[Methods, perspectives and academic innovation, prospects-a review on Rethinking Chinese Acupuncture: A History of Ideas written by professor ZHANG Shu-jian].

In Rethinking Chinese Acupuncture: A History of Ideas, in view of interpretation method and historical perspective, a part of traditional theory of acupuncture and moxibustion is reinterpreted on its concepts and connotations, which endows a fresh significance. By collecting the academic history of acupuncture and moxibustion, the emerging new techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion at home and abroad are summarized. It is suggested that understanding on acupuncture-moxibustion theory should be innovated and progressed with era for the exploration and the construction of novel system of modern acupuncture-moxibustion theory.

[Influence of electroacupuncture stimulation on serum and hepatic interleukin-18 expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of "Zusanli" (ST 36), etc. on serum sugar and insulin contents, serum and liver interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats, so as to study its mechanism underlying improvement of NAFLD. METHODS: Forty-four SD rats were randomized into normal control, model, EA and non-acupoint groups, with 11 rats in each group. EA (2 Hz, 1.5 V) was applied to bilateral "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Fenglong" (ST 40), "Sanyinjiao" (ST 6) and "Taichong" (LR 3) and non-acupoint (proximal 1/3 of the tail) for 15 min, once daily for 4 weeks. IL-18 contents of serum and liver tissue were assayed by using double antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fasting blood sugar (FBS) content was measured by enzymatic colorimetric method, and fasting insulin (FINS) level assayed by radioimmunoassay. H. E. staining of the liver tissue sections was used to display pathological changes. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, serum FBS and FINS contents, serum and hepatic IL-18 levels and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) in the model group were significantly increased (P < 0.01). While compared with the model group, the levels of serum FBS, FINS, FIRI and IL-18 as well as hepatic IL-18 content in the EA group were markedly decreased (P < 0.05). The fatty degeneration in hepatic tissue was relieved. No significant changes of the five indexes mentioned above were found in the non-acupoint group (P > 0.05). H. E. staining of the liver tissue showed that in the model group, the hypatocyte was clearly increased in the size, with different degrees of fatty degeneration or necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. These changes were relatively milder in the EA group rather than in the non-acupoint group. CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Fenglong" (ST 40), etc. can suppress NAFLD induced upregulation of blood sugar, serum insulin, insulin resistance in- dex and serum and hepatic IL-18 levels in fatty liver rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving polysaccharide attack induced liver damage.

[The mathematical theory of acupoints].

The ancient medical classics were retrieved to explore narrative on acupoints. And the relevant content of legal calendar in Shiji (Historical Records) and Hanshu (History of the Former Han Dynasty) were taken as a reference. The result showed that the total number of acu-points were based on the number of 365 days of a year. And the corrupts can be restored with the theory of numerology. The 59 heat point originated from the phase of moon, while the 57 water points originated from the number or year related with diasters. Although acupoints are considered to be related with numerology, the recognition of hot points and water points are held to be associated with experiential points in clinic.

[Influence of electroacupuncture intervention on serum retinol binding protein 4 and liver function in nonalcoholic fatty liver rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on liver function and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP 4) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats, so as to study its mechanisms underlying improving liver function. METHODS: A total of 44 SD rats were randomly allocated to normal control, model, EA and non-acupoint groups, with 11 rats in each group. NAFLD model was established by feeding the rats with high glucose and high fat forage for 5 weeks. EA (2 Hz, 1.5 V, 15 min) was applied to unilateral "Fenglong" (ST 40), "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Taichong" (LR 3), once daily for 4 weeks. Serum RBP 4 content was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), and triglycerides (TG) contents were detected by chromatometry. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, serum AST, ALT, TC, TG and RBP 4 contents in the model group were increased significantly (P<0. 01), while in comparison with the model group, the levels of the abovementioned 5 serum indexes were down-regulated considerably in the EA group (P < 0.05) rather than in the non-acupoint group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA intervention can lower serum AST, ALT, TC, TG and RBP 4 contents in NAFLD rats, which may be responsible for its action in improving NAFLD in clinic.

[Impact of electro-acupuncture on lipid metalolism in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on lipid metabolism in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: 44 rats were divided into blank group and NAFLD group. The rats in the NAFLD group were randomly selected to be given blank treatment (control) or electroacupuncture stimulation on acupoints (EA), non-acupoints (ENA). The EA pointed to "Feng long", "Zu sanli", "Tai chong" and "San yinjiao". The ENA pointed to four points in the middle one third of the rat tails without touching the veins. Four weeks after the treatment, serum levels of adipinectin (ADP), leptin (LEP), free fatty acids (FFA), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) of the rats were tested with immunoreagent. RESULTS: Compared with controls, the rats with EA treatment had significantly lower levels of serum LEP, LDL, FFA, TC and TG, and higher levels of serum ADP and HDL (P<0.05). The rats with EA treatment also experienced less fatty degeneration in hepatic tissues. Such changes were not observed in the rats with ENA treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA (Feng long, Zu sanli, Tai chong, San yinjiao) increases serum ADP and HDL, lowers LEP, LDL, FFA, TC and TG, and thereby reduces lipogenesis and liver fat deposition.

