ABSTRACT
Introducción: La lumbalgia se presenta en aproximadamente 9,4 % de la población mundial. La acupuntura es empleada por la medicina tradicional china para estimular determinados puntos del cuerpo con diferentes tipos de agujas. Entre sus efectos beneficiosos se describe la remisión del dolor. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del tratamiento acupuntural en pacientes con dolor lumbar asistidos en el cuerpo de guardia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental de intervención terapéutica (sin grupo control) en 35 pacientes con dolor lumbar, los cuales fueron atendidos en el Cuerpo de Guardia de Medicina Natural y Tradicional del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde julio hasta diciembre del 2021. Resultados: En la investigación primaron el grupo etario de 40-49 años (31,4 %), el sexo femenino (57,1 %), las amas de casa, el dolor entre grave y moderado al inicio del tratamiento, así como los pacientes sin dolor una hora después de la terapia. En cuanto a la evolución final, el total de la muestra clasificó en las categorías de aliviados y mejorados. Conclusiones: Se demostró la efectividad de la acupuntura en pacientes con dolor lumbar agudo.
Introduction: Low back pain is presented in approximately 9.4% of the world population. Acupuncture is used by Chinese traditional medicine to stimulate certain points of the body with different types of needles. Among its beneficial effects the pain remission is described. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the acupuntural treatment in patients with lumbar pain assisted in the emergency room. Methods: A quasi-experiment of therapeutic intervention study (without control group) was carried out in 35 patients with lumbar pain, who were assisted in the Natural and Traditional Medicine Emergency Room of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from July to December, 2021. Results: In the investigation there was a prevalence the 40-49 age group (31.4%), female sex (57.1%), housewives, serious and moderate pain at the beginning of the treatment, as well as patients without pain one hour after the therapy. As for the final clinical course, the total of the sample classified in the relieved and improved categories. Conclusions: The effectiveness of acupuncture was demonstrated in patients with acute lumbar pain.
ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent joint disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of articular cartilage, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, synovial inflammation, and meniscal damage. Although the etiology of OA is multifactorial, pro-inflammatory processes appear to play a key role in disease pathogenesis. Previous studies indicate that electroacupuncture (EA) exerts chondroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects in preclinical models of OA, but the mechanisms underlying these potential therapeutic benefits remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA on OA development in a rat model, as well as to explore associated molecular mechanisms modulated by EA treatment. Forty rats were divided into OA, EA, antagomiR-214, and control groups. Following intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate to induce OA, EA and antagomiR-214 groups received daily EA stimulation at acupoints around the knee joint for 21 days. Functional pain behaviors and chondrocyte apoptosis were assessed as outcome measures. The expression of microRNA-214 (miR-214) and its downstream targets involved in apoptosis and nociception, BAX and TRPV4, were examined. Results demonstrated that EA treatment upregulated miR-214 expression in OA knee cartilage. By suppressing pro-apoptotic BAX and pro-nociceptive TRPV4, this EA-induced miR-214 upregulation ameliorated articular pain and prevented chondrocyte apoptosis. These findings suggested that miR-214 plays a key role mediating EA's therapeutic effects in OA pathophysiology, and represents a promising OA treatment target for modulation by acupuncture.
