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ObjectiveTo observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Zhongwan （CV12） on gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation and explore the underlying mechanisms associated with nuclei of the medullary viscerosensory and visceral motor neurons. MethodsTwenty SD rats were given intragastric administration of 0.5 mol/L diluted hydrochloric acid （0.5 ml/100 g） to induce gastric nociceptive response induction. Eight rats were randomly selected to record the gastric slow wave （GSW） area under the curve， and extracellular discharge frequency of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract （NTS） and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve （DMV） before intragastric administration and at 1， 5， 10， 15， 20， 25， 30， 35， 40， 45， 50， 55， and 60 minutes after intragastric administration. The remaining 12 rats received electroacupuncture intervention at Zhongwan within 5 to 25 minutes after intragastric administration of diluted hydrochloric acid， with a duration of one minute. The GSW area under the curve and extracellular discharge frequency of NTS and DMV neurons were compared between the 1-minute intervals before and after electroacupuncture intervention. ResultsCompared to the baseline before intragastric administration， the area under the curve of GSW significantly increased at 1， 5， 10， 15， 20， and 25 minutes after intragastric administration， and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS （accounting for 90%， 57/63） significantly increased at 1， 5， 10， 15， 20， 25， 30， 35， and 40 minutes， both reaching peak values at 1 minute after intragastric administration （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. The extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV （accounting for 91%， 20/22） showed a non-significant increase at 1 minute after intragastric administration （P＞0.05）， but significantly decreased at other timepoints （P＜0.05）. Compared to the baseline before electroacupuncture intervention， the GSW area under the curve and the extracellular discharge frequency of excitatory neurons in the NTS significantly decreased （P＜0.05）， while the extracellular discharge frequency of inhibitory neurons in the DMV showed no significant difference （P＞0.05）. ConclusionElectroacupuncture at Zhongwan can improve gastric nociceptive response induced by gastric acid stimulation， possibly by reducing the transmission of visceral sensation and decreasing the excitability of NTS neurons in the medulla.
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ObjectiveTo explore the possible peripheral analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture （EA） at promimal and distal acupoints in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome （MPS）. MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， proximal group， and distal group， with six rats in each group. MPS model was prepared by “strike combined with centrifugal exercise” in all groups except for the blank group. After modeling， the rats in the proximal group received EA at the local myofascial trigger points （MTrPs）， namely the Ashi points， with dilatational waves of frequency of 2/100 HZ and voltage of 2-4 V， current intensity depending on a slight trembling of the left lower limbs， once a day， 15min each time，for 14 days. The rats in the distal group received EA at “Yanglingquan” （GB 34） and “Yinlingquan” （SP 9）， with the same operations as the proximal group. The rats in the blank group and the model group were only grasped and hedged， without other interventions. After intervention， the paw withdrawl mechanical threshold （PWMT） was measured， and variability between the left and right hind paws was calculated. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and electromyography monitoring were performed on the left lower extremity vastus medialis. The morphological changes of vastus medialis muscle of the left lower extremity were observed by HE staining. The positive expression of substance P （SP）， calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）， CD68 and CD206 in muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Abdominal aortic serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-8 （interleukin-8） were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared to those in the blank group， the fibers of the vastus medial muscle of the rats in the model group were broken and distorted with thickness in variation， and the myofascia was broken， with fibrillation potential， enlarged muscle cells， inward moved nucleus， and widened muscle space； the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws significantly increased， as well as the levels of SP， CGRP， CD68， and CD206 in the vastus medialis muscle （P＜0.01）， and the serum IL-8 and TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the muscle fibers in the proximal and distal group were complete in shape and arranged in an orderly manner， with continued non-broken myofascia， regular shape of muscle cells， and significantly reduced level of IL-8 （P＜0.01）； the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous discharge in the proximal group significantly decreased， as well as the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws， and the levels of SP， CGRP， and CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle， while the CD206 level increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ）； there was complex discharges in the distal group， with significantly decreased level of CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle and increased level of CD206 （P＜0.01）. Compared to the proximal group， the level of IL-8 in the distal group was significantly higher （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsEA at proximal acupoints can significantly improve the pain threshold and local muscle tissue morpho-logy in rats， and its mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of pain-causing substances and related inflammatory factors and promoting the polarization of macrophages. The analgesic effect of EA at distal acupoints is not obvious， and the mechanism is still unclear.
