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Objective:To observe the effects of sparrow-pecking moxibustion at Shenque(CV8)and Guanyuan(CV4)on the writhing reaction and score,the temperature and blood flow perfusion of moxibustion point area and uterus,the serum levels of arginine vasopressin(AVP),prostaglandin(PG)F2α,and thromboxane(TX)B2 in rats with primary dysmenorrhea(PD)due to cold-dampness stagnation,and to explore the possible mechanism of sparrow-pecking moxibustion in treating PD.Methods:Thirty-two healthy non-pregnant female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group,a model group,an ibuprofen group,and a sparrow-pecking moxibustion group,with 8 rats in each group.Except for the normal group,the other three groups were subjected to modeling with cold water bath combined with estradiol benzoate and oxytocin injection.Rats in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group were treated with sparrow-pecking moxibustion at Shenque(CV8)and Guanyuan(CV4)on the 8th day of modeling,30 min/time,once a day for 3 d;those in the ibuprofen group were treated with 0.8 mL ibuprofen solution(a specification of 125 mg in 10 mL)on the 8th day of modeling,once a day for 3 d;those in the normal group and the model group were given 0.8 mL normal saline,once a day for 3 d.On the 11th day,rats in each group were intraperitoneally injected with oxytocin(2 U/rat),and the writhing incubation period and writhing score in 20 min were observed;the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque(CV8),Guanyuan(CV4),and uterus in vivo were detected;the serum levels of AVP,PGF2α,and TXB2 were determined.Results:The writhing incubation period was significantly longer(P<0.01)and the writhing score was significantly lower(P<0.01)in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group and the ibuprofen group than in the model group;compared with the ibuprofen group,the writhing incubation period was prolonged(P<0.01)and the writhing score was decreased(P<0.01)in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group;compared with the normal group,the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque(CV8),Guanyuan(CV4),and uterus were significantly decreased,while the serum PGF2α,AVP,and TXB2 levels were significantly increased(P<0.01)in the model group;compared with the model group,the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque(CV8),Guanyuan(CV4),and uterus were significantly increased,and the serum levels of PGF2α,AVP,and TXB2 were significantly decreased in the ibuprofen group and the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01);compared with the ibuprofen group,the temperature and the blood perfusion of Shenque(CV8),Guanyuan(CV4),and uterus were significantly increased(P<0.05),the serum AVP and TXB2 levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the serum PGF2α level had no statistical difference in the sparrow-pecking moxibustion group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Sparrow-pecking moxibustion had a remarkable analgesic effect on the rats with PD due to cold-dampness stagnation,and the mechanism may be related to the increased temperature and blood perfusion of the moxibustion point area and uterus,as well as the decreased serum PGF2α,AVP,and TXB2 levels.
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Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-moxibustion in the treatment of cerebral palsy-related speech impairment.Methods:A systematic literature search of 7 electronic databases was conducted between January 7,2000 and January 12,2021 to find randomized controlled trials(RCTs)examining the benefits of acupuncture-moxibustion combined with rehabilitation training to cerebral palsy-induced speech impairment.The included trials'quality was assessed using the Cochrane Reviewers'Handbook as a guide,and statistical analysis was carried out using the RevMan 5.3 software.Results:A total of 17 RCTs with 1238 subjects were finally recruited and analyzed.When acupuncture-moxibustion was combined with rehabilitation training,the results showed a considerable improvement in speech impairment compared with the rehabilitation training alone.The most commonly used points for the treatment of speech disorders are Baihui(GV20),Speech Area,Zhisanzhen[Shenting(GV24)and bilateral Benshen(GB13)],Niesanzhen[2 Cun above the ear tip as the first point,with 1.0 Cun anterior and posterior to the current point as the second and third points],and Sishenzhen[1.5 Cun anterior,posterior,and bilateral to Baihui(GV20)].Conclusion:Acupuncture-moxibustion has a stronger effect on children's development of receptive and expressive language,as well as the developmental quotient.Acupuncture-moxibustion in combination with rehabilitation training is not only more successful than the control treatment,but also safer and more dependable.Baihui(GV20),Speech Area,Zhisanzhen,Niesanzhen,and Sishenzhen are the most widely used points for speech impediment.
