Effect of electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) on gastrointestinal hormone in the antral tissue of rats with functional dyspepsia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) on the gastric emptying rate, the level of serotonin (5-HT) and the protein expression of motilin (MTL), ghrelin, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the antral tissue of the rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of FD.@*METHODS@#A total of 21 SPF male SD rat pups were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an EA group, with 7 rats in each group. In the model group and the EA group, FD model was prepared by the gavage with 0.1% sucrose iodoacetamide solution combined with the modified small platform method. After the successful modeling, EA was applied to "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) in the rats of the EA group, with disperse-dense wave, 20 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, stimulated for 30 min, once daily, for 7 days consecutively. Before and after intervention, the general condition of the rats was observed in each group. After the completion of intervention, the gastric emptying rate was measured, the morphological changes of gastric antral tissue were observed using HE staining, the level of 5-HT was detected with ELISA method, and the protein expression of MTL, ghrelin, SP, and VIP was determined with Western blot method in the antral tissue of rats.@*RESULTS@#In the normal group, the rats were in a good mental state, with lustrous fur, flexible movement and the increase of food intake and body mass. In the model group, the rats were poor in mental state, lack of lustre in fur, preference for the body curled up, reduced activity and response; and a part of rats had loose stool, obviously enlarged gastric body and gastric food retention. In the EA group, the general condition of rats, e.g. the mental state, food intake and activity, were improved, the gastric body got smaller obviously and the gastric food retention was reduced when compared with the model group. The antral structure was intact, the glands were rich and no injury of the gastric mucosa was found, e.g. inflammatory reaction and edema in the rats of each group. Compared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate was decreased (P<0.01), 5-HT level was increased (P<0.01), the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was reduced (P<0.01) and that of VIP was elevated (P<0.01) in the rats of the model group. The gastric emptying rate was increased (P<0.01), 5-HT level was decreased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the rats of the EA group when compared with those in the model group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) may effectively relieve gastric dysfunction, strengthen gastric motility and promote gastric emptying so as to alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia in FD rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the antral tissue.

Effects of catgut embedding and PGLA embedding at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on skin mast cells, substance P and histamine in healthy rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of catgut embedding and polyglycolic acid/poly-lactic acid (PGLA) embedding at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on the activation of local skin mast cells (MC), and expression of substance P (SP) and histamine (HA), and to explore the mechanism of the temporal stimulation effect of acupoint catgut embedding and provide a foundation for further research on the initiation mechanism of acupoint catgut embedding.@*METHODS@#One hundred and sixty male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (10 rats), a sham-embedding group (50 rats), a catgut group (50 rats), and a PGLA group (50 rats). Each intervention group was further randomly divided into five subgroups according to the time points after intervention: 8 hours, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days, with 10 rats in each subgroup. One-time sham-embedding, catgut embedding and PGLA embedding was given at left "Zusanli" (ST 36) in each intervention group, respectively. The skin and subcutaneous connective tissue of the left "Zusanli" (ST 36) were collected at the corresponding time points after intervention, except for the blank group (only one day before intervention). Toluidine blue staining was used to detect MC count and degranulation, and immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of SP and HA positive cells.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference in MC count between the subgroups of each intervention group and the blank group (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in MC count between the subgroups of the catgut group and the PGLA group (P>0.05). The MC count in the 8-hour subgroup of PGLA group was higher than that in the 8-hour subgroup of catgut group (P<0.05), while the MC count in the 21-day subgroup of PGLA group was lower than that in the 21-day subgroup of catgut group (P<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the degranulation rates of MC were increased in the 8-hour and 3-day subgroups of sham-embedding group, 8-hour, 3-day, and 7-day subgroups of catgut group, and 8-hour, 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day subgroups of PGLA group (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the degranulation rate of MC between the subgroups of the catgut group and the PGLA group (P>0.05), and no significant difference in the degranulation rate of MC between the two embedding groups at the same time point (P>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the expression of SP positive cells was increased in the 8-hour subgroup of sham-embedding group, 8-hour, 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day subgroups of catgut group, and 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day subgroups of PGLA group (P<0.001, P<0.05). The expression of SP positive cells in the 7-day subgroup of catgut group was higher than that in the 8-hour subgroup of catgut group (P<0.05), while the expression of SP positive cells in the 14-day subgroup of catgut group was lower than that in the 7-day subgroup of catgut group (P<0.001). The expression of SP positive cells in the 7-day subgroup of PGLA group was higher than that in the 3-day subgroup of PGLA group (P<0.05), while the expression of SP positive cells in the 14-day subgroup of PGLA group was lower than that in the 7-day subgroup of PGLA group (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the expression of SP positive cells between the subgroups of the two embedding groups at the same time point (P>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the expression of HA positive cells was increased in the 8-hour, 3-day subgroups of sham-embedding group, 8-hour, 3-day, 7-day, and 14-day subgroups of catgut group, and 8-hour, 3-day, 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day subgroups of PGLA group (P<0.001, P<0.01, P<0.05). The expression of HA positive cells in the 14-day subgroup of catgut group was lower than that in the 7-day subgroup of catgut group (P<0.05), while the expression of HA positive cells in the 3-day subgroup of PGLA group was higher than that in the 8-hour subgroup of PGLA group (P<0.05), and the expression of HA positive cells in the 14-day subgroup of PGLA group was lower than that in the 7-day subgroup of PGLA group (P<0.05). The expression of HA positive cells in the 3-day subgroup of PGLA group was higher than that in the 3-day subgroup of catgut group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Catgut and PGLA embedding at "Zusanli" (ST 36) in healthy rats could induce changes in local skin MC, SP, and HA, which may be one of the mechanisms of the temporal stimulation effect after acupoint embedding. There are certain differences between different suture materials. A moderate inflammatory response in the acupoint area, mediated by MC and involving SP and HA, may be one of the initiating factors for the effect of acupoint catgut embedding.