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Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by amenorrhea before age 40 with raised FSH level and decreased E2 level. POI, as a main reason for infertility, poses great threat on patients. physical and psychological health.By reviewing clinical trials of acupuncture in treating premature ovarian insufficiency, this study focuses on the significance and feasibility of patient registry about acupuncture therapy for premature ovarian insufficiency. Patient registry can be used in collecting real-world evidence and exploring effective intervention to improve pregnancy rate
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To judge whether algesia sensitization of some acupoints is existed and whether the acupoint algesia sensitization area is expanded in the patients of intestinal cancer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally, 30 patients of intestinal cancer and 30 healthy subjects were included. The electronic Von Fray was used to determine the pressure-pain thresholds at 13 acupoints relevant with gastrointestinal disorders and the reference points at the sites 1and 2lateral to those points as well as the sites at the corresponding nerve segments. Compared with the pressure-pain thresholds at the reference points of the different segments, the relative value was calculated. The changes were analyzed in the pressure-pain thresholds at the relevant acupoints on the body surface in the patients of intestinal cancer as compared with the relative pressure-pain thresholds in the healthy volunteers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The pressure-pain thresholds at Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39), Quchi (LI 11) and Dachangshu (BL 25) in the patients of intestinal cancer were all significantly reduced as compared with those of the healthy subjects (<0.05,<0.01,<0.001). At the non-acupoint sites 1and 2lateral to those acupoints as well as at the sites of the same segments, the pressure-pain thresholds were reduced significantly as compared with the control group (<0.05,<0.01,<0.001). Particularly, the sensitization zone of Yinlingquan (SP 9) focused on the acupoint, the site 1lateral to it as well as the non-acupoint sites of the same segments (<0.01,<0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupoint sensitization is displayed at Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39), Quchi (LI 11), Dachangshu (BL 25) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) and the sensitization area is expended in the patients of intestinal cancer.</p>
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In recent years, more and more patients of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have strong desire to be treated with acupuncture. In "Effect of acupuncture and clomiphene in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial" published in() on June 27, 2017, the finding of this research does not support acupuncture for such infertility women. The questions and doubts are proposed in the paper from the regimen of acupuncture treatment, the determination of primary outcome and the explanation of the results. It is found by comparison that the trigger point treatment in the article is different from traditional acupuncture, there is doubt in live birth rate as the primary outcome, 4-month treatment is not enough for the change of live birth rate, difference without statistic significance between acupuncture and control acupuncture does not mean invalid acupuncture because the control acupuncture is not invalid, the research and statistic method are not those planned. As a result, we consider that the conclusion is unreasonable.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the impacts on physical and mental health of the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated with electroacupuncture (EA) or Diane 35.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two patients of PCOS were randomized into an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 36 cases in each group. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to relieving liver stagnation and regulatingactivity at Ganshu (BL 18), Danzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3). Afterarrival, the electric stimulation was added for 30 min. Acupuncture treatment was given 3 times a week. In the western medication group, Diane 35 was taken since the 5th day of menstruation and lasted for 21 days. The cycle of treatment was 3 months in the two groups. Before treatment and at the end of treatment, the symptom scores were evaluated and the self-report symptom inventory, symptom checklist-90 (SCL-90) was used for the mental health evaluation and the comparison was made between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with those before treatment in the same group, the symptom scores were reduced significantly after treatment in the two groups (both<0.01). After treatment, the symptom scores in the acupuncture group were reduced significantly as compared with those in the western medicationgroup (<0.01). After treatment, the scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety and hostility were reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment in the acupuncture group (all<0.05). After treatment, the scores of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility and phobic factor were lower significantly than those in the western medication group (all<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EA with relieving liver stagnation and regulatingactivity reduces the symptom scores of PCOS and SCL-90 scores, acting on regulating both physical and mental conditions. The effects achieved with acupuncture are better than those with Diane 35.</p>
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With the wide application of acupuncture in the world, the research results of neurosciences have made scientific approval on some of efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture, and the concept of western medical acupuricture (WMA) is gradually developed. During the spread of Chinese acupuncture into western countries, WMA is an adaptive improvement when facing basic theories of western medicine including anatomy, physiology and pathology as well as evidence-based medicine system. WMA which is based on theory of muscle trigger point has obvious efficacy on muscular fasciae pain, which attracted wide attention. But when Chinese acupuncture spreads into western world, the theories of Chinese acupuncture such as meridian and specificity of acupoint are questioned due to the results of western clinical study. In this paper, the origin, theory development, stimulating location and method, and categories of diseases of WMA are compared with Chinese acupuncture, and the enlightenment of this difference on Chinese acupuncture research is analyzed.
