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Objective: To investigate the analgesic mechanism of Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage) by observing the effect of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2B (NR2B)/postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) pathway on the dendritic structure of spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation. Methods: Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a Tuina group, a blocker agent group, and a blocker agent + Tuina group. The sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was prepared by the sciatic nerve ligation method. From the 4th day after modeling, rats in the Tuina group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were subject to daily Tuina intervention, and those in the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group were daily intrathecally injected with NR2B blocker agent (MK-801). The spontaneous pain score was used to observe the pain behavior of all rats. The expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 were measured by immunohistochemistry, and the dendritic structure changes were observed by Golgi staining for rat spinal cord dorsal horn after 14 d of continuous intervention. Results: Compared with the blank group, the degree of rat spontaneous pain after CCI was elevated in both the model and the Tuina groups (P<0.01) and was reduced in the Tuina group after the Tuina intervention compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the rat spontaneous pain level after blocking NR2B was reduced in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group (P<0.05). The NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly higher in the model group compared with the blank group (P<0.01); the total number of dendritic branches was increased (P<0.01), and the total dendritic length became longer (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. The rat NR2B and PSD-95 protein levels were significantly decreased in the Tuina group compared with the model group (P<0.01); the total dendritic branch number was reduced (P<0.01) and the total length was shortened (P<0.01) in the spinal cord dorsal horn. After blocking NR2B, the expression levels of NR2B and downstream PSD-95 protein were significantly lower in both the blocker agent group and the blocker agent + Tuina group compared to the model group (P<0.01). The total branch number was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the total length was significantly shortened (P<0.01) of the dendrites in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Conclusion: Tuina may exert an analgesic effect by remodeling the dendritic structure in the spinal cord dorsal horn in rats with lumbar disc herniation, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NR2B/PSD-95 signaling pathway.
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OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL 40) with deqi on bladder urination function.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 healthy subjects were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 subjects in each group. Under the guidance of ultrasound, acupuncture was applied Weizhong (BL 40) on both sides. In the observation group, the needling depth was reached to the tibial nerve, and lifting-thrusting twirling method was used to induce deqi. In the control group, the needling depth was reached to the superficial fascia, and no manipulation was operated to induce deqi. The needles were retained for 10 min and acupuncture was given once in both groups. The bilateral ureteral ejection frequency and volume of the bladder were observed by ultrasound before and after acupuncture, and the score of clinical evaluation scale of deqi sensation was observed in both groups.@*RESULTS@#After acupuncture, the frequency of bilateral ureteral ejection in the observation group and the bladder volume in the two groups were increased compared before acupuncture (P<0.05), and the frequency of bilateral ureteral ejection, bladder volume and score of clinical evaluation scale of deqi sensation in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at Weizhong (BL 40) with deqi improves the bladder urination function. Ultrasound visualization improves the standardization and safety of acupuncture, intuitively evaluates the acupuncture effect, and provides an objective basis for the correlation between meridian points specificity and zang-fu organs.
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Humanos , Micción , Vejiga Urinaria , Terapia por Acupuntura , Puntos de Acupuntura , MeridianosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Weizhong" (BL40) on histopathological changes and expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) component Collagen Ⅰ， matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2), MyoD and Pax7 proteins of lumbar muscle tissues in rats with lumbar multifidus muscle injury (LMMI), so as to explore its underlying mechanisms in improving muscular injury. METHODS: A total of 24 male SD rats were equally randomized into blank control, model and EA groups. The LMMI model was established by injection of 0.5% Bupivacaine (100 µL/ point) into bilateral multifidus muscles of lumbar 4 and 5 (4 points). EA (2 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, 1－2 mA) was applied to BL40 for 20 min, once a day for 3 days. The morphological changes of the left lumbar multifidus muscle were observed under microscope after H．E. and Masson staining, and the expression of Collagen Ⅰ， MMP2, MyoD and Pax7 of the right lumbar multifidus muscle was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: H．E. staining showed large areas of degeneration and necrosis of muscle fibers, and vacuolar structure formed by degradation of muscle fibers in the model group, and newborn juvenile muscle fibers with different diameters in the EA group. Masson staining showed a large number of morphologically damaged muscle fibers and blue stained collagen fibers in the model group, and significantly reduced collagen fibers as well as new muscle fibers with uneven diameters in the EA group. The expression levels of Collagen Ⅰ， MMP2 and MyoD proteins were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), and that of Pax7 was considerably down-regulated in the model group relative to the control group (P<0.01). After EA intervention, the expression levels of Collagen Ⅰ was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01), and those of MMP2, MyoD and Pax7 proteins were obviously or further obviously up-regulated in the EA group compared with the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at BL40 can reduce the degree of skeletal muscle fibrosis to promote the regeneration of the injured multifidus at the early phase, which may be related to its effect in regulating the expression of Collagen Ⅰ and MMP2 proteins.
