Electro-acupuncture promotes gut motility and alleviates functional constipation by regulating gut microbiota and increasing butyric acid generation in mice / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Abnormalities in the gut microbiota and intestinal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of functional constipation (FC). Electro-acupuncture (EA) has been shown to improve constipation-related symptoms and rebalance the gut microbiota. However, it is currently unknown whether the gut microbiota is a key mechanistic target for EA or how EA promotes gut motility by regulating the gut microbiota and SCFAs. Therefore, we assessed the effects of EA in FC mice and pseudo-germfree (PGF) mice to address these questions.@*METHODS@#Forty female Kunming mice were randomly separated into a normal control group (n = 8), an FC group (n = 8), an FC + EA group (n = 8), a PGF group (n = 8) and a PGF + EA group (n = 8). The FC group and FC + EA group were treated with diphenoxylate to establish the FC model; the PGF group and PGF + EA group were given an antibiotic cocktail to initiate the PGF model. After maintaining the model for 14 d, mice in the FC + EA and PGF + EA groups received EA stimulation at the ST25 and ST37 acupoints, once a day, 5 times per week, for 2 weeks. Fecal parameters and intestinal transit rate were calculated to assess the efficacy of EA on constipation and gastrointestinal motility. Colonic contents were used to quantify gut microbial diversity using 16S rRNA sequencing, and measure SCFA concentrations using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.@*RESULTS@#EA significantly shortened the first black stool defecation time (P < 0.05) and increased the intestinal transit rate (P < 0.01), and fecal pellet number (P < 0.05), wet weight (P < 0.05) and water content (P < 0.01) over 8 h, compared with the FC group, showing that EA promoted gut motility and alleviated constipation. However, EA treatment did not reverse slow-transit colonic motility in PGF mice (P > 0.05), demonstrating that the gut microbiota may play a mechanistic role in the EA treatment of constipation. In addition, EA treatment restored the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and significantly increased butyric acid generation in FC mice (P < 0.05), most likely due to the upregulation of Staphylococcaceae microorganisms (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#EA-mediated resolution of constipation occurs through rebalancing the gut microbiota and promoting butyric acid generation. Please cite this article as: Xu MM, Guo Y, Chen Y, Zhang W, Wang L, Li Y. Electro-acupuncture promotes gut motility and alleviates functional constipation by regulating gut microbiota and increasing butyric acid generation in mice. J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Vasomotor Symptoms in Rats with Acute Cerebral Infarction Based on Phosphatidylinositol System / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on vasomotor symptoms in rats with acute cerebral infarction, by observing the changes in the expression of factors related to the phosphatidylinositol (PI) system.@*METHODS@#Forty-two Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups by a random number table: the control group (n=6), the model group (n=18) and the EA group (n=18). The EA group was given EA treatment at Shuigou (GV 26) instantly after modeling with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method, while the model and control groups were not given any treatment. The degrees of neurological deficiency were evaluated using neurological severity scores (NSS) and the brain blood flow was evaluated by a laser scanning confocal microscope. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of G-protein subtype (Gq) and calmodulin (CaM). Competition for protein binding was conducted to detect the expression level of inositol triphosphate (IP3). Thin layer quantitative analysis was conducted to detect the expression level of diacylglycerol (DAG). The expression level of intracellular concentration of free calcium ion ([Ca@*RESULTS@#The NSS of the model group was significantly higher than the control group at 3 and 6 h after MCAO (P<0.01), while the EA group was significantly lower than the model group at 6 h (P<0.01). The cerebral blood flow in the model group was significantly lower than the control group at 1, 3 and 6 h after MCAO (P<0.01), while for the EA group it was remarkably higher than the model group at the same time points (P<0.01). The expressions of Gq, CaM, IP3, DAG and [Ca@*CONCLUSION@#EA treatment at GV 26 can effectively decrease the over-expression of related factors of PI system in rats with acute cerebral infarction, improve cerebral autonomy movement, and alleviate cerebral vascular spasm.

The effects of electro-acupuncture on learning, memory and stem cell differentiation in the hippocampus of rats modeling chronic cerebral ischemia / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on learning, memory and the differentiation of neural stem cells in the hippocampus in the presence of chronic cerebral ischemia.Methods:A total of 120 male Sprague-Dawley rats had chronic cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral ligation of the common carotid arteries. The model was successfully established in 104 of them, and they were randomly divided into a model group and an EA group, each of 52. The EA group was given 20 minutes of EA at acpoints Baihui and Dahui every day for 7 days, followed by an interval of 2 days. The current output was 1mA and the frequency was 15Hz. The model group was not given any intervention. One, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the modelling, 6 rats from each group were injected with BrdU, and any proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells was observed. The rats′ learning and memory were also evaluated using the Morris water maze, and neurogenesis of in the dentate gyrus was observed using BrdU+ NeuN and BrdU+ GFAP double-labelled immunofluorescence.Results:The learning and memory of the EA group were significantly better than those of the model group 2, 4 and 6 weeks after the modelling. After two weeks BrdU+ NeuN and BrdU+ GFAP-positive cells were found in the granule cell layer of the hippocampus, and compared with the model group, there were siginificantly more such neurons in the EA group. The gliocyte levels were not significantly different.Conclusion:Electro-acupuncture can improve learning and memory in the face of chronic cerebral ischemia by promoting the differentiation of neural stem cells.

