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Objective:To explore whether the electroacupunture stimulation (ES) at acupoint Zusanli (ST36) can inhibit the bone loss caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infection and its mechanism in a model of SA osteomyelitis.Methods:Twelve male C57 BL/6 mice aged 10 to 12 weeks were randomly divided into 2 even groups ( n=6) for SA infection + ES or SA infection only. After ES at ST36 was conducted for 4 weeks in the model of SA osteomyelitis, samples were harvested from the femora and tibiae. Micro-CT reconstruction was performed to detect trabecular bone volume fraction (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), connectivity density (Conn.Dn) to analyze changes in bone mass. Leptin receptor (LEPR) staining was performed to detect osteoblasts. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was used to detect the changes in osteoclasts. The changes in plasma inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results:Micro-CT results showed that the BV/TV, Tb.N, Tb.Th, and Conn.Dn in the cancellous bone in the target areas in the SA + ES group were all higher than those in the SA group, LEPR immunofluorescence results indicated that the number of osteogenic precursor cells in the ES group was larger than that in the SA group, and serum ELISA indicated a decrease in inflammatory factors in the blood in the SA+ES group compared with the SA group. There were significant differences in the comparisons above ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of osteoclasts on the surface of trabecular bone between the 2 groups in TRAP staining. Conclusion:ES may slow down infectious bone destruction by inhibiting the inflammatory response induced by SA infection and by inducing aggregation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into trabecular bone.
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Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on behaviors and related products of tryptophan (Trp) metabolism in the colon of mice with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in the IBS treatment.Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, and a probiotic group, with 6 mice in each group. The visceral pain model of IBS was established by enema with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) solution. Mice in the moxibustion group were treated with mild moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli (ST36), and those in the probiotic group were treated with probiotics such as Bifidobacterium by gavage. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) test, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, and forced swimming test (FST) were performed after treatment. The expression levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) in the colon were detected by immunofluorescence, and the expression levels of Trp, kynurenine (Kyn), and indole-2,3-oxygenase (IDO) in the colon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with the normal group, the AWR scores were increased significantly in the model group under different pressure values (P<0.01), the open-arm staying time and open-arm entries in the EPM test were decreased significantly (P<0.01, P<0.05), the motionless time in the FST was increased significantly (P<0.01), and the expression levels of colonic Trp, TPH1, IDO, 5-HT, and Kyn were increased significantly (P<0.01) in the models. Compared with the model group, the AWR scores were differently decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), the open-arm entries in the EPM test were increased (P<0.05), the motionless times in the FST were decreased (P<0.05), and the colonic expression levels of Trp, TPH1, IDO, and 5-HT were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05) in the moxibustion and probiotic groups; the open-arm staying time was significantly increased in the moxibustion group (P<0.01), and the colonic expression level of Kyn was significantly decreased in the probiotic group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) improves visceral pain and pain mood and down-regulates the expression levels of colonic TPH1, IDO, Trp, 5-HT, and Kyn in IBS mice.
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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.
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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 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.
Subject(s)
Animals , Rats , Acupuncture Points , Duodenum/metabolism , Dyspepsia/therapy , Electroacupuncture , Ketotifen , Mast Cells/metabolism , Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism , RNA, Messenger , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Receptor, trkA/geneticsABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Animals , Male , Rats , Acupuncture Points , Benzamides , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Electroacupuncture , Gastrointestinal Motility/physiology , Gastroparesis/etiology , Morpholines , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
Objective:To explore the effects of Zusanli acupoint massage combined with abdominal touching on feeding intolerance (FI) of premature infants. Methods:A total of 100 premature infants meeting the inclusion criteria in neonatal ward of the hospital from January 2018 to June 2020 were divided into control group (50 cases) and observation group (50 cases) by random number table method. The control group was given routine treatment and feeding, while observation group was given Zusanli acupoint massage and abdominal touching on the basis of control group. The feeding observation indexes, three immunoglobulin indexes, FI and complications were compared between the two groups. Results:The feeding transition time (8.57 ± 2.35 d vs. 11.60 ± 4.38 d, t=4.310) and the time of returning to birth weight (9.11 ± 1.79 d vs. 10.48 ± 2.34 d, t=3.289) in observation group were significantly shorter than those in control group ( P<0.05), and feeding efficiency (9.48 ± 2.07 ml/min vs. 7.16 ± 2.30 ml/min, t=5.302) was significantly higher than that of control group ( P<0.05). The incidence rates of FI [14.0% (7/50) vs. 42.0% (21/50); χ2=9.722, P<0.01] and apnea [12.0% (6/50) vs. 32.0% (16/51); χ2=5.828, P<0.01]. Conclusion:Zusanli acupoint massage combined with abdominal touching is beneficial to improve feeding performance of premature infants, recover birth weight as soon as possible, achieve total intestinal feeding and improve early feeding tolerance.