Clinical study on acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) acupoint combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine enema in the treatment of gastroparesis syndrome after gastrointestinal tumor operation / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36)combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) enema in the treatment of gastroparesis syndrome after gastrointestinal tumor operation.Methods:A total of 96 patients with gastroparesis syndrome after gastrointestinal tumor surgery in our hospital from June 2016 to May 2021, who met the inclusion criteria, were randomly divided into three groups by random drawing, with 32 in each group. The control group took mosapride citrate tablets orally, the TCM enema group added TCM enema on the basis of the control group, and the combined group added acupuncture Zusanli (ST 36)on the basis of the TCM enema group. All three groups were treated continuously for 4 weeks. The main syndromes were scored before and after treatment. The levels of serum gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL) and somatostatin (SS) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The gastric electrophysiological parameters (waveform response area, waveform frequency and average amplitude) were detected by intelligent dual channel gastrointestinal electrograph, the adverse reactions during treatment were recorded, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 96.9% (31/32) in the combined group, 81.3% (26/32) in the TCM enema group and 68.8% (22/32) in the control group. There was significant difference among the three groups ( χ2=8.72, P=0.013). The scores of abdominal fullness and distention, fatigue, belching acid reflux, dry mouth and bitter mouth in the combined group were significantly lower than those in the TCM enema group and the control group ( F values were 16.39, 13.21, 11.28 and 10.23, respectively, P<0.001). After treatment, the levels of GAS [(140.62±15.19) ng/L vs. (128.79±14.34) ng/L, (115.98±12.40) ng/L, F=21.09], MTL [(268.66±28.21) ng/L vs. (245.89±25.24) ng/L, (230.78±22.43) ng/L, F=30.29] and SS [(70.58±8.17) ng/L vs. (65.50±7.76) ng/L, (59.73±7.05) ng/L, F=33.19] in the combined group were significantly higher than those in the TCM enema group and the control group ( P<0.01). The waveform response area [(172.62±17.14) μV/s vs. (158.56± 15.32) μV/s, (145.48±14.13) μV/s, F=20.24], waveform frequency [(3.86±0.61) cpm vs. (3.29±0.50) cpm, (3.01±0.63) cpm, F=13.17] and average amplitude [(86.51±8.98) μV vs. (75.70±7.93) μV, (68.65±7.46) μV, F=28.11] were significantly higher than those in TCM enema group and control group ( P<0.01). During the treatment period, the incidence of adverse reactions was 18.8% (6/32) in the combined group, 15.6% (5/32) in the TCM enema group and 12.5% (4/32) in the control group. There was no significant difference between the three groups ( χ2=0.47, P=0.789). Conclusion:Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) combined with TCM enema can improve the TCM syndrome scores, gastrointestinal hormone level and gastric electrophysiological parameters of patients with gastroparesis syndrome after gastrointestinal tumor operation, improve the curative effect with safety.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with mosapride on gastric motility in diabetic gastroparesis rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST 36) combined with mosapride on gastric emptying rate and gastric motility in the rats with diabetic gastroparesis.@*METHODS@#Using random number table method, 68 male SD rats were divided into a blank group (12 rats) and a model establishment group (56 rats). In the model establishment group, the models of diabetic gastroparesis were established with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin combined with high-fat and high-sugar diet. Six weeks later, the successful rat models in the model establishment group were randomized into a model group, an EA group, a mosapride group and a combined treatment group, 12 rats in each one. In the EA group, EA was exerted at "Zusanli" (ST 36) (disperse-dense wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz in frequency, 2 mA in intensity) for 20 min. In the mosapride group, mosapride was intervened with intragastric administration (2 mg/kg). In the combined treatment group, electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) was combined with intragastric administration of mosapride. The intervention was given once daily in each group. There was 1 day at interval after 6-day intervention, consecutively for 5 weeks. At the end of intervention, the random blood glucose, gastric emptying rate and the data of gastric motility (average intra-gastric pressure, amplitude and frequency of gastric motility) were detected.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the blank group, blood glucose was increased in the model group (P<0.001). Blood glucose was reduced in the EA group, the mosapride group and the combined treatment group as compared with the model group separately (P<0.001, P<0.01), whereas, compared with the mosapride group, blood glucose was decreased in the combined treatment group (P<0.05). In comparison with the blank group, the gastric emptying rate, the average intra-gastric pressure and the amplitude of gastric motility were all decreased in the model group (P<0.001) and the frequency of gastric motility was increased (P<0.001). Gastric emptying rate, the average intra-gastric pressure and the amplitude of gastric motility were increased in the EA group, the mosapride group and the combined treatment group (P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.001) and the frequency of gastric motility was decreased (P<0.001) as compared with the model group respectively. Compared with the EA group, the average intra-gastric pressure and the amplitude of gastric motility were increased in the combined treatment group (P<0.001). In comparison with the mosapride group, the gastric emptying rate, the average intra-gastric pressure, the amplitude and frequency of gastric motility in the combined treatment group, as well as the frequency of gastric motility in the EA group were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.001, P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) combined with intragastric administration of mosapride could regulate blood glucose and improve the gastric motility in the rats with diabetic gastroparesis. The effect is better than either simple electroacupuncture or mosapride.