[Rethink on "experiment of propagated sensation along meridian"].

With retrieval of the ancient medical classics, the descriptions on meridians and collaterals are checked, and the different methods, way of thinking and presuppositions on experiment of propagated sensation along meridian are studied and compared in this paper. The result shows that the basic feature of meridians and collaterals is based on not the propagated sensation along meridian, but the arteriopalmus. Therefore, propagated sensation along meridian can not reflect the entity of meridian. It is the abuse of inference to conclude that the result of "experiment of progated sensation along meridian" equals to meridians and collaterals. The experimental methods are difficult to be applied on part of the meridian theory that is gained through experiences and practice. Thus, a new foothold should be taken as the basis of study on essence of meridians.

[Rethink on "experiment of progated sensation along meridians"].

The theory, methods and ideas of "experiment of progated sensation along meridians (PSM)" were examined in the article through retrieval of ancient medical books, excavating the theory of meridians, the qi of meridians, ying (nutrient) qi, wei (defensive) qi and the related acupuncture techniques. The result shows that PSM is not the reaction of the meridian qi, but the reflection of wei (defensive) qi. Therefore, whether the experiment of PSM revealed with the phenomenon of meridian and all hypothesis based on it or not are still remained as a question. However, although PSM is considered to be related with the wei (defensive) qi, it can not be concluded that the experiment of PSM revealed the function of the wei (defensive) qi.

[Discussion of relation between acupuncture methods and the directions of qi in meridians].

To search ancient literature and Chinese medicine references, consult the modern humanities research achievement, and discuss the meridians theories such as "going and coming", "going along and against", "acupuncture method of reinforcing and reducing", and "deficiency and excess" etc. the results show that the ancient's space and time idea, meridian qi moving are manifested in meridian theory, and play an important role in "the unity of heaven and humanity". The pulse and circulation of meridian qi can be checked by the method of "waiting for qi arriving", and the acupuncture method of reinforcing and reducing is applied due to the "waiting for qi arriving", in order to promote qi in line with time. Nowadays, compared with ancient method, the acupuncture method of reinforcing and reducing in teaching material is lack of the time factor.

[Study on meridians and collaterals through ying-qi and wei-qi].

Assisted with inference, and approved by the ancient medical classics, it is concluded that meridians and collaterals are often felt in the form of qi through imitation of the methods of life experiencing of the ancient people. Ying-qi is considered as jing-qi (meridian qi), which originates from the experiences of respiration. And wei-qi relates with experiences of sleep. Part of meridian theory originated from the traditional Chinese thought of seeking the internal cause but not the external manifestations, and paying attention to the self-adjustment, accomplishment and comprehension. It is also believed that the theory of ying-qi traveling inside the meridians and wei-qi outside the meridians is based on the theory that needling sensation has close relationship with wei-qi.

[Existing state of meridians and experimental difficulties].

The existing state of meridians through study of thinking way of unity of subjective and objective of the ancient people was discussed in this paper, so as to review the experiments on meridians. The result indicates that the construction of meridian theory is a life experience of checking the interior of the body, and it is considered that meridians and collaterals are the projects of the mind to the trunk and limbs under the condition of physical and psychological unification. It often differs from the experimental medicine in the identification of ultimate facts. Therefore, meridians revealed by experiments probably greatly differ from its actual existing state. Thus, experimental study of meridian should focus on theory of traditional Chinese medicine concerning the body, energy and the mind, and be applied to verify the experimental result.

[Acupuncture based on the theory of Biao and Ben].

