Effects of electroacupuncture on NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis protein GSDMD in uterine tissue in rats with primary dysmenorrhea / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream protein gastermin D (GSDMD) in rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), and to explore the potential mechanism of EA on the treatment of PDM.@*METHODS@#Forty healthy female SD rats without pregnancy were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an EA group and an ibuprofen group, 10 rats in each group. PDM model was prepared by injection of estradiol benzoate and oxytocin. Except the control group, the rats in each group were subcutaneously injected with estradiol benzoate for 10 days, and oxytocin was injected on the 11th day. The rats in the EA group were intervened with EA (dense wave, frequency of 50 Hz) at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) at the same time of modeling, once a day, 20 min each time, for 10 consecutive days. The rats in the ibuprofen group were treated with 0.8 mL of ibuprofen by gavage (concentration of ibuprofen solution was 1.25 mg/mL) for 10 consecutive days. After modeling, the writhing reaction was observed. After intervention, the HE staining method was used to observe the histological morphology of uterus and evaluate the pathological damage score of uterus; ELISA method was used to detect the serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α); Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, apoptosis related spot like protein (ASC), caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N and inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-18) in uterine tissue.@*RESULTS@#In the model group, a large number of vacuolar degeneration and death of endometrial epithelial cells, spiral arterioles congestion in lamina propria and neutrophil infiltration were observed. In the EA group, there was a small amount of vacuolar degeneration and death of endometrial epithelial cells, a small amount of spiral arterioles congestion in the lamina propria, and a small amount of neutrophils infiltration. In the ibuprofen group, there was very small number of degeneration and death of endometrial epithelial cells, and no obvious arterial congestion was found in lamina propria, and neutrophil infiltration was occasionally seen. Compared with the control group, in the model group the number of writhing was increased (P<0.01), the writhing reaction score and serum level of PGF2α and PGF2α/PGE2 value were increased (P<0.01), the level of PGE2 was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group and the ibuprofen group the number of writhing were decreased (P<0.05), the latency of writhing was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing reaction scores and serum levels of PGF2α and PGF2α/PGE2 values were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the levels of PGE2 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β and IL-18 in the uterine tissues of rats was increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β and IL-18 in the uterine tissues of rats was decreased in the EA group and the ibuprofen group (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the EA group and the ibuprofen group in the above indexes (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA could alleviate pain and uterine tissue injury in rats with PDM. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in rat uterine tissues, thereby inhibiting pyroptosis and its inflammatory factors release.

Acupuncture at acupoints along the meridians for primary insomnia: a multi-center randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect differences among different acupoint selection methods for primary insomnia.@*METHODS@#A total of 333 patients with primary insomnia were recruited from 3 study centers and randomly divided into a group A (111 cases, 7 cases dropped off), a group B (111 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a group C (111 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the group A were treated with acupuncture at Shenmen (HT 7) and Baihui (GV 20), the patients in the group B were treated with acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Baihui (GV 20), and the patients in the group C were treated with acupuncture at non-acupoint and Baihui (GV 20). All the treatment was given once a day, 30 min each time; 5 treatments were taken as a course and 5 courses of treatment were given. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Athens insomnia scale (AIS) scores were evaluated before and after treatment as well as 4 weeks after treatment. The encephalofluctuograph technology (ET) was observed before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the PSQI scores after treatment and at follow-up were significantly decreased in three groups (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupuncture at acupoints along the meridians could improve the sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia, and the therapeutic effect of acupoint along the meridians is better than that of non-acupoint.

Effect of Modified Shaoyao Gancaotang， Electroacupuncture and Acupuncture Combined with Herb on γ-Aminobutyric Acid Related Receptor Proteins in Cortex in SCA Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Object:To analyze the effect of muscular tension injury in spasticity of cerebral apoplexy(SCA) rats with spasticity and the expression of γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAα), γ-aminobutyric acid transporter (GAT-1) protein and mRNA expression in cerebral cortex modified Shaoyao Gancaotang, electroacupuncture Quchi, Yanglingquan and acupuncture combined with herb therapies alleviate the effect of SCA. Method:Randomly divided into two groups, divided into blank group, sham operation group, model group, modified Shaoyao Gancaotang group, acupuncture combined with herb group, electroacupuncture group, selected qualified SD rats into the group, 9 rats in each group. The modified Zea-Longa thread embolism method+internal capsule injection of NMDA receptor method was used to prepare a rat model. After the behavioral score confirms the success of the model,dispose of each group separately,electroacupuncture group (electroacupuncture on both sides of Yangling Spring and Quchi,1 time/d for 5 days), modified Shaoyao Gancaotang group (with Shaoyao Gancaotang 1 time/d,10 mL·kg-1 for 5 days),acupuncture combined with herb (modified Shaoyao Gancaotang was given, then electroacupuncture treatment was continued for 5 days). After treatment, the muscle tension was detected by behavioral analysis. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR（Real-time PCR） and Western blot were used to detect the expression of GABAα and GAT-1 related mRNA and protein in the cortex. Result:Compared with normal group, the muscle tension of the model group increased (P<0.01), the expression of GABAα mRNA and protein decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of GAT-1 mRNA and protein increased (P<0.01), compared with model group, the muscle tone score of the each treatment group decreased (P<0.05), the expression of GABAα mRNA and protein increased (P<0.05，P<0.01), and the expression of GAT-1 mRNA and protein decreased (P<0.05，P<0.01), of which the corresponding expression in the acupuncture combined with herb group was the most significant. Conclusion:Electroacupuncture Quchi, Yanglingquan,modified Shaoyao Gancaotang and acupuncture combined with three therapies can alleviate the muscle tension of limbs spasm of stroke,and the combination of acupuncture and medicine treatment on the cortical γ-aminobutyric acid receptor the highest expression efficiency suggests that it has the best effect on improving the excitatory spasticity of stroke limbs.