Effect of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on duodenal mast cells, NGF and NTRK1 in rats with functional dyspepsia / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on duodenal mast cells, nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 (NTRK1), and to explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) on functional dyspepsia (FD).@*METHODS@#Sixty SPF-grade 10-day-old SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a ketotifen group and an EA group, 15 rats in each group. The FD model was prepared by iodoacetamide combined with rat tail clamping method in the model group, the ketotifen group and the EA group. The rats in the ketotifen group were injected intraperitoneally with ketotifen (1 mg•kg-1•d-1) for 7 days; the rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), with disperse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/50 Hz and intensity of 0.5 mA, 20 min each time, once a day for 14 days. The gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in each group were observed; the morphology of duodenal mucosa was observed by HE staining; the toluidine blue staining was used to observe the number and degranulation of mast cells in duodenal mucosa; the protein and mRNA expressions of NGF, NTRK1 in duodenum were detected by Western blot and real-time PCR; the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in duodenum was measured by ELISA.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in the model group were decreased (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate in the ketotifen group and the EA group were increased (P<0.01); the small intestinal propulsion rate in the EA group was higher than that in the ketotifen group (P<0.01). In the model group, local defects in duodenal mucosa were observed with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration; no obvious abnormality was found in duodenal mucosa of the other groups. Compared with the normal group, the mast cells of duodenal mucosa in the model group were increased significantly with significant degranulation; compared with the model group, the mast cells of duodenal mucosa in the ketotifen group and the EA group were decreased significantly, and the degranulation was not obvious. Compared with the normal group, the protein and mRNA expressions of NGF, NTRK1 as well as the level of IL-1β in duodenum in the model group were increased (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the protein and mRNA expressions of NGF, NTRK1 as well as the levels of IL-1β in duodenum in the ketotifen group and the EA group were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05); compared with the ketotifen group, the mRNA expression of NGF, as well as the protein and mRNA expressions of NTRK1 in duodenum in the EA group were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) could inhibit the activation of duodenal mast cells and regulate the expressions of NGF and its receptor to improve the low-grade inflammatory response of duodenum, resulting in treatment effect on FD.

Effect of moxibustion on colonic mucosal injury and expression of CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis mice / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on distal, middle and proximal colonic mucosal injury and expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice at different time points.@*METHODS@#A total of 51 C57BL/6N mice were randomized into a 7-day control group (@*RESULTS@#Mucosal injury can be observed in mice after modeling, displaying epithelial layer disappearance, abnormal crypt structure or crypt disappearance. Compared with the 7-day control group, colon length was shortened (@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) can reduce the expressions of positive nerve fibers of colonic mucosa and CGRP positive nerve fibers of distal colonic mucosa, thus, improve the colonic mucosal injury.

