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Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension （nOH） is a common neurodegenerative disease， and is usually differentiated as kidney-yang depletion syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Fire needling on governor vessel （督脉） acupoints as well as Shenshu （BL 23） and Zhishi （BL 52） can dredge the qi and blood of governor vessel， so as to warm yang and unblock the channels， supplement essence and boost marrow. A case of elderly nOH treated by fire needling mainly at governor vessel points， Shenshu （BL 23） and Zhishi （BL 52） was reported. After nearly two months of treatment， the patient's orthostatic blood pressure difference and yang deficiency-related symptoms were significantly improved， and the results of blood pressure monitoring， TCM syndrome scale evaluation and Shenshu （BL 23） area infrared imager detection all showed definite clinical effect.
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Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to explore the analgesic mechanisms of moxibustion in RA treatment. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion + NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5) group, and a moxibustion + NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in the other four groups were treated with complete Freund's adjuvant in a windy, cold, and damp environment to replicate RA models. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion with moxa sticks at Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36), and the two points were used alternately. After intraperitoneal injection of AP-5 or NMDA, rats in the moxibustion + AP-5 group and the moxibustion + NMDA group received the same moxibustion intervention as in the moxibustion group, once a day for 15 d. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats in each group was detected before and after modeling and after the 15-day intervention. After the 15-day intervention, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in knee joints. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression of NR2B in the hippocampus; Western blotting assay was used to detect the protein and the phosphorylated protein expression of hippocampal NR2B. Results: The synovial tissue was proliferated, the synovial lining was significantly thickened, the pannus was formed, and the cartilage and bone tissues were significantly damaged in the model group. After intervention, the pathological morphology of the knee joints in the moxibustion group, the moxibustion + AP-5 group, and the moxibustion + NMDA group was significantly improved, and the improvement in the moxibustion + AP-5 group was more notable than that in the moxibustion + NMDA group. Compared with the normal group, the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TWL of each intervention group was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the moxibustion group, the TWL was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased in the moxibustion + AP-5 group (P<0.01); the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the moxibustion + NMDA group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion reduces hyperalgesia in RA inflammatory rats. The analgesic effect may be related to the decrease in the expression and phosphorylation levels of NR2B in the hippocampus.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection with salmon calcitonin for back pain in elderly patients with primary osteoporosis. Methods: A total of 76 patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups by the random number table method, with 39 cases in the treatment group and 37 cases in the control group, respectively. Patients in both groups received routine anti-osteoporosis treatment. Patients in the treatment group received additional acupoint injection with salmon calcitonin at bilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23), while patients in the control group received additional intramuscular injection with salmon calcitonin. The treatments for both groups were given once a day and lasted for 4 weeks. Visual analog scale (VAS) and Chinese Oswestry disability index (CODI) scores were observed before treatment, after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, and the use of analgesics during the treatment were recorded. Results: After treatment, the clinical efficacy in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). After 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores in both groups showed significant intra-group and between-group differences (all P<0.05), and the CODI scores in both groups showed significant intra-group differences (all P<0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the CODI score showed no significant between-group difference (P>0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the improvement of CODI score in the treatment group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). During the treatment, 2 cases in the treatment group took analgesics versus 8 cases in the control group, and the result showed a significant between-group difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: For back pain in elderly patients with primary osteoporosis, based on the routine treatment of oral medication, the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection with salmon calcitonin at bilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) is more significant than that of intramuscular injection. Acupoint injection treatment can improve patients' conditions and reduce the use of analgesics.