ABSTRACT
During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a sharp increase in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Acupuncture therapy has the advantages of accurate clinical efficacy, safety and reliability, few adverse reactions, and no dependence, and is gradually becoming one of the emerging therapies for treating GAD. We present a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial with the aim of exploring the mechanism of brain plasticity in patients with GAD and evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of acupuncture treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) will be used to assess cortical excitability in GAD patients and healthy people. Sixty-six GAD patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into two groups: TA group, (treatment with acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment) and SA group (sham acupuncture and basic western medicine treatment). Twenty healthy people will be recruited as the control group (HC). The parameters that will be evaluated are amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs), cortical resting period (CSP), resting motor threshold (RMT), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) score. Secondary results will include blood analysis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu), glutamine (Gln), serotonin (5-HT), and brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention (week 8). This study protocol is the first clinical trial designed to detect differences in cerebral cortical excitability between healthy subjects and patients with GAD, and the comparison of clinical efficacy and reliability before and after acupuncture intervention is also one of the main contents of the protocol. We hope to find a suitable non-pharmacological alternative treatment for patients with GAD.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training in treating qi deficiency and blood stasis type of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the recovery stage.Methods A total of 132 patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis type of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage in the recovery period were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 66 cases in each group,the control group was given western medicine conventional treatment combined with rehabilitation training,and the observation group was treated with acupuncture on the basis of the control group.Both groups of patients were treated for 12 consecutive weeks.After 12 weeks of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes of simplified Fugl-Meyer Assessment(FMA),National Institutes of Health Neurological Impairment Scale(NIHSS),and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,as well as the changes of serum interleukin 6(IL-6),homocysteine(Hcy),and endothelin 1(ET-1),serum matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),and brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)levels were observed before and after the treatment of the patients in the two groups.The changes of serum serine-threonine protein kinase(AKT),phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K),and Bcl-2-related X protein(bax)levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.Results(1)After treatment,the serum IL-6,Hcy,ET-1 levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the serum IL-6,Hcy,ET-1 levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the serum MMP-9 and BDNF levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum MMP-9 and BDNF levels,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the serum AKT,PI3K,bax levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum AKT,PI3K,bax levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the FMA score,TCM syndrome scores,and NIHSS score of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the FMA score,TCM syndrome scores,and NIHSS score,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)The total effective rate was 93.34%(62/66)in the observation group and 81.82%(54/66)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for the treatment of patients recovering from hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage of qi deficiency and blood stasis type can significantly reduce the patient's inflammatory response,regulate the level of neurofactors,inhibit neuronal apoptosis,and promote the recovery of neurological function,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with Guanxinning Tablets in the treatment of heart vessel obstruction type of chest obstruction syndrome.Methods Eighty patients with heart vessel obstruction type of chest obstruction syndrome were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group,with 40 cases in each group,the control group was given conventional western medicine treatment,the observation group was given acupuncture combined with Guanxinning Tablets on the basis of the treatment in the control group,and the patients in the two groups were treated continuously for 30 days.The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after 1 month of treatment.After 1 month of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)scores,including chest tightness,palpitations,stabbing pains in the chest,and dark complexion,as well as the frequency and duration of angina pectoris were observed before and after the treatment in the two groups.The changes of serum monocyte chemotactic factor 1(MPC-1),hs-CRP,tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)were observed before and after treatment in the two groups.Results(1)The total effective rate was 95.00%(38/40)in the observation group and 75.00%(30/40)in the control group.The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of patients in the two groups,including chest tightness and palpitations,chest tingling,and dark complexion,were significantly improved,and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the TCM syndrome scores of chest tightness and palpitations,chest tingling,and dark complexion,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the frequency and duration of angina attacks in the two groups were significantly improved,and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the frequency and duration of angina attacks,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the serum hs-CRP,MPC-1,and TNF-α levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the serum hs-CRP,MPC-1 and TNF-α levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)After treatment,the serum MAPK and TLR4 levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.05),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum MAPK and TLR4 levels,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture combined with Guanxinning Tablets for the treatment of heart vessel obstruction type of chest obstruction syndrome can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,effectively alleviate the body's inflammatory response,reduce the level of serum MAPK and TLR4,and the clinical efficacy is remarkable.