The role of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway in liver injury induced by rare earth neodymium oxide in mice / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

Objective: To investigate the role of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in liver injury induced by neodymium oxide (Nd(2)O(3)) in mice. Methods: In March 2021, forty-eight SPF grade healthy male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group (0.9% NaCl), low dose group (62.5 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), medium dose group (125.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), and high dose group (250.0 mg/ml Nd(2)O(3)), each group consisted of 12 animals. The infected groups were treated with Nd(2)O(3) suspension by non-exposed tracheal drip and were killed 35 days after dust exposure. The liver weight of each group was weighed and the organ coefficient was calculated. The content of Nd(3+) in liver tissue was detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). HE staining and immunofluorescence was used to observe the changes of inflammation and nuclear entry. The mRNA expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2 and HO-1 in mice liver tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of Keap1 and HO-1. The contents of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were detected by colorimetric method. The contents of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA. The data was expressed in Mean±SD. Two-independent sample t-test was used for inter-group comparison, and one-way analysis of variance was used for multi-group comparison. Results: Compared with the control group, the liver organ coefficient of mice in medium and high dose groups were increased, and the Nd(3+) accumulation in liver of mice in all dose groups were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathology showed that the structure of liver lobules in the high dose group was slightly disordered, the liver cells showed balloon-like lesions, the arrangement of liver cell cords was disordered, and the inflammatory exudation was obvious. Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue of mice in all dose groups were increased, and the levels of TNF-α in liver tissue of mice in high dose group were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Keap1 in high dose group were significantly decreased, while the mRNA expression level of Nrf2, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HO-1 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and Nrf2 was successfully activated into the nucleus. Compared with the control group, the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and T-SOD in high dose group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: A large amount of Nd(2)O(3) accumulates in the liver of male mice, which may lead to oxidative stress and inflammatory response through activation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. It is suggested that Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway may be one of the mechanisms of Nd(2)O(3) expose-induced liver injury in mice.

Effect of acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) on blood pressure in patients with ischemic stroke complicated with essential hypertension / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) on morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and 24-hour blood pressure load in patients with ischemic stroke complicated with essential hypertension.@*METHODS@#A total of 80 patients (3 cases dropped off) were randomized into an observation group (39 cases) and a control group (38 cases). acupuncture and nifedipine were given in the control group. On the basis of treatment in the control group, acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) was applied in the observation group, once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The changes of morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load after treatment were reduced in the two groups (all 0.05); the changes of morning diastolic pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of acupuncture and nifedipine, acupuncture at Renying (ST 9) can effectively reduce morning blood pressure, daytime peak blood pressure and blood pressure load in patients with ischemic stroke complicated with essential hypertension.

Effect of " acupuncture" auxiliary therapy on morning blood pressure and blood pressure load in elderly patients with stroke complicated with hypertension / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of " acupuncture" auxiliary therapy on neurological function, blood pressure load and morning blood pressure in elderly patients with stroke complicated with hypertension, on the basis of " acupuncture" combined with nifedipine.@*METHODS@#Seventy patients with stroke complicated with hypertension were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. " acupuncture" and conventional nifedipine controlled release tablets were given in the control group. Regarding regaining consciousness with acupuncture, the main acupoint is Shuigou (GV 26), combined with Neiguan (PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), retaining needle for 20 min, additionally, the quick needling technique was applied to Shangjiquan (Extra), Chize (LU 5) and Weizhong (BL 40) of the affected side, nifedipine controlled release tablets were orally administered 30 mg once a day for a total of 6 weeks. The " acupuncture" was added on the basis treatment in the observation group, the acupuncture was applied at Renying (ST 9) as the main acupoint, combined with Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3). The strict manipulation quantitative acupuncture was used and the needle was retained for 20 min. Both acupuncture methods were performed once a day, 5 times a week, and continued treatment at intervals of 2 days, 10 times for one course, and a total of 3 courses were needed. The morning blood pressure and 24 h blood pressure load were measured before and after treatment. The National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score and the Barthel index (BI) classification were observed before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#The systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05), and the difference of the diastolic blood pressure before and after treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (<0.01). The systolic and diastolic pressures load in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (all <0.01), and the systolic and diastolic pressures load in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (both <0.05), the difference of systolic and diastolic pressure load before and after treatment in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (both <0.05). After treatment, the NIHSS scores in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (both <0.01). The NIHSS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (<0.05). The difference of NIHSS scores before and after treatment in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (<0.01). After treatment, the BI grading was better than that before treatment in the two groups (both <0.05), and the BI grading in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of " acupuncture" combined with nifedipine controlled release tablets in the treatment of elderly patients with stroke complicated with hypertension, " acupuncture" can further improve the function of nerve and limbs, effectively reduce the morning blood pressure level of elderly patients, especially diastolic blood pressure, and significantly improve systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure load.

