Effects of Yizhi Tiaoshen acupuncture on learning and memory function and the expression of phosphorylated tau protein in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease model rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of Yizhi Tiaoshen (benefiting mental health and regulating the spirit) acupuncture on learning and memory function, and the expression of phosphorylated tubulin-associated unit (tau) protein in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats, and explore the effect mechanism of this therapy on AD.@*METHODS@#A blank group and a sham-operation group were randomly selected from 60 male SD rats, 10 rats in each one. AD models were established in the rest 40 rats by the intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose and okadaic acid in the CA1 region of the bilateral hippocampus. Thirty successfully-replicated model rats were randomly divided into a model group, a western medication group and an acupuncture group, 10 rats in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20), "Sishencong" (EX-HN 1), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Xuanzhong" (GB 39) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6); and the needles were retained for 10 min. Acupuncture was given once daily. One course of treatment was composed of 6 days, with the interval of 1 day; the completion of treatment included 4 courses. In the western medication group, donepezil hydrochloride solution (0.45 mg/kg) was administrated intragastrically, once daily; it took 7 days to accomplish one course of treatment and a completion of intervention was composed of 4 courses. Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition test (NORT) were used to assess the learning and memory function of the rats. Using HE staining and Nissl staining, the morphological structure of the hippocampus was observed. With Western blot adopted, the protein expression of the tau, phosphorylated tau protein at Ser198 (p-tau Ser198), protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in the hippocampus was detected.@*RESULTS@#There were no statistical differences in all of the indexes between the sham-operation group and the blank group. Compared with the sham-operation group, in the model group, the MWM escape latency was prolonged (P<0.05), the crossing frequency and the quadrant stay time in original platform were shortened (P<0.05), and the NORT discrimination index (DI) was reduced (P<0.05); the hippocampal cell numbers were declined and the cells arranged irregularly, the hippocampal neuronal structure was abnormal and the numbers of Nissl bodies decreased; the protein expression of p-tau Ser198 and GSK-3βwas increased (P<0.05) and that of PP2A decreased (P<0.05). When compared with the model group, in the western medication group and the acupuncture group, the MWM escape latency was shortened (P<0.05), the crossing frequency and the quadrant stay time in original platform were increased (P<0.05), and DI got higher (P<0.05); the hippocampal cell numbers were elevated and the cells arranged regularly, the damage of hippocampal neuronal structure was attenuated and the numbers of Nissl bodies were increased; the protein expression of p-tau Ser198 and GSK-3β was reduced (P<0.05) and that of PP2A was increased (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the above indexes between the acupuncture group and the western medication group (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture therapy of "benefiting mental health and regulating the spirit" could improve the learning and memory function and alleviate neuronal injure of AD model rats. The effect mechanism of this therapy may be related to the down-regulation of GSK-3β and the up-regulation of PP2A in the hippocampus, and then to inducing the inhibition of tau protein phosphorylation.

Different operation sequences between acupuncture and cupping therapy for lumbar muscle strain with cold and dampness: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy on lumbar muscle strain with cold and dampness between the different operation sequences of acupuncture and cupping therapy.@*METHODS@#Seventy-six patients with lumbar muscle strain with cold and dampness were randomly divided into an acupuncture + cupping group (A + C group, 38 cases) and a cupping + acupuncture group (C + A group, 38 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the A + C group, cupping therapy was delivered 10 min after the end of treatment with acupuncture, while in the C + A group, acupuncture therapy was exerted 10 min after the end of treatment with cupping. Acupuncture was applied to Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), ashi point and bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), Weizhong (BL 40) and Yanglingquan (GB 34), and the needles were retained for 30 min in each intervention. Flash cupping was operated along the bilateral sides of the lumbar spine for 3 min, and the cups were retained for 10 min at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25) and ashi points. The intervention was delivered once every two days, 3 times weekly, for 3 weeks totally in each group. The scores of visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), TCM syndrome score and the mean temperature of the lumbar region before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The safety and the clinical efficacy were assessed for the interventions of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the values before treatment, except for the sleep score of ODI, the VAS scores, ODI scores and TCM syndrome scores were decreased after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05); while the mean temperature of the lumbar region was increased (P<0.01) in both groups. After treatment, the VAS score and the pain score of ODI in the C + A group were lower than those in the A + C group (P<0.05). The incidence rate of adverse reactions of the C + A group was lower than that of the A + C group (P<0.01). The effective rate in the A+C group was 92.1% (35/38), that in the C+A group was 94.6%(35/37), there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different operation sequences between acupuncture and cupping therapy obtain the similar efficacy on lumbar muscle strain with cold and dampness, but cupping therapy delivered prior to acupuncture has certain advantages in relieving pain and improving safety.