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Objective:To observe the effects of different moxibustion time on cartilage morphology,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-10 of the knee joint in rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to explore the best treatment time of moxibustion for KOA.Methods:Healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a 15-minute-moxibustion group,a 30-minute-moxibustion group,and a 60-minute-moxibustion group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the KOA model was established in all groups by injecting sodium iodoacetate solution into the knee joint cavity of rats.Rats in the 15-minute-moxibustion group,the 30-minute-moxibustion group,and the 60-minute-moxibustion group were all treated with mild moxibustion intervention for 15 min,30 min,and 60 min,respectively at Neixiyan(EX-LE4)and Dubi(ST35)points near the patella,3 times a week for 4 weeks,12 times in total.Rats in the blank group and the model group were fixed for 30 min without moxibustion intervention.Macroscopic observation for the smoothness of knee cartilage surface was performed after the intervention.Hematoxylin-eosin staining,toluidine blue staining,and Mankin score were used to evaluate the pathological changes in the cartilage.The expression levels of TNF-α and IL-10 in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the blank group,the articular cartilage surface in the model group was rough,the chondrocyte arrangement was irregular,the Mankin score and the serum TNF-α expression were significantly increased(P＜0.05),while the expression of serum IL-10 was significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the articular cartilage surface was smoother,the chondrocytes were arranged neatly,the Mankin score and serum TNF-α expression level were significantly lower in the three moxibustion intervention groups(P＜0.05);the serum IL-10 level in the 30-minute-moxibustion group and the 60-minute-moxibustion group was increased significantly(P＜0.05).Compared with the 15-minute-moxibustion group,the articular cartilage surface in the 30-minute-moxibustion group and the 60-minute-moxibustion group was smoother,the chondrocyte arrangement was more regular,the Mankin score and the serum TNF-α level were decreased significantly(P＜0.05),and the serum IL-10 level was increased(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the serum TNF-α or IL-10 level between the 30-minute-moxibustion group and the 60-minute-moxibustion group(P＞0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can obviously improve the morphology and structure of KOA articular cartilage,protect articular cartilage,inhibit cartilage inflammation,and delay KOA cartilage degeneration.Moxibustion's effect is closely related to moxibustion time;the therapeutic effect of the 30-minute-moxibustion and the 60-minute-moxibustion is better than that of the 15-minute-moxibustion.
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Objective: To propose reasonable suggestions to promote the standardization of clinical studies by reviewing the systematic reviews and meta-analyses of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of essential hypertension (EH). Methods: Computer retrieval was conducted through Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), and Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang) to collect systematic reviews and meta-analyses relevant to treating EH with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy. The time range was from the database's inception till July, 2020. The studies were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and then data-extracted. The study's quality and evidence ratings were performed by referring to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA), a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2), and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE). Results: A total of 14 studies, 10 in Chinese and 4 in English, published between 2012 and 2019, were included, involving 70 outcome measures. The methodological quality was rated as critically low, the reporting was relatively complete or had certain flaws, and the evidence strength was rated as low or very low. Conclusion: Regarding the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of EH, the methodological quality and outcome measure evidence of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses are relatively low, and the reporting quality also expects further improvements.