Ancient literatures on traditional Chinese medicine were retrieved, and theory of Biao (Branch) and Ben (Root) of meridians was studied from the aspect of acupuncture based on tracing of Weiqi (defensive qi). It was found that Biao and Ben were related with the gathering and dispersing of Weiqi (defensive qi) in 12 regular meridians. Therefore, observation of Weiqi (defensive qi) and tracing its running course is required before the application of acupuncture. Disease may cause migration of Weiqi (defensive qi) between Biao and Ben of meridians. Thus, points selection from Biao of meridians, Ben of meridians or both Biao and Ben can be adopted. Primary disease and secondary disease are held as the primary consideration for point selection from Biao or Ben. The idea can also be applied in treatment of complicated syndromes to clarify and simplify the situation. And during the treating process, physicians should proceed from Biao to Ben so as to conduct the anti-pathogenic qi to play its role in disease cure and health maintenance.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on hypothalamic leptin and leptin receptor mRNA expression in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on leptin and leptin receptor(Ob-rb) mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rats, so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in the treatment of NAFLD inflammation. METHODS: Thirty-two male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (n = 10), model group (n = 11) and EA group (n = 11). NAFLD model was established by feeding the animals with high fat diet for 8 weeks. EA (10 Hz, 1.5 V, 30 min) was applied to unilateral "Fenglong" (ST 40) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), once daily for 4 weeks. After the treatment, all the rats were sacrificed for collecting the liver to make pathological observation after HE staining and for taking the hypothalamus tissue out to detect the leptin mRNA and leptin receptor (Ob-rb) mRNA expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyeride (TG) contents were detected by chromatometry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, serum TC and TG levels increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.05). While compared with model group, both TC and TG levels in EA group were reduced considerably (P < 0.05). In comparison with control group, the expression of hypothalamic leptin mRNA and Ob-rb mRNA was down-regulated remarkably (P < 0.05), while 4 weeks after EA treatment, both leptin mRNA expression and Ob-rb mRNA expression were up-regulated obviously (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can lower serum TG and TC contents in NAFLD rats, which is closely related to its effects in up-regulating the expression of hypothalamic leptin mRNA and Ob-rb mRNA.

[Shushu (ancient Chinese numerology) in Lingshu: Gudu (Miraculous Pivot: Bone-Length Measurement)].

Lingshu: Gudu (Miraculous Pivot: Bone-Length Measurement) is compared with literatures concerning the Shushu (ancient Chinese numerology) of the Qin Dynasty (221 B. C. - 206 B. C. ) and the Han Dynasty (206 B. C.-220 A. D.) in this article. And it is discovered that "the number of heaven and earth" in Yijing (The Book of Change) was implied in the bone-length measurement. The theory of Shushu is hidden in the sized of head, neck, chest, abdomen, back and 4 extremities according to the measurement. The meaning of establishment of bone-length measurement, which is found to have universality, laid in setting down the measurement of meridians. And it is the origin of the proportional measurement of locating acupoints. Checked with the theory of Shushu, errors in the description of bone-length measurement could also be found in Lingshu: Gudu (Miraculous Pivot: Bone-Length Measurement) of the present edition, which is helpful for the modern study on the measurement.

[Acupuncture treatment based on properties of Weiqi (defensive qi)].

The function, circulation, distribution and characteristics of Weiqi (Defensive qi) in ancient literatures are retrieved and extracted in this article to analyze and study the theory of "applying acupuncture according to the properties of Weiqi (Defensive qi)" in Internal Classic. The result shows that Deqi (arrival of qi) is closely related with Weiqi (Defensive qi). The circulation of Weiqi (Defensive qi) has its own temporal regularity, which should be followed by the application of acupuncture. The gathering and scattering of Weiqi (Defensive qi) can be used to explain the relationship between distribution of acupoint and curative effect. Circulation of Weiqi (Defensive qi) is influenced by yang qi in the universe which varies according to seasonal factors. Therefore, acupoint selection according to time should not be adopted mechanically. Furthermore, the circulation of Weiqi (Defensive qi) can be either independent or identical with the channels. Therefore, it is still under discussion whether the needling sensation is actually transmit along the channels in the experiment of "propagated sensation along channels".

[Analysis on theory of meridians and acupuncture manipulation based on ancient Shushu].

The theories of Shushu in the literature of Qin and Han periods are reorganized and related expositions of foreign scholars are consulted, and Shushu theory is compared with the recordation in ancient medical books so as to probe into the relationship between Shushu and theory of meridians together with acupuncture manipulation. It is found that the eleven meridians system is the mathematical foundation of Five Shu Poits, Yuan-primary acupoints and the acupoints of all over the body, and which plays an important role in the theories of TCM. The exterior-interior relationship between viscera and meridians and circulation of ying-qi can be executed on the establishments of twelve meridians system. Shushu can affect needling instrument, needling methods, contraindications, etc. The construction of the meridians theory is full of philosophical dialectics, and it has certain subjectivity but does not influence the ancients to observe physiological phenomenon of viscera and meridians generally.

[Influence of electroacupuncture on hippocampal somatostatin (SS) and SS mRNA expression in chronic stress-induced depression rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in relieving depression. METHODS: A total of 30 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (n=10), model group (n=10) and EA group (n=10). Depression model was established by lonely raising and chronic unpredictable mild stress for 21 days. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 20 min, once daily for 14 days. The expression (option density) of hippocampal somatostatin (SS) and SS mRNA was detected by using immunohistochemistry and reversed transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques respectively. RESULTS: Compared to normal control group, the crossing movement and rearing movement times of open-field test, and sucrose consumption in model group decreased significantly (P < 0.01), and hippocampal SS and SS mRNA expressions were downregulated remarkably (P < 0.05). Compared to model group, the crossing movement and rearing movement times in EA group increased considerably (P < 0.01), and hippocampal SS and SS mRNA expressions were upregulated remarkably (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between EA and normal control groups in SS and SS mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: EA can effectively improve depression rats' behavior activity and upregulate hippocampal SS and SS mRNA expression.