Discussion on moxibustion practice of the Han medical bamboo slips unearthed in Wuwei and Juyan regions of Gansu province / 中国针灸

Through collecting the relevant moxibustion records of Han medical bamboo slips unearthed in Wuwei and Juyan regions of Gansu province, the situation and characteristics of clinical practice of moxibustion were summarized. In Wuwei Han medical bamboo slips, the contraindications of moxibustion were recorded, with age and time involved. Juyan Han medical bamboo slips mainly recorded the methods of moxibustion at the acupoints located on the back of the body, with clear emphasis and requirement of acupoint selection, single acupoint moxibustion and moxibustion quantity (the numbers of moxa cone) included. These records on bamboo slips initially display the practice and development of moxibustion in Gansu and other northwestern regions of China in the Han Dynasty, providing a certain instruction for the literature research of moxibustion of the excavated Han medical bamboo slips.

Observation of acupoint thread-embedding on refractive amblyopia in children / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupoint thread@*METHODS@#A total of 60 children with refractive amblyopia were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off). In the control group, comprehensive therapy of eye covering of intact side and family refined performance was adopted. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupoint thread@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the corrected vision was increased compared before treatment in the both groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint thread

Research advances in the brain mechanisms of acupuncture effects based on the BOLD-fMRI technology / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

By summarizing the recent literatures on brain mechanisms with acupuncture intervention based on blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD)-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the BOLD-fMRI examination and analysis methods, the points to be acupunctured, the corresponding meridian activation regions, the specific intensity range, functions and indications of the acupoints, the manifestation of 'bi-directional regulation' characteristics, fMRI performance of chronergy, laterality and needling qi of acupuncture were reviewed to provide the ideas for future research in this area.

Effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen concentration in brain of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture on blood oxygen concentration in the brain of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) based on functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS),thus to reveal the mechanisms of acupuncture in intervening the brain function of PTSD rats.Methods:Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a grasping group,a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.Except the blank group,rats in the other groups all received incarceration plus electric shock for 7 d to prepare the PTSD animal model.One hour before the stress model was established,rats in each group received the designated intervention:rats in the blank group and the model group did not receive any intervention;rats in the grasping group received grasping and fixation;rats in the paroxetine group received paroxetine hydrochloride solution by intragastric administration;and rats in the acupuncture group received acupuncture.Six-day treatment was a course,with 2 courses of treatment conducted for a total of 12 d.After the modeling,rats in each treatment group received intervention for 5 d,and the fNIRS system was used to collect and record the changes in the concentrations of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2),deoxygenated hemoglobin (d-Hb) and total hemoglobin (t-Hb) of the involved rat's brain regions,and also to assess the brain function.Results:Compared with the blank group,the concentration of HbO2 was significantly increased,the concentration of d-Hb was significantly decreased,and the concentration of t-Hb was significantly increased in the model group and the grasping group after the intervention,and the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the concentrations of HbO2,d-Hb and t-Hb in the grasping group did not change significantly (all P＞0.05).Compared with the grasping group,the concentration of HbO2 was significantly decreased,the concentration of d-Hb was significantly increased,and the concentration of t-Hb was significantly decreased in the paroxetine group and the acupuncture group,and the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the concentrations of HbO2,d-Hb and t-Hb between the paroxetine group and the acupuncture group (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture can regulate the blood oxygen concentration in the brain of PTSD model rats,which may be an important mechanism of acupuncture in intervening the brain function in PTSD rats.