Clinical Study on the Intervention Time of Xing Nao Kai Qiao Needling Method for Hemorrhagic Stroke / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To compare the clinical efficacies of Xing Nao Kai Qiao (brain-awakening orifice-opening) needling method intervened at different time points in treating hemorrhagic stroke,for seeking the optimal intervention time.Method Ninety-six patients with hemorrhagic stroke were divided into group A,B,C and D by the disease duration,24 cases in each group.Group A was intervened by conventional medication;group B,C and D were all intervened by Xing Nao Kai Qiao needling in addition to the treatment given to group A.In group B,the disease duration range was 3-7 d;in group C,the disease duration range was 8-14 d;in group D,the disease duration range was 15-21 d.Before the intervention,and after 14-day and 28-day treatment,the scores of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS),modified Barthel Index (MBI) [score of Activities of Daily Living (ADL)],and symptoms and signs of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were evaluated.Result After 28-day treatment,the scores of NIHSS,ADL,and TCM symptoms and signs were significantly changed in all four groups compared to those before the treatment (P＜0.05).The scores ofNIHSS,ADL,and TCM symptoms and signs in group B were significantly different from those in group A after 28-day treatment (P＜0.01,P＜0.05).The NIHSS scores in group C and D were significantly different from the score in group A respectively after 14-day and 28-day treatment (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).After 28-day treatment,the NIHSS score in group B was significantly different from that in group D (P＜0.05).After 14-day and 28-day treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms and signs in group C were significantly different from those in group A (P＜0.05).Conclusion Xing Nao Kai Qiao needling method is an effective approach in treating hemorrhagic stroke;the earlier the intervention,the better the prognosis.

Different stimulation intensities of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) for central facial nerve paralysis after ischemic stroke: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) on central facial nerve paralysis after ischemic stroke, and explore dose-effect relationship among different stimulation intensities of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) as well as its optimal treatment plan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to different acupuncture stimulation intensities which were based on treatment time and needle insertion direction, fifty patients were randomly divided into a Hegu 1 group, a Hegu 2 group, a Hegu 3 group, a Hegu 4 group and a control group, ten cases in each one. Different stimulation intensities of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) combined with facial paralysis acupoints, including Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6) and Quanliao (SI 18), were applied in Hegu 1 to 4 groups; meanwhile acupuncture at stroke acupoints, including Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and medication treatment were adopted. Except acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4), the treatment of the control group was identical as Hegu groups. The treatment duration lasted for 14 days. The House-Brackmann facial never grading systems (H-B), Toronto facial grading system (TFGS), degrees of facial never paralysis (DFNP), facial disability index (FDI) and clinical efficacy were compared among groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared before the treatment, H-B, TFGS, DFNP and physical function score in FDI were all improved significantly in the Hegu 1 to 4 groups (all P < 0.05), but social function score in FDI was not obviously improved (all P > 0.05); all the scores in the control group were not evidently changed (all P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the control group, differences of H-B before and after treatment in the Hegu 1 to 4 groups, differences of TFGS in the Hegu 2 group and differences of DFNP in the Hegu 1 and Hegu 2 group were significantly improved (all P < 0.05). The differences of any scale among Hegu 1 to 4 groups were not significant (all P > 0.05), in which the most evident change was found in Hegu 2 group. (3) The total effective rate was 90.0% (9/10), 100.0% (10/10), 90.0% (9/10) and 80.0% (8/10) in Hegu 1 to 4 groups, which were significantly higher than 60.0% (6/10) in the control group (all P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) has affirmative clinical efficacy on central facial nerve paralysis after ischemic stroke, in which oblique insertion along the opposite direction of meridian for 5 s of twirling manipulation has the best clinical effect.</p>

A secondary discussion on acupoint characteristic / 中国针灸

With references of historical materials and modern literature regarding acupoint characteristic, a secondary analysis on the concept, origin, related factors and research methods in present research of acupoint characteristic is performed. The acupoint characteristic should be considered as an acupoint inherent attribute that could explain physiological and pathological manifestations at the same time, including location attribute and function attribute, which is related with time and treatment method. Some re-thinking on acupoint characteristic is proposed as well as advice on further research method and direction, hoping to promote the research development of acupoint characteristic.