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Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) on thigmesthesia, gait function, and expression levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). Methods: Forty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, an EA at acupoint group and an EA at non-acupoint group, with 10 rabbits in each group. The LIDH pathological model of rabbit was established using the self-made LIDH model maker. The thigmesthesia and gait function of rabbits were recorded by Siegal method. The serum IgG and IgM expression levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: EA at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) could improve the clinical symptoms of thigmesthesia and gait function, and inhibit the expressions of serum IgG and IgM in the LIDH rabbits, which were significantly different compared with those in the model group and EA at non-acupoint group. Conclusion: EA at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) can improve the clinical symptoms of LIDH rabbits, which is associated with inhibition of the serum IgG and IgM expressions and reduction of the immunoinflammatory factor release. This may be one of the mechanisms of EA at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) in the treatment of LIDH.
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Objective To investigate the clinical improving effect on the symptoms of acupuncture at point Weizhong(BL40) plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Method Sixty patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation were randomized to a treatment group (30 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The treatment group received acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training and the control group, oral administration of celecoxib capsules. After treatment, the clinical improving effect on the symptoms was evaluated in the patients using the NRS, JOA Lumbar Scoring and ODI. Result The total efficacy rate was 100% in the treatment group and 53.3%in the control group. Post-treatment NRS, JOA and ODI scores were better in the treatment group than in the control group; there were statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Conclusion Acupuncture at point Weizhong plus following lumbar vertebra-stabilizing core muscle group training can effectively treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Weizhong" (BL 40) on morphology and expression of creatine kinase (CK) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) in rats with bupivacaine-induced multifidus muscle injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 32 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a Weizhong group and a Shenshu group, 8 rats in each one. The rats in the model group, Weizhong group and Shenshu group were treated with intramuscular injection of 0.5% bupivacaine to establish the model of multifidus muscle injury; the rats in the control group were injected with 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The rats in the Weizhong group and Shenshu group were treated with EA (2 Hz/10 Hz in frequency, 1~2 mA in intensity) at "Weizhong" (BL 40) and "Shenshu" (BL 23), 20 min per treatment. No treatment was given in the control group and model group. After 14-day treatment of EA, the inflammatory cell count, scar tissues area and muscle fiber cross sectional area of multifidus muscle were observed with HE and Masson staining method. The activity of CK and serum content of IL-17 were test with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method; the expression of IL-17 in multifidus muscle was measured with immunohistochcmical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After intervention, the inflammatory cell count and scar tissues area in the model group, Weizhong group and Shenshu group were higher than those in the control group (all<0.01), but the muscle fiber cross sectional area was significantly reduced (all<0.01); the inflammatory cell count and scar tissues area in the Weizhong group and Shenshu group were lower than those in the model group (all<0.01), and the muscle fiber cross sectional area was significantly increased (<0.01,<0.05). After intervention, the expression of IL-17 in multifidus muscle, serum content of IL-7 and activity of CK in the model group, Weizhong group and Shenshu group were higher than those in the control group (all<0.01); the expression of IL-17 in multifidus muscle, serum content of IL-7 and activity of CK in the Weizhong group and Shenshu group were lower than those in the model group (<0.01,<0.05); compared with the Shenshu group, the down-regulation of IL-17 was more obvisous in the Weizhong group (<0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA at "Weizhong" (BL 40) can down-regulate the overexpression of serum CK and IL-17, alleviate inflammation reaction and improve the repair of multifidus muscle.</p>