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Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of moxibustion in myocardial protection of rats undergoing long-term fatigue exercise based on observing the classical pyroptosis pathway mediated by nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (Caspase-1).Methods: A total of 50 specific-pathogen-free male Sprague-Dawley rats were bought. Ten unqualified rats were excluded, and the remaining 40 rats were divided into a normal group, a normal + Shenque (CV8) group, a model group, a model + non-meridian non-point group, and a model + Shenque (CV8) group according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Except for rats in the normal group and the normal + Shenque (CV8) group, rats in the other three groups were trained with an incline running table exercise protocol to create a long-term fatigue exercise model, 1 h/time, once a day for 5 d with 2 d off, for a total of 8 weeks. Rats in the normal group received no modeling or intervention. Rats in the normal + Shenque (CV8) group were not modeled but received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV8); those in the model group were modeled only without intervention; those in the model + non-meridian non-point group received moxibustion at non-meridian and non-point spots after the modeling; those in the model + Shenque (CV8) group received moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) after modeling. The above moxibustion interventions were performed for 15 min/time once daily, for 5 d with 2 d off per week and a total of 8 weeks. Blood was collected from the femoral artery 4 h after the last exercise, and the serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 levels were measured. The NF-κB, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expression levels were detected by Western blotting. Myocardial morphology and pyroptosis were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and electron microscopy. Results: The HE staining results showed that the myocardial cells in the model group and the model + non-meridian non-point group were disorganized with blurred transverse lines, widened interstitial spaces, interstitial edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The structure of myocardial cells in the model + Shenque (CV8) group was clearly visible, with slightly widened interstitial spaces and occasional infiltration of inflammatory cells in the interstitium. Compared with the normal group, the serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels were increased, and myocardial NF-κB, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, and GSDMD expression levels were elevated in the model group and the model + non-meridian non-point group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the above indicators did not change significantly in the model + non-meridian non-point group, while all the above indicators were decreased in the model + Shenque (CV8) group (P<0.01). Compared with the model + non-meridian non-point group, all the above biochemical indicators were decreased in the model + Shenque (CV8) group (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscopy showed that the mitochondria number was increased in the model group and the model + non-meridian non-point group, some of the mitochondrial lumen was irregularly enlarged, the cell membrane structure was unclear, and chromatin was aggregated. The mitochondria number was increased, the swelling was reduced, and the nuclear membrane structure was more intact in the model + Shenque (CV8) group. Conclusion: Moxibustion at Shenque (CV8) regulates the NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway and reduces the pyroptosisin the myocardium of rats with long-term fatigue exercise, thus reducing the myocardial injury caused by long-term fatigue exercise.
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Objective: To explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating Crohn disease (CD) by evaluating the changes in histamine and inflammatory factors in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) of rats.Methods: Fifty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=14) and a CD-modeling group (n=44). Rats in the CD-modeling group received enema with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid plus ethanol to establish CD models. The enema was repeated once every 7 d for a total of 4 times. After modeling, four modeled rats and four normal rats were randomly selected for model identification. After the CD model was successfully established, the remaining rats in the CD-modeling group were randomly divided into a model group, an acupuncture group, a moxibustion group, and a Western medication group, with ten rats in each group. The rats in the acupuncture and moxibustion groups were treated with acupuncture or moxibustion at Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37); the rats in the Western medication group were treated with mesalazine enteric-coated tablets by gavage for continuous 7 d. After the intervention, the colon tissue of rats in each group was collected. After gross observation, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to further observe the pathological changes. The expression of histamine in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-10, and IL-6 in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) was detected by Western blotting. Results: Compared with the normal group, the colonic wall of rats in the model group showed cobblestone-like changes, local ulcers, and polyps in dark red and thickening and hardening. HE staining showed local loss of mucosal epithelial layer and formation of slit-like ulcers, destruction of mucosal glands, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in lamina propria and submucosa, and occasional formation of sarcoid-like granuloma. The levels of histamine and IL-6 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the levels of TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-10 were significantly down- regulated (P<0.01 or P<0.05) in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) of rats in the model group. Compared with the model group, the pathomorphological damage of the colon tissue of rats in the acupuncture group, moxibustion group, and Western medication group was significantly improved. The levels of histamine and IL-6 were significantly down- regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the level of IL-10 was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01) in the skin at Tianshu (ST25) of rats in the acupuncture group. The levels of histamine and IL-6 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the levels of TNF-α, IL-18, and IL-10 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01 or P<0.05) in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) of rats in the moxibustion group. The level of histamine was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), and the levels of IL-18 and IL-10 were significantly up-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the skin tissue of rats in the Western medication group. Compared with the acupuncture group, the level of IL-10 in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) of rats in the moxibustion group was significantly up-regulated (P<0.01). Conclusion: The inflammatory responses in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) may be the external manifestation of CD. Significant differences in the regulation of inflammatory responses in the skin tissue at Tianshu (ST25) between acupuncture and moxibustion exist, which may be caused by the differences in the stimulation characteristics between acupuncture and moxibustion.