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Objective: To explore the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on myocardial structure and function in exercise-induced fatigue rats. Methods: A 12-week treadmill running training was performed to create an exercise-induced fatigue rat model. Sixty eligible male specific-pathogen-free grade Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a control group, a model group, a non-meridian non-acupoint group, a Zusanli (ST 36) group and a Shenque (CV 8) group, with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group did not receive treadmill running training or moxibustion. Rats in the control group did not receive treadmill running training but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8). Rats in the model group received treadmill running training but no moxibustion. Rats in the non-meridian non-acupoint group, the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group received moxibustion at the non-meridian non-acupoint points, Zusanli (ST 36) or Shenque (CV 8) immediately after each treadmill running training, 15 min each time, once a day for 5 consecutive days a week at a 2-day interval, 60 times of moxibustion in total. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd), left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDv), left ventricular systolic volume (LVSv), ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), early diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (E) and late diastolic peak flow velocity of mitral valve (A) of each group before and after the last treadmill running training were measured. Blood was collected 6 h after the last treadmill running training, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), myoglobin (Mb), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were detected. Finally, the heart was separated, the heart mass (HM) was measured, the cTnT level of the myocardial tissue was detected, the ultrastructural changes of the left ventricular myocardium were observed by transmission electron microscope, the left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS), E/A and heart mass index (HMI) were calculated. Results: Compared with the same group before treatment, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, LVDv, LVSv, SV, E and A were significantly increased (all P<0.01), and the rat LVFS, E/A and EF were significantly decreased (all P<0.01) in the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group after treatment; the rat cardiac SV, LVDv, LVSv, E and A were all increased (all P<0.01), while E/A and EF were decreased (all P<0.01) in the Zusanli (ST 36) group after treatment; the rat cardiac LVDv, E and A were significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and E/A was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the Shenque (CV 8) group after treatment. After treatment, compared with the blank group, the rat cardiac LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, the serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and the myocardial cTnT were increased (all P<0.01), and the LVFS, E/A and EF were all reduced (all P<0.01) in the model group; compared with the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group, rats in the Zusanli (ST 36) group and the Shenque (CV 8) group showed decreased LVEDd, LVESd, SV, LVDv, LVSv, E, A, serum CRP, Mb, CK-MB, cTnI, cTnT and HMI, and myocardial cTnT (P<0.01 or P<0.05), along with increased LVFS, E/A and EF (all P<0.01); compared with the Zusanli (ST 36) group, Mb and A of the Shenque (CV 8) group were decreased (both P<0.01), while both E/A and EF were increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy examination showed that myofibrils in the blank group and the control group were neatly arranged with clear light and dark bands; the model group and the non-meridian non-acupoint group showed different degrees of myofibril disintegration and breakage, increased and aggregated mitochondria of different sizes, and increased electron density. The myofibrils in the Shenque (CV 8) group and Zusanli (ST 36) group were arranged neatly with clear light and dark bands, and compensatory hyperplasia of mitochondria. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and Zusanli (ST 36) both can effectively improve the occurrence of myocardial remodeling in exercise-induced fatigue rats, and the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) is better in improving cardiac function.
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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.
