Effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture on pancreatic endocrine system in patients with simple obesity / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe different efficacies of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on pancreatic endocrine system in male and female patients with simple obesity due to spleen deficiency-related dampness.Methods:A total of 80 simple obesity patients were assigned to a male group (n=37) and a female group (n=43). Both groups received a 30-minute low-frequency EA at Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4). The treatment was done once a day, and 10 times made up a course of treatment. Patients in both groups were treated for 2 courses. Then the changes in body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin level in the two groups were observed and analyzed.Results:After treatment, the BMI, serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01 orP<0.05); the BMI and serum insulin concentration were more significantly reduced in the male group than those in the female group (bothP<0.01); and the leptin level was more significantly reduced in the female group than that in the male group (P<0.01).Conclusion: EA can significantly regulate BMI and pancreatic endocrine system in both men and women with simple obesity; however, there is a gender difference better effect for men in reducing BMI and serum insulin and better effect for women in reducing serum leptin level.