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Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenque (CV 8) on the energy metabolism and endocrine metabolism indicators of rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming, and to explore the differences between moxibustion at different points in the effects on anti-exercise fatigue. Methods: Forty-eight male SPF rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a non-meridian and non-acupoint group, a Shenshu (BL 23) group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group, and a Shenque (CV 8) group using random number table method, with eight rats in each group. Except for the blank group, rats in the other groups were subjected to replicating the one-time exhaustive model using the weight-bearing swimming experiment. Except for the model group, the other model rats received mild moxibustion immediately after swimming. Rats in the non-meridian and non-acupoint group received mild moxibustion at bilateral subcostal non-meridian and non-acupoint points, those in the Shenshu (BL 23) group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), those in the Zusanli (ST 36) group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), and those in the Shenque (CV 8) group received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min. Four hours after the exhaustive swimming, femoral artery blood was collected to detect blood lactate (BLA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels, and calculate the T/C ratio. Results: Compared with the blank group, rat's serum levels of BLA, LDH, CK, BUN and C in the model group and the non-meridian and non-acupoint group were increased, and serum levels of CRE and T, and T/C ratios were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05); compared with the model group and the non-meridian and non-acupoint group, the serum levels of BLA, LDH, CK, BUN and C in the Shenshu (BL 23) group, Zusanli (ST 36) group and Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased, and the serum CRE and T levels, and the T/C ratios were increased (all P<0.01); compared with the Shenshu (BL 23) group, the serum CK level was decreased in the Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.01), the serum levels of T and C were decreased in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the T/C ratio was increased in the Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, the serum CK and BUN levels were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the T/C ratio was increased in the Shenque (CV 8) group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenque (CV 8) shows different anti-fatigue effects by regulating the energy metabolism and endocrine metabolism in rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming. Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) is better in promoting energy synthesis. Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is more effective in regulating synthesis and decomposition of the skeletal muscle proteins.
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Objective To observe the clinical effect of acupoint injection of salmon calcitonin in the treatment of senile osteoporosis. Methods From February 2016 to July 2017,136 elderly patients with osteoporosis admitted to Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were included. The patients were randomly divided into two groups,with 68 cases in each group. The acupoint－injection group was given 50IU salmon calcitonin on day 1, day 2 100IU, one time per day, continuously used for 15 days for a course of treatment, and with an interval of 90 days,and repeat the course of treatment. The patients were given 0. 9% sodium chloride diluted to 2mL,inject 0. 5mL into bilateral Shenshu and Zusanli these two points. The intramuscular injection group was given the same dose of salmon calcitonin gluteus maximus injected intramuscularly. At the same time,both two groups were given calcium Erqi D tablets one tablet a day,alendronate once a week,each time 70mg fasting taken orally. The type Ⅰ collagen β－CTx,PINP,NBAP,femoral neck,femur trochanter,lumbar (L1 －L4) lumbar BMD and osteoporosis symptom score before and after treatment were compared. Results After treatment,the NBAP and BMD of the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment (all P＜0. 05),and the β－CTx,PINP and symptoms scores were lower than before treatment (P＜0. 05). After treatment,NBAP in the acupoint injection group was (32. 36 ± 3. 03)μg/L, which was higher than (29. 66 ± 3. 20) μg/L in the intramuscular injection group(t =10. 477,P ＜0. 05). The β－CTx and PINP in the acupoint injection group were decreased to (0. 10 ± 0. 05)μg/L and (28. 78 ± 5. 23)μg/L, which were significantly lower than those in the intramuscular injection group[β－CTx(0. 20 ± 0. 05)μg/L,PINP (35.77 ±6. 49)μg/L(t =5. 983,2. 662,all P ＜0. 05)]. After treatment,the BMD of the femoral neck,femur trochanter and lumbar vertebra (L1 －L4) in the acupoint injection group were (0. 690 ± 0. 032)g/m2,(0. 620 ± 0. 010)g/m2and (0. 822 ± 0. 012)g/m2,respectively,which were higher than those in the intramuscular injection group[(0.652 ±0.012)g/m2,(0.572 ±0.022)g/m2and (0.801 ±0.011)g/m2(t=5.055,6.133,1.956,all P＜0. 05)]. After treatment,the improvements of TCM syndromes such as weakness in the waist and knees,tinnitus and deafness,loss of appetite,release of teeth,relaxation of two feet,weak tongue,weak pulse in the acupoint injection group were better than those in the intramuscular injection group (all P＜0. 05). Conclusion The acupoint injection of salmon calcitonin at Zusanli and Shenshu points is more effective than the intramuscular injection in the treatment of senile osteoporosis. It can significantly increase the serum NBAP,decrease the serum β－CTx,PINP,improve the BMD and improve the patients＇clinical symptoms,which means acupoint injection is a safe and effective way to treat senile osteoporosis.
