the scores of qi deficiency and HR/HRV in qi deficiency patients. In both the acupuncture and moxibustion groups, a total of 10 treatments will be performed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The joint research aims at the scientific evaluation of CM, mainly in the field of HRV. This parameter could be a very good indicator of the state of health and can be inflfluenced by different acupuncture methods, as shown in the past.</p>

Defining Acupuncture-Moxibustion: A Delphi Study Protocol / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>With the worldwide use and modern development of acupuncture-moxibustion, there is disagreement on its basic definition. There has been an obstacle for clinical practice, research, and legislation. Considering this challenge, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies proposes to develop the definition and basic scope of acupuncture-moxibustion with a Delphi study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A reactive Delphi method will be used to ask a group of experts to rate the relevance and clarity of a predesigned initial item list. This list was generated by the steering committee through a literature review and group discussion. Forty experts will be selected from many disciplines and continents to ensure appropriate representation. Predefined rules will be applied to modify the items until a consensus is achieved. After achieving the consensus on all items through the survey round, the steering committee will form the definition and basic scope of acupuncture-moxibustion by organizing a literal statement with a detailed explanation.</p>

Effects of electroacupuncture with manifestation-root acupoint combination on ultrastructure and biosynthesis in mitochondrial of quadriceps femoris in rats with insulin resistance / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture on improving insulin resistance of rat from aspects of morphology and function of mitochondrial in quadriceps femoris.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-eight 8-week Wistar rats (female and male in half) were randomly divided into a normal group (16 rats, group A), a model control group (16 rats, group B), a model plus electroacupuncture (EA) group (8 rats, group C) and a model plus sham acupoint EA group (8 rats, group D). Group A was given with basic diet while high-fat diet was applied in the group B, group C and group D for 8 weeks to establish model of insulin resistance. After the model establishment, "Guanyuan" (CV 4), "Zhongwan" (CV 12), "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Fenglong" (ST 30) were selected according to acupoint combination of manifestation-root in the group C, while four points in non-meridian area where 1 to 2 mm next to the acupoints used in group C were selected in the group D. The treatment was given 15 min per time with 1 mA of intensity and 2 Hz in frequency, 5 times per week for totally 8 weeks. The transmission electron microscope was adopted to observe mitochondria structure, and chemical colorimetry was used to test the activity of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase and phosphomolybdic acid colorimetry was applied to measure the content of ATP.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the treatment, the body mass was (401.63 +/- 109.81) g in the group B, which was significantly higher than (305.88 +/- 62.72) g in the group A (P < 0.05); morphological structure of mitochondrion was damaged, showing swelling and deformation; the activity of ATP synthase was decreased (P < 0.05) and the content of ATP in tissue of quadriceps femoris was also obviously lowered (P < 0.05). The body mass was (294.13 +/- 53.78) g in the group C, which was significantly lower than that in the group B (P < 0.05); the damaged mitochondrion was restored and merged among each other; the activity of ATP synthase was increased (P < 0.05); the content of ATP in tissue of quadriceps femoris was obviously lifted (P < 0.05). The results in group D were not different from those in group B.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The electroacupuncture with manifestation-root acupoint combination could improve the recovery of damaged structure of mitochondrion and promote the merge among each other, which could enhance oxidizing capacity, lower body mass and improve synthetic rate of ATP.</p>

Discussion on clinical research thinking of insulin resistance and its related di-seases treated with acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

According to the analysis of current clinical research situation on insulin resistance and its related diseases: obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with acupuncture and moxibustion, some clinical research thinking are proposed: based on national, international acupuncture-moxibustion standard, setting a normalized clinical research programme in accordance with the clinical practice; addressing effective acupoints combination and prescription, emphasizing the role played by vital qi strengthening in the treatment of insulin resistance and its related diseases; taking advantage of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment apportunity, that is to say , mainly focus on prevention; setting proper control group, grasping the theoretical and clinical characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion. In this way, some reference could be provided for insulin resistance and its related diseases treated with acupuncture and moxibustion.

Thoughts and prospects of research on acupoints compatibility / 中国针灸

The relative literatures published in the domestic and international periodicals from the year 2000 to 2011 were analyzed. And discussion and prospect were carried out on the way of thinking on compatibility of acupoints. The result indicats that both synergistic reaction and antagonism can be found in acupoint compatibility. Progresses are made in the mechanism study. However, improvements can still be made in theoretical innovation, research designation and technical method. In the future, studies on acupoint compatibility should be focused on enhancing of the clinical effect. New theories should be carefully selected and condensed, research designation should be strictly controlled, and modern scientific technologies should be actively applied so as to provide theoretical basis and researching direction for acupuncture clinical practice.