Efficacy on dysphagia induced by bulbar palsy treated with acupuncture at Tiantu (CV 22) with different needling techniques / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy between elongated needle therapy and regular needle therapy at Tiantu (CV 22) on the basis of xingnao kaiqiao (activiting brain and regaining consciousness) acupuncture therapy so as to explore the effective therapeutic method in treatment of dysphagia induced by bulbar palsy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy one cases of dysphagia induced by bulbar palsy were randomized into two groups. The xingnao kaiqiao acupuncture therapy was applied at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and the others in the two groups. In the elongated needle therapy group, on the basis of xingnao kaiqiao acupuncture therapy, the elongated needle was used to puncture Tiantu (CV 22). In the regular needle therapy, the regular acupuncture technique was used at Tiantu (CV 22). In both groups, the treatment was given once a day in a week except Sunday and lasted for 4 weeks totally. Before and after treatment, the swallowing condition and the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) were observed in the patients and the efficacy was compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 97.2% (35/36) in the elongated needle therapy group, which was better than 77.1% (27/35) in the regular needle therapy group (P<0.05). After treatment, SSA score was reduced significantly as compared with that before treatment in the two groups (both P<0.05). SSA score in the elongated needle therapy group was reduced much more apparently as compared with that in the regular needle therapy group after treatment (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>On the basis of the xingnao kaiqiao acupuncture therapy, the elongated needle therapy at Tiantu (CV 22) achieves the superior effect on bulbar palsy-induced dysphagia as compared with the regular acu- puncture at Tiantu (CV 22).</p>

Study on acupuncture parameters impacting on the acupuncture effect using cluster analysis in a rat model with middle cerebral artery occlusion / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the influence of acupuncture parameters on the acupuncture effect through the cluster analysis in Wistar rat model with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Duplicated MCAO models by Zea-longa's thread ligation and chose rats with 1-3 scores assessed by Zausinger's six-score method to be grouped. The rats were divided into 6 basic control groups [(including a normal group, a sham group, a model control group, a model group without intervention, a Nimodipine group, a lateral-to-Renzhong (DU6) group] and 6 acupuncture groups [a Neiguan (PC6) group, a Weizhong (BL40) group, a Sanyinjiao (SP6) group, a Chize (LU5) group, a Renzhong (DU6) group and a Feixue (non-acupoint) group]. In the acupuncture groups, for every acupoint or needling site, 9 different parameters [2 factors (frequency and time) and 3 levels (180, 120, and 60 cpm of the frequency and 5, 60, and 180 s of the time)] were set respectively by the orthogonal intersection method, in total 54 groups. The rats were treated by acupuncture with a lifting-thrusting manipulation once every 12 h, in total 6 times. Neurobehavioral scores, cerebral blood flow, infarction rate, microcirculation, light microscopy, etc. were measured. The factor analysis was first applied to get the comprehensive effect scores of the samples in the acupuncture groups and then by which the cluster analysis was made with the statistical software of SPSS17.0.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For the Neiguan (PC6) group, the exceptional results of acupuncture comprehensive effect were parameters 7, 8, 9, 10; the valid results were parameters 2, 3, 4, and the invalid were parameters 5, 6. For the Weizhong (BL40) group, the exceptional results were parameters 2, 4; the valid results were parameters 3, 5, 6, 7, and the invalid were parameters 8, 9, 10. For the Chize (LU5) group, the exceptional results were parameters 7, 8; the valid results were parameters 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; and the invalid was parameter 2. For the Sanyinjiao (SP6) group, the exceptional results were parameters 4, 6; the valid results were parameters 2, 3, 5; and the invalid were parameters 7, 8, 9,10. For the Renzhong (DU6) group, the exceptional results were parameters 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10; the valid results were parameters 2, 5; and the invalid was parameter 8. For the Non-acupoint group, the exceptional result was parameter 10; the valid results were parameters 2, 3, 4, 7, 9; and the invalid were parameters 5, 6, 8.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For each meridian acupoint, different acupuncture parameters could consequently get a different acupuncture effect; each meridian acupoint had the most suitable or optimal acupuncture parameters; acupuncture parameters might be the main factors impacting on acupuncture effect.</p>