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Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion on serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and to explore the effects of moxibustion on inflammatory damaging factors in experimental rheumatoid arthritis (RA) model rats; the relationship between the therapeutic effect of moxibustion on RA and the change in the Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway was analyzed using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonists and agonists. Methods:Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion plus TLR4 agonist group (agonist group) and a moxibustion plus TLR4 antagonist group (antagonist group) according to the random number table, with 10 rats in each group. Except the normal group, rats in the other four groups were subjected to model preparation with the wind, cold and wet environmental factors plus Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Rats in the normal and model groups were not treated; rats in the moxibustion, agonist and antagonist groups started to be treated with the moxibustion (cigarette-type moxa) at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) from the 4th day after the successful modeling, for 20 min each time with a total of 10 d. Rats in the agonist and the antagonist groups were injected with TLR4 agonist or antagonist [0.1 mg/(kg·bw)] via the tail vein 30 min before moxibustion. The concentrations of serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Compared with the normal group, in the model group, the rat's right hind paw swelling was significantly obvious (P<0.01), there was a lot of inflammatory infiltration in the synovial tissues, the surface of the synovial membrane was unsmooth, the synovial membrane was hyperplasia and thicker, and the serum IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the paw swelling degrees of the rats in the moxibustion, the agonist and the antagonist groups reduced significantly (allP<0.01); the swelling degree in the antagonist group was milder than that in the agonist group, but the between-group difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05); inflammatory infiltration and synovial membrane hyperplasia in the synovial tissues of the moxibustion group and the antagonist group were all relieved differently; the decrease of synovial layer number in the moxibustion group was more obvious, and there were no obvious improvements in inflammatory infiltration and synovial thickness in the agonist group; the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the moxibustion group were decreased, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (allP<0.01); there was no significant between-group difference in the IL-8 concentration (P>0.05); the concentrations of serum IL-8 and TNF-α in the agonist group increased significantly (both P<0.01), while the IL-6 concentration decreased without significant difference (P>0.05); the concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in the antagonist group decreased but the between-group differences were statistically insignificant (bothP>0.05), and the TNF-α concentration significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the moxibustion group, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations increased in the agonist group, and the differences in the IL-8 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (both P<0.01); the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α increased in the antagonist group, and the differences in the IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were statistically significant (bothP<0.01); there was no significant difference in the IL-8 concentration between the groups (P>0.05). The serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in the antagonist group were lower than those in the agonist group (allP<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) can reduce the joint swelling degree and inflammation in synovial tissue of RA model rats, decrease the serum levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in RA model rats; the decreases of IL-6 and TNF-α are more significant than the decrease of IL-8; TLR4 agonist and antagonist can significantly attenuate the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, so that the change in TLR signaling pathway affects the effect of moxibustion in inhibiting the releases of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at "Shenshu"(BL23)-"Taixi"(KI3)on the levels of serum uric acid (SUA) and expression of renal urate-anion transporter 1 (URAT1) and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1) proteins in hyperuricemia (HUA) rats, so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving HUA. METHODS: A total of 25 male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: control (n＝6), HUA model (n＝7), BL23-KI3 (n＝6) and Ganshu (BL18)-Taichong (LR3, BL18-LR3 in short, n＝6). The HUA model was established by gavage of Oteracil Potassium (2 g/kg), once daily for 10 days, then once every other day. For rats of the BL23-KI3 group, BL23 and KI3 were stimulated with filiform needles which were rotated for 10 s at a frequency about 100 r/min, and for rats of the BL18-LR3 group, BL18 and LR3 were stimulated with the same methods to those of the BL23-KI3 group. The treatment of both acupuncture groups was conducted once daily, 6 times a week (except Sundays) for 3 weeks. The contents of SUA and serum creatinine (SCr) were assayed by using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The pathological changes of the right kidney tissue were observed under light microscope after hematoxylin eosin (H.E.) staining, the immunoactivity of URAT1 and OAT1 of the right kidney tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of URAT1 and OAT1 proteins of the left kidney tissue detected by Western blot (WB). RESULTS: After modeling, the content of SUA and the expression of renal URAT1 protein (shown by both immunoactivity and WB) were significantly increased (P0.05). Following acupuncture intervention, the SUA content and URAT1 expression in both BL18-LR3 and BL23-KI3 groups were considerably down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of OAT1 protein in the BL23-KI3 group (not the BL18-LR3 group) were obviously up-regulated relevant to the model group (P<0.01). The effects of BL23-KI3 were significant superior to those of BL18-LR3 in down-regulating the expression of URAT1 and up-regulating OAT1 protein (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture of "BL23" and "KI3" can effectively down-regulate SUA level in HUA rats, which may be related to its effects in down-regulating the expression of URAT1 and up-regulating the expression of OAT1 in the kidney tissue.