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on p38 MAPK signaling pathway in rats with cardiac hypertrophy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the mechanisms of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) on p38 MAPK signaling pathway in rats with cardiac hypertrophy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: a normal group, a model group, a model plus p38 MAPK inhibitor group, a model plus electroacupuncture group, ten rats in each group. The model rats were established by subcutaneous injection 3 mg/(kg x d) of Isoprenaline Hydrochloride; model plus p38 MAPK inhibitor group were injected 0.3 mg/(kg x d) of specific inhibitor SB 203580; model plus electroacupuncture group was treated by electroacupuncture at "Neiguan"(PC 6) with continuous-wave, 2 Hz and 1 mA for 20 minutes, once a day for 14 days. There was no treatment in other two groups. The contents of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in heart tissue were detected by radioimmunoassay and the p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK by western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with normal group, the contents of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK were significantly increased in model group (all P < 0.01). The contents of TNFalpha, IL-1beta, p38 MAPK, p-p38 MAPK were significantly decreased in model plus p38 MAPK inhibitor group and model plus electroacupuncture group, compared with model group, all P < 0.05; compared with normal group, P < 0.05, P < 0.01; but no significant difference between model plus p38 MAPK inhibitor group and model plus electroacupuncture group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) can prevent the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK of myocardial hypertrophy, and the mechanism maybe adjust p38 MAPK signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta.</p>

Effect of acupuncture on the activity of gastrointestinal electricity / 中国针灸

Based on the summarization of literatures on regulation of gastrointestinal electricity with acupuncture, the regulation effect of acupuncture, its influencing factors and its mechanism were analyzed in this article. It is found that the regulation effect can be influenced by many factors such as different acupuncture techniques, frequency, point selection, manipulations and the physical condition of the object. The effect of acupuncture appears great variety, which manifests as reinforced, inhibited or a kind of two-way regulation. And it is also held that the effect of acupuncture relies on the integrity of the nerve system. Nuclei, neurotransmitters, body fluid and gastrointestinal hormone also take part in the acupuncture effect. Therefore, studies on mechanism of acupuncture effect on gastrointestinal electricity should be strengthened in the future.

Influence on electroacupuncture at "Qiangzhuang" acupoints for neuro-immune regulation of sub-acute aged rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture for anti-aging.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty Sprague-Dawley rats (female and male take one half for each), 3-month old, were divided into a control group, a model group, a routine electroacupuncture group (current intensity, 1 mA) and a strong electroacupuncture group (current intensity, 4.5 mA), 10 rats in each group. The model of aged rats was established by D-galactose in the latter three groups. The acupoints of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) were used for electroacupuncture treatment, six times per week for 4 weeks. After that, the level of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the serum, as well as the expression of neuropeptide Y mRNA (NPY mRNA) and IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) in the periventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) were examined and compared between each group.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In comparison of the control rats, the model rats expressed with the lower level of NPY mRNA in PVN, higher levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R in PVN, which is different from each other (P < 0.05). In both routine electroacupuncture group and strong electroacupuncture group, the level of NPY mRNA in PVN was up-regulated, in contrast, the levels of IL-6 in the serum and IL-6R in PVN were cut down, which were different from those of the model group (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, the therapeutic effect of the strong electroacupuncture group is different from that of the routine electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture at "Qiangzhuang" acupoints plays an active role to slow down the aging process on the sub-acute aged rats through regulating the function of neuro-immune system, and the therapeutic effect of strong stimulation is better than that of routine stimulation.</p>

Study on relationship between TCM Syndrome types (Xin-qi and Xin-yang deficiency) and contents of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukins) in patients with congestive heart failure / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between TCM Syndromes types, Xin-qi deficiency (XQD) and Xin-yang deficiency (XYD), and contents of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1beta and IL-10 in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-seven CHF in-patients with Xin-qi deficiency or Xin-yang deficiency syndrome were enrolled, their NYHA (New York Heart Association) cardiac function was assessed, ejection fraction (EF) and E peak/A peak (E/A) ratio were determined by Doppler ultrasonic echocardiograph, and serum TNF-alpha, II-6, IL-1beta and IL-10 were measured by double antibody sandwich ELISA assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The cardiac function grading in patients of XQD was mostly of I and II grade, while that in patients of XYD was mostly of III and IV grade (by Ridit analysis, P<0.01). The E/A and EF values were higher in patients of XQD than those in patients of XYD (P<0.01). Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta were higher and IL-10 was lower in patients of XYD than those in patients of XQD (P<0.05 or P<0.01) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1beta and IL-10 probably play an important role in the development process of XQD to XYD, and could be taken as the microcosmic indexes for differentiation of the two syndromes.</p>