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of immediate-effect moxibustion combined with massage for the treatment of knee stiffness after knee ligament reconstruction surgery.Methods A total of 138 patients after knee ligament reconstruction surgery were randomly divided into control group and observation group,69 cases in each group.The control group received joint rehabilitation therapy,which included TDP light radiation,joint exercise by continuous passive motion apparatus,contraction and relaxation of quadriceps femoris muscle and ankle pump.The treatment group was given immediate-effect moxibustion combined with massage based on the treatment for the control group.The treatment lasted from postoperative day 3 to 14.Before and after treatment,Lysholm knee joint scores,joint activity scores and activities of daily living(ADL) scores of the two groups were observed.Results After treatment,the Lysholm knee joint scores,joint activity scores and ADL scores of the two group were obviously increased (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the increase in the observation groups was superior to that in the control group,the differences of the alove indexes except for joint activity scores being statistically significant between the two groups (P ＜ 0.05 or P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion Immediate-effect moxibustion combined with massage is effective on preventing knee from postoperative ankylosis after knee ligament reconstruction surgery.
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Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Qihuang needle therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis.Methods Sixty knee osteoarthritis patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group,30 cases in each group.The treatment group was given Qihuang needle therapy and the control group was given conventional acupuncture therapy.After treatment for 10 days,we evaluated the curative effect of the two groups by the scores of the simplified McGill pain scale (MPQ) and the Lysholm knee scoring criteria.Results (1) After treatment for 10 days,the symptoms of pain,swelling,stiffness,and inhibited bending and stretching of knee joints of the two groups were relieved.Pain rating index (PRI),visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and present pain intensity (PPI)of MPQ in the two groups were obviously decreased,while Lysholm knee scores were markedly increased(P ＜ 0.01 compared with those before treatment),and the effect of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group (P ＜ 0.05).(2) The total effective rate of the treatment group was 86.67％,and that of the control group was 66.67％,the difference between the two groups being significant (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Qihuang needle therapy is effective for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis,with the advantages of shorter treatment course,better therapeutic effect and being more practical.
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Objective To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) at “Weizhong” (BL40) on expressions of Fas and FasL in rat models with lumbar disc degeneration; To discuss its mechanism of action.MethodsThirty SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operationgroup, model group and EA group, with 10 rats in each group. The sham-operation group was treated with sham operation to incide local skin; the model and EA groups established rat model of lumbar disc degeneration by puncturing the annulus fibrosus. Four weeks after modeling, rats in the sham-operation and model groups received fixed treatment under identical condition, and rats in the EA group were treated with EA at “Weizhong” (BL40) in 20 minutes, once a day, for 4 weeks. After treatment, Western blot and RT-PCR technology were used to test the protein and mRNA expression levels of Fas and FasL.ResultsThe expressions of Fas and FasL in the model group were higher than those in the sham-operation group (P<0.05); protein and mRNA expression levels of Fas and FasL in the EA group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). ConclusionEA at “Weizhong” (BL40) can reduce the expressions of Fas and FasL to inhibit the development of lumbar disc degeneration.