Research advances in neurobiological mechanism of acupuncture for amblyopia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Amblyopia greatly affects the physical and mental development of children. Acupuncture is effective for amblyopia, though its mechanism remains unclear. This article summarized the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of amblyopia from the perspectives of morphology of neurons in visual cortex, visual electrophysiology, and molecular biology, etc. It was found that acupuncture may treat amblyopia through repairing the morphological and ultrastructural damages of neurons in visual cortex, promoting the electrical activities in visual pathway and visual cortical neurons, and modulating the synthesis and expression levels of factors involved in visual system. Nevertheless, further studies are required to unveil the mechanism of acupuncture treatment of amblyopia.

Effects of acupuncture on neuro-electrophysiological activities in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture on the characteristics of neuro-electrophysiological activity in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods:Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a grasping group,a Western medicine group and an acupuncture group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,rats in the other 4 groups all received the combined stress modeling method.Rats in the Western medicine group were intragastrically administrated with paroxetine hydrochloride,those in the acupuncture group received acupuncture intervention,those in the grasping group received grasping fixation,and those in the model group and the blank group did not receive any interventions.After 14 d of intervention,the interspike interval (ISI) and power spectral densities (PSD) were analyzed and mapped by in vivo multiple channels to record the neuron clusters discharge in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas.Results:Compared with the blank group,ISI was prolonged in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the model group and the grasping group,and the concentrated PSD distribution area moved down (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with the grasping group,the ISI of the CA1 and CA3 areas in the Western medicine group and the acupuncture group was shortened,and the concentrated PSD distribution area moved up (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).The ISI and PSD distributions in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the acupuncture group were not statistically different from those in the Western medicine group (both P＞0.05).Conclusion:Both acupuncture and paroxetine hydrochloride can significantly regulate the neuro-electrophysiology activity of hippocampal CA1 and CA3 areas in PTSD rats,which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture intervention to promote PTSD recovery.

Effects of Different Stimulation of Electroacupuncture on Protein Expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in Rabbits with Acute Facial Nerve Injury / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of different stimulation of electroacupuncture on the protein expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in rabbits with acute facial nerve injury; To determine the better stimulation. Methods New Zealand rabbits were treated with special hemostatic forceps for 5 min, and the length of the lesion was about 2.5 cm. The model of facial nerve injury was induced. The experiment was divided into blank group, sham-operation group, model group, and electoracupuncture weak-, medium-, and strong-stimulation group. The model group received no intervention after surgery. After treatment, the damaged facial nerve of each group was intercepted. The protein expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 mediated by negative feedback regulation of JAK-STAT were detected by ABC-ELISA. Results Compared with the blank group, the protein expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 in the model group increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expressions of SOCS1 and SOCS3 protein in electroacupuncture weak- stimulation group decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion Electroacupuncture can make SOCS1, SOCS3 protein expressions normal for acute facial nerve injury, and acupuncture treatment effect does not increase with the increase of stimulation.

Effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture on resting-state electroencephalographic signals in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method on the resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),and to provide evidence for the effect mechanism study and clinical application of acupuncture intervention for PTSD.Methods:Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group,a model group,a grasping group,a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank control group,rats in the other groups were subjected to preparing the PTSD models using 'incarceration plus electric shock' method.After interventions,changes in rat behavior of each group were observed;changes in resting-state EEG were collected and analyzed with multichannel EEG acquisition and analysis system,and image analysis and statistical processing were performed.Results:Compared with the blank control group,the average escape latency in the model group was significantly longer (P＜0.05),and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly reduced (P＜0.01).Compared with the grasping group,the average escape latencies in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly shortened (P＜0.05),and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly increased (P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the average escape latency,the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas between the acupuncture group and paroxetine group (all P＞0.05).Compared with the blank control group,the α-wave power spectrum value in the model group was significantly decreased,and the power spectrum values of β-wave,δ-wave and a-wave were significantly increased (all P＜0.01);compared with the grasping group,α-wave power spectrum values in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly increased (both P＜0.01),and the power spectrum values of β-wave,δ-wave and a-wave were decreased significantly (all P＜0.01).The power spectrum values of α-wave,β-wave,δ-wave and (e)-wave of rats in the acupuncture group were not significantly different from those in the paroxetine group (all P＞0.05).Conclusion:Liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method can significantly improve the abnormal EEG activity in PTSD rats,which may be one mechanism of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method in effectively affecting the brain function in PTSD rats.