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OBJECTIVE: To explore the neuroanatomical basis of acupoint-visceral correlation by studying the distribution of the neurons associated with acupoint "Shenshu" (BL 23) area and adrenal gland in rats. METHODS: AF 488-CTB and AF 594-CTB were injected into the left side of BL 23 area and adrenal gland in the same rat respectively. Three days after injection, the dorsal root ganglions (DRG), sympathetic chain, and spinal cord were dissected out from the perfused rats. The neuronal labeling with AF 488/594-CTB was directly observed on the sections under a fluorescent microscope or a laser scanning confocal microscope. RESULTS: All neural labeling was observed in the injection side. The sensory neurons associated with both acupoint BL 23 and adrenal gland distributed from thoracic (T) 10 to lumbar (L) 2 DRG with high concentration in T 12-T 13 and T 11-T 12, respectively, in which some of them were simultaneously labeled with both AF 488/594-CTB and located in T 12-L 1 DRG. For the sympathetic innervation, the postganglionic neurons correlated with BL 23 and adrenal gland were labeled with AF 488/594-CTB separately in the sympathetic chain at the lumbar segments, while the labeled preganglionic neurons were only observed at the lateral horn of T 11-T 13 spinal segments in the cases of adrenal gland. In addition, the labeled motor neurons were mainly detected in the spinal ventral horn at cervical (C) 7-C 8 and T 11-L 1 segments. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that there are segmental correlation between BL 23 and adrenal gland on the sensory and sympathetic innervations, and this correlation might be a neural pathway for modulating the function role of adrenal gland through BL 23 needling.
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Objective: To discuss the acupoints selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) from 2007 to 2016. Methods: Clinical literatures related to PMS treated with acupuncture-moxibustion published from 2007 to 2016 were collected from Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang). The retrieved data underwent descriptive analysis, cluster analysis and association pattern analysis to determine the acupoints selection principle in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS. Results: The top five acupoints used in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23), Guanyuan (CV 4), Baihui (GV 20), and Shenmen (HT 7). The leading 4 meridians were Bladder Meridian, Conception Vessel, Spleen Meridian, and Governor Vessel. The clustering analysis showed that the 5 core acupoint groups were: ① Sanyinjiao (SP 6); ② Shenshu (BL 23) and Guanyuan (CV 4); ③ Baihui (GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Ganshu (BL 18) and Taichong (LR 3); ④ Taixi (KI 3), Pishu (BL 20), Xinshu (BL 15), Qihai (CV 6) and Neiguan (PC 6); ⑤ Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Zhongwan (CV 12), Hegu (LI 4), Yintang (GV 29), Fengchi (GB 20), Zhongji (CV 3) and Feishu (BL 13). The three most significant acupoints were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23) and Guanyuan (CV 4). Acupoint groups based on syndrome differentiation included: ① Hegu (LI 4), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1); ② Feishu (BL 13), Zhongji (CV 3), Fengchi (GB 20) and Yintang (GV 29); ③ Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Taixi (KI 3);④ Ganshu (BL 18), Zusanli (ST 36), Shenmen (HT 7), Taichong (LR 3) and Baihui (GV 20). The analysis of association pattern elaborated that Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) won the highest support rate in the paired groups; Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) had the highest support rate among the acupoint groups. Conclusion: The data mining results of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS substantially conform to the general principle in traditional acupuncture-moxibustion theories, able to reflect the acupoints selection and grouping pattern and provide references for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PMS.