Effect of electro-acupuncture therapy on limb spasm and excitability of motor neurons in stroke rats / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To investigate the effect of electro-acupuncture therapy on limb spasm and excitability of motor neurons in stroke rats. Ischemic stroke model was induced with middle cerebral artery embolization in SD rats. Thirty-three modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, electro-acupuncture group, and baclofen group with 11 rats in each group, and another 10 rats were taken as sham operation group. The electro-acupuncture group and the baclofen group were treated with electro-acupuncture and baclofen tablets respectively. The model group and the sham operation group had no intervention. The neural function was evaluated with Bederson's scale and balance beam test; the muscle tension was measured with electrophysiography; the pathological changes of brain tissue was examined with HE staining; the content of glutamic acid (Glu) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in rat cerebral cortex was analyze with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a () and γ-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit 1 () mRNA were detected with RT-qPCR. Compared with the model group, the neurological function scores of the electro-acupuncture group and the baclofen group showed a downward trend at d7 after operation (all >0.05), and the neurological function scores of the electro-acupuncture group and the baclofen group were significantly decreased at d12 after the operation (all 0.05). Compared with the model group, the electrophysiological results of the electro-acupuncture group and baclofen group were significantly increased after operation (all <0.05). The results of HE staining showed that there was no cell edema and degeneration in the sham operation group, no pyknosis of the nucleus, and no bleeding in the interstitium. Cell edema and degeneration and mesenchymal congestion appeared in the model group. Compared with the model group, the cytoplasmic edema and degeneration and the interstitial bleeding in the electroacupuncture group and the baclofen group were reduced. Compared with sham operation group, the Glu content and the relative expression of mRNA was increased in the model group, electro-acupuncture group and baclofen group, while the GABA content and the relative expression of mRNA decreased (all <0.05). Compared with model group, the Glu content and the relative expression of mRNA in the electro-acupuncture group and baclofen group decreased, and the GABA content and relative expression of mRNA increased (all <0.05). Electro-acupuncture may improve limb spasm after stroke through regulating the expression of Glu and GABA in the cerebral cortex and the excitability of motor neurons in rats.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Expression of IRS-1/PI3K/GLUT4 Pathway in Ovarian Granulosa Cells of Infertile Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Insulin Resistance of Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) in infertile patients with phlegm-dampness polycystic ovary syndrome-insulin resistance (PCOS-IR).@*METHODS@#Seventy-six PCOS-IR patients who underwnet in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were equally assigned to two groups according to a random digital table: the EA group and the control group, with 38 cases in each group. Before undergoing IVF, the two groups were treated with EA or pseudo-acupuncture, respectively, for 3 menstrual cycles. The intervention was 25 min twice a week until the day of oocyte collection. The selected acupoints were Zhongwan (RN 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Daimai (GB 26), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), and bilateral points including Xuehai (SP 10), Fenglong (ST 40), Zusanli (ST 36), and Yinlingquan (SP 9). Evaluation of phlegm-dampness syndrome score and IR score were carried out before and after treatment. Additionally, the number of oocytes retrieved, transplantable embryo rate, high-quality embryo rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate were compared between the two groups. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to monitor the mRNA expression of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS-1), phosphatidylinositiol 3-kinase (PI3K) and glucose transport factor 4 (GLUT4) in ovarian granulosa cells.@*RESULTS@#EA treatment reduced the phlegm-dampness syndrome score as well as the IR scores compared with the control group (P0.05). Moreover, the transplantable embryo rate [49.0% (284/580) vs. 41.9% (273/652)], high-quality embryo rate [36.6% (104/284) vs. 27.8% (76/273)], and live birth rate [50% (19/38) vs. 26.3% (10/38)] in the EA group were significantly higher than in the control group (P<0.05). Gene expression analyses revealed significantly elevated IRS-1, PI3K and GLUT4 mRNA in ovarian granulosa cells of the EA group compared with the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA may ameliorate the effects of phlegm-dampness syndrome and ovarian IR in PCOS-IR patients. Mechanistically, this effect might be through an upregulation of the IRS-1/PI3K/GLUT4 signaling pathway, which may result in improved oocyte quality and embryonic development potential. (Registration No. ChiCTR1800015453).