Comparative study on effect of electroacupuncture at lower -sea point of stomach and -sea matching front- points for gastroparesis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the efficacy difference of electroacupuncture at lower -sea point and -sea matching front- points for the treatment of gastroparesis.@*METHODS@#A total of 63 patients with gastroparesis were randomly divided into a lower point group (group A, 32 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a matching points group (group B, 31 cases, 1 case dropped off). The group A was treated with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), and the group B was treated with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12). Both groups were treated with continuous wave (2 Hz in frequency) for 30 min, once a day, 5 times a week for 3 weeks. The gastroparesis cardinal symptom index (GCSI) score, gastric half-emptying time (T) and the 180 min gastric residual rate of the two groups before and after treatment were observed, and the clinical effective rate was compared.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the total GCSI scores, T and the 180 min gastric residual rates in both groups were lower than those before treatment (<0.01), and the 180 min gastric residual rate and T in the group A were lower than those in the group B (<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the group A, which was superior to 70.0% (21/30) in the group B (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at lower -sea point and -sea matching front- points can both be used to treat gastroparesis, but electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) has a better effect. The acupoints of Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12) may have antagonistic effects.

Clinical study on the skin temperature of patients with cold and dampness syndrome by using "Mountain Burning Manipulation by Jin-Shi" method / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective@#To observe the temperature changes of skin on patients with cold and dampness syndrome by using the non-contact infrared human body thermometer and infrared thermal imager to treat the patients with cold and dampness syndrome by Jin-Bohua national famous Chinese medicine practitioners using the "Mountain Burning Manipulation by Jin-Shi" method to clarify the clinical thermal effects of the "Heat-producing Needling" method.@*Methods@#This study included sixty patients with cold and dampness syndrome who met the enrollment conditionsfrom November 2015 to October 2017. In a room with fixed temperature, the patients were treated by "Heat-producing Needling" method. By using a non-contact infrared human body thermometer and infrared thermal imaging technology, this study observed the skin temperature changes in Quchi and Hegu, Zusanli and Chongyang before needling, immediately afterneedling, 15 minutes after needling, and 30 minutes after needling.@*Results@#After the "Mountain Burning Manipulation by Jin-Shi" treatment, the temperature of local skin surface at acupoints of upper and lower limbs increased with different degrees and the skin temperature reached the highest level when the needle was kept for 15 minutes. The upper limbs' result indicated that skin temperature increased with significant differences in acupuncture of Quchi point for immediately, 15 minutes and 30 minutes as compared with that before acupuncture. It was found that the skin temperature at Hegu point for 15 minutes have a significant increase than before and immediately after acupuncture. The skin temperature of Hegu point lasted 30 minutes, which was significantly higher than before and immediately after acupuncture. Compared with Hegu point, Quchi point has higher skin temperature immediately after acupuncture (t=3.793, P=0.034). The lower limbss' results indicated that skin temperature at Zusanli point increased with significant differences in Zusanli point for immediately needling, 15 minutes and 30 minutes as compared respectively with that beforeneedling. It was found that the skin temperature at Chongyang point for 15 minutes had a significant increase than before and immediately after acupuncture. The skin temperature at Chongyang point for 15 mins had a significant increase than before and immediately afterneedling. The skin temperature of Zusanli point was higher than that of Chongyang point (t=3.794, P=0.034) immediately afterneedling.@*Conclusions@#This study demonstrates that the "Mountain Burning Manipulation by Jin-Shi" method has a clear clinical thermal effect on both local and peripheral longitude of patients with cold dampness syndrome.