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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 systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of using acupuncture-moxibustion therapy alone to treat adult overactive bladder (OAB) by taking oral Western medication solely as the control, and to provide evidence-based reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of OAB. Methods: A systemic search was conducted through China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang), Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP), China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE). RevMan 5.3 was used for meta-analysis. Statistical descriptions were made using standardized mean difference (SMD), confidence interval (CI), and risk ratio (RR). Results: Eight randomized controlled studies were finally recruited and were analyzed after being grouped according to intervention methods. Regarding urinary symptoms, compared with sole use of oral Western medication, acupuncture plus moxibustion can more effectively reduce 24 h urinary frequency [P=0.01, SMD=-0.57, 95％CI (-1.02, -0.12)], 24 h nocturia frequency [P=0.03, SMD=0.49, 95％CI (0.05, 0.94)], and OAB syndrome score (OABSS) [P<0.001, SMD=-3.67, 95％CI (-4.48, -2.86)]. Acupuncture combined with moxibustion and oral Western medication work equivalently in comparing 24 h urinary urgency frequency [P=0.38, SMD=-0.17, 95％CI (-0.57, 0.22)], 24 h urgent incontinence frequency [P=0.25, SMD=0.26, 95％CI (-0.18, 0.70)], and single voiding volume [P=0.22, SMD=1.15, 95％CI (-0.70, 3.00)]. There were no significant differences between acupuncture/electroacupuncture and oral medication in comparing 24 h urinary frequency [P=0.46, SMD=0.07, 95％CI (-0.12, 0.26)], 24 h urinary urgency frequency [P=0.18, SMD=0.70, 95％CI (-1.71, 0.32)], 24 h nocturia frequency [P=0.46, SMD=-0.71, 95％CI (-2.60, 1.17)], 24 h urgent incontinence frequency [P=0.08, SMD=-0.22, 95％CI (-0.48, 0.03)], single voiding volume [P=0.09, SMD=0.17, 95％CI (-0.02, 0.36)], or OABSS [P=0.96, SMD=-0.07, 95％CI (-2.65, 2.52)]. Compared with oral Western medication, moxibustion can more effectively reduce 24 h urinary frequency [P<0.001, SMD=-6.53, 95％CI (-7.65, -5.44)] and 24 h urinary urgency frequency [P<0.001, SMD=-1.6, 95％CI (-2.85, -0.36)]. In comparing the adverse reaction rate, acupuncture-moxibustion was associated with a lower rate compared with oral medication [P=0.002, RR=0.07, 95％CI (0.01, 0.37)], but the difference was statistically insignificant between acupuncture/electroacupuncture and oral medication [P=0.40, RR=0.57, 95％CI (0.16, 2.12)]. Conclusion: Acupuncture-moxibustion is equivalent to the sole use of oral Western medication in improving urinary symptoms in OAB patients and has a higher safety rating.
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Objective: To observe the effects of heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Chinese medication on serum inflammatory indicators, T-lymphocyte subsets, and serum microRNAs in patients with multiple myeloma after chemotherapy. Methods: Eighty-two patients with multiple myeloma who had terminated chemotherapy were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method, with 41 cases in each group. The control group received symptomatic treatment of Western medicine plus oral Chinese medication Yi Shen Qiang Gu Tang (decoction for benefiting the kidney to strengthen bones), and the observation group received additional heat-sensitive moxibustion treatment. After the intervention, the following measures were observed, including clinical efficacy, symptom scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and tumor patient's quality of life (QOL) scores [including Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, performance scale (PS) score, and tumor-specific QOL questionnaire score] alongside the serum inflammatory indicators [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], and the relative expression levels of T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+) and serum microRNA-302 (miR-302), microRNA-140-5p (miR-140-5p), and microRNA-125a (miR-125a). Results: After treatment, the total effective rate was 85.4％ in the observation group, higher than 68.3％ in the control group (P<0.05). The observation group was superior to the control group in improving the serum inflammatory factor levels, TCM symptom scores, tumor patient's QOL scores, and the relative expression levels of T-lymphocyte subsets and serum miR-302, miR-140-5p, and miR-125a, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Heat-sensitive moxibustion plus Chinese medication can lower the serum inflammatory factor levels, strengthen immune function, mitigate TCM symptoms, enhance QOL, and raise the expression levels of serum miR-125a, miR-140-5p, and miR-302 in multiple myeloma patients after chemotherapy.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion for ulcerative colitis (UC) and elucidate its mechanism by targeting the vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling pathway. Methods: A total of 63 patients with UC were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, treated with herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion) and a control group (33 cases, treated with sham herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion). Moxibustion treatment was performed at Qihai (CV6) and bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37), 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The total effective rate, visual analog scale (VAS) score for abdominal bloating and pain, and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) score were compared between the two groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the concentrations of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and interleukin-12 (IL-12)/interleukin-23 (IL-23) p40. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression levels of VDR and regenerating gene Ⅳ (Reg Ⅳ) proteins in colonic mucosa. The expression levels of VDR, cytochrome p45027B1 (CYP27B1), and Reg Ⅳ mRNAs were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitive polymerase chain reaction. Results: After treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 86.7％, which was significantly higher than 51.5％ in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS scores for abdominal bloating and pain in the observation group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), as well as the HADS-depression subscale (HADS-D) and HADS-anxiety subscale (HADS) scores (P<0.05), while only the VAS score for abdominal pain in the control group was reduced (P<0.05), and the improvements of the scores in the observation group were more significant than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum CRP concentrations in both groups and the IL-12/IL-23 p40 concentration in the observation group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the concentrations in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of VDR protein and mRNA in the colon in both groups were all increased (P<0.01), and the expression levels of Reg Ⅳ protein and mRNA and CYP27B1 mRNA were all decreased in the two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01); the improvements in the observation group were more notable than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can effectively alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea in patients with UC, improve depression and anxiety disorders, and regulate the expression of related proteins in the VDR signaling pathway. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting intestinal inflammation by reducing the release of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-12/IL-23 p40.
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Objective: To investigate the effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the plasma levels of trimethylamine (TMA), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) in rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS), as well as to explore the possible mechanism of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in treating AS. Methods: After 1-week adaptive feeding, 28 male New Zealand rabbits were divided into a blank group, a model group, an antibiotic group, and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group according to the random number table method, with 7 rabbits in each group. Rabbits were fed with a basic diet in the blank group, while with a basic diet plus 1％ choline in the remaining groups to prepare the AS model. Rabbits were given drinking water with broad-spectrum antibiotics in the antibiotic group, and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group for 12 weeks. The atherosclerotic plaques by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the blood lipid levels, the plasma TMA and TMAO levels by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry were detected for rabbits in each group at the end of interventions. Liver FMO3 protein expression was detected by Western blotting. Liver FMO3 mRNA expression was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: HE staining showed that the arterial wall was rough, the intima was significantly thickened, and more foam cells and lipid deposits were seen in rabbits of the model group. Arterial wall thickening was not obvious with a few foam cells and lipid deposits in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. Compared with the blank group, the serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) were increased (P<0.01), the plasma levels of TMA and TMAO were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression levels of liver FMO3 protein and mRNA were all increased (P<0.05, P<0.01); while the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was decreased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the LDL-C and TC levels were decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the HDL-C levels were increased (P<0.01), the TMA and TMAO levels were decreased (P<0.05), while the protein and mRNA expression levels of FMO3 were decreased without statistical significance in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the antibiotic group. Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion can slow atherosclerotic plaque formation and regulate lipid levels in AS rabbits, and the mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of TMA and TMAO expression in the plasma.
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The paper summarizes professor ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience in treatment of insomnia with Zhenjing Anshen (calming-down the spirit) method. It is believed that insomnia results from the unstable spirit in pathogenesis of TCM. The basic therapeutic principle is regulating the spirit, in which, stabilizing the primary spirit and tranquilizing the heart spirit are emphasized. Main acupoints are Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Yintang (GV 24+) to stabilize the primary spirit, located on the head; and Shenmen (HT 7) located on the wrist to calm-down the heart spirit, as well as Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Yongquan (KI 1) in the lower extremities to benefit yin and balance yang, and then to house the spirit eventually. The needles are inserted in different depths and to various directions. The external application of herbal plaster is combined at Yongquan (KI 1) and the supplementary acupoints are selected in terms of syndrome differentiation. This therapy is simple in acupoint selection and very effective in treatment of insomnia.