Subject(s)
Animals , Mice , Calcitonin , Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide/genetics , Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy , Intestinal Mucosa , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Moxibustion , Nerve FibersABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Zusanli" (ST36) on the ultrastructure and mitochondrial dynamics of skeletal muscle tissue in spleen qi deficiency rats, so as to explore the partial action mechanism of EA at ST36 for spleen deficiency syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal group, model group, ST36 group and non-acupoint group (n＝6 in each group). The model of spleen qi deficiency syndrome was established by improper diet and exhaustive swimming. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 0.5 mA) was applied to bilateral ST36 in the ST36 group and non-acupoint in the non-acupoint group for 20 min, once daily for 7 days. The colorimetric method was used to detect the ATP content in skeletal muscle tissue. The ultrastructure changes of skeletal muscle tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of optic atrophy 1 (Opa1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) mRNA and proteins in the skeletal muscle tissue were determined by fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS: The ATP content in skeletal muscle tissue of model group was significantly lower than that in the normal group (P<0.05), while significantly higher in the ST36 group than that in the model group and non-acupoint group (P<0.05). Transmission electron microscopy showed that a large number of muscle fibers that were ruptured, damaged, and disorganized; moreover, many vacuoles with different sizes, and abnormally shaped or swollen mitochondria were observed in the model group. ST36 treatment improved the disor-dered fiber arrangement, and reduced the population of damaged mitochondria; thus, fused and elongated mitochondria were readily observed. Compared with the model group, there were no obvious improvements in the non-acupoint group. Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of Opa1 and Drp1 mRNAs and proteins in the skeletal muscle tissue were significantly lower in the model group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the expression levels of Opa1 and Drp1 mRNAs and proteins were up-regulated in the ST36 group (P<0.05), and the expression of Drp1 protein was up-regulated in the non-acupoint group (P<0.05)．. CONCLUSION: EA at ST36 can correct the imbalance of mitochondrial fission and fusion in skeletal muscle of rats with spleen qi deficiency, thereby improving the damage of mitochondrial structure and function, and leading to an increase of energy metabolism.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the impact of moxa-stick with different diameters and at different distances on skin temperature in local "Zusanli"(ST36) region, so as to select suitable specifications for moxibustion. METHODS: A total of 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into diameters of 0.5, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.8 cm, and distances of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cm groups, with 6 rats in each group. Moxa-stick with different diameters mentioned above was applied to the right ST36 (right hind limb) for 10 min every time at different distances (between the ignited moxa-stick tip and the skin) mentioned above, and the left ST36 was used as the control point. The skin temperature was detected by using an infrared thermometer. RESULTS: After application of moxibustion to ST36 region, the skin temperature was increased gradually along with the increased diameter of moxa-sticks and decreased along with the increased distance from the ignited moxa-stick tip to the skin. There were no significant changes in the skin temperature of the left control acupoint ST36. The skin temperature was below 40 ℃, between 43 to 55 ℃, over 43℃ and between 43 to 61 ℃, when the moxa-stick was 0.5 cm, 0.9 cm, 1.2 cm and 1.8 cm in diameter, and was kept 1, 2, 3 and 3 to 5 cm away from the skin surface, respectively. When the moxa-stick with a diameter of 1.8 cm was kept at a distance of 1 to 2 cm, the skin temperature reached 71 to 93 ℃ to cause obvious local burn lesion. CONCLUSION: During moxibustion, the ignited moxa-sticks with diameters of 0.5, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.8 cm are suitable to be kept less than 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, and 3 to 5 cm away from the skin surface of ST36, respectively.
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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.
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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 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.