Effect of pre-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) on exercise-induced fatigue / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the therapeutic effect of pre-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) on exercise-induced fatigue.@*METHODS@#A total of 50 subjects were divided into an observation group and a control group by random number table method, 25 cases in each one. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) before exercise, once a day, consecutive 5-day treatment was required. In the control group, there was no intervention. The subjective fatigue perception score, serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase, heart rate and oxygen saturation before and after exercise were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before exercise, the subjective fatigue perception scores, serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase and heart rates after exercise were increased in the two groups (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Pre-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) can effectively reduce the subjective fatigue perception score，serum levels of lactate and lactate dehydrogenase and heart rate to improve exercise-induced fatigue.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) on the basis of routine treatment.@*METHODS@#A total of 110 primiparas after cesarean section were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 55 cases in each one. The conventional treatment was applied in the two groups, after operation, transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) was used immediately in the observation group, the skin electrode of disposable anti-magnetic buckle was attached to Zusanli (ST 36) and the corresponding part of the inner lower leg, with disperse-dense wave, 30 Hz/60 Hz and 15-20 mA. The treatment was given for 30 min every time, once every 8 h, until the end of the first bowel movement. The recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section (the restoring time of borborygmus, the time of first anal exsufflation and the first defecation time), the time of secretion of foremilk, complications (abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea etc.), hospital stays after operation and the satisfaction of primiparas after bowel movement were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#The observation group was superior to the control group in the restoring time of borborygmus, the time of first anal exsufflation, the first defecation time and the time of secretion of foremilk (<0.01, <0.05). In the observation group, the incidence of postoperative complications such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension and nausea was 3.6% (2/55), which was lower than 16.4% (9/55) in the control group (<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had shorter hospital stays (<0.01). The satisfaction of effect was 89.1% (49/55) in the observation group, which was superior to 72.7% (40/55) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) can speed up the recovery of gastrointestinal function after cesarean section, reduce complications such as abdominal pain, abdominal distension, shorten hospital stays, promote patient nutrition intake and lactation, and improve comfort level and satisfaction of primiparas.

Observation on time-effect for the stimulating at Zusanli (ST 36) with minimally invasive embedding with PGLA in the healthy person / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the objectivity and time-effect of stimulating effect at acupoint with PGLA in the healthy person, and to provide a basis for the rational interval of minimally invasive embedding of PGLA.@*METHODS@#Before embedding, 8 h, 3rd, 7th, 10th, 14th day after embedding, medical imaging magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning technique was used to collect local T2WI pressure-lowering and T2-Mapping 8 echoes sequence image of left Zusanli (ST 36) in 8 cases of healthy person. The T2-Mapping 8 echoes sequence image was generated by the relevant software to the T2-Mapping image and the local T2 value was measured. The characteristics of local T2WI pressure-fat image signal intensity and the change of T2 value at left Zusanli (ST 36) with minimally invasive embedding with PGLA were observed and analyzed.@*RESULTS@#①There was no abnormal signal on the T2WI pressure-fat image on the left Zusanli (ST 36) point before the embedding. The high-signal was seen on the local T2WI pressure-fat image at each time point after embedding, there was no significant difference in local signal intensity between 8 h, 3rd and 7th day after embedding. The local signal intensity decreased on the 10th day after embedding, and the local signal intensity decreased significantly on the 14th day after embedding.②The T2 value at each time point after embedding increased significantly compared with that before embedding (all 0.05); there was no significant difference between the T2 value on the 7th and the 10th day after embedding (>0.05)，the T2 value on the 14th day after embedding was significantly lower than that on the 7th day after embedding (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#It has a stimulating effect on the local acupoints with minimally invasive embedding with PGLA in the healthy person, and the stimulating effect has certain time-effect. The effective stimulation time is about 2 weeks. The rational interval period for the minimally invasive embedding with the PGLA of the same specification type should be about 2 weeks.

Clinical observation on premature ovarian failure by warming acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at points / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect difference between warm acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at points and western medication for premature ovarian failure (POF).@*METHODS@#Fifty patients with POF were randomly assigned into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a western medication group, 25 cases in each group. Warm acupuncture (30 min a time) at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion (1.5 h a time) at points were used in the acupuncture-moxibustion group, once a day, 5 times a week. Three courses were given, one month as a course. Climen tablet was prescribed orally from the 5th day of menstruation in the western medication group, one tablet a time, once a day. The medication was given for 3 months, 7 days between the two 21-day medication. Before and after treatment, electrochemiluminescence was used to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH); euzymelinked immunosorbent assay was applied to test estradiol (E); transvaginal color doppler sonography and abdomen ultrasound were applied to determine peak systolic velocity (PSV) of ovarian blood flow, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), ovarian volume and the number of sinus follicles (AFC). The clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, FSH and FSH/LH were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Warm acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at points are effective for POF patients, especially in improving FSH/LH, PSV and AFC.