Influence of acupuncture on pulmonary function of patients with asthma: a review / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Asthma is a common disease with recurrent onset which severely affects patients' quality of life.Acupuncture can improve pulmonary functions in asthma patients and thus treat this disorder.To summarize the status of acupuncture treatment for asthma,we have collected clinical literatures published in the recent 10 years and analyzed the influence of acupuncture on pulmonary functions in asthma patients from the aspects of frequently used points,needling techniques,manipulation and mechanisms to provide references for treating asthma with acupuncture.

Analysis of point-selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To analyze and summarize the characteristics and pattern in the selection of points and meridians by searching the clinical research literature about acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia in the recent 17 years.Methods:By searching Chinese and English databases,such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI),PubMed,etc.,the points in 52 articles in conformity with the requirements were analyzed by frequency statistics by the order of meridians,major points,and adjunct points to summarize the rules and characteristics of the point selection.Results:In 52 articles,there were 21 articles on ear acupuncture and 31 articles on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment.Ten meridians were involved in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia,and the leading 3 meridians were the Bladder,Stomach and Gallbladder Meridians.There were 34 points,10 extraordinary points and 37 ear points were used in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia.The top 10 major points were Jingming (BL 1),Taiyang (EX-HN 5),Cuanzhu (BL 2),Fengchi (GB 20),Baihui (GV 20),Hegu (LI 4),Guangming (GB 37),Sibai (ST 2),Chengqi (ST 1) and Sizhukong (TE 23).The top 5 adjunct points were Zusanli (ST 36),Shenshu (BL 23),Ganshu (BL 18),Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3).Conclusion:Acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia is characterized by the selection of the points mainly from yang meridians,based upon syndromes differentiation plus personal experience,and the points mainly around the eyes and by stressed use of ear points.

Point-selection Rules Analysis in Acupuncture-moxibustion Treatment of Asthma Based on the Evaluation of Pulmonary Function / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To discuss and summarize the point-selection rules in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of asthma,by arranging and analyzing the relevant clinical studies with pulmonary function as the evaluation index.Method A total of 264 eligible articles of clinical trials about acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of asthma published in the last 10 years were analyzed by using frequency statistical method.Result and Conclusion In acupuncturemoxibustion treatment of asthma,acupoints frequently used majorly included Feishu (BL 13),Dingchuan (EX-B 1),Danzhong (CV 17),Pishu (BL 20),and Shenshu (BL 23),mainly distributed in the Bladder Meridian,Conception Vessel,Governor Vessel,Stomach Meridian,and extra points;syndrome differentiation,symptomatic analysis,and empiric selection were predominant in the point-selection rules.Acupuncture-moxibustion at the above points can effectively improve pulmonary function indexes and attenuate asthma symptoms,thus worth promoting in clinic.

Clinical assessment of chronic prostatitis based on infrared imaging technology / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the characteristic changes in the infrared thermogram of chronic prostatitis (CP) patients and find some evidence for the auxiliary diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of the disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty CP patients and 20 healthy male volunteers were included in this clinical trial. The infrared thermograms of the subjects were compared between the two groups for characteristic changes. The values obtained were used for the auxiliary diagnosis and therapeutic evaluation of the disease.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the healthy males in the same age group, the CP patients showed extremely significant abnormal changes in the average temperature value in the hypogastrium (H), pubis (P), scrotum (S), and groin (G) (P < 0.01). The average H temperature value of the CP patients was correlated negatively with the CP symptom index (CPSI) (P < 0.01, Pearsons correlation coefficient = -0.519), while the S temperature positively with CPSI (P < 0.01, Pearsons correlation coefficient = 0.446). In addition to the H value, the P, S, and G values were all correlated in different degrees with CPSI (P < 0.01), which the S value exhibited the most significantly negative correlation (Pearson's correlation coefficient = -0.898).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There are some characteristic changes in the hypogastrium temperature of CP patients in the infrared thermogram, which has a potential application value for the auxiliary diagnosis, symptom assessment, and therapeutic evaluation of CP.</p>