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BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine has proposed the theory of “treatment for flaccidity aims at Yangming meridian” in the Internal Canon of Medicine. However, there have been relatively few reports on electroacupuncture at the stomach channel of Foot Yangming in the treatment of spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of Zusanli and Futu on Caspase-3 expression in injured segments of spinal cord injury rats. METHODS: Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley female rats, SPF grade, were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., control group, pre-labeling group, post-injury labeling group and electroacupuncture group, with 16 rats in each group. The control group and the pre-labeling group were intraperitoneally given Brdu (50 mg/kg) for 10 days before the operation. The control group was given a bite to remove the lamina on the 11th day, which did not damage the spinal cord. A model of spinal cord injury was made in the pre-labeling group on the 11th day. The post-injury labeling group and the electroacupuncture group were injected intraperitoneally with Brdu for 10 days after the spinal cord injury was made, and the post-injury labeling group was not treated. The electroacupuncture group started electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Futu acupoints on the 3rd day after the model was established. Spinal cord specimens were taken at 3, 10, 17, and 24 days after injury in each group, and the changes in the number of neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of Brdu positive cells was observed by immunohistochemistry. The changes in Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The study protocol was approved by the Animal Ethic Committee of Guangxi Medical University, with an approval No. 201712001. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and protein after spinal cord injury was higher than that of the control group without spinal cord injury, and the number of neurons after spinal cord injury was significantly lower than that of the control group. With the passage of time, the mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-3 gene in the pre-labeling, post-injury labeling and electroacupuncture groups increased first and then decreased, while the Caspase-3 expression in the electroacupuncture group decreased significantly, which was significantly different from that in the pre-labeling and post-injury labeling groups (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the number of neurons in the electroacupuncture group was significantly higher than that in pre-labeling and post-injury labeling groups, and gradually approached the number of neurons in the control group on the 24th day. Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive protein expression in the electroacupuncture group increased first and then decreased, reaching the highest on the 17th day and the lowest on the 24th day. The overall positive protein expression was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P < 0.05). To conclude, electroacupuncture stimulation of Zusanli and Futu acupoints can reduce the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and protein, reduce the apoptosis of nerve cells, and promote the number of neurons, thus promoting the regeneration and repair of nerve cells.
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Objective:To discuss the topical action characteristics of the biological transmission of moxibustion heat via temperature collection and numerical modeling.Methods:Temperature of moxibustion was measured at multiple points at a distance of 3 cm to obtain the moxibustion temperature field nephograms by the high-accuracy temperature measure array.Finite element analysis was used to imitate the three-dimensional dynamic distribution of temperature in acupoint tissues.Results:Through numerical analysis,the one-dimensional,two-dimensional and three-dimensional distributions of temperature in human acupoint tissues at 5 min of moxibustion were established.The result showed that moxibustion heat mainly transmitted from the surface of the tissue to the internal,and the influence of moxibustion heat decreased with the depth of the tissue.The analysis of the nephograms of acupoint tissue temperature at 5,10,15 and 20 min of moxibustion showed that with the increase of the moxibustion time,the temperature in acupoint tissues constantly rose,and the transmission depth of moxibustion heat also further expanded inside acupoint.Conclusion:By establishing the three-dimensional dynamic model of heat transmission inside acupoint tissues with the biological parameters of human tissues and the temperature values obtained,this study used finite element analysis software ANSYS 14.0 and discovered the rules in the transmission of heat in body tissues during moxibustion,and the features in moxibustion heat transmission (from the proximal to the distant) and heat penetration (from the surface to the internal).This study provides theoretical and experimental support for the application of moxibustion in clinical practice.