Impact of Low Frequency Electro-acupuncture on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Unmarried PCOS Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid metabolism in unmarried patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).@*METHODS@#Fifty-four PCOS patients were equally randomized into true acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group (control) for totally 16 weeks of treatment by random method with a computerized randomization program. Patients in true acupuncture group accepted traditional acupuncture methods with EA and two sets of acupoint groups were used alternatively. The first set consisted of Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guilai (ST 29), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Hegu (LI4) and Baihui (GV 20), and the second set consisted of Tianshu (ST 25), ST 29, CV 3, CV 6, SP 6, Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC) 6 and GV 20. Patients in the sham acupuncture group accepted shallow acupuncture methods through EA without electricity at 4 non-meridian points in each shoulder and upper arm. Outcome measures included body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin release test, glucose and lipid metabolism indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, leptin, visfatin, resistin, and interleukin (IL-6).@*RESULTS@#Twenty-six subjects in the true acupuncture group and 20 subjects in the sham group completed the clinical trial. After 16 weeks of treatment, no significant difference in the outcome measures were observed between the two groups (P>0.05). However, as compared with baseline data, a reduction in weight, BMI, hipline, WHR, fasting glucose, homeostatic model assessment of insulin sensitivity, visfatin and HDL-C, and an increase in resistin and IL-6 were observed in the true acupuncture group (P<0.05). In addition, a reduction in visfatin and an increase in TC were also observed in the sham group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of PCOS by improving glucose and lipid metabolism. Moreover, the sham acupuncture may be not completely ineffective. Sham acupuncture may improve some of the aspects of the glucose and lipid metabolism of PCOS patients through a placebo effect. (Registration Nos. ChiCTR-TRC-12002529 and NCT01812161).

Chinese Medicine Involving Triple Rehabilitation Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in 696 Outpatients: A Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effects of Chinese medicine (CM) involving triple rehabilitation therapy on the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#A total of 722 patients recruited from 38 community health service centers located in China from March 2013 to March 2017 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups equally, using a cluster randomization design. Health education combined with CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy for KOA (electro-acupuncture, Chinese medicinal herb fumigating-washing, and traditional exercises) was administered in the treatment group while conventional rehabilitation therapy (physical factor therapy, joint movement training, and muscle strength training) was administered in the control group. Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) scores ≽4 were treated with dispersible meloxicam tablets (7.5 mg, once daily). The Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, range of motion (ROM), lower limb muscle strength, knee joint circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and the short-form 36 item health survey questionnaire (SF-36) scores were measured for each patient at 5 checkpoints (before treatment, at the 2nd week and the 4th week during the 4-week treatment period, at 1 month and 3 months after end of treatment), and adverse reactions were observed also.@*RESULTS@#A total of 696 patients completed the entire process, with 351 in the treatment group and 345 in the control group. At all treatment checkpoints, the treatment group demonstrated better outcomes than the control group with regard to the total Lequesne index scores, effective rate and improvement rate of the total Lequesne index scores, VAS scores, lower limb muscle strength, knee circumference, quantitative scores of KOA symptoms, and SF-36 scores as well (P<0.05 or P<0.01). No adverse reactions were encountered in this study.@*CONCLUSIONS@#CM involving triple rehabilitation therapy can alleviate KOA-related pain and swelling, improve lower limb muscle strength, promote flexion and activity of the knee and improve the quality of life in patients undergoing KOA. It is suitable for patients with early or mid-stage KOA. (Registration No. ChiCTR-TRC-12002538).