Cluster analysis for acupoint specificity of acupuncture effect based on cerebral infarction rat model / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To study the acupoint specificity through the comprehensive evaluation of the acupuncture effect on rat model with the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Duplicated MCAO model by Zea-longa's thread ligation was assessed by Zausinger's six-point method, and rats with 1-3 scores were chosen to be grouped. According to the randomized and controlled principle, rats were divided into 6 basic control groups (including normal group, sham group, model control group, model group without intervention, Nimodipine group, lateral-to-Renzhong group) and 6 acupuncture groups [including Neiguan (PC6) group, Weizhong (BL40) group, Chize (LU5) group, Sanyinjiao (SP6) group, Renzhong (DU6) group and non-acupoint group]; in each acupoint or non-acupoint 9 different parameter combinations were respectively set by orthogonal intersection method. There were in total 60 groups, and each group had 12 rats. The rats were treated by acupuncture with the lifting-thrusting manipulation every 12 h, in total 6 times. Indices of neurobehavioral scores, cerebral blood flow, infarction rate, microcirculation, and light microscope, etc. were measured. In order to comprehensively evaluate the acupuncture effect to research the specificity of acupoint, a cluster analysis was made with SPSS17.0 for the comprehensive effect scores of the samples computed according to the comprehensive evaluation models, and then sorting and classification were made for the comprehensive effect scores.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the acupuncture groups every acupoint had different therapeutic effect due to different acupuncture parameter combinations; among the acupuncture groups the orders of curative effect were as followings: Neiguan group was of exceptional result, Weizhong group and Sanyinjiao group were of valid results in upper level, Chize group and Renzhong group were of valid results in lower level, and non-acupoint group was of invalid result; the therapeutic result of acupoint group was superior to non-acupoint group; and the curative effect of acupuncture group was also superior to basic control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupoint has the specificity of acupuncture effect, and the acupoint specificity is relative.</p>

Functional organization of complex brain networks modulated by acupuncture at different acupoints belonging to the same anatomic segment / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Noninvasive functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques have opened a "window" into the brain, allowing us to investigate the anatomical and physiological function involving acupuncture needling. Imaging its sustained effect rather than acute effect on the brain networks may further help elucidate the mechanisms by which acupuncture achieves its therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functional brain networks during the post-resting state following acupuncture at KI3 in comparison with acupuncture at GB40.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Needling at acupoints GB40 and KI3 was performed in twelve subjects. Six minutes of scanning at rest were adopted before and after acupuncture at different acupoints. Then we divided the whole brain into 39 regions and constructed functional brain networks during the post-acupuncture resting states (PARS).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For direct comparisons, increased correlations during post-resting state following acupuncture at KI3 compared to resting state (RS) were primarily located between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and post temporal cortex, ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and post temporal cortex. These brain regions were all cognitive-related functions. In contrast, the increased connections between the anterior insula and temporal cortex mainly emerged following acupuncture at GB40 compared with the RS.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present study demonstrates that acupuncture at different acupoints belonging to the same anatomic segment can exert different modulatory effects on the reorganizations of post-acupuncture RS networks. The heterogeneous modulation patterns between two conditions may relate to the functional specific modulatory effects of acupuncture.</p>

Study progression on the specificity of meridian points effectiveness / 中国针灸

The present situation of the study on the specificity of meridian points effectiveness through checking up the relevant literatures on the study of this subject published in recent 10 years from the databases such as CNKI and SCI are summarized in the paper. It is indicated in the summarization that the effectiveness of meridian points is specific and the meridian points bring their role into play probably through the biological mechanism in the body. But, it is still limitative in systematic, complete and scientific study on such conclusion. In future, the relevant study is required by adopting adequately modern scientific technology and facility, strict and scientific experiment designs as well as assessment method and taking extensive diseases or disease models as the carriers.

Specificity effect of acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26) on brain infarction area in MCAO rats and the influence of acupuncture parameter / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the specificity of the acupoints and related factors on acupuncture effects.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of cerebral median artery occlusion (MCAO) was established with thread ligation according to Zea-Longa method. The acupoint group and the non-acupoint group were stimulated by acupuncture with 9 different parameters (marked group No. I - VI) combined by frequency (60 Hz, 120 Hz, 180 Hz) and time (5 s, 60 s, 180 s). The acupoint of "shuigou" (GV 26) was selected for the acupoint group, the fixed point which was at a distance of 10 mm from the iliac crest below the ribs in the affected side. The acupuncture effect was evaluated with the percentage of brain infarct area after TTC dyeing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Acupoint groups could obviously reduce the brain infarction area in MCAO rats. Under 9 intervention parameters, acupoint groups had much more effectiveness tendency than that of the non-acupoint groups. (2) Acupoint group VI was the most effective in reducing the brain infarction area among 9 acupuncture parameter groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>(1) Acupoint has specificity effect on reduction of brain infarct area in MCAO rats. (2) Acupoint group VI (180 Hz; 5 s) could significantly reduce the percentage of cerebral infarction area by TTC dyeing.</p>