Study progress of clinical electrophysiology on amblyopia / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Electrophysiology examination is an important technique in studying amblyopia, which mainly includes electrooculography( EOG), electroretinography ( ERG), visual evoked potential( VEP). This study does not only summarizes the definition, the mechanisms and the meaning of these indexes in the relevant research progress in recent years, but also makes a comment on the controversies among the relevant research conclusions.

Effect of acupuncture on pattern-visual evoked potential in rats with monocular visual deprivation / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore electrophysiology mechanism of acupuncture for treatment and prevention of visual deprivation effect.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighteen healthy 15-day Evans rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an acupuncture group, 6 rats in each one. Deprivation amblyopia model was established by monocular eyelid suture in the model group and acupuncture group. Acupuncture was applied at "Jingming" (BL 1), "Chengqi" (ST 1), "Qiuhou" (EX-HN 7) and "Cuanzhu" (BL 2) in the acupuncture group. The bilateral acupoints were selected alternately, one side for a day, and totally 14 days were required. The effect of acupuncture on visual evoked potential in different spatial frequencies was observed.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Under three different kinds of spatial frequencies of 2 X 2, 4 X 4 and 8 X 8, compared with normal group, there was obvious visual deprivation effect in the model group where P1 peak latency was delayed (P<0.01) while N1 -P1 amplitude value was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with model group, P1 peak latency was obviously ahead of time (P<0.01) while N1-P1 amplitude value was increased (P<0.01) in the acupuncture group, there was no statistical significance compared with normal group (P>0.05). Under spatial frequency of 4 X 4, N1-P1 amplitude value was maximum in the normal group and acupuncture group. With this spatial frequency the rat's eye had best resolving ability, indicating it could be the best spatial frequency for rat visual system.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The visual system has obvious electrophysiology plasticity in sensitive period. Acupuncture treatment could adjust visual deprivation-induced suppression and slow of visual response in order to antagonism deprivation effect.</p>

Decreasing effect of electro-acupuncture at Sanyin points on inflammatory cytokines in autoimmune prostatitis rats / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changes of inflammatory cytokines in autoimmune prostatitis (AIP) rats treated by electro-acupuncture (EA) at Sanyin points.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We selected 40 Wistar male rats in this study, 10 as normal controls, and the other 30 made AIP models by intradermal injection of protein purification liquid from the prostate of allogeneic male rats with dual immune adjuvant. Then we randomly divided the AIP models into a model, a Cernilton control and an EA group of equal number, the latter two groups treated by Cernilton enema and EA, respectively. After 15 days of treatment, all the animals were sacrificed for detection of the levels of TNF-alpha, iNOS, MDA and T-AOC in the prostate tissue.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal controls, the model rats showed significantly elevated TNF-alpha expression ([15.31 +/- 1.36] vs [32.20 +/- 1.65] pg/ml, P < 0.01), iNOS activity ([0.81 +/- 0.33] vs [1.25 +/- 0.23] U/ml, P < 0.01) and MDA content ([0.66 +/- 0.14] vs [0.91 +/- 0.21] nmol/ml, P < 0.05), but markedly reduced T-AOC activity ([1.56 +/- 0.16] vs [1.11 +/- 0.15] U/ml, P < 0.01). In comparison with the model group, the EA group exhibited significantly reduced levels of TNF-alpha ([17.32 +/- 2.69 ] pg/ml, P < 0.01), iNOS ([0.98 +/- 0.5 ] U/ml, P < 0.05) and MDA ([0.70 +/- 0.20] nmol/ml, P < 0.05), but remarkably increased level of T-AOC ([1.44 +/- 0.26] U/ml, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electro-acupuncture at Sanyin points can protect the prostate tissue from morphological damage and reduce inflammatory reaction by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine activity, vascular permeability and inflammatory cell infiltration and increasing the activity of the antioxidant defense system.</p>