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Humans , Acupuncture Points , Acupuncture Therapy , Methods , Evidence-Based Medicine , Meridians , Trigger PointsABSTRACT
Objective To explore the effects of flunarizine hydrochloride on plasma calcitonin gene-related pep-tide and substance P levels after CSD in a rat migraine model of cortical spreading depression (CSD). Methods Thirty adult rats were randomly and evenly divided into three groups:control Group, CSD group and flunarizine group. The CSD waves were evoked by application of potassium chloride on brain surface with filter paper. Funarizine hydrochloride was intravenously administered to rats five minutes prior to application of potassium chloride. The plasma levels of CGRP and SP were measured by using radioimmunity assay. Statistical analyses were performed using two-sample t test and analy-sis of variance. Results CSD waves were absent in control group whereas CSD waves were induced in CSD and flunari-zine groups. The latency of the first CSD wave was longer in flunarizine group (167.90 ± 25.18 s) than in CSD group (130.90 ± 13.30 s) (P<0.01). The number of CSD waves was smaller in flunarizine group (4.50 ± 1.84) than in CSD group (8.50 ± 2.07) (P<0.01). The amplitude of CSD waves was lower in flunarizine group (11.40 ± 4.12 mv) than in CSD group (24.40±3.57 mv) (P<0.01). The levels of CGRP and SP in both CSD group (CGRP, 32.95±11.61 pg/mL;SP, 27.80±7.51 pg/mL) and flunarizine group (CGRP, 25.13 ± 5.67 pg/mL; SP, 19.45 ± 6.10 pg/mL) were higher than in control group (CGRP, 14.44 ± 6.39 pg/mL; SP, 12.36 ± 4.22 pg/mL) (P<0.01). The levels of CGRP and SP in flunarizine group (CGRP, 25.13±5.67 pg/mL;SP, 19.45±6.10 pg/mL) were lower than those in CSD group (CGRP, 32.95±11.61 pg/mL;SP, 27.80± 7.51 pg/mL) (P<0.05). Conclusions Flunarizine hydrochloride can inhibit CSD and reduce the plama levels of CGRP and SP in the rat model of CSD.
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Objective To analyze the survival curves of ASIC3 -/-and TRPV1 -/-mice, and provide a reference for further breeding of these strains of mice.Methods Forty-four ASIC3 -/-mice and sixty-one TRPV1 -/-mice were included in this study.The survival of the mice was observed in normal feeding for 500 days, survival curves were drawn, and their survival was analyzed.Results With the passing of time, the survival probability was decreased in ASIC3 -/-mice and TRPV1 -/-mice.The survival probability of TRPV1 -/-mice was significantly better than that of ASIC3 -/-mice (P =0.004, P <0.01).No significant difference was observed between the males and females of the same strain. Conclusions The survival probability of TRPV1 -/-mice is better than that of ASIC3 -/-mice.There is no significant gender difference in the two strains of mice.
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Objective To observe the dynamic distribution of the extravasated Evans Blue (EB) dye points (neurogenic inflammatory response) at the skin after acute gastric mucosal injury (AGMI) and its relation to the related regular acupoints in the locations in rats. Methods A total of 70 Wistar rats were randomized into normal control (n=10),normal saline (n=10),and AGMI (n=50) groups. The AGMI group was further divided into 5 h,2 d,3 d,4 d and 5 d subgroups with 10 rats in each. AGMI model was duplicated by intragastric perfusion of diluted hydrochloric acid (HCl,0.5 mol/L). Evans Blue Dye (50 mg/kg,50 mg/mL in 0.9% saline) was given to the rats before AGMI modeling. The plasma extravasated EB points at the skin of the whole body were observed after removal of the hair. Results The extravasated EB points presented a nerve-segmental distribution,with the proportion of the points in the location being 47.5% for "Geshu" (BL 17),58.82% for "Jizhong" (GV 6),88.23% for "Pishu" (BL 20),82.35% for "Weishu" (BL 21),17.64% for "Zhongwan" (CV 12),and 5.88% for "Shangwan" (CV 13),respectively. The plasma extravasation of EB seldom appeared in normal rats and only fewer points were found in rats accepted administration of 0.9% saline. Significant differences were found between model and normal control groups,and between model and normal saline groups in the numbers of the extravasated EB points (P
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L6.A longitudinal column of HRP-labeled motoneurons was found in the dorsolateral and mediolateral portions of the spinal cord,distributing in the lamina Ⅸ from the caudal L4 to the rostral L6.Additionally,the transganglionic HRP-labeled central projection axonal terminals were found to be dense in the central part of laminae Ⅰ-Ⅱ from L4 to the rostral L6,and to scatter in the central part of gracile nucleus.Conclusion HRP-labeled primary afferent and efferent innervating acupoint "Taixi"(KI 3) are DRGs of L4-L6,the dorsolateral and mediolateral motoneuron columns of L4-L6,and the centrally projecting axonal terminals of laminae Ⅰ-Ⅱ of the spinal cord and the gracile nucleus.
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National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) is an important part of national system for innovation, which provides financial assistance mainly for the basic and applied researches of natural sciences, especially for the researchers who work in the learning institutions and the agencies of scientific research with advanced facilities. This paper summarized the applications and approved projects on traditional Chinese medicine in NFSC in 2005. We initially analyzed the growth, quality, characteristics, tendency and problems of these items.