[Influence of electroacupuncture of "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on hippocampal 5-HT and AChE immuno-activity in chronic depression rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on 5-serotonin (5-HT) and acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activities in hippocampus tissue in chronic stressed-induced depression rats. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomized into normal control group (n=10), model group (n=11) and EA group (n=11). Chronic depression model was established by lonely raising, and chronic unpredictable mild stress for 21 days. EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) for 20 minutes, once daily for 14 days. 5-HT and AChE expression of hippocampal CA 4 region was detected by using immunohistochemistry, and their integrated optical density (IOD) values were determined by using image analysis system. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, IOD values of 5-HT and AChE immuno-reaction (IR) positive neurons in hippocampal CA 4 region of model group decreased significantly (P<0.05). In comparison with model group, the IOD values of 5-HT and AChE IR positive neurons of CA 4 region in EA group increased significantly (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between EA and normal control groups in IOD values of both 5-HT and AChE IR positive neurons. CONCLUSION: EA can upregulate 5-HT and AChE expression in hippocampal CA 4 region in depression rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving depression.

[Effect of electroacupuncture of "Hegu" (LI 4)-"Taichong" (LR 3) on colonic nitric oxide synthase and glutathione peroxidase activity and nitric oxide content in depression rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the activity of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the content of nitric oxide (NO) in colon tissue of depression rats, so as to reveal its mechanism in protecting colonic tissue under depression. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were equally randomized into normal, model, medication and EA groups. Depression model was established by using chronic unpredictable mild stress stimulation (forced ice-water swimming, electric shock, tail-clamping, etc) combined with lonely raising for 21 days. At the same time of modeling, Fluoxetine (1.8 mg/kg, intragastric perfusion) was given to the rats of medication group, once daily for 21 days. EA (1.5-2 Hz, 1-3 mA) was applied to bilateral "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 20 min, once daily for 21 days. The activity of iNOS, GSH-Px and the content of NO in colon tissue were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometer method. RESULTS: In comparison with normal control group, iNOS activity and NO content in colon tissue increased significantly (P<0.05), and GSH-Px activity decreased considerably (P<0.05) in model group. Whereas compared with model group, iNOS activity and NO content decreased significantly (P<0.05), and GSH-Px activity increased significantly in EA and medication groups. No significant differences were found between EA group and medication group in these 3 indexes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of "Hegu" (LI 4) and "Taichong" (LR 3) can reduce stress induced increase of both iNOS activity and NO content, and decrease of GSH-Px activity in colon tissue in depression rats, which may contribute to its effect in protecting the digestive tract from injury under depression.

[Analysis on length of meridians and ebb-flow of ying-qi based on ancient Shushu].

The theories of Shushu in the literature of Qin and Han periods are reorganized and expositions of foreigner scholars about ancient way of thought are consulted, and compared with the recordation about the ebb-flow of ying-qi and the length of meridians in ancient medical books to probe into the relationship between Shushu and these recordation. It is found that the ebb-flow of ying-qi and the length of meridians are completely conform with the principle of Shushu, i. e. the ebb-flow degrees of ying-qi and the length of meridians all are deduced from Shushu for building the close inseparable response relation between nature and humans. Because Shushu can not be verified, modern scientific methods are not suitable to the study on the ebb-flow of ying-qi.

[Influence of electroacupuncture on insulin-resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. METHODS: Thirty male SD rats were randomized into normal control, NAFLD model and EA groups, with 10 cases in each. NAFLD model was established by feeding the rats with high-fat food for 8 weeks. EA (2 Hz, 4 mA) was applied to "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Fenglong" (ST 40), "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), and "Taichong" (LR 3) for 15 min, once daily for 4 weeks. Fasting blood sugar (FBG) and serum free fatty acids (FFA) were detected with chromatometry; serum insulin (INS) was determined with radioimmunoassay; homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and liver index (LI) were calculated. Liver tissue was cut into sections for detecting pathological changes. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, FBG, INS, FFA, HOMA-IR and LI of model group increased significantly (P<0.05), and hepatic diffuse steatosis with cellular necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration was obvious. In comparison with model group, all the 5 indexes in EA group decreased significantly (P<0.05), and pathological changes as hepatic steatosis, etc. were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: EA may be used to effectively improve NAFLD by lowering insulin resistance.