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@#Objective To explore the effect of electroacupuncture at Weizhong (BL40) acupoint on the expression of Bcl-xL and Bax in rats with lumbar disc degeneration. Methods Thirty male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n= 10), model group (n=10), and electroacupuncture group (n=10). The lumbar disc degeneration model was established by puncturing the annulus fibrosis in the model group and electroacupuncture group. One month after modeling, the electroacupuncture group was electroacupunctured at Weizhong acupoint for four weeks. HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of Bax in the lumbar disc tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Bcl-xL and Bax protein. Results HE staining showed that the degrees of lumbar disc degeneration from light to severe was ranged as: the sham-operated group, the electroacupuncture group and the model group. The expression of Bcl-xL was lower (P<0.05), and the expression of Bax was higher (P<0.01) in the model group than in the sham-operated group, which was opposite (P<0.01) in the electroacupuncture group than in the model group. Conclusion Electroacuponcture at Weizhong may upregulate the expression of Bcl-xL and downregulate the expression of Bax in rats with lumbar disc degeneration.
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Objective To observe the correlation between infrared radiation temperature of specific points of the bladder (Zhongji, Pangguangshu, Weizhong and Shenshu) and OAB symptom severity in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) before and after electroacupuncture.Method Eighty-six patients were treated with electroacupuncture. The infrared radiation temperatures of the points were measured using an infrared thermograph in the patients before and after electroacupuncture. The patients’ symptoms were scored using the OAB Symptom Score (OABSS). The correlation between the infrared radiation temperature and the symptom score was analyzed according to the changes in the two.Result In the patients, the OAB symptom score (OABSS) was 8.00 (7.00, 9.00) before treatment and 2.00 (4.00, 6.00) after. There was a statistically significant difference between the two (P<0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment difference in the infrared radiation temperatures of the points (Zhongji, Pangguangshu, Weizhong and Shenshu) (P<0.05). The OAB symptom score (OABSS) and Zhongji infrared radiation temperature had a rank and positive correlation.Conclusion Zhongji infrared radiation temperature has important reference value for the assessment of OAB symptom severity.
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Objective To discuss different effects of low frequency sound waves of different timbres on microcirculation and transcutaneous oxygen partial pressure of Weizhong (BL40) of healthy people;To study the mechanism of somatosensory music therapy. Methods The same frequency (98.00 Hz), different timbres (sounds of guqin, flute, ocarina, bell, and drum were simulated) low frequency sound waves were played near Weizhong acupoint of 30 healthy persons. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to analyze microcirculation and the changes of transcutaneous oxygen pressure of meridian acupoints, when each timbre was played for 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 s. Results Sound waves of bell, drum, and flute made point microcirculation and transcutaneous oxygen pressure gradually increase, and the influence of drum>bell>flute;timbre waves of ocarina and guqin made the point microcirculation and transcutaneous oxygen pressure decrease gradually decrease, and the decrease of ocarina was more significant than that of guqin. In the same time point, sound waves of bell made point microcirculation and transcutaneous oxygen pressure increase more than the other sound waves (P<0.01). Conclusion Low frequency sounds of different timbres belong to different properties of five elements. They have different components in frequency spectrum, and can create different effects on acupoints.
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[Objective]Acute lumbar sprain is a common disease in clinical acupuncture treatment, inconvenient in patients with daily life, this paper system-atical y analyses a single point in treatment of acute lumbar sprain. [Method] The research through the literature and some clinical physician experience, and the treating principle analysis. [Results] Summarized the clinical on commonly used and effective acupuncture point, proving its real y good effect on acute lumbar sprain. [Conclusion] The treatment of acute lumbar sprain with single point method is simple, fast and effective.