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In order to accurately understand the location of Shenshu (BL 23) and to improve the efficacy of acupuncture, a discussion is performed in this paper from aspects of acupoint function, anatomical structure, experiment research, clinical application, etc., hoping to provide benefit for future animal experiments and clinical selection of acupoint. The characteristics of rat spine is different from that of human, and the reliability and authenticity of acupoint location would be compromised if the anatomical characteristics of human was inflexibly applied on animals. "Shenshu" (BL 23) belongs to the bladder meridian of foot, and is located 1.5lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra. It is close to kidney, therefore deep insertion or repeated lifting and thrusting of needle would damage kidney and causes acupuncture accident. Therefore, to locate "Shenshu" (BL 23) in rat, the 6th lumbar vertebra is located firstly based on tuber coxae of rat, and then 11th thoracic vertebra is located by upward 4 vertebral bodies or locate 9th to 11th thoracic vertebra which are tight, and finally 2nd lumbar vertebra is located by downward 4 vertebral bodies, and "Shenshu" (BL 23) is 5 mm lateral to it. During clinical treatment, the technique should be gentle; oblique and outward insertion of needle is not allowed; the maximum depth of needle insertion is 1.6(approximately 4.30 cm); the vertical or oblique insertion with needle 45° towards spine is appropriate; the depth of 0.8 to 1.2(2.00 to 3.10 cm) is suitable. In cases of too thin or fat patients, the depth of needle insertion should be adjusted for safety.
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Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expression of erythropoie-tin-producing hepatocyte receptor B2 (EphB2) in the cortex around the infracted area of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats at different timing, and to reveal the possible mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. Methods:A total of 180 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, with 45 rats in each group. Rats in each group were further divided into three subgroups: postoperative 3 d, postoperative 14 d and postoperative 21 d groups, with 15 rats in each subgroup. The MCAO model was made by the modified occlusion method. The neurological function score, 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, immunohistochemistry assay, immunofluorescence double labeling method and Western blot were used to detect the corresponding indicators. Results:The neurological impairment of rats was most obvious at postoperative 3 d, and then gradually improved with time, which was more significant in the acupoint group (P Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) can significantly improve the neurological function and cerebral infarcted volume ratio of MCAO rats, which may be related to the activation of EphB2 expression in cortex around the infracted area and the promotion of synaptic remodeling.
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Objective To compare the clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy plus fundamental treatment versus fundamental treatment alone for the prevention and treatment of bone marrow depression in breast cancer patients induced by FEC(fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. Methods A total of 46 post-operation breast cancer patients accepting the first cycle of FEC chemotherapy were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 23 cases in each group. The control group was given fundamental treatment including oral use of Chinese medicine of modified Xiangsha Liujunzi Decoction for regulating stomach and arresting vomiting, modified Guipi Decoction and Gui Lu Erxian Decoction for nourishing blood and generating blood, and western medicine of Batilol Tablets and Vitamin B4 Tablets. The treatment group was given acupoint catgut-embedding therapy on bilateral Zusanli(ST36) and Shenshu(BL23) plus fundamental treatment. The effect on bone marrow depression in the two groups was observed after treatment. Results(1) On post-chemotherapy day 7 and 8, the count of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils (NE) in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group, the difference being significant(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).(2) The utilization of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF) in the treatment group was less than that in the control group, the difference being significant (P < 0.05). (3) On post-chemotherapy day 10, the effect on improving bone marrow depression in the treatment group was superior to that in the control group, the difference being significant (P<0.01) . Conclusion The acupoint catgut-embedding therapy plus fundamental treatment is more effective and safe for the prevention and treatment of bone marrow depression in breast cancer patients induced by FEC chemotherapy than fundamental treatment alone.