Effect of electroacupuncture on denervated skeletal muscle atrophy and expression of IGF-1/PI3K/AKT in rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on denervated skeletal muscle atrophy and expression of IGF-1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in rats, and to explore the possible mechanisms of it.@*METHODS@#Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and an EA group. Denervated muscle atrophy model was made by cutting off the left hindlimb sciatic nerve in the model group and the EA group. In the EA group, EA, dense-disperse wave, 2 Hz/33 Hz and 1.5-2 mA, was connected at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37). The treatment was given for 30 min every time, once a day and a total of 20 times were needed, there was 2 days interval every 5 times. The rats in the control group and model group were fixed in the same cage every day but not applied EA. Sciatic nerve function index (SFI) and ratio of muscle wet weight (RWW) were measured after treatment. HE staining was used to determine the ratio of cross-sectional area (RCA) and the ratio of fiber diameter (RFD). TUNEL and double immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the myocyte apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. The mRNA expressions of IGF-1 and AKT were detected by real-time PCR. The total protein of AKT, p-AKT (Ser473) and p-AKT (Thr308) were detected by western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, SFI, RWW, RCA and RFD of the model group were significantly decreased and apoptotic index of myocytes were significantly increased (all <0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indexes of the EA group were improved (all <0.05), and the expressions of PAX3 and PAX7 related to proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells were significantly increased (both <0.01), p-AKT (Ser473) protein level was increased (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA can improve the atrophy of denervated muscles, reduce myocyte apoptosis, and promote the proliferation and differentiation of muscle satellite cells. The mechanism may be related to the increase of p-AKT (Ser473) level and activation of AKT signaling pathway.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on inflammatory response and intestinal permeability in perioperative period of laparoscopic intestinal surgery / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the inflammatory response and intestinal permeability after laparoscopic radical surgery for colon cancer, so as to explore the protective mechanism for perioperative organs.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with laparoscopic intestinal resection were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. TEAS at Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) was used in the observation group on the day of operation and within 3 days after surgery, 2 Hz, within 2 mA. The interventions in the control group were the same as those in the observation group, except opening the current source. Central venous blood was collected before TEAS and 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after surgery. The level of the inflammatory indexes of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and intestinal mucosal barrier response indexes of endotoxin (LPS) and D-lactate were detected.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in the observation group 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after surgery (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#TEAS can reduce the inflammatory reaction after laparoscopic radical surgery for colon cancer, but has no effect on the intestinal permeability.

Effects of electroacupuncture on cognitive function in vascular cognitive impairment rats / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of acupuncture at Baihui (DU20) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints on the cognitive function and the oxidation protective mechanism of cortex in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) rats, providing experimental evidence for the clinical treatment of VCI. Methods The VCI model was established by fluorescent microemboli injection through internal carotid artery. Randomly divided into the control group (n=12), the model group (n=12), the positive drug group (n=12), the acupuncture treatment group (n=12). Two weeks after modeling, the rats in the acupuncture treatment group were stimulated for 30 minutes with daily electroacupuncture at Baihui and Zusanli acupoints. The positive drug group was treated with donepezil hydrochloride 0.5206 mg/kg orally daily for 30 days. After the treatment, the water maze test was used to test the cognitive learning ability of rats. The content of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the cortex of rats were detected by biochemical methods. Results Compared with the model group, the number of passing through the platform (7.5 ± 1.9, 6.8 ± 2.2 vs. 3.7 ± 1.0) of acupuncture treatment group and positive drug group were significantly higher (P<0.05), and the total distance in target quadrant (495.4 ± 89.4 cm, 487.6 ± 96.2 cm vs. 341.4 ± 67.3 cm) were significantly longer (P<0.05). In acupuncture treatment group and the positive drug group, the activity of SOD in the cortex (17.3 ± 3.3 U/mg, 15.1 ± 2.5 U/mg vs. 9.7 ± 4.9 U/mg) was significantly higher (P<0.05), but the MDA (9.1 ± 2.2 μmol/L, 8.4 ± 3.7 μmol/L vs. 15.2 ± 4.4μmol/L), and H2O2 (85.2 ± 16.2 μmol/L, 82.1 ± 13.2 μmol/L vs. 114.7 ± 24.8 μmol/L) were significantly lower (P<0.05). In acupuncture group, the activity of GSH-Px (14.5 ± 3.7 U/mg vs. 9.0 ± 2.5 U/mg) was significantly higher than that in control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between acupuncture group and positive drug (P>0.05). Conclusions Acupuncture at Baihui and Zusanli acupoints can improve the behavior scores of rats with VCI, increase the contents of total SOD and GSH-Px,decrease the content of MDA and H2O2 in brain,and enhance antioxidant effects, while inhibiting peroxidation, improve free radical metabolism.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on quality of recovery during early period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the quality of recovery during the early period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the dosage of anesthetic and analgesic.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy with gradeⅠand Ⅱ of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) criteria were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group according to random number table, 50 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were treated with conventional endotracheal intubation anesthesia, anesthesia induction and maintenance. The patients in the observation group were treated with TEAS (2 Hz/100 Hz, 8 to 12 mA) at bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6), as well as Zusanli (ST 36) and the non-acupoint 2 outboard from Zusanli (ST 36) from 30 min before anesthesia induction to the end of operation. The patients in the control group were applied by stimulation electrode in the corresponding points without electrical stimulation. The dosage of intraoperative remifentanil and the analgesic dosage of dezocine for postoperation were recorded. The recovery time, extubation time, the changes of heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) during extubation were recorded. The quality of recovery was assessed by the quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) 1 day before surgery (T)，and 4 h (T), 8 h (T), 24 h (T), 48 h (T) after surgery. The patient's cognitive function was assessed by mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scale at the 5 time points. The incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded at T through T.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The dosages of intraoperative remifentanil and dezocine in the observation group were less than those in the control group; the recovery time and extubation time were shorter than those in the control group; the HR of extubation was lower than that in the control group (all <0.05). There was no statistic difference about MAP between the two groups (>0.05). Compared with T, the total scores of QoR-40 decreased in the two groups at T, T, T (all <0.05), and the total scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all <0.05). The emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, self-care ability, pain scores at T in the observation group and at T, T, T in the control group were lower than those at T (all <0.05). The emotional state, physical comfort, psychological support, self-care ability, pain scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group at T, T, T (all <0.05). Compared with T, the MMSE scores in the two groups decreased at T and T (all <0.05). At T, T, T, the MMSE scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (all <0.05). At T and T, the incidence rates of nausea and vomiting were 22.0% (11/50), 12.0% (6/50) respectively in the observation group, which were lower than 32.0% (16/50) and 24.0% (12/50) in the control group (both <0.05). At T and T, the incidence rates of nausea and vomiting were 6.0% (3/50), 2.0% (1/50) respectively in the observation group, which were not significantly different from 8.0% (4/50) and 4.0% (2/50) in the control group (both >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TEAS can improve the quality of recovery during the early period after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and reduce the dosage of anesthetic and analgesic.</p>