Clinical observation of treatment of infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency using five-step pediatric tuina of Huxiang school / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency with five-step pediatric tuina of Huxiang school. Methods:Using a randomized controlled trial design, sixty eligible kids with diarrhea due to spleen deficiency were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. The observation group was intervened by the five-step pediatric tuina method of Huxiang school, and the control group received conventional tuina treatment. The intervention was conducted once a day, consecutive 5-day treatment as 1 course, at a 2-day interval between courses, successively for a total of 4 courses. Changes in the primary and secondary symptoms of diarrhea due to spleen deficiency were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results: After treatment, the scores of primary and secondary symptoms and the general score of diarrhea due to spleen deficiency were improved; the improvements in fecal form and frequency, decreased appetite, bloating after meals and fatigue and sluggishness were more significant in the observation group than in the control group. Conclusion: The five-step pediatric tuina method of Huxiang school and conventional tuina both can improve the primary and secondary symptoms in infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, while the former one can produce more significant efficacy.

Effects of Acupuncture on 5-HT, NE and DA in Serum of Insomnia Rats / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effects of acupuncture in acupoints at different meridians on 5-HT, DA, NE in the peripheral serum of insomnia rats; To explore the mechanism of action of acupuncture for the treatment of insomnia. Methods Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, Baihui+Shenmen group, Baihui+Sanyinjiao group, and Baihui+non-acupoint group, with 12 rats in each group. Injection of PCPA suspension of rats was used to establish insomnia model. Each acupuncture group received corresponding acupoints, 30 min each time, for 7 days. The levels of 5-HT, DA and NE in serum were measured by ELISA. Results Compared with the blank group, the levels of 5-HT, DA and NE in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the contents of DA and NE in the acupuncture groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the 5-HT in Baihui+Sanyinjiao group was significantly lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). Among all acupuncture groups, overall efficacy of Baihui+Shenmen group was better than Baihui+Sanyinjiao group and Baihui+non-acupoint group. Conclusion Acupuncture can improve sleep structure in rats may be related to serum monoamine neurotransmitters. Acupuncture in acupoints at different meridians may be one of the influencing factors of acupoint compatibility effects.

Effect of Acupuncture at Muscle Tendon and Supplemented Peony-Licorice Decoction on Spasticity after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To observe the effect of traditional Chinese acupuncture-medcine on limb spasticity after stroke. Methods From April,2016 to October,2017,90 patients with limb spasticity after stroke were randomly divided into ba-sic rehabilitation group(n=30),baclofen group(n=30)and acupuncture-medicine group(n=30).All the groups accepted basic medical therapy and rehabilitation training,while the acupuncture-medicine group accepted acu-puncture at muscle tendon and Supplemented Peony-Licorice Decoction orally,and the baclofen group accepted baclofen orally.They were assessed with modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)and modified Barthel index(MBI)before and four weeks after treatment,and the clinical effective rates were compared. Results The total effective rate of the basic rehabilitation group was 53.3%,and it was 66.7% in the baclofen group,and 86.7% in the acupuncture-medicine group.The scores of MAS,FMA and MBI significantly improved in all the groups after treatment(t>6.500,P<0.001),and improved the most in the acupuncture-medicine group(F>12.332, P<0.001).No adverse event was found during the treatment. Conclusion The integration of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in rehabilitation can further relieve the spasticity in pa-tients after stroke,and improve the motor function and activities of daily living.

Clinical evaluation study on long-term effect of acupuncture with pattern/syndrome differentiation on functional dyspepsia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy difference in the treatment of functional dyspepsia between acupuncture at the acupoints selected by pattern/syndrome differentiation and domperidone.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy cases were randomized into an acupuncture group (35 cases) and a western medication group (35 cases). In the acupuncture group, Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) were selected. Taichong (LR 3) and Neiting (ST 44) were added for excess syndrome while Gongsun (SP 4) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) were added for deficiency syndrome. A pair of electrodes was attached to one acupoint and an assistant point (2 mm next to the acupoint centripetally) and stimulated with disperse-dense wave at 2 Hz/100 Hz, once a day. In the western medication group, domperidone was prescribed for oral administration, 10 mg each time, three times a day. In the two groups, the treatment of 5 days made one session and 4 sessions were required totally. Nepean dyspepsia index (NDI) was compared after treatment, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months after treatment between the two groups respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The score of symptom and score of life quality in NDI after treatment and at each follow-up time point were improved obviously in the acupuncture group as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01). In the western mediation group, the score of symptom and the score of life quality in NDI after treatment and in follow-up of 1, 2 and 3 months were improved obviously as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01), but the differences were not significant in follow-up of 4 and 5 months (both P > 0.05). Compared with the western medication group, the symptom score of NDI was reduced obviously after treatment and in each time point of follow-up in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the score of life quality was increased obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at the acupoints selected by pattern/syndrome differentiation and domperidone are effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Domperidone is unsatisfactory in the long-term effect, but acupuncture achieves the positive short-term and long-term effects on functional dyspepsia.</p>