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To verify the clinical efficacy on postmenopausal osteoporosis treated with acupoint injection of salmon calcitonin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety patients of postmenopausal osteoporosis were randomized into three groups, 30 cases in each one. In the acupoint injection group, Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected bilaterally. The injection 4 mL was prepared with salmon calcitonin 100 U (1 mL) and 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Each acupoint was stimulated with the injection, 1 mL. In the blank group, 0.9% sodium chloride injection was applied to bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36), 1 mL at each acupoint. In the intramuscular injection group, salmon calcitonin 100 U was injected at gluteus maximus. The treatment was given once every two days in the patients of the three groups and lasted for 2 months. The levels of bone mineral density (BMD), bone alkaline phosphatase (NBAP), C-terminal telopeptides of typeⅠcollagen (CTX), urine calcium/creatinine (Ca/Cr) and the symptom score of osteoporosis were detected in the patients of the three groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the patients of the three groups, NBAP and BMD in lumbar vertebra after treatment were higher than those before treatment (all<0.05); CTX, Ca/Cr and symptom score were lower than those before treatment (all<0.05). After treatment, NBAP was (32.7±2.5) μg/L in the acupoint injection group, higher than those in the blank group and the intramuscular injection group (both<0.05). In the acupoint injection group, CTX was reduced to (239.7±63.6) μmmol/L and Ca/Cr was reduced to 0.525±0.274, apparently lower than those in the blank group and intramuscular injection group (both<0.05). After treatment, in the acupoint injection group, BMD of lumbar vertebra was (0.731±0.062) g/m, higher than the level of the rest two groups (both<0.05). After treatment, the symptom score was 5.2±0.6 in the acupoint injection group, lower than those in the blank group and intramuscular injection group (both<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Salmon calcitonin injec-tion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenshu (BL 23) achieves significant efficacy on postmenopausal osteoporosis, stimulating osteoblast activity and inhibiting bone absorption of osteoclast.</p>
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Objective:To observe the effect of moxibustion on learning and memory abilities, corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in subacute aging rats. Methods:Twenty four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a moxibustion group, 8 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the moxibustion group were subcutaneously injected with 25% D-galactose [125 mg/(kg·bw)] for 40 d continuous; rats in the normal group were injected with saline at the same position for 40 d continuous. Rats in the moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) at the same time of modeling; rats in the normal group and the model group were only identically grabbed without moxibustion for 40 d. The learning and memory abilities of rats were observed using the Morris water maze at the end of the experiment. Abdominal aorta blood and thymus were collected after water maze experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone level, and immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of thymus GR. Results:Compared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed that a significantly longer escape latency time (P<0.01) on the third and the fourth days; number of times crossing the platform in 70 s significantly reduced (P<0.01); activity times in the fourth quadrant significantly decreased (P<0.05); serum corticosterone levels increased (P<0.01); thymus GR expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, rats in the moxibustion group showed that the escape latency times were significantly shorter on the third, the fourth and the fifth days (P<0.01,P<0.05); number of times crossing the platform in 70 s significantly increased (P<0.05); activity times in the fourth quadrant significantly increased (P<0.05); serum corticosterone levels decreased (P<0.05); thymus GR expression increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion could improve the learning and memory abilities of subacute aging rats, down-regulate serum corticosterone levels, and increase thymus GR content.
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Objective To observe the correlation between infrared radiation temperature of specific points of the bladder (Zhongji, Pangguangshu, Weizhong and Shenshu) and OAB symptom severity in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) before and after electroacupuncture.Method Eighty-six patients were treated with electroacupuncture. The infrared radiation temperatures of the points were measured using an infrared thermograph in the patients before and after electroacupuncture. The patients’ symptoms were scored using the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS). The correlation between the infrared radiation temperature and the symptom score was analyzed according to the changes in the two.Result In the patients, the OAB symptom score (OABSS) was 8.00 (7.00, 9.00) before treatment and 2.00 (4.00, 6.00) after. There was a statistically significant difference between the two (P<0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in the infrared radiation temperatures of the points (Zhongji, Pangguangshu, Weizhong and Shenshu) (P<0.05). The OAB symptom score (OABSS) and Zhongji infrared radiation temperature had a rank and positive correlation.Conclusion Zhongji infrared radiation temperature has important reference value for the assessment of OAB symptom severity.