Effects of moxibustion at different timings on recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic surgery / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of preoperative and postoperative moxibustion at different timings on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 108 patients were randomly divided into a preoperative moxibustion group (36 cases), a postoperative moxibustion group (36 cases and 1 dropping), and a control group (36 cases and 1 dropping). Routine care after laparoscopic surgery was received in all three groups. In the preoperative moxibustion group, moxibustion was used at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) one day before surgery, and 6 h after surgery in the postoperative moxibustion group. The treatment was given 20 min per acupoint. Intervention stopped after the patient's first self-exhaust or defecation. The time of first self-exhaust or defecation, the time of solid food tolerated, the postoperative 1-3 days visual analogue scale (VAS) abdominal pain scores, and adverse reactions during the intervention were recorded.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the postoperative moxibustion group and the control group, the time of first self-exhaust or defecation was earlier in the preoperative moxibustion group (both <0.01); the time of solid food tolerated was earlier in the postoperative moxibustion group (both <0.01); postoperative 1-3 d VAS scores were lower (<0.05, <0.01). The VAS scores in the postoperative moxibustion group were lower than those in the control group (all <0.05). No adverse reactions occurred in the three groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Preoperative moxibustion can more effectively promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function after laparoscopic surgery and improve the postoperative quality of life.</p>

Effects of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) on expression of mitophagy-related proteins in skeletal muscle in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the expression change of mitophagy-related proteins in skeletal muscle in rats with spleen deficiency syndrome and to explain the partial action mechanism of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) for spleen deficiency syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty male SD rats, after normal feeding, were randomly divided into a normal group, a spleen deficiency group, a Zusanli group and a non-acupoint group, ten rats in each group. Except the normal group, the three factors modeling method was used for 14 days to establish the model of spleen deficiency syndrome on the other 3 groups. The rats in the Zusanli group were treated with EA at bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), while the rats in the non-acupoint group were treated with EA at bilateral non acupoint (dense-sparse wave, frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, 20 min per treatment, once a day for 10 days). The rats in the normal group and spleen deficiency group were treated with immobilization for 20 min per day, and no EA was given. The HPLC method was applied to measure the content of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in skeletal muscle. The Western blotting method was applied to measure the expression of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPK, ULK1, p-ULK1，LC3-Ⅰand LC3-Ⅱ in skeletal muscle.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The ATP content in the spleen deficiency group was significantly lower than that in the normal group (<0.01); the ATP content in the Zusanli group was significantly higher than that in the spleen deficiency group (<0.05) but lower than that in the normal group (<0.05), there was no significant difference between the non-acupoint group and the spleen deficiency group (>0.05). Compared with the normal group, the AMP/ATP in the spleen deficiency group and the Zusanli group were significantly up-regulated (<0.01, <0.05). The differences of p-AMPK/AMPK between the spleen deficiency group and the normal group was not significant (>0.05). Compared with the normal group and spleen deficiency group, the p-AMPK/AMPK in the Zusanli group was significantly up-regulated (both <0.05). The p-ULK1/ULK1 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰin the Zusanli group was higher than those in the normal group and spleen deficiency group (all <0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA at "Zusanli" (ST 36) might activate AMPK and produce stable ULK1/AMPK compound and increase the mitochondrial autophagy, which could regulate spleen-stomach and treat spleen deficiency.</p>