Comparative study on effects between electroacupuncture and acupuncture for spastic paralysis after stroke / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the differences of therapeutic effect of spastic paralysis after stroke between electroacupuncture and acupuncture and explore the mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-four cases were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group (n = 33) and an acupuncture group (n = 31). Both groups were treated with Bobath facilitation techniques and medicine treatments. Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), et al. on the affected side were selected in each group. The needle was retained for 30 min, and the manipulation was applied for 1 min in the acupuncture group, and electroacupuncture was added in the electroacupuncture group. Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) was adopted to assess the whole function status after sroke, and the contents of glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in serum and clinical efficacy were observed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The SIAS score increased after treatment as compared with that before treatment in either group (both P < 0.01), and the electroacupuncture group was superior to the acupuncture group (P < 0.01); the content of Glu in blood serum and ratio of Glu/GABA reduced, while the content of GABA in serum increased after treatment as compared with those before treatment in either group (all P < 0.01), but the improvement of above indices were much more apparently in the electroacupuncture group as compared with those in the acupuncture group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); the total effective rate of 90.9% (30/33) in the electroacupuncture group was superior to that of 83.9% (26/31) in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Electroacupuncture can improve therapeutic effect of spastic paralysis after stroke, it's mechanism may be ralated to ajusting the contents of Glu and GABA in serum.</p>

Observation on therapeutic effect of opposing needling for treatment of poststroke shoulder-hand syndrome / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effects of opposing needling and routine acupuncture for treatment of poststroke shoulder-hand syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases were randomly divided into an opposing needling group and a routine acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. In the two groups, Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), etc. were selected, with on the healthy side selected for the opposing needling group and on the affected side selected for the routine acupuncture group. The motor function of the affected limb was evaluated by Fugl-Meyer scale, activity of daily living by ADL scale, and pain by VAS, and the edema degree was investigated before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were significant differences before treatment and after 2 therapeutic courses in the scores of Fugl-Meyer for the upper limb motor function and the ADL score for activity of daily living (both P<0.05), with the opposing needling group being significantly better than the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05); after treatment, both the edema degree and the pain scores significantly decreased (both P<0.05), with the opposing needling group in improvement of the edema degree being better the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05), and with no significant difference between the two groups in improvement of pain (P>0.05); the total effective rate was 93.3% in the opposing needling group and 90.0% in the routine acupuncture group with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The clinical therapeutic effect of the opposing needling is better than that of routine acupuncture therapy for treatment of poststroke shoulder hand syndrome.</p>

On needle-sticking method / 中国针灸

Needle-sticking method has essential differences from stuck needle induced by acupuncture accident. This manipulation refers to the needle-sticking manifestation induced by twirling the needle in one direction after arrival of qi so as to tangle muscle fibers, which can combined with some compound methods such as trembling, shaking, flying, lifting, plucking, dragging and so on. It is effective for excessive syndrome, pain syndrome, arthralgia syndrome, etc. and with functions of promoting flow of qi and inducing qi to carry out stimulating circulation of channel-qi, promoting the needling sensation propagating along the channel and accelerating qi reaching to the affected region. Its main adverse reactions are pain, tissue damage and so on. The selection of needling instruments, the needling depth, the twirling intensities and location of forbidden or careful application must be paid attention in concrete practice.

Effects of cake-separated moxibustion on ultrastructures of endothelial cells of aorta in the rabbit of hyperlipemia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the mechanism of cake-separated moxibustion in treatment of hyperlipemia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, a blank group,a model group, a direct moxibustion group and a cake-separated moxibustion group. Hyperlipemia model was developed by high fat diet of cholesterol. Changes of ultrastructures of endothelial cells of the aorta of the rabbit were observed with electron microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The endothelial cells in the cake-separated moxibustion group were more intact, most of them were normal in forms, internal elastic membrane was continuous, their thickness was even, the cells of smooth muscles in the medial membrane were relatively normal, which are similar to those in the blank control group. But the structure of endothelial cells of the aorta in the model group disappeared, in cytoplasm the sedimentation of a great number of lipids can be seen, internal elastic membrane was interrupted, the thickness was uneven, with focal dissolution, the cells of smooth muscle in the medial membrane had sedimentation of lipids, with frothy change.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cake-separated moxibustion has a certain protective action on endothelial cells of the aorta in the rabbit of hyperlipemia.</p>