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Objective To observe expression levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and cholecystokinin (CCK) in the hippocampus and spinal cord in morphine withdrawal or tolerance mice treated by electroacupuncture or catgut embedding and explore the difference between the regulating effects of electroacupuncture and catgut embedding on morphine withdrawal and tolerance.Methods Fifty-six male C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to withdrawal control, withdrawal model, withdrawal catgut embedding and withdrawal electroacupuncture groups, and tolerance control, tolerance model, tolerance catgut embedding and tolerance electroacupuncture groups, 7 mice in each group. A model of morphine withdrawal was made by subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride using 7-day increasing addiction method. The withdrawal control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline at the same time points. In the withdrawal electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture at bilateral points Shenshu was performed using a Han’s acupoint nerve stimulation device (HANS-200) at 15 min after an injection of morphine hydrochloride. In the withdrawal catgut embedding group, 0.5 cm chromic catgut was embedded in bilateral points Shenshu at 15 min after an injection of morphine hydrochloride. Addiction was promoted by intraperitoneal injection of naloxone 4 mg/kg at 10 o’clock on the seventh day’s morning and Withdrawal reactions were observed in the mice. The score was recorded using the Ryuta Tomoji opioid withdrawal symptoms evaluation scale. NMDA receptor and CCK contents in the hippocampus and spinal cord were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A model of morphine tolerance was made by subcutaneous injection of morphine 10 mg/kg. The tolerance control group was injected with tolerance normal saline 10 ml/kg at the same time. In the tolerance catgut embedding group, catgut was embedded in point Shenshu at the first day after model making. In the tolerance electroacupuncture group, point Shenshu was given electroacupuncture at the first day after model making. After seven days of treatment, NMDA receptor and CCK contents in the hippocampus and spinal cord were measured by ELISA.Results There were statistically significant differences in hippocampal NR2B and CCK expressions between the withdrawal model and withdrawal control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal NR2B expression between the withdrawal electroacupuncture and withdrawal model groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal CCK expression between the withdrawal catgut embedding or withdrawal electroacupuncture group and the withdrawal model group (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spinal cord NR2A, NR2B and CCK expressions between the withdrawal model and withdrawal control groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in spinal cord NR2A and NR2B expressions between the withdrawal electroacupuncture and withdrawal model groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in hippocampal NR2A, NR2B and CCK expressions between the tolerance model and tolerance control groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal CCK expression between the tolerance catgut embedding and tolerance model groups (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in hippocampal NR1 expression between the tolerance electroacupuncture group and the tolerance model or tolerance catgut embedding group (P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in spinal cord CCK expression between the tolerance catgut embedding or withdrawal electroacupuncture group and the tolerance model group (P<0.05).Conclusions Both catgut embedding and electroacupuncture at point Shenshu have a reducing effect on morphine tolerance and withdrawal. The therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture is better than that of catgut embedding.
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Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of oral solution of Huaixue Shenshu for treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy and explore its mechanism. Methods A prospective study was conducted. Forty patients with IgA nephropathy diagnosed by pathology were selected, and they were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 20 cases in each group. The two groups were subjected to the routine treatment, and on this base, the control group also received cozaar 50-100 mg, while the treatment group additionally received oral solution of Huaixue Shenshu decoction (drug composition:Centellae herba 15 g, Sophorae Flos 20 g, Ecliptae Herba 20 g, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus 15 g, Cicadae Periostracum 15 g, Pyrolae Herba 20 g, Saposhnikoviae Radix 10 g, Astragali Radix 15 g, the above ingredients were immersed in water and boiled to form 200 mL decoction, as a dose, and then divided into two parts to take orally one of them each time, twice a day). Both groups took two therapeutic courses in total, 3 months constituting one course. After treatment, the integral changes of clinical symptoms and clinical efficacy were observed, and before treatment and 3 months and 6 months after treatment, the 24-hour urine protein, serum creatinine (SCr), and albumin (Alb) were measured in the two groups. Results Before treatment, there was no significant difference in integral of clinical symptoms between treatment group and control group (score: 18.42±5.41 vs. 19.95±6.25, P>0.05);after treatment, the integrals of two groups were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the degree of decrease in treatment group was more obvious (score: 6.35±2.11 vs. 9.45±3.55, P 0.05); with the prolongation of treatment, the 24-hour urinary protein was decreased gradually, and Alb was increased gradually, reaching its peak after 6 months of treatment, and the changes were more obvious in treatment group [24-hour urinary protein (g):0.71±0.58 vs. 1.31±0.55, Alb (g/L):37.8±6.1 vs. 35.5±5.2, both P 0.05). Conclusion The effect of oral solution of Huaixue Shenshu in treatment of IgA nephropathy is good.