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at Neiyingxiang(EX-HN09)points combined with western medicine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis of deficiency-cold of lung qi type.Methods Sixty patients with deficiency-cold of lung qi type of allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into observation group and control group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group was treated with Desloratadine Tablets combined with Mometasone Furoate Aqueous Nasal Spray,and the observation group was treated with acupuncture at Neiyingxiang points combined with the self-made rhinitis recipe on the basis of the control group,and the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated after 14 days.The changes of nasal symptom scores,Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life scores of the patients of the two groups were observed before and after the treatment.After 14 days of treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated.The changes in nasal symptom scores,as well as VAS and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire(RQLQ)scores were observed before and after treatment.The changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)sydnrome scores and serum immunoglobulin E(IgE)were compared before and after treatment in the two groups,and the safety of the two groups was evaluated.Results(1)The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.33%(28/30),and the control group was 73.33%(22/30).The efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the symptoms of nasal congestion,sneezing,runny nose and nasal itching were significantly improved in the two groups(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving nasal symptoms,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the VAS scores of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.01),and the observation group was superior to the control group in improving VAS scores,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(4)After treatment,the PQLQ scores of patients in the two groups improved significantly(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving the PQLQ scores,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).(5)After treatment,the TCM syndrome scores of the patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving TCM syndrome scores,with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).(6)After treatment,the serum IgE levels of patients in the two groups were significantly improved(P＜0.01),and the observation group was significantly superior to the control group in improving serum IgE levels(P＜0.05),with a statistically significant difference.(7)There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the observation group and the control group(P＞0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at Neiyingxiang points plus self-made rhinitis recipe combined with western medicine in the treatment of deficiency-cold of lung qi type of allergic rhinitis can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of the patients,thus improving the quality of life of the patients,and the therapeutic efficacy is remarkable.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Guanyuan Mingmen Sequential Acupuncture on rats with premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)model.Methods Female SD rats were divided into the blank group,the model group,the protein kinase A(PKA)inhibitor(H89)+acupuncture group,and the acupuncture group,with 12 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the POI model was prepared by gavage with Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets in the other three groups of rats.After the model was successfully established,the blank group and the model group were bundled once a day;in the acupuncture group,Guanyuan(RN4)point was taken during the intermotility period,and in the pre-motility period,Mingmen(DU4)point was taken;in the H89+acupuncture group,the intervention was performed in accordance with the acupuncture protocol of the acupuncture group,and H89 was injected intraperitoneally for 30 minutes prior to each acupuncture session.Continuous intervention was performed for 20 days.Samples were taken from each group of rats in the first estrus period and in proestrus period after intervention.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and estradiol(E2)during the estrous phase,Western Blot was used to measure the protein expressions of follicle stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR)and aromatase P450(P450arom)during the estrous phase,and the activity of granulocytes during the estrous phase and the proestrus phase were measured using the cell-counting kit 8(CCK-8)method.The immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the protein expression of pre-motility proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA).Results(1)Compared with the blank group,the serum FSH level of the model group and H89+acupuncture group was significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the E2 level was significantly decreased(P＜0.001);there was no difference between the FSH level of the H89+acupuncture group and that of the model group(P＞0.05),and the E2 level of the H89+acupuncture group was lower than that of the model group(P＜0.05);the FSH level of the acupuncture group was lower than that of the model group and that of the H89+acupuncture group(P＜0.05),had no difference with the blank group(P＞0.05),E2 level was significantly higher than the model group and H89+ acupuncture group(P＜0.01),still being lower than the blank group(P＜0.05).(2)The protein expressions of FSHR and P450arom in the model group and H89 + acupuncture group was lower than those in the blank group;the protein expression of FSHR in the H89 + acupuncture group was not different from that in the model group(P＞0.05),while the protein expression level of P450arom was lower than that in the model group(P＜0.05);the protein expression levels of FSHR and P450arom in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the model group and H89 + acupuncture group,but still lower than those in the blank group(P＜0.05).(3)Both GCs activity and average optical density value of PCNA in the model group and H89+acupuncture group were lower than the blank group(P＜0.05);both GCs activity and average optical density value of PCNA in the H89+acupuncture group were lower than the model group(P＜0.05);the activity of GCs and average optical density value of PCNA of the acupuncture group were significantly higher than that of the model group and H89+acupuncture group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion Guanyuan Mingmen Sequential Acupuncture can regulate sex hormone levels,increase GCs activity and promote GCs cell proliferation by up-regulating protein expressions of follicle stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)/protein kinase A(PKA)pathway FSHR,P450arom,thus improving POI.