Met-analysis on randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion on constipation / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion on constipation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrieval on literatures concerning treatment of constipation with acupuncture was carried out in databases of VIP, CNKI, WANFANG and PubMed. And meta-analyses were conducted on randomized controlled trial (RCT) and controlled clinical trial (CCT) which met the enrolling requirements.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total number of 15 papers involving 1 052 patients were concluded. The result indicated that the curative rate of acupuncture and moxibustion on constipation is better than ordinary medication (RR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.61-2.30, Z = 7.18, P < 0.000 01). And statistical significance can be found between acupuncture-moxibustion treatment and the routine medicine treatment (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.18-1.34, Z = 7.26, P < 0.000 01). In the comparison of abdominal pain, defecation duration and general symptom scores, statistical significance can be found between the differences of acupuncture and moxibustion group and control group (abdominal pain: WMD = -0.22, 95% CI-0.32-0.12, Z = 4.28, P < 0.000 1; defecation duration: WMD = -0.47, 95% CI-0.79-0.15, Z = 2.85, P < 0.004; general symptom scores: WMD = -0.41, 95% CI-0.79-0.03, Z = 2.13, P = 0.03).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture and moxibustion is effective to treat constipation. It has certain advantage when compare with the routine medication treatment. However, since singleness still exists in the index of assessment on therapeutic effect of constipation, and the number of RCT and CCT literatures, especially high-quality, large samples and multi-center reports were still not enough, further studies are still necessary for approving the above conclusions.</p>

Meta-analysis on randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture for asthma / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion for asthma by meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A literature search in VIP, CNKI, PubMed and HighWire was performed to retrieve clinic trials documents about acupuncture for asthma from 2000 to 2009. The meta-analysis was conducted on RCT and CCT documents that meet the enrolling requirements.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-two trials including 3058 cases of asthma patients were included in this study. The findings indicates that the total effective rate in acupuncture group was significantly superior to control group [OR 4.18, 95% CI (3.36, 5.20), Z = 12.85, P < 0.00001]; there was no significant difference in FEV1 measurements between two groups [OR = 0.20, 95% CI (-0.37, 0.76), Z = 0.68, P = 0.50]; there was profound significant difference in PEFR measurements between two groups [OR = 0.42, 95% CI (0.22, 0.62), Z = 4.06, P < 0.0001]; there was profound significant difference in FVC measurements between two groups [OR = 0.45, 95% CI (0.17, 0.72), Z = 3.22, P = 0. 001]; there was profound significant difference in FEV1/FVC measurements between two groups [OR = 9.58, 95% CI (8.14, 11.02), Z = 13.03, P < 0.00001].</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy can significantly improve the total effective rate of acupuncture for asthma. PEFR, FVC, FEV1 /FVC can be used as effectiveness indicators for evaluating the treatment for asthma. The FEV1 measurements did not have statistic significance. Due to the small number of RCT/CCT documents, the bias of the literatures and the lack of high-quality, large sample and multi-center reports, further studies are needed to explore the evidence of the findings.</p>

Effect of acupuncture on SP-A expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of asthmatic rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of acupuncture for treatment of asthma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank control group, normal saline control group (NS control group), asthma model group, asthma model with acupuncture group (asthma acupuncture group) and asthma model with binding group (asthma binding group). The asthma acupuncture group was treated with acupuncture at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Feishu" (BL 13) and "Fengmen" (BL 12); the asthma binding group was only binding without acupuncture and no intervention was given in the other groups. Surfactant protein-A (SP-A) expression was examined by Western-Blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Airway resistance in asthma model group was significantly higher than that in blank control group and NS control group from 3 to 6 min after asthma provocation (all P<0.01). Western-Blot detection showed that SP-A expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the rats in asthma model group was significantly lower than that in blank control group and NS control group (both P<0.05), and which in asthma acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in asthma model group (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mechanism of prevention and treatment of acupuncture for allergic asthma is related to regulating SP-A expression of airway in asthmatic rats.</p>