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Humans , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/therapy , Acupuncture Points , Emotions , Heart , Lower ExtremityABSTRACT
Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's diagnosis and treatment method and manipulation key points of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders are summarized. Professor ZHUANG proposes that psychosomatic disorders can be subdivided into "mind-body disorder" and "body-mind disorder". The former requires treatment aimed at regulating the mind. The main acupoints are Sishenzhen, Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 24+), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The additional acupoints are Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. The latter requires treatment aimed at improving the original diseases, supplemented by regulating the mind (row acupuncture on the governor vessel). Acupoint selection is based on the theories of brain-mind, and the emphasis is placed on the governor vessel; in the meanwhile, regulating zangfu and qi-blood should be valued. After the arrival of qi, the Daoqi Tongjing method (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is applied, combined with auricular point sticking and fire needling at affected part to enhance the curative effect.
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Humans , Psychophysiologic Disorders/therapy , Acupuncture Therapy , Acupuncture Points , Drugs, Chinese Herbal , EthnicityABSTRACT
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) non-drug therapy for gastroesophageal reflux mainly includes appropriate TCM techniques, such as conventional acupuncture, moxibustion, fire needle, etc. Emotional therapy, such as regulating emotion, transforming the patient's spirit and change the state of qi, the five-element music therapy, etc; exercise therapy, such as Baduanjin and Zhanzhuang, can be used alone, or in combination, or in combination with oral administration of Chinese materia medica. By reducing the probability of esophageal sphincter relaxation, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, improving esophageal motility disorder, reducing visceral hypersensitivity, immune regulation and other effects, it can alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and pharyngeal discomfort, and help to improve the patients' anxiety, depression and other negative emotions. It has the characteristics of simplicity and fewer adverse reactions, at the same time, according to the patient's condition and compliance to choose the appropriate therapy. The mechanism of TCM non-drug therapy in the treatment of this disease needs to be further explored, so as to better guide clinical popularization and application.
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Objective:To explore the effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment on brain network reorganization for the patients with stroke recovery, and therefore understand the neural mechanism underlying Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture treatment.Methods:Prospective case series study. Thirteen acute ischemia stroke patients were recruited from the Department of Neurology, Shanghai Minhang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from Aug 2018 to Oct 2019. They were treated with Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture once a day for 10 consecutive days in addition to routine treatments, and received clinical assessments before treatment and 14 days after treatment onset. EEG signals were recorded during the first acupuncture treatment, from before inserting the needles (the baseline), during needle retention, to after removal of the needles. The brain network was constructed using phase locking index, and its clustering coefficient (CC), characteristic path length (PL) and small-worldness (S) were analyzed using one-way repeated ANOVA.Results:Compared with the baseline, the CC of delta-band network (sparsity=0.10: t=3.306, P=0.006; 0.12: t=2.909, P=0.013; 0.14: t=2.331, P=0.038) and the PL of delta-band (sparsity=0.12: t=3.236, P=0.007; 0.14: t=2.754, P=0.017, 0.18: t=2.878, P=0.014) and alpha-band (sparsity=0.10: t=2.432, P=0.032) networks were significantly decreased during the needle retention stage. Clinical assessments demonstrated a significant treatment efficacy of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture, and its efficacy which was indicated by improved NIHSS score, was significantly correlated with the CC changes in the delta band network from baseline to needle retention. The correlation was strongest when the network sparsity was 0.12 ( r=0.78, P=0.002). Conclusion:Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture can regulate the brain network of stroke patients in real time, and this immediate regulation maybe associated with its treatment effect.
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Objective:To summarize the application rules of acupuncture and moxibustion in the clinical trials for dysmenorrhea and endometriosis.Methods:The relevant articles of clinical research on acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of dysmenorrhea in endometriosis were retrieved electronically from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed and Cochrane Library (Retrieved from database establishment until 31 October 2021). The clinical literatures that met the inclusion criteria were included into the database (Microsoft Office Excel 2019), and the main table and sub-table were established through Microsoft Office Excel 2019. Descriptive statistic analysis was performed by using SPSS 26.0 software. StataSE15 (64-bit) software was used to analyze the correlation between the combinations of acupoints with single acupoint frequency>5.Results:A total of 40 clinical studies were included. Of them, the top 3 acupuncture methods according to the frequency were acupuncture (11 times), moxibustion (11 times), and electro-acupuncture (8 times), the top 3 acupuncture points used according to the frequency were Guan Yuan (34 times), San Yin Jiao (26 times), and Zhong Ji (25 times), the top 3 meridians of the body acupuncture points according to the frequency were Ren Meridian (36 times), Spleen Meridian (32 times), and Stomach Meridian (22 times). According to the correlation analysis, body points of Guan Yuan, San Yin Jiao, Uterus, Qi Hai and Zhong Ji were stronge related.Conclusion:Acupuncture can effectively treat EMT dysmenorrhea with less adverse reactions. The methods are mainly acupuncture, moxibustion and electroacupuncture, mostly local acupoints, intersection acupoints and empirical acupoints.