Effect of electro-acupuncture on pain relief and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Numerous clinical data have shown that electro-acupuncture in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis has the advantages of fast onset, good therapeutic effect and less side effects, but there is a lack of multicenter large-sample clinical research regarding the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture on pain relief and joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis by meta-analysis. METHODS: The literatures related to clinical randomized controlled trials of electro-acupuncture treatment of knee osteoarthritis were retrieved in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Embase and Cochrance Library database from the inception to June 2019. After literature screening, a meta-analysis of included studies was carried out using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Finally, 11 articles were included in the study, with 721 cases of knee osteoarthritis. There were 366 cases in the electro-acupuncture group and 361 in the control group with routine acupuncture or drug treatment. Compared with the control group, the total effective rate, cure rate, visual analogue scale score, WOMAC score and ISOA score in the electro-acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the control group [odds ratio (OR)=3.22, 95% confidence interval (CI)(2.13, 4.87), Z=5.53, P < 0.000 01; OR=2.73, 95%CI(1.80, 4.15), Z=4.72, P < 0.000 01; mean difference (MD)=-1.00, 95%CI(-1.71, -0.30), Z=2.80, P=0.005; MD=-7.69, 95%CI(-10.31, -5.07), Z=5.75, P < 0.000 01; MD=-2.22, 95%CI(-3.74, -0.70), Z=2.86, P=0.004]. Based on the evidence of meta-analysis, the short-term effect of electro-acupuncture on knee osteoarthritis is definite, and electro-acupuncture can play a positive effect on pain symptoms and joint function of knee osteoarthritis patients with few adverse reactions. Considering small sample size, low-quality literatures and possible presence of bias factors, further investigations on more high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Combined with Local Anesthesia in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Carotid Artery Stenting: A Prospective Randomized Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EA) or transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on perioperative cerebral blood flow (CBF) and neurological function in ischemic stroke (IS) patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS).@*METHODS@#In total, 124 consecutive IS patients were randomly allocated to the EA, TEAS, and sham groups (groups A, T, and S; 41, 42, and 41 cases, respectively) by software-derived random-number sequence. Groups A and T received EA and TEAS, respectively, at the Shuigou (GV 26) and Baihui (GV 20), Hegu (LI4) and Waiguan (TE 5) acupoints. Group S received sham EA. The stimulation was started from 30 min before surgery until the end of the operation. The primary outcome was the CBF at 30 min after surgery, which was measured by transcranial Doppler sonography. The secondary outcomes included hyperperfusion incidence and neurological function. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and General Evaluation Scale (GES) scores were recorded at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.@*RESULTS@#Mean CBF velocity at 30 min after surgery in groups A and T was much lower than that in Group S (P < 0.05); the incidence of hyperperfusion in Groups A and T was also lower than that in group S (P <0.05). Acupuncture was an independent factor associated with reduced incidence of hyperperfusion (OR=0.042; 95% CI: 0.002-0.785; =0.034). NIHSS and GES scores improved significantly at 1 week postoperatively in Groups A and T than in Group S (P < 0.05). Relative to Group S, groups A and T exhibited significantly lower incidences of moderate pain, as well as higher incidences of satisfaction with anesthesia, at 1 day postoperatively (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#EA or TEAS administered in combination with local anesthesia during CAS can inhibit transient increases in CBF, reduce the incidence of postoperative hyperperfusion, and improve neurological function. (Registration No. ChiCTR-IOR-15007447).

Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Vertical Ground Reaction Force and Impulse Symmetry of Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis during Stair Climbing / 医用生物力学

Objective To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture on loading of lower limb joints in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) during stair climbing and explore the related biomechanical mechanism. Methods Forty patients with KOA were randomly assigned, with 20 patients in observation group (electro-acupuncture group, EA group) and 20 patients in control group (superficial acupuncture group, SA group). Finally 18 patients in each group completed the study. In observation group, seven knee acupuncture points were chosen and patients were connected with electro-acupuncture instrument; while in control group, the electro-acupuncture instrument was connected but not electrified after superficial acupuncture at non-acupoint points. The three-dimensional gait analysis system was used to assess the biomechanical characteristics during stair climbing before and after treatment, including peak vertical force (PFz), vertical impulse (IFz) and symmetry index (SI%). Results After 3 weeks of treatment in EA group, PFz of the right foot during stair ascent and PFz of the left foot during stair descent increased (P＜0.05); IFz of both feet during stair ascent and IFz of the right foot during stairs descent significantly decreased (P＜0.05); no significant differences were found in SI% of peak and impulse (P＞0.05). In SA group, only SI of impulse during stairs ascent increased (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups before and after treatment (P＞0.05). Conclusions Electro-acupuncture can effectively improve the joint load capacity and reduce the dynamic cumulative load of patients w

Electro-acupuncture promotes repair of rotator cuff injury in rats / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture on tendon healing and functional recovery of rotator cuff injury in rats and explore the therapeutic mechanism of electro-acupuncture.@*METHODS@#Ninety SD rats were randomly divided into electro-acupuncture group, model group and blank control group, and models of rotator cuff injury were established in the former two groups.The rats in electro-acupuncture group was treated with electro-acupuncture after the operation, and those in the other two groups received no treatment.The right forefoot thermal withdrawal latency (TWL), the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the synovial fluid and the maximum tension load of supraspinatus tendon were measured at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the operation.@*RESULTS@#TWL in the model group was significantly lower than that in the blank control group and electro-acupuncture group at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after the operation (@*CONCLUSIONS@#Electro-acupuncture treatment not only effectively reduces the expression of inflammatory factors to relieve pain, but also promotes the repair of damaged tissue to improve the biomechanical properties of rotator cuff in the rat models.