ABSTRACT
This article aims to analyze LI Fei's academic thinking and experience in treating facial paralysis.LI Fei proposes that the diagnosis and treatment of facial paralysis should follow the principle of"identify the cause of the disease when it is occured at first time,followed by exploring the pathogenesis of the disease,then differentiating the syndrome and treating the disease,and recognizing the syndrome and treating the disease",and that the basic treatment principle should be"dispelling wind and unblocking the collaterals,regulating the tendons and meridians".In clinical treatment,"put emphasis on anatomy,treat the disease according to symptoms"is the basic policy;meanwhile,integrating Chinese and western theories,combining the anatomical structure of the expression muscle,dynamically judging the recovery of nerves and muscles,and selecting the corresponding empirical acupoints according to the symptoms.LI Fei emphasizes the integration of theories and summarizes the"triple"methods of differentiation by reasoning,staging and symptoms,and the"triple"theory of treatment by regulating menstruation,tendon and spirit,which is worthy of reference in the clinic.
ABSTRACT
Objective To analyze the acupoint selection rules of acupuncture for the treatment of tic disorders in children based on data mining techniques.Methods A computerized search was conducted for the clinical research literature on acupuncture treatment of tic disorders in children included in the CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,SinoMed,and PubMed databases from January 1992 to December 2022.A database was established by Excel 2019 to count the commonly used treatment methods and analyze the high-frequency application methods acupuncture(high-frequency acupoints,channel entry of acupoints,acupoint association rules,and acupoint clustering),auricular point seed-pressing(high-frequency auricular points,and acupoint association rules),and the high frequency division of cluster needling of scalp point.Results A total of 190 valid literature articles were included,involving 270 acupuncture prescriptions;among them,184 acupoints were counted in the acupuncture method,with a total application frequency of 1 906 times,and the high-frequency application of the acupoints in descending order were Baihui(DU20),Taichong(LR3),Fengchi(GB20),Hegu(LI4),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Neiguan(PC6),Shenmen(HT7),Zusanli(ST36),Yintang(EX-HN3),Sishencong(EX-HN1);and the high-frequency meridians were governor vessol,foot taiyang stomach meridian,foot taiyang stomach meridian,foot shaoyang gallbladder meridian,hand taiyang large intestine meridian,foot taiyang bladder meridian,foot jueyin gallbladder meridian;three sets of strong association rules and five clusters of acupoints were analyzed by SPSS modeler 18.0 and IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software.There were 29 acupoints of auricular point seed-pressing,application total frequency was 206 times,high-frequency application of auricular points in descending order of Shenmen(HT7),liver,heart,subcortex,kidney;four groups of acupoint strong association rules were obtained through the analysis of SPSS modeler 18.0 software.A total of 14 zones were involved in the application of cephalic acupoint plexus zoning,of which the high-frequency zones were parietal anterior temporal diagonal,parietal parietal 1,and chorea tremor control zone.Conclusion Acupuncture treatment of tic disorders in children,according to its pathogenesis(liver hyperactivity,kidney depletion,spleen deficiency,phlegm disturbance,etc.)and tic site,select acupoints compatibility,and mostly choose yang meridian acupoints,which is related to the nature and treatment characteristics of wind pathogen.Children's tic disorders are closely related to emotional disorders,therefore acupuncture and auricular acupoints all emphasize the method of soothing the liver and clearing the heart,and regulating the emotional state.Cluster needling of scalp point mostly used parietal temporal anterior oblique line,parietal 1 line,and dance tremor control area for the treatment of tic disorders.For children,auricular point seed-pressing and cluster needling of scalp point has the minimun of pain,the effect of treatment is long,and it is not easy to have dangerous situations such as bent needle,broken needle and so on.