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Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion for functional dyspepsia (FD) due to Yang deficiency of the spleen and stomach.Methods: A total of 90 patients meeting the inclusion criteria of FD due to Yang deficiency of the spleen and stomach were randomized into an acupuncture-moxibustion group, an electroacupuncture (EA) group, and a mosapride group by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The mosapride group was treated with mosapride citrate dispersible tablets. The EA group was treated with EA treatment. The acupuncture-moxibustion group was treated with additional moxibustion therapy based on the treatment in the EA group. All three groups took 10 d as one treatment course and 2 courses in total, with a 2-day interval between two courses. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms score, functional digestive disorder quality of life questionnaire (FDDQL) score, oral-colon transit time (OCTT), and serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level was compared before and after treatment among the three groups. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results: The total effective rate in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was 96.7％, which was higher than 86.7％ in the EA group and 73.3％ in the mosapride group, and the total effective rate in the EA group was higher than that in the mosapride group; the inter-group differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM symptom score in the three groups was lower than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the FDDQL score was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05). The change after treatment in the TCM symptom score in the acupuncture- moxibustion group and the EA group was more significant than that in the mosapride group, and the change in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was more significant than that in the EA group; the inter-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The change after treatment in the FDDQL score in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and the EA group was greater than that in the mosapride group, and the change in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was larger than that in the EA group; the inter-group differences were all statistically significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the OCTT in all three groups was lower than that before treatment (P<0.05), and the serum GLP-1 level was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05); the change after treatment in the OCTT in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and the EA group was more significant than that in the mosapride group, and the change in the acupuncture- moxibustion group was more significant than that in the EA group; the inter-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The change after treatment in the serum GLP-1 level in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and the EA group was greater than that in the mosapride group, and the change in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was larger than that in the EA group; the inter-group differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can improve the clinical symptoms in patients with FD and enhance their quality of life, producing better effects than EA or mosapride alone. Shortening gastrointestinal movement time and increasing gastrointestinal hormone levels may be its mechanism.
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Objective: To observe the anti-inflammatory effect, as well as the effect on the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) and Beclin-1 of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a modeling group. The EAT rat model was prepared by a combination of antigen immunization plus iodine agent induction. After the model was prepared, rats in the modeling group were randomly and equally divided into a model group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group. In the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group, moxibustion was alternately applied to two groups of points [Dazhui (GV14)-Mingmen (GV4) and Tiantu (CV22)-Guanyuan (CV4)], and the treatment continued for 30 d. Rats in the normal and model groups were only fixed identically without intervention. Histopathological manifestations of thyroid glands were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining; the concentrations of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), thyroglobulin antibodies (TGAb), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue. Results: There were massive follicular destruction, lymphocytic infiltration, and interstitial fibrous tissue hyperplasia of the thyroid glands in the model group. Some follicles of the thyroid glands were destroyed with few lymphocyte infiltrations and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the moxibustion group. Compared with the normal group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased in the model rats (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were reduced in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the concentrations of serum TPOAb, TGAb, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were reduced in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05); the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were increased in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue was negatively correlated with the serum levels of TPOAb and TGAb.Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion reduces the inflammatory response in the thyroid glands of EAT rats and lowers the levels of serum TPOAb and TGAb. This may be related to the regulation of mRNA and protein expression of the autophagy-associated factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rat thyroid tissue.