Relationship between mechanism underlying electro-acupuncture-induced improvement of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of aged rats / 中华麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the the relationship between the mechanism underlying electroacupuncture (EA)-induced improvement of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and mitochondrion-depend-ent apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of aged rats.Methods Seventy-two healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 18 months,weighing 500-550 g,were divided into 3 groups (n =24 each) using a random number table method:control group (group C),operation group (group O) and group EA.EA was performed at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints for 30 min using disperse-dense waves,with a frequency 2/15 Hz and intensity 1 mA,once a day for 5 consecutive days in group EA.Laparotomy was performed under 3％sevoflurane anesthesia after the end of EA stimulation in O and EA groups.Morris water maze test was performed on 1 day before operation and 3 and 7 days after operation to assess the cognitive function.Rats were sacrificed after the end of Morris water maze test,brains were removed,and hippocampal tissues were obtained for detection of apoptosis rate of hippocampal neurons and expression of hippocampal caspase-3 and cytochrome c (Cyt c) by Western blot.Results Compared with group C,the escape latency was significantly prolonged after operation,the frequency of crossing the original platform was reduced,the apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons was increased,and the expression of caspase-3 and Cyt c was up-regulated in O and A groups (P＜0.05).Compared with group O,the escape latency was significantly shortened after operation,the frequency of crossing the original platform was increased,the apoptotic rate of hippocampal neurons was decreased,and the expression of caspase-3 and Cyt c was down-regulated in EA group (P＜0.05).Conclusion The mechanism by which EA improves postoperative cognitive dysfunction may be related to inhibiting mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis in hippocampal neurons of aged rats.

Electro-acupuncture regulates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Acupuncture has a definite therapeutic effect on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) has been shown to be involved in regulation of inflammation. In this study, we investigated whether electro-acupuncture (EA) affects the CAP in COPD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sprague-Dawley rats were induced into COPD through exposure to cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide. EA treatment was applied at Zusanli (ST36) and Feishu (BL13) points for 30 min/d for 7 d. Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into six study groups, including normal, normal + EA, normal + α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT) (the antagonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit (α7nAChR)) + EA, COPD, COPD + EA, and COPD + α-BGT + EA. Lung function, pathology and vagus nerve discharge were tested. The levels of acetylcholine (ACh), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA and protein expression and immunoreactivity of α7nAChR and its postreceptor inflammation signal pathway, including janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), were observed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with normal rats, there were a significant decline in lung function and discharge of the vagus nerve (P < 0.01), a marked sign of lung inflammation and an increase of ACh, AChE, IL-6 and TNF-α level in BALF or lung tissue (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) and higher expression of α7nAChR, JAK2, STAT3 and NF-κB (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) in the COPD rats. In rats receiving EA, the lung function and vagal discharge were enhanced (P < 0.01), lung inflammation was improved and the levels of ACh, AChE, IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased (P < 0.01). Further, the expression of α7nAChR, JAK2, STAT3 and NF-κB was downregulated (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). However, the above effects of EA were blocked in rats injected with α-BGT (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA treatment can reduce the lung inflammatory response and improve lung function in COPD, which may be related to its involvement in the regulation of CAP.</p>

Therapeutic effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effects on dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy between the combined treatment with acupuncture and rehabilitation training and the combined treatment with low-frequency electrical therapy and rehabilitation training and to explore its more effective therapy, using the ultrasonographic examination.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 60 patients of dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. The rehabilitation treatment was provided in the two groups. Additionally, in the observation group, acupuncture was used at the three-tongue points [Shanglianquan (Extra), located in the depression between the lingual bone and the border of lower jaw, 1 inferior to the midline of the jaw; and the other two points, located at 0.8 bilateral to Shanglianquan (Extra)], bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) and Fengfu (GV 16). After arrival of , the last two tongue-points were stimulated with electricity, with disperse-dense wave, periodically at 2 Hz, 10 Hz and 100 Hz, at the interval of 3 s, lasting for 30 min. Bilateral Fengchi (GB 20) was stimulated with electricity, with disperse-dense wave and the same frequency as above, lasting for 30 min. In the control group, the low-frequency electrical stimulation was adopted. The electrodes were placed on the bilateral sides of the midline of the throat, 30 min each time. The treatment was for 1 month in the two groups, once a day. The scores of the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) and the videofluoroscopy swallowing study (VFSS) were observed and the reducing rate of the hyoid-thyroid cartilage distance was determined with ultrasound quantitative measure.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, SSA scores of the two groups were all lower than those before treatment and VFSS scores were higher than those before treatment (all <0.05). The above scores in the observation group were better than those in the control group (both <0.05). The reducing rates of the hyoid-thyroid cartilage distance were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (both <0.05). The result in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The treatments with acupuncture and rehabilitation training or with the low-frequency electrical therapy and rehabilitation obtain the effects on dysphagia in post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy in the patients. The effects of the combined treatment with acupuncture and rehabilitation training are better. The ultrasonographic technology effectively and quantitatively analyzes the changes in the glossopharyngeal complex in the patients of dysphagia.</p>