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OBJECTIVE: To determine the attributes of responses of the higher nerve center to acupuncture stimulation of Zusanli (ST36) on the basis of spontaneous brain activity, so as to explore the synchronization level of different brain rejoins after acupuncture. METHODS: All studies using fMRI to investigate the effect of acupuncture stimulation of ST36 and/or other acupoints on the human brain (at least 10 healthy subjects or patients in one group) published in journals from January of 1995 to January of 2018 were searched from databases of CNKI and PubMed by using keywords of acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and resting-state functional magnetic resonance images (rs-fMRI) or regional homogeneity (ReHo). Brain functional image data of acupuncture stimulation of ST36 and/or other acupoints were collected and analyzed with anisotropic effect size-signed differential mapping (AES-SDM) software (Meta-analysis), and those of acupuncture of simple ST36 analyzed as a subgroup. RESULTS: A total of 229 papers in Chinese and 109 in English were collected. According to our inclusive and exclusive standards, 11 papers containing 235 subjects were brought into analysis at last. Meta-analysis of brain image data of acupuncture at ST36 and/or other acupoints (comparison between pre- and post-acupuncture) revealed that the same brain regions (generality) which showed a significant increase in ReHo, are the right and left anterior cingulated gyrus, right caudate, left superior frontal gyrus, right middle frontal gyrus, and the right paracentral lobe, and those which showed a marked decrease of ReHo are the left mid-inferior occipital gyrus, left and right precentral and postcentral gyrus. The brain regions responding to acupuncture at ST36 only (specificity) are the right inferior parietal lobe, left middle inferior gyrus, right posterior lobe of cerebellum, and the left angular gyrus which displayed an increase of ReHo, and the right middle superior frontal gyrus which showed a decrease in ReHo. CONCLUSION: After acupuncturing at ST36, the relative generality and specificity of the central response in healthy subjects reflected as the location of the affected brain regions and the difference in the synchronization level of the corresponding spontaneous brain activities.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Zhongwan" (CV12) and "Zusanli" (ST36) in different combinations of stimulating parameters on intragastric pressure (IGP) in normal rats so as to explore their best combinations for promoting gastrointestinal mobility. METHODS: A total of 90 male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 EA groups：CV12-1 mA＋ST36-1 mA, CV12-1 mA＋ST36-2 mA, CV12-1 mA＋ST36-4 mA, ST36-1 mA＋CV12-1 mA, ST36-2 mA＋CV12-1 mA, and ST36-4 mA＋CV12-1 mA which the first acupoint was stimulated first, followed by the second in each group (n＝15 rats/group). Before (1 min), and 0-30 s, 30-60 s, 60 -90 s, and 90-120 s during EA stimulation of the left ST36 or CV12 first or later, the IGP was measured via an inserted intragastric balloon, a connected pressure transducer and an amplifier. Changes of the IGP were analyzed using 2×3×4 factorial design. RESULTS: 1) During 0-30 s, EA-CV12 showed an obvious inhibitory effect on IGP(P0.05). 2) Compared with the IGP level of 0-30 s, the IGP levels of 30-120 s were significantly decreased in all the groups (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Simultaneous EA stimulation of ST36 and CV12 has an antagonistic effect on IGP in normal rats, which is affected by the stimulating sequence, stimulating strength and time course.
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OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST36) on metabolites of gastric tissue in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) rats, so as to explore the correlation between Yangming Meridian and stomach based on metabolomics. METHODS: Fifty-six SD rats were randomly divided into normal, normal ＋ moxibustion, model and model ＋ moxibustion groups (n＝14 rats/group). The CAG model was established by gavage of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine (MNNG) solution and irregular diet for 12 weeks. Moxibustion was applied to ST36 and "Zhongwan" (CV12) for 15 min, once daily for two weeks in the normal＋ moxibustion group and model＋moxibustion group. The histopathological changes of the gastric tissue were observed by H．E. staining. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was used to detect gastric tissue metabolites and the data were analyzed using the Chenomx NMR Suite software. RESULTS: After modeling, the regional gastric tissue showed pale thinner gastric wall, and reduction of regional glands with necrosis and disordered arrangement, epithelial cell exfoliation, lymphocyte infiltration as well as scattered punctate hemorrhage, which was evidently milder in the model ＋ moxibustion group. The metabolites of lactic acid, glutathione, N-acetylaspartate, uridine diphosphate glucose and muscle sugar in the gastric tissue in the model group were increased compared with those in the normal group (P<0.05), and the metabolites of leucine, betaine, phosphorylcholine, and uracil were decreased (P<0.05). The glutathione, N-acetylaspartate, phosphorylcholine and uracil in the model＋moxibustion group were significantly reversed relevant to the model group (P<0.05). The inositol in gastric tissue were significantly increased (P<0.05), 3-hydroxybutyric acid, serine and uridine diphosphate glucose were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in the normal ＋ moxibustion group than in the normal group. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion has a good efficacy in regulating some metabolic substances such as glutathione, N-acetylaspartic acid, choline phosphate and uracil of CAG rats, suggesting a specific relationship between the Stomach Meridian and the stomach.
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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.