ABSTRACT
Objective To reform the teaching content of acupuncture and moxibustion for undergraduate of Nursing College and to evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching reform,so to provide constructive information for optimizing the curriculum.Methods To revise the teaching content of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)acu-puncture course based on the results of previous questionnaires,including reducing boring theoretical knowledge,increasing commonly used acupuncture techniques and clinical case analysis,organizing all undergraduates atten-ding the TCM teaching in the Nursing College of Peking Union Medical College to fill out the"Acupuncture Course Content Questionnaire"in 2023.The content covers four aspects:students'basic cognition of acupuncture and moxibustion before the course,students' learning feedback,students'learning effectiveness after the course and students' suggestions for further optimization of acupuncture and moxibustion course.Results Totally 149 students participated in the questionnaire survey and 73.15%of them were interested in the acupuncture course.There were 62.42%of the students thought that the most difficult part of the course was the"Acupuncture Points",and 71.81%of them complained the most constraining factor to the learning effectiveness was the diffi-culty of memorizing the meridians and acupoints.The most interesting part of the course was"Overview of Acu-puncture Treatment and Acupuncture Treatment of Common Diseases",which accounted for 44.3%of the students.Through the study,88.59%of the students were willing to recommend acupuncture treatment to pa-tients with indications.Students' suggestions for improvement of the acupuncture course was increase of classroom practice or learning by observation of operation videos.Conclusions The reformed acupuncture course highlights the practicability,improves the learning interest and subjective initiative,but the training of practice skill still needs to be strengthened.
ABSTRACT
Mental disorders are characterized by disturbances in behavior,volition,emotion,and cognition and are considered emotional diseases in traditional Chinese medicine.Acupuncture is one of the most widely used complementary alternative therapies for the treatment of mental disorders.Recently,there has been growing interest in the use of the Tong Du Tiao Shen(Dredging Du meridian to regulate the spirit)as a primary treatment.However,a comprehensive summary of the establishment and related acupuncture methods of Tong Du Tiao Shen is lacking.This paper aims to address this gap by exploring the origin and development of Tong Du Tiao Shen,its application in treating mental disorders,and the modern biological mechanisms involved.Ultimately,this paper seeks to expand the clinical application of Tong Du Tiao Shen acupuncture and provide a scientific basis for future research in this field.
ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in patients with Major Depressive Disorders.Methods Search the database for relevant literature published before April 15,2023.Select randomized controlled trial that meeting the enrollment criteria,evaluate the quality of the literature and classify before meta-analysis systematic evaluation.Results 15 RCTs are included in this study,with a total of 1077 patients.The results showed that acupuncture treatment,compared with antidepressants alone,The score of Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)in patients with liver-qi depression disorder[MD=-0.73,95%CI(-1.22,-0.24),P<0.05],the score of TCM Syndrome Scale[MD=-1.89,95%CI(-2.35,-1.44),P<0.001],effective rate[RR=1.09,95%CI(1.03,1.153),P=0.001]and TESS score[MD=-2.76,95%CI(-3.68,-1.85),P<0.001]were statistically significant.Compared with fluoxetine hydrochloride,the effective rate of HAMD scale score was statistically significant[RR=1.07,95%CI(1.01,1.14),P<0.05].Conclusion Compared with antidepressants alone,acupuncture therapy has the advantages for the improvement of HAMD score in patients,the improvement of Traditional Chinese medicine symptoms,and significantly less adverse effects than those in the control group.Through this study,it is considered that acupuncture can be a safe and effective treatment modality.However,due to the quantity and quality of the included literature,the above conclusions still need to be verified by more high-quality clinical trials.