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Objective To investigate the effects of preconditioning with repeated electroacupuncture (EA)at Shenshu acupoint on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats.Methods Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 260-320 g,were randomly divided into 4 groups:sham operation group (n =5),I/R group,pentobarbital sodium + I/R group (PB + I/R group) and repeated EA at Shenshu acupoint + I/R group (EA + I/R group).The model of renal I/R injury was established by occlusion of bilateral renal pedicles for 45 min followed by reperfusion.Pentobarbital sodium 30 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally everyday for 5 consecutive days and I/R was induced 24 h after the last injection in PB + I/R group.The animals received EA at Shenshu acupiont 30min per day for 5 consecutive days under pentobarbital sodium anesthesia and I/R was induced 24 h after the last preconditioning in EA + I/R group.Blood samples were taken at 1,3 and 7 days after I/R to determine the levels of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr).The animals were then sacrificed and the kidney was isolated.The histological changes of the kidney was scored.The apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells was measured using TUNEL at 3 days after I/R.Apoptosis index (AI) was calculated.The expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA),Bcl-2,Bax,Fas and FasL in renal tubular epithelial cells was measured by immuno-histochemistry at 3 days after I/R.Results Compared with group S,the levels of serum BUN and Cr,and histological score were significantly increased at 1,3 and 7 days after I/R in I/R and PB + I/R groups,and at 1 and 3 days after I/R in EA + I/R group,the expression of PCNA,Bcl-2,Bax,Fas and FasL was up-regulated in I/R,PB + I/R and EA + I/R groups,and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was significantly increased in I/R and PB + I/R groups (P ＜0.05).Compared with I/R and PB + I/R groups,the levels of serum BUN and Cr,and histological score were significantly decreased at 3 and 7 days after I/R,AI and the expression of Bax,Fas and FasL were significantly decreased,and the expression of PCNA and Bcl-2 was up-regulated in EA + I/R group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Preconditioning with repeated EA at Shenshu acupoint can attenuate the renal I/R injury in rats by promoting the proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells and reducing the apoptosis in cells.
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Objective:To study the clinical effect and the endocrine mechanism of acupuncture therapy on menopause syndrome.Method:There were 47 cases with menopause syndrome,which were divided into two groups,32 cases in the acupuncture group,treated by acupuncture with main acupoins of Shenshu (BL 23),Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6),and 15 cases in the control group,treated by orally taking the Oryzanol.The Kupperman index of the two groups was observed before and after treatment for evaluating the therapeutic effect.The changes of blood-serum F2,T,FSH,LH of the 25 cases in the acupuncture group were tested by radioimmunoassay before and after the treatment.Results:The acupuncture therapy can relieve the clinical symptoms of menopause syndrome,and its therapeutic effect was better than Oryzanol.After being treated by acupuncture therapy,the content of blood-serum E2 obviously increased,while the contents of LH and T declined,and the FSH also had a tendency to lower,but it was not statistically significant.Conclusion:The therapeutic effect of acupuncture therapy for menopause is confirmed.The acupuncture therapy can improve the function of hypophysial-gonadal axis of the patient with menopause syndrome,which may be the main mechanism of the acupuncture therapy for treating menopause syndrome.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of acupuncture of Shenshu(BL 23),Huiyang (BL 35)and Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)on the main symptoms of unstable bladder (USB)and explore the specificity of different points in treating USB through a clinical randomized controlled trial.Methods:Eighty-nine USB patients were allocated to three groups:Shenshu(BL 23),Huiyang(BL 35)and Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35).I-PSS was used as an observation index.The effects were evaluated and a comparison was made between the groups after three and six treatments.Resuits:I-PSS significantly improved in all Shenshu (BL 23),Huiyang(BL 35)and Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)groups of USB patients (P＜0.05).The effect was significantly beaer in the Huiyang(BL 35)and Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)groups than in the Shenshu(BL 23)group(P＜0.05).The efficacy rate was 50.0% in the Shenshu(BL 23)group,82.8% in the Huiyang(BL 35)group and 90.0% in the Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)group.It was significantly higher in the Huiyang(BL 35)and Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)groups than in the Shenshu(BL 23)group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Points Shenshu(BL 23),Huiyang(BL 35)and Shenshu(BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)can all regulate voiding dysfunction and improve quality of life in USB patients.Shenshu (BL 23)plus Huiyang(BL 35)has the most marked therapeutic effect.