Clinical Study on Electro-acupuncture Treatment of Migraine in Surface Projection Zone of the Pyramid Decussation / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the clinical effects of electro-acupuncture in surface projection zone of the pyramid decussation in treatment of migraine. Methods Totally 120 patients with migraine who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into four groups as projection zone group, ordinary acupuncture group, western medicine group and non-acupoint group, with 30 cases in each group. Projection zone group was treated with electro-acupuncture in pyramidal cross area (from Yuzhen to Tianzhu); Ordinary acupuncture group was treated with routine point locating according to acupuncture therapeutics; Non-acupoint group was treated with 2 inch acupoints opened beside projection zone, and 3 groups were treated with electro-acupuncture (8–20 mA, 2/100 Hz) for 30 min. Western medicine group was treated with diclofenac sodium enteric-coated table. The treatment course was 10 day. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, TCM syndrome score, self-rating anxiety scale score (SAS) and self-rating depression scale score (SDS) were evaluated before and after treatment. The therapeutic effects of the four groups were compared and analyzed. Results The total effective rate of projection zone group was 93.33%, which was obviously better than the ordinary acupuncture group (86.67%), western medicine group (70.00%) and non-acupoint group (63.33%), with statistical significance (χ2=24.440, P=0.004). Compared with before treatment, the VAS score and TCM syndrome scores in the four groups after treatment decreased significantly (P<0.05). The VAS score in the projection zone group after treatment was significantly lower than the other three groups, and the TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower than the western medicine group and non-acupoint group (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the SDS score in the non-acupoint group and SAS and SDS scores in the other three groups decreased significantly, with statistical significance (P<0.05). SAS and SDS scores in projection zone group after treatment was significantly lower than the other three groups (P<0.05). Conclusion The method of electro-acupuncture in surface projection zone of the pyramid decussation has obviously clinical effects, and can reduce the occurrence of bad mood.

Effects of Long-term Sleep-deprivation on Rats′Learning and Memory Behavior and Neurotransmitters in Hippocampus and the Effects of Prevention of Electro-acupuncture on the Sishencong Acupoints / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective]To investigate the effects of continuous long-term sleep deprivation on rat's behavior,memory and neurotransmitters in hippocampus,as well as determine the effects of prevention of electro-acupuncture.[Method]We used multi-platform water environment to make the rat model of insomnia.The experiment was divided into two sections.Sec-tion one:thirty rats were divided into 5 groups(six rats each group):tank control group(TC),sleep-deprived for continu-ous 7 days group(SD group),three days of recovery after SD group(3d after SD group),six days of recovery after SD group (6d after SD group),eleven days of recovery after SD group(11d after SD group).The term of recovery refers to normal feed-ing and sleeping when rats return to cages after sleep-deprivation.The open-field test was performed following the end time of each group experiment and then the rats were perfused and fixed.Section two:Eighteen rats were divided into three groups (six rats each group):tank control group(TC),sleep-deprived for continuous 7 days group(SD group),sleep-deprived rats treated with electro-acupuncture group(SD+EA group).Rats of SD group and SD+EA group were deprived sleep for con-tinuous 7 days. During the period of sleep deprivation,the rats of SD+EA group were treated with electro-acupuncture 20 minutes every morning.At the end time of experiment,rats were tested by the Morris water maze and then perfused and get specimens.[Results]Section one:the statistical analysis of outcome of open-field test showed:as compared to the TC group,the scores of rat's horizontal movement and vertical movement were significantly fewer in the SD group(P<0.05).Af-ter 3,6,or 11 days recovery of sleep,the scores increased significantly as compared with SD group(P<0.05). Although, the outcome of open-field test in the 3d after SD and 6d after SD groups had the significant difference with TC group(P<0.05),there was no different between the 11d after SD group and TC group(P>0.05).The quantitative analysis of gamma aminobutyric acid(GABA)expression in the hippocampus showed:the SD group shows lower level of GABA when com-pared to the TC group(P<0.05).After 3 days or 6 days of recovery,the expression of GABA is higher than the SD group(P<0.05),and similar to the TC group(P>0.05).In the 11days after SD group,the expression of GABA declined as compared to the TC group and the 6d after SD group(P<0.05).Section two:In the Morris water maze experiment,when compared to the TC group and the SD+EA group,the escape latency period was significantly prolonged and the times of across the plat-form were significantly reduced in the SD group(P<0.05).On the contrary,there were no statistical differences in the escape latency period or the across platform times between the SD+EA group and the TC group(P>0.05).The results of serotonin(5-HT)and GABA in the hippocampus showed:the 5-HT level in the SD group was no significant difference as compared to the TC group and the SD group on 5-HT level,while the 5-HT level in the SD+EA group was reduced as compared to the TC group(P<0.05). In the opposite,the GABA level in the SD group was decreased as compared to the TC group(P<0.05),while the SD+EA group and the TC group appear similarly level(P>0.05).[Conclusions]The effect of 7 days'contin-uous long-term sleep-deprivation may lead to the reduction in the ability of learning and memory behavior of rats.Our results is different with 4 days'continuously sleep-deprivation which was reported on the rats'expression of GABA and 5-HT. Electro-acupuncture stimulating the Sishengcong Acupoints seems preventing the harming of long-term sleep-deprivation on the ability of learning and memory,which probably is through adjusting the disorder of central neurotransmitter expression caused by sleep deprivation.