Remarks on application of acupuncture instruments in acupuncture quantification and normalization studies / 中国针灸

Acupuncture manipulation quantification is an important link of acupuncture normalization study. Because traditional acupuncture manipulation are complicated with difficulty of quantification, acupuncture instruments provide a new way for acupuncture manipulation quantification and acupuncture normalization. It is necessary to increase the understanding of the importance of developing acupuncture instruments, strengthen the study of related theory and development of acupuncture measurement instruments and acupuncture imitation instruments, enlarge serviceable range, verify efficacy, develop the theory of acupuncture manipulation, richen the study methods of acupuncture normalization, so as to promote internationalization of acupuncture.

Effects of acupuncture at different acupoints on cerebral blood flow in cerebral ischemia model rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into effective methods for treatment of ischemic cerebral infarction and specificity of acupoints in the acupuncture treatment.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was established with thread ligation according to Zea-Longa's method. They were divided into normal group, non-operation group, model control group, non-acupuncture group and acupuncture group, and the acupuncture group was divided into sham-acupuncture group and four Xingnao Kaiqiao groups (contain Shuigou group, Neiguan group, Chize group, Sanyinjiao group and Weizhong group). Then they were treated by acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26), "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Chize" (LU 5), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), "Weizhong" (BL 40) and non-acupoints, 3 times/second, for 5 seconds. Cerebral blood blow (CBF) was used for assessment of the effect.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>As compared with the model control group, in the non-acupuncture group CBF did not significantly change (P>0.05); compared with the non-acupuncture group, after acupuncture CBF was significantly increased in the Shuigou group and the Neiguan groups (all P<0.05), but did not significantly increased in the Chize group, Sanyinjiao group and Weizhong group (all P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CBF has a tendency of spontaneous cure within 72 h after cerebral infarction in the MCAO rat; acupuncture can significantly improve CBF in the MCAO rat, so it is an effective method for treatment of ischemic stroke; among the acupoints in the "Xingnao Kaiqiao" needling method, "Shuigou" (GV 26) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) have obvious effect in improvement of CBF, indicating acupoint specificity of "Shuigou" (GV 26) and "Neiguan" (PC 6) in treatment of ischemic stroke.</p>

Experimental study on Shuigou (GV 26) of inhibiting effect for neuronal necrosis in rats: morphological evidence of the specificity of acupoint / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of acupoint Shuigou (GV 26) and non-acupoint on inhibiting the neuronal necrosis induced by the middle cerebral artery obstruction (MCAO) in rats through the morphological observation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty two healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, false-ope ration group, model control group, non-acupuncture group, Shuigou-acupuncture group and non-acupoint acupuncture group, 7 rats in each group. Besides the normal and false-operation groups, the experimental modal of MCAO was established in the other groups by using the Zea-Longa thread method. Acupoint Shuigou (GV 26) and non-acupoint (below the costal region) were selected respectively in the Shuigou-acupuncture group and non-acupoint acupuncture group for puncturing at 180 times/min for 5 seconds. Its effect was estimated by measuring the rate of the neuronal necrosis at the level of the light microscope and the degree of the neuronal necrosis at the level of the electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) At the level of the light microscope, comparing with the model control group (0.66 +/- 0.18), of the neuronal necrosis there were no significant differences in the rate of neuronal necrosis in the non-acupuncture group (0.67 +/- 0.34) and non-acupoint acupuncture group (0.59 +/- 0.11) (both P > 0.05), while it was significantly decreased in the Shuigou-acupuncture group (0.200 +/- 12) (P < 0.05). It indicates that no intervention and wrong (non-acupoint) intervention could light the damage of the neurons, however, only right intervention (Shuigou, GV 26) can obviously decrease the rate of the neuronal necrosis, showing with the specificity of acupoint. (2) At the level of the electron microscope, the ultrastructure of the involved neurons in the non-acupuncture group and non-acupoint acupuncture group is similar to that of the model control group, showing with the serious edema and structure damage. In contrast, the ultrastructure of the involved neurons in the Shuigou-acupuncture group is similar to that of the normal group and false-operation group, showing with light neuronal damage.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncturing Shuigou (GV 26) could protect the involved neurons and inhibit the neuronal necrosis induced by the MCAO in rats, but acupuncturing the non-acupoint couldn't, which imply that there is the specificity of acupoint in the acupuncture.</p>