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Objective: To investigate the mechanism of moxibustion in the treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), by observing the effects of moxibustion at Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) on microRNA-133b (miRNA-133b), pituitary homeobox family factor 3 (Pitx3)/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and neurotransmitters in the brain tissue of IBS-D rats. Methods: Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, and a Western medicine group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the IBS-D rat model was established by mother-offspring separation and acetic acid enema combined with restraint stress stimulation in all the other groups. No intervention was performed in the normal and model groups. Mild moxibustion was applied to both Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) in the moxibustion group. Rifaximin was given by gavage in the Western medicine group. The physical status of rats in each group was observed at different periods. After the intervention, hematoxylin- eosin staining was performed to observe the histopathological morphology of rat colon; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NE), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in plasma, colon, and midbrain tissue of rats; the relative expression levels of miRNA-133b, Pitx3 mRNA, and TH mRNA in the midbrain tissue were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the relative expression levels of Pitx3 and TH proteins in the midbrain tissue were measured by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Results: The body weights of rats among groups and at different time points were statistically different (P<0.01). The body weight of the normal group was higher than that of the other groups over time (P<0.01). After modeling, the minimum volume threshold of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) was significantly lower (P<0.01) and the loose stool rate was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the model, moxibustion, and Western medicine groups compared with the normal group; the miRNA-133b expression in the midbrain tissue was significantly lower (P<0.01), the expression levels of Pitx3 and TH in the midbrain tissue were significantly higher (P<0.01), and the levels of DA, NE, and 5-HT in plasma, colon and midbrain tissue were significantly higher (P<0.01). After the intervention, the minimum volume threshold of AWR was significantly higher (P<0.01), the loose stool rate was significantly lower (P<0.01), the miRNA-133b expression was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05) and the expression levels of Pitx3 and TH were significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the midbrain tissue, the levels of DA, NE, and 5-HT in plasma, colon, and midbrain tissue were significantly reduced (P<0.01) in the moxibustion and Western medicine groups compared with the model group; the levels of 5-HT in the colon and midbrain tissue of the moxibustion group were significantly lower than those in the Western medicine group (P<0.05), and there was no statistical difference compared with the remaining groups (P>0.05). Linear correlation analysis showed that miRNA-133b was negatively correlated with Pitx3 (r<0, P<0.01); Pitx3 with TH, TH with DA, and NE with 5-HT were positively correlated (r>0, P<0.01).Conclusion: Moxibustion at Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) improves diarrhea symptoms and visceral hypersensitivity in IBS-D rats. The mechanism may be related to up-regulating miRNA-133b, inhibiting Pitx3/TH, and reducing neurotransmitter expression levels in the midbrain tissue.
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Objective: To investigate whether grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) can alleviate cognitive decline and other pathologic features in early-stage Alzheimer disease (AD) using transgenic mice with 5 familial AD mutations (5XFAD). Methods: The genotype of transgenic mice was detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 40 transgenic mice (1.5 months old) were randomly and equally allocated to an AD model group (5XFAD group) or a grain-sized moxibustion group (5XFAD + GM group), with 20 wild-type (WT) mice (C57BL/6J) serving as the normal control group (WT group). Mice in the 5XFAD + GM group were treated by grain-sized moxibustion at bilateral Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23). Mice in the WT group and 5XFAD group received no treatment but were restrained to ensure exposure to a similar experimental condition. Cognitive function and memory were assessed with the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests. The amyloid β 40 (Aβ40) and amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) levels in the brain were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; amyloid plaque deposition in brain tissue sections was detected by thioflavin-S staining; the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: In the Morris water maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, mice in the 5XFAD + GM group had a shorter escape latency and more target area crossings and spent more time in the target quadrant (P<0.05). In the Y-maze test, compared with the 5XFAD group, the number of training times of the 5XFAD + GM group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), together with more correct responses (P<0.05). Compared with the 5XFAD group, the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the brain tissue of the 5XFAD + GM group were significantly lower (P<0.05); in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, the total number of amyloid β plaque deposition were significantly lower (P<0.05); the expression levels of GFAP and CD11b were significantly reduced (P<0.05); and the expression levels of ChAT and BDNF were significantly increased (P<0.05).Conclusion: Grain-sized moxibustion at Xinshu (BL15) and Shenshu (BL23) greatly improves learning and memory functions, decreases the levels of Aβ40 and Aβ42, inhibits amyloid β plaque deposition, decreases the expression of GFAP and CD11b, and increases the expression of ChAT and BDNF in AD mice to inhibit the progression of AD.