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【Objective】To observe the effect of acupuncture mainly on cleft points on chemical radiculitis rats and to explore the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture on lumbar disc prolapse.【Methods】Twenty-four rats with chemical radiculitis were equally randomized into acupuncture group and model group,and another 12 normal rats were in the blank control group.Acupuncture group received acupuncture on acupoints of Jiaji(EX-B2)and Weizhong(BL40)and cleft points of Foot-Shaoyang Meridian and Foot-Taiyang Meridian for 28 days.After treatment,rat behavioral changes and morphological features of nerve cells were observed,the weight of inflammation filter paper was detected,and hemorheologic parameters,nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin 6(IL-6) were assayed.【Results】Acupuncture improved the motor function of affected limb,recovered the senses of pain and tough,improved hemorheologic parameters,reduced the inflammatory reaction,relieved degeneration of nerve root,and decreased the contents of inflammatory factors(P
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INTRODUCTION : It has been suspected that the BL40 (Weizhong, Ichu) point could be used as a remote acupuncture stimulation point for the effective treatment of lumbago, because traditional remote acupuncture stimulation has shown, on occasion, dramatic effects for relieving chronic pain, especially lumbago, headaches and shoulder pain. We have reported that remote acupuncture point stimulation, such as “BL40-to-BL23 (Shenshu, Jinyu)” might be useful in the treatment of lumbago. An experiment was designed to identify the most effective points on the Bladder Meridian.<BR>METHODS : We tested the electrical stimulation of BL57 (Chengshan, Shozan), BL58 (Feiyang, Hiyo) and BL60 (Kunlun, Konron) as far-points on the BL23 (Shenshu, Jinyu) in patients with slight to mild cases of lumago (24 adults, average age 31.2 y-o), who had given their informed consent beforehand. RESULTS : It was found that the respondent value (96.4 ± 4.8V, n=12) of BL40 on pre- stimulation in the male group was lower than that in the female group (86.1± 4.7V, n=12; p=0.07). When BL57 of lumbago patients was stimulated, the responsiveness of BL23 increased significantly in the male group (y=-0.04x+94.99; r=0.35, p<0.05), but declined in the female group (y=0.07x+102.55; r=0.44, p<0.01). When BL58 was stimulated, it had no apparent effect on the responsiveness of the male group, but that of the female group was reduced (y=-0.13x+99.00; r=0.85, p<0.001). In contrast, the responsiveness of BL23 to BL60 stimulation did not change in the male group but increased in the female group (y=0.12x+100.24; r=0.71, p<0.001). These results indicate that the stimulation on BL57, BL58 and BL60, which are far-points from BL23, had widely different effects on the responding pattern of BL23 in patients with lumbago.<BR>CONCLUSION : The results confirm that remote acupuncture point stimulation might be valuable in the treatment of lumbago.
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Occasionally, remote acupuncture stimulation has dramatic effects on chronic pain, especially lumbago, headaches, and shoulder pain. It is well known that the Weizhong point can be used as a remote acupuncture stimulation point for the effective treatment of lumbago. We investigated the effects of Weizhong (B-40) acupuncture stimulation on normal healthy volunteers and patients with stable, mild lumbago, all of whom gave informed consent. Using chronaxie values (determined from strength-duration curves, together with rheobase and utilization time), single-pulse stimulation (duration, 0.001 to 9 msec; voltage, 3.5 to 198 V) was applied, and irritability was measured at the Shenshu (B-23) point.<BR>In the normal males, irritability/responsiveness at Shenshu was slightly lower than in the normal females (established using the chronaxie value). Weizhong stimulation had no apparent influence on these Shenshu responses. However Prior to Weizhong acupuncture stimulation in lumbago patients, irritability at Shenshu was greater (and/or threshold value was lower) than in the normal group (chronaxie : 0.113 ± 0.022 msec vs. 0.141 ±0.147 msec, p<0.01, n=10 or 12, respectively). In other words, an aphylaxis, or hyperalgesia or hyperaphia was present. After 30 min or Weizhong acupuncture stimulation in lumbago patients, chronaxie values showed a significant increase (p<0.01) (e.g., immediately after stimulation, 0.166 ± 0.022 msec; 10 min later, 0.164 ± 0.023 msec). This effect persisted for 30 min after removal of the acupuncture needles, with the highest values (0.174 ± 0.002 msec, p<0.01) being recorded in that period. These data indicate that Weizhong acupuncture stimulation produced analgesic effects in the Shenshu region in patients with stable, mild lumbago.<BR>In conclusion, our results comfirm that remote acupuncture point stimulation, such as “Weizhong-to-Shenshu”, may be useful in the treatment of lumbago.