The Effects of Different Electro-acupuncture Intervention on Learning and Memory Abilities and Expression of Hippocampal Astrocytes in Rapid Aging Mouse Model of Senia Dementia / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Objective: To observe the effects of music electro-acupuncture and pulsed electro-acupuncture on locomotor avtivity and hippocampal astrocytes in fast-aging (SAMP8) mice, and to compare the anti-dementia mechanism.Methods: Thirty 8-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group (group M), music electroacupuncture group (group MA), pulsed electro-acupuncture group (group EA) (n=10), with homologous normal aging SAMR1 mice as control group (group C) (n=10) . Acupuncture stimulation was applied to"Baihui" (GV20) 、"Yintang" (GV29) and"Renzhong" (DU26) for 20 min per day for 15 days. The Morris water maze was used to assess learningmemorize ability. Immunohistochemical DAB staining was used to observe GFAP exptession in hippocampus. Detect GFAP protein levels by Western blot in hippocampus. Results: The Morris water maze test showed: Compared with group C, the escape latency were increased (P ＜ 0.01), swimming distance were increased in space exploration experiment in group M (P ＜ 0.01) . Compared with group M, the escape latency were reduced in group MA and EA (P ＜ 0.01, P ＜ 0.05) and the swimming distance were shortened (all P ＜ 0.05) . The immunohistochemical DAB staining showed: Compared with group C, the average optical density of GFAP in the hippocampal CA1 area of group M increased significantly (P ＜0.01); the optical density of GFAP in CA1 area of hippocampus in both groups MA and EA was significantly decreased (all P ＜ 0.01), while the optical density of GFAP in MA group was lower than that of EA group (P ＜ 0.05) . Western blot test showed: Compared with group C, the expression of GFAP protein obviously increased (P ＜ 0.01) . Compared with group M, the expression of GFAP protein obviously decreased and had a downregulation tendency in group MA and EA (all P ＜ 0.05), while the expression of GFAP protein decreased in MA group compare with EA group (P ＜ 0.05) .Conclusion: Both music electro-acupuncture and pulsed electro-acupuncture can improve the learning and memory abilities of SAMP8 mice and decrease the expression of GFAP, which may be related to its mechanism of reducing neuroinflammatory reaction, improving apoptosis and eventually protecting neurons, and music electro-acupuncture has a better tendency than pulsed electro-acupuncture.

Effects of decompression combined with electro-acupuncture on rat with acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury / 中国骨伤

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect and underlying mechanism of decompression(DE)combined with Governor Vessel(GV)electro-acupuncture(EA) on rats with acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty SPF rats were randomly divided into 5 groups(control group A, B and experiment group C, D, E), 6 rats in each group. The model of acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury were made by forcing a balloon catheter put in atlas pillow clearance. The group A was blank one, the group B put balloon catheter in atlas pillow clearance without forcing, and the group C, D, E sustained compressed for 48 h. The group C received electric acupuncture intervention, selecting the Baihui and Dazhui point, having the continuous wave and frequency of 2 Hz, with the treatment time of 15 min and continuous treatment for 14 d; the group D received methylprednisolone intervention, injected by caudal vein; the group E did not received any intervention again. The arterial blood and injured spinal cord tissue of all the rats were obtained after 14 days' treatment, and BBB score was used to evaluate the change of each group hind limbs motor function, the contents of platelet activating factor(PAF) in injured spinal cord tissue and blood serum were assess by ELISA method; the Caspase-9 expression for each group after 14 days' treatment was assess by Western blot method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BBB scores were(21.000±0.000) points at the 6 time points, that was, 1 h, 48 h after forcing in control group, 24 h, 3 d, 7 d, 14 d after treating in experiment group; the score of experimental groups (group C, D, E) were always lower than control groups(group A, B); compared with group E, group C and D were significantly higher(<0.05); and there was no significant difference between group C and group D(>0.05). The results of PAF by ELISA method to measure:the concentration of serum PAF, there was no statistical difference among group A, B, D, E (>0.05), group C was lower than the other groups (<0.05); the concentration of tissue PAF, there was no significant difference between group A and group B(>0.05), group D was significantly higher than that of group A, B, and C(<0.05), group E was the highest one than that of the other groups(<0.05). Western blot med tests showed that the Caspase-9 protein expression in group A and B was similar (>0.05), group C was higher than that of group A and B(<0.05), group D was higher than group A, B and C(<0.05), group E was the highest than that of group A, B, C and D (<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Decompression and Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture on acute severe upper cervical spinal cord compression injury had a better effect compare with decompression and methylprednisolone or simple decompression only, its mechanism may be related to lower the PAF levels and downregulating Caspase-9 protein expression in spinal injury tissue.</p>