Multi-central controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of cerebral infarction in restoration stage / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into long-term therapeutic effect and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture for treatment of cerebral infarction in restoration stage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and thirty-four cases of cerebral infarction in restoration stage were randomly assigned to a Xingnao group and a routine group. The Xingnao group (n=116) were treated by Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture (once each day, for 4 weeks) and routine treatment of western medicine, and the routine group (n=118) were treated with routine acupuncture and the routine treatment of western medicine. They were followed-up for 6 months. The main indexes living, treatment and recurrence at the end of the following survey and the secondary indexes assessment of nervous functions at the end of the following survey, and the incidence rate of bad events in acupuncture were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The death rate was 0.86% and the continuing treatment rate was 36.21% in the Xingnao group, and 1.69% and 36.44% in the routine group, with no significant difference between the two groups (both P>0.05) at the following-up of 6 months; the Xingnao group in decreasing recurrent rate and improving nervous function was better than the routine group (P<0.01); no severe adverse response was found in the 2 groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture is safe and it is superior to routine acupuncture in long-term therapeutic effect, decreasing recurrence rate, improving nervous function.</p>

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on blood vessels and the blood flow rate in patients with takayasu arteritis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on takayasu arteritis of brachiocephalic artery type and the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-one cases were treated by acupuncture and moxibustion at main acupoint Renying (ST 9) and adjuvant acupoints selected according to the symptoms. The therapeutic effect and changes of color Doppler's ultrasonic flow image (CDFI) of relevant arteries in patients before and after treatment were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The clinical total effective rate was 90.3%. Of the 31 cases, 5 cases were clinically cured, 16 cases were markedly effective, 7 cases improved and 3 cases were ineffective; and it was showed that acupuncture and moxibustion could enlarge the inner diameter of the injured blood vessel, increase the volume of blood flow and the elastic index of the injured blood vessel, and improve the abnormal velocity and the abnormal crest form of blood flow.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture and moxibustion has a good therapeutic effect on takayasu arteritis of brachiocephalic artery type; acupuncture and moxibustion can improve the stenotic degree of the injured blood vessel and abnormal hemodynamics of blood flow in the limb and brain.</p>

Study on optimum stimulation parameter for Shuigou (GV 26) in Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>to investigate the influence of acupuncture parameter on acupuncture effect and to probe the optimum stimulation parameter for Shuigou (GV 26) in Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The rat model of middle cerebral artery obstruction (MCAO) was replicated and "Shuigou" (GV 26) was stimulated by 9 acupuncture parameters combined by two factors at 3 levels, i. e. frequency 1, 2, 3 times/second, and needling duration 5 s, 60 s, 180 s. The effects of acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26) with the 9 different acupuncture parameters on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the MCAO rat were investigated by orthogonal test, factor analysis and one-way ANOVA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Acupuncture effect was influenced by acupuncture frequency, acupuncture duration and their combination. Among them, the acupuncture duration was the most important factor. The best acupuncture effect could be attained by using as long acupuncture duration as possibly with the fastest acupuncture frequency.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In the Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method, acupuncture at "Shuigou" (GV 26) with fastest frequency and enough long duration can get the best acupuncture effect, which are the optimum stimulation parameters for "Shuigou" (GV 26).</p>

Systematic evaluation of the therapeutic effect and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method in treatment of stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the therapeutic effect and possible adverse effects of Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method in treatment of stroke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Adopt Cochrane system assessment methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Altogether 25 studies and 4 377 cases of stroke were enrolled. Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method had the tendency to decrease the fatality and the disablement rate, and it was better than the control group in improvement of nerve defect score and the therapeutic effect. In the studies enrolled, only 2 cases of pain were found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method is safety and effective for stroke.</p>

Study on clinical therapeutic effect of activating brain and regaining consciousness needling method on poststroke depression and the mechanism / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To probe into an effective method for treatment of poststroke depression.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two hundred and fifty-six cases of poststroke depression were randomly divided into a control group (n = 76) treated by oral administration of amitilin and an acupuncture group (n = 180) treated by activating brain and regaining consciousness needling method. Their clinical therapeutic effects and changes of relative factors of poststroke depression and plasma contents of monoamine neurotransmitters were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the acupuncture group, the clinical symptoms and the relative indexes in the depression scales improved and plasma contents of the monoamine neurotransmitters increased significanty as compared with the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The needling method for activating brain and regaining consciousness can improve relative factors to cure poststroke depression.</p>