Time-effect relationship and molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture for repair of gastric mucosal lesion / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To dynamically observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on repair of gastric mucosal lesion in rats with gastric ulcer, and to explore the time-effect relationship and molecular mechanism of EA for gastric ulcer.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 72 SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, a acupoint group and a sham acupoint group, and each group were further divided into a 1-day subgroup, a 4-day subgroup and a 7-day subgroup, 6 rats in each subgroup. The rat model of gastric ulcer was established by using intragastric administration of ethyl alcohol. The rats in the acupoint group were treated with EA at"Zusanli"(ST 36) and"Liangmen"(ST 21); the rats in the sham acupoint group were treated with EA at points 5 mm next to"Zusanli"(ST 36) and"Liangmen"(ST 21); the EA was given 30 min per treatment, once a day. The rats in the normal group and model group were treated with immobilization for 30 min per day, and no EA was given. PR-PCR method was applied to test the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and substance P (SP); Western blot method was applied to test the expression of neurotensin (NT).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 1-day treatment, the ulcer index in the model group was higher than that in the normal group (<0.01), and the expression of PCNA, SP and NT was decreased (<0.01, <0.05); compared with the model group and sham acupoint group, the ulcer index was decreased in the acupoint group (both <0.05), and the expression of PCNA and SP was up-regulated (all <0.05) while that of NT was up-regulated (both <0.01). After 4-day treatment, the ulcer index in the model group was reduced but still higher than that in the normal group (<0.05), and the expression of PCNA, SP and NT was up-regulated and higher than that in the normal group (all <0.01); the ulcer index in the acupoint group was similar to that in the normal group (>0.05), and the expression of PCNA and SP was lower than that in the model group (<0.01, <0.05), and the expression of NT was not significantly different from that in the model group (>0.05). After 7-day treatment, the differences of indexes above were not significant among the four groups (all >0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA at acupoints of stomach meridian has two-way regulation on PCNA and SP and improve the expression of NT in different pathological state of gastric ulcer, which could further improve the repair of gastric ulcer.</p>

Effects of electroacupuncture on expression of CD36 in peritoneal macrophages of rabbits with atherosclerosis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expressions of CD36 gene and protein in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture regulation of atherosclerosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 26 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group (7 rabbits) and a model group (19 rabbits). The rabbits in the blank group were fed with common feedstuff, and those in the model group were applied with high fat diet and arteria carotis communis bullon injury. One rabbit was sacrificed after 8 weeks to observe the morphological changes of carotid atherosclerotic plaques by HE staining to verify model establishment separately in the blank group and model group. The model rabbits were randomized into a control group, an EA group and a western medication group, 6 rabbits in each one. Common feedstuff was used in the blank group and high fat feed in the other groups. No intervention except grabbing and fixation as the EA group was in the blank group and control group. Rabbits in the EA group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Guanyuan" (CV 4), and EA with sparse-dense wave was connected at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 20 min, 4 Hz/20 Hz and 1 mA. 20 mL suspension of 1mg/kg/d atorvastatin calcium tablets were prescribed by intragastric administration in the western medication group for 4 courses, 6 d as one course with 1 d between two courses, once a day. The expression of CD36 protein in peritoneal macrophages was detected by Western blot. Reverse transcription (RT) of RNA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cDNA were used to detect the expression of CD36 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the blank group, the vascular wall thickness was uniform and the endothelium was intact. There was no accumulation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. In the model group, the intima of the artery obviously thickened; the intima was damaged; the atherosclerotic plaque and inflammatory cell infiltration were found in the intima, and the foam cells were seen. After treatment, the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA in the control group, EA group and western medication group were higher than those in the blank group (all<0.01). Those in the EA group and western medication group were lower than the expressions in the control group (all<0.01). There was no statistical significance for the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA between the EA group and the western medication group (both>0.05). .</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA can reduce the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits, which may be one of the mechanisms of EA treatment of atherosclerosis.</p>