Improvement of Synaptic Plasticity Injury of Alzheimer's Disease Rats by Electro-acupuncture at Different Frequency Through Regulating Protein and Phosphorylation Levels of GSK-3β / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) at different frequency in improving synaptic plasticity injury in Alzheimer's disease(AD) rats, and to provide the theoretical basis for the clinical application of electro-acupuncture for the treatment of AD. Methods Ninety Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, sham-operation group, and 2 Hz, 30 Hz, 50 Hz acupuncture groups, 15 rats in each group. AD rat model was established by injection of amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42) into the lateral ventricle. The rats in EA groups were treated with EA on Baihui and Shenshu acupoints at different frequencies (2, 30, 50 Hz). Learning and memory ability and space exploration ability of rats in each group were measured by Morris water maze test. The synaptic ultrastructure of hippocampus was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Nerve fibers were stained using Golgi techniques. The protein and phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) in the brain tissues were detected by Western blotting method. Results(1) Compared with the normal group, the average escape latency time in the model group was significantly prolonged (P < 0.05), and the number of platform crossing was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), indicating that AD model had been established successfully. The average escape latency of rats in EA groups was significantly shortened and the frequency of platform crossing was increased as compared with those of the model group (P < 0.05). (2) The synaptic morphology of the hippocampus showed that the anterior membrane, posterior membrane and the interspace of the synapses in the model group were blurred, and the membrane structures of synapses were incomplete and dissolved. But the synaptic ultrastructures of the 3 EA groups were improved.(3) In the model group, the neurofibrillary tangles were found in the brain tissue, while the neurofibrillary tangles were relieved and the nerve fibers became clear in EA groups.(4) The levels of GSK-3β and GSK-3β(pTyr216) in the model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (P < 0.05), whearas the GSK-3β(pSer9) level was significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05). In the EA groups, the levels of GSK-3βand GSK-3β(pTyr216) were down-regulated, while GSK-3β(pSer9) level was increased with the frequency of EA, and there was significant difference compared with the model group (P<0.05). (5) Compared with 2 Hz and 30 Hz EA groups, the number of plateau crossing, the average escape latency and the protein and phosphorylation levels of GSK-3β in 50 Hz EA group were significantly improved (P < 0.05). The improvement of synaptic morphology and neurofibrillary tangles of 50 Hz EA group was superior to that of the other 2 EA groups. Conclusion EA at different frequency can improve the learning and memory ability of AD rats, and the effect of 50 Hz is stronger. The therapeutic effect might be achieved by regulating the expression level of GSK-3βprotein and phosphorylation levels, which can improve synaptic plasticity damage of AD rats.

Effect of Electro-acupuncture at Scalp-acupoints on Motor Function and Oxidative Stress in Mice with Parkinson's Disease / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To observe the effect of penetrating electro-acupuncture at scalp-acupoints on the motor function and oxidative stress action of mice with Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods Mouse model of PD was established by 5-day intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP,30 mg/kg),and then PD mice were given electro-acupuncture set at different parameters.The effect of the electroacupuncture on the behavior and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) of mice were observed to screen out the appropriate treatment parameters.Healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group,model group,positive group (madopar,6.25 mg/kg) and electro-acupuncture group.The mice except for blank group were given intraperitoneal injection of MPTP to induce PD,and then the PD mice of positive group and electroacupuncture group were treated with madopar(6.25 mg/kg) and electro-acupuncture respectively from the 6th day for 7 continuous days.Behavioral test was carried out on the 5~ modeling day and on the Th electro-acupuncture treatment day to evaluate the motor function of the mice.After the mice were killed and their brains were isolated,mitochondrial complex Ⅰ ～Ⅳ activities,reactive oxygen species(ROS) level,malondialdehyde (MDA) content,and total activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the cerebral mitochondria were determined to evaluate the effect of electro-acupuncture at acupoints on anti-oxidative stress of PD mice.Results The motor function of PD mice was improved,the activity of mitochondrial complex Ⅰ was increased,the contents of ROS and MDA in cerebral mitochondria were decreased,and the activity of SOD was increased in the electro-acupuncture group,the differences being significant compared with those of the model group (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Penetrating electro-acupuncture at scalp-acupoints can increase the anti-oxidative ability of the cerebral mitochondria and improve the motor function of PD mice.