ABSTRACT
Cocaine,as a widely abused and highly addictive drug,has a serious impact on the physical and mental health of individuals and carries a certain degree of social harm and economic burden.Acupuncture can assist in the treatment of cocaine addiction with fewer side effects.However,a well-defined mode of stimulation is an important factor in elucidating the various mechanisms by which acupuncture treats disease.This paper summarizes the problems in the mechanism of cocaine addiction,such as different parameters of stimulation,unstable depth of acupuncture,different acupoint selection,and different lengths of acupuncture time.To standardize the intervention measures of acupuncture experiments,it is suggested that in future research,the stimulation method should explore the best parameters,the selection of acupoints should be based on clinical practice,the timing of acupuncture should be objective,and the treatment course should consider the effects of acupuncture.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the mechanism of immediate effect regulated by acupuncture on acupoints in patients with migraine without aura(MwoA)during the interictal period.Methods A total of 28 MwoA patients were enrolled and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)were performed at baseline and after acupuncture for 30 minutes.Paired t test was used to compare the differences of regional homogeneity(ReHo)and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity(VMHC)between two groups.Additionally,the correlation between the changes of rs-fMRI indexes and clinical scores was analyzed.Results In MwoA patients after acupuncture for 30 minutes,the mean regional homogeneity(mReHo)was decreased in the right lingual gyrus and right cere-bellum and was increased in the right middle frontal gyrus,while the z transformation voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity(zVMHC)was significantly decreased in the bilateral cuneus compared with baseline.There was no significant correlation between imaging data and clinical scales.Conclusion Patients with MwoA after acupuncture for 30 minutes show abnormal ReHo and VMHC in multiple brain regions,which suggest that the mechanism of immediate effect may act through regulating pain-related brain regions.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the immediate brain effect of acupuncture at Fengchi using amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(ALFF)and functional connectivity by the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)in patients with posterior circulation ischemia vertigo(PCIV).Methods Twenty patients with PCIV were enrolled.The dizziness handicap inventory(DHI)was used to evaluate the severity of vertigo.The patients were randomly divided into acupuncture group and sham acupoint acupuncture group.Rs-fMRI scan was performed before and after acupuncture.MATLAB-based DPABI 6.1 software was used to analyze rs-fMRI data.Correlation analysis was used between the altered ALFF values and DHI scores.The regions of altered ALFF were taken as seeds to analyze functional connectivity.Results Compared with the sham acupoint acupuncture group,the increased ALFF values were mainly located on the left precuneus,left superior frontal gyrus and left caudate nucleus after acupuncture in the acupuncture group;the decreased ALFF values were mainly located on the left cerebellum and right inferior occipital gyrus.The ALFF value of the left superior frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with the DHI score(P=0.04).The increased functional connectivity was mainly found between left precuneus and the right middle frontal gyrus,the right superior frontal gyrus,the decreased functional connectivity was mainly found between left precuneus and the bilateral paracentral lobule and right cerebellum.Conclusion The ALFF value and functional connectivity are different before and after acupuncture,indicating that the vestibular network,visual and motor brain regions functional activities are changed after needling at Fengchi,which may be the brain functional basis of Fengchi for vertigo in PCIV.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the clinical effect of Yangming meridian acupuncture combined with acupuncture push based on the theory of"treating flaccence and taking Yangming"in the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome.Methods 52 cases of patients with conventional rehabilitation combined with Yangming meridian acupuncture combined with acupuncture based on the theory of"treating potence and taking Yangming alone"were taken as the study group and 52 cases of patients with conventional rehabilitation alone as the control group.Limb muscle strength score,clinical efficacy,limb sensory function,limb motor function,upper limb median nerve electrophysiology and daily living ability were compared between the two groups.Results After treatment,muscle strength scores of proximal lower extremity,distal lower extremity,proximal upper extremity,distal upper extremity,median sensory nerve action potential(SNAP),motor conduction velocity(MCV),sensory conduction velocity(SCV)and modified Barthel index(MBI)were increased in 2 groups(P＜0.05).The study group was more obvious(P＜0.05).The total effective rate of the study group(86.54%)was higher than control group(69.23%)(P＜0.05).After treatment,the sensory function and motor function of limbs in 2 groups were better than before treatment(P＜0.05),especially in the study group(P＜0.05).After treatment,the distal motor latency(DML)of upper limb median nerve was decreased in 2 groups(P＜0.05),and more significantly in the study group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Yangming meridian acupuncture combined with acupuncture pushing based on the theory of"treating impotence and taking Yangming"is effective in the treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome,which can improve the muscle strength,sensation and motor function of limbs,and regulate nerve electrophysiology.
ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the clinical effects of Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture combined with regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture in the treatment of Declining Ovarian Function(DOR)combined with follicular dysplasia infertility.Methods From January 1,2022 to January 1,2023,60 cases of infertility patients with DOR follicular dysplasia were treated in our hospital,and the above cases were randomly divided into experimental group:Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture+ regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture + Clomiphene group;Control group:Clomiphene group,30 cases each.The improvement of FSH,maximum follicle size and ovulation,uterine artery blood flow index,endometrial thickness and pregnancy were observed after treatment.Results The improvement of follicle stimulating hormone,maximum follicle size,endometrial thickness and uterine artery blood flow indexes in Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture+ regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture + Clomiphene group were better than clomiphene group.The difference between groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).The ovulation rate was 66.7%and the pregnancy rate was 40%.The ovulation rate was 40%higher than the control group,and the pregnancy rate was 20%.The difference between groups was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion In the patients with DOR follicular dysplasia infertility,Tiaojing Zhuyun mixture combined with regulating menstration and promoting pregnancy by thirteen acupuncture can improve the level of follicle stimulating hormone,promote follicular maturation and ovula-tion,reduce the resistance of uterine artery blood flow,increase the thickness of endometrial,promote pregnancy,and have fewer adverse reactions.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Nowadays,there are increasing reports on the digitization and visualization system of acupuncture points for adults in traditional Chinese medicine,and the digitization and visualization system of acupuncture points for children in traditional Chinese medicine and the simulation system of acupuncture manipulation for Mongolian medicine training have been reported.However,there are no reports on relevant systems for children in Mongolian medicine. OBJECTIVE:To develop a simulation system of acupuncture points for children in Mongolian medicine,in the hope that it can be used for clinical teaching,manipulation practice and research on acupuncture safety. METHODS:Based on the tomographic anatomical dataset of preschool boys,a three-dimensional(3D)digital virtual anatomical model of children with multiple internal organs and tissues was constructed by using PhotoShop.2021 and Digihuman Reconstruction System software.The relevant annotation information database of 27 acupoints such as Dinghui acupoint of Mongolian medicine was compiled by the Unity database language.The Mongolian gold needle and silver needle were selected to record the acupuncture point teaching video on the 3D printed head and neck resin model of children.In Unity3D software,children's anatomical model,acupoint annotation information database and acupuncture operation video were integrated and coded,and a 3D digital children's Mongolian acupuncture acupoint visualization system integrating simulation acupuncture training,clinical teaching and acupuncture safety research was successfully created. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:This study was based on real children's specimens.In order to reduce the error of two-dimensional segmentation,the manual layer-by-layer segmentation section image method was used to ensure the accuracy of the 3D model to the greatest extent.The Digihuman Reconstruction System was used to extract and save the individual segmentation data while maximizing the accuracy of the 3D model.PhotoShop.2021 software was used to complete the 3D reconstruction of the outer skin of the head and neck of children and the internal bony structure,cervical spinal cord,blood vessels and nerves,muscles and ligaments.After 3D reconstruction,the basic morphology of each independent structure and the integrity of the overall contour were verified in MeshLab software and the final fine adjustment and anatomical position confirmation were conducted using 3-matic research 13.0 software.The real anatomical morphology of the head and neck of preschool children was successfully simulated and restored.Unity3D software was used to integrate the 3D model of children,acupuncture operation video and acupoint annotation database,and the 3D digital Mongolian acupuncture acupoint visualization system for children was successfully constructed.Based on the real continuous fault ultra-thin dataset of preschool boys in China,China's first 3D digitization and visualization system of acupuncture points in the head and neck of children in Mongolian medicine was developed.Compared with the previous acupuncture soft works,this system is more suitable for the anatomical morphological development characteristics of Asian children,and has a high value of application in the fields of research on the safety of acupuncture in Mongolian medicine,clinical teaching and acupuncture simulation training.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:As a common clinical digestive disorder,irritable bowel syndrome becomes an advantageous disease of acupuncture treatment.However,the therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear.The methodological characteristics of omics coincide with the multi-target and multi-level characteristics of acupuncture,providing the possibility of revealing the principle of acupuncture in the treatment of the disease. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea(IBS-D)and the effect of acupuncture at the combined points(selected based on etiologies and symptoms)on IBS-D based on proteomics. METHODS:Twelve 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups:a control group,an IBS-D model group and an acupuncture group.The IBS-D rat models were prepared using the CAS method.After successful modeling,bilateral Zusanli points,bilateral Neiguan points and Guanyuan points were selected for acupuncture treatment in the acupuncture group,with a frequency of 120 times/minute,1 minute of acupuncture every 4 minutes,and 15 minutes of needle retention,at an interval of 1 day every 6 days,for 28 days in total.Rats in the normal control group and the model group were not given any intervention.The pressure threshold of rat abdominal retraction reflex was measured to evaluate the visceral hypersensitivity of rats.Proteomics analysis was performed using the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based platform.MaxQuant software,Perseus software and DAVID,KOBAS,VENNY,STRING online tools were used for the bioinformatics analysis of proteomic data.Visualization analysis was done using Cytoscape 3.7.1 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There were 47 differentially expressed proteins between the IBS-D model and control groups.Function analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed that the pathogenic mechanism of IBS-D was associated with abnormal energy metabolism,the imbalance of colon motor function and increased visceral sensitivity.Important proteins related to IBS-D pathogenesis included Atp5a1,Atp5c1,Idh3b,Atp2a3,Pdhb,Ppp1ca and Mapk3.Sixty-one differentially expressed proteins were identified between the acupuncture group and IBS-D model group.Acupuncture at the combined points reversed the up-regulation of nine differentially expressed proteins and the down-regulation of nine differentially expressed proteins.Bioinformatics analysis revealed that acupuncture at the combined points for IBS-D could function via multi-targets and multi-pathways,reverse the damage of energy metabolism caused by IBS-D,and play a role against oxidative stress and inflammation,thereby relieving pain and regulating the imbalance of intestinal function.Important proteins related to acupuncture effects included Atp5a1,Atp5c1,Pdhb,Sars,Uqcrc2,Prdx2,Prdx4,Ppp1ca,Manf and Tmsb4x3.All these findings preliminarily illustrate the potential molecular mechanisms of IBS-D and the effect of acupuncture at the combined points in the treatment of IBS-D at the protein level,which provide a basis for the clinical application of acupuncture at the combined points.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:Internal heat-type acupuncture therapy is a new treatment technique that combines acupuncture therapy with hyperthermia.It has good clinical effects on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,but the mechanism of action is still not fully clear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the possible mechanism of internal heat-type acupuncture therapy in treating steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rabbits. METHODS:Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank group,model group,internal heat-type acupuncture group and shock wave group using a random number table method,with 8 rabbits in each group.The model group,internal heat-type acupuncture group and shock wave group were modeled using methylprednisolone sodium succinate combined with Escherichia coli endotoxin.The internal heat-type acupuncture group received an internal heat-type acupuncture intervention on the buttocks of rabbits,once a week,for 20 minutes each time.The shock wave group received shock wave intervention on the buttocks of rabbits,once a week,with 2 000 beats per session.The blank group and model group were not given any treatment.After 4 weeks of intervention,blood samples and bilateral femoral head samples were collected from experimental rabbits.The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in serum were detected by ELISA;the histomorphology of the femoral head was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and the rate of empty lacunae was calculated;the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 2,matrix metalloproteinase 9,matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 1,and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank group,the model rabbits showed reduced food intake,mental fatigue,and decreased activity;compared with the model group,the above performance of the experimental rabbits was significantly improved after internal heat-type acupuncture and shock wave treatment.Compared with the blank group,the histomorphology of the femoral head in the model group deteriorated significantly and the rate of empty bone lacuna increased(P<0.001),while the histomorphology of the femoral head in the internal heat-type acupuncture group and shock wave group was significantly improved compared with the model group,and the rate of empty bone lacuna was reduced(P<0.001).The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the model group were significantly higher than those in the blank group(P<0.05),while the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in the internal heat-type acupuncture group and the shock wave group were significantly lower than those in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the blank group,the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in the femoral head of the model group were significantly increased,while the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 1 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 2 were significantly decreased(P<0.001);compared with the model group,the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 were significantly decreased,while the protein expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 1 and matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitor 2 were significantly increased in the internal heat-type acupuncture group and the shock wave group(P<0.001).Overall,these findings indicate that internal heat-type acupuncture may promote the repair of the necrotic femoral head by regulating the levels of matrix metalloproteinases/matrix metalloproteinase tissue inhibitors and serum inflammatory factors,thus treating early steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.