Effects of pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4) on cognitive impairment and serum levels of Aß1-42, tau, P-tau in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. / åŽ‹ç¸ç™¾ä¼šã€å ³å ƒå¯¹è½»ä¸­åº¦é˜¿å°”èŒ¨æµ·é»˜ç— æ‚£è€ è®¤çŸ¥éšœç¢åŠè¡€æ¸ Aß1-42、tau、P-tau水平的影响.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets and donepezil hydrochloride tablets alone on cognitive impairment in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease(AD), and to explore the mechanism of pressing moxibustion in the treatment of mild to moderate AD from the serum levels of ß-amyloid 1-42 (Aß1-42), microtubule-associated protein tau and phosphorylated tau (P-tau). METHODS: A total of 76 patients with mild to moderate AD were randomly divided into an observation group (38 cases, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (38 cases, 2 cases dropped out). Patients in the control group were given oral donepezil hydrochloride tablets (5 mg each time, once a day). On the basis of the control group, patients in the observation group were treated with pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 5 cones per acupoint, once every other day, three times a week. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were compared between the two groups before treatment, after treatment and after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment completion. The serum levels of Aß1-42, tau and P-tau were detected before and after treatment in the two groups, and the safety was evaluated. RESULTS: At each time point after treatment, the MMSE and MoCA scores of the two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of Aß1-42, tau and P-tau in the two groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the safety level between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term and long-term effect of pressing moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets in improving cognitive impairment in mild to moderate AD is better than that of donepezil hydrochloride tablets alone, and can reduce serum levels of Aß1-42, tau and P-tau, which may be one of the mechanisms of pressing moxibustion to improve cognitive impairment.

[Immediate effect of acupuncture and moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) on heart rate variability in patients with qi deficiency syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate effect of acupuncture and moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) on heart rate variability index in patients with qi deficiency syndrome. METHODS: Ninety patients with qi deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into an acupuncture group, a moxibustion group and a blank group, 30 patients in each group. The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) for 15 min; acupuncture was given once. The patients in the moxibustion group were treated with moxibustion with identical acupoints and treatment duration. The patients in the blank group received no intervention. The symptom scores of qi deficiency syndrome in each group before and after treatment were recorded. The average heart rate and index of heart rate variability including total power, low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and logarithm of LF/HF (log LF/HF) were tested 5 min before treatment, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min into treatment, and 5 min after treatment. RESULTS: The symptom scores of qi deficiency syndrome were reduced in the acupuncture group and moxibustion group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, in the acupuncture group, the HF was increased 5 min into treatment (P<0.05), but was reduced 15 min into treatment and 5 min after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). The log LF/HF was increased 5 min and 10 min into treatment and 5 min after treatment (P<0.01). The difference of average heart rate between 5 min before treatment and 5 min after treatment in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the moxibustion group and blank group (P<0.05), and the difference of log LF/HF was higher than that in the moxibustion group and blank group (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion has immediate effects on heart rate variability in patients with qi deficiency syndrome, and the effect of acupuncture is superior to moxibustion, which may be related to the benign regulation of acupuncture on autonomic nervous system.

[Effect of moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on bone morphology, metabolism and ERα of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the ovariectomized rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on bone morphology, metabolism and ERα of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the ovariectomized rats and explore the underlying mechanism of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on the regulation of bone metabolism. METHODS: A total of 60 SD rats were randomized into a normal group (20 rats) and an ovariectomy group (40 rats). In the normal group, no any treatment was provided. In the ovariectomy group, the classical ovariectomy was adopted to set up the osteoporosis model. In the 13th week after ovariectomy, 10 rats were collected from each of the normal group and the ovariectomy group for model identification. After model identification, the ovariectomy group was subdivided into a model group, an estradiol group and a moxibustion group, 10 rats in each one. In the normal group and the model group, the gavage was provided with 2 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution, once a day. In the estradiol group, the gavage was provided with 17ß-estradiol 100 µg/(kg•d), once a day. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was applied at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), 15 min at each acupoint, once a day. The 6 treatments were as one course, with 1 day of interval, 12 courses were required. After 12-week intervention, the dual-energy X-ray was adopted to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content of the whole body in living condition. After sacrificed, HE staining was adopted to observe femur structure, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was to determine the absorbance of estradiol (E2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and the real-time quantitative PCR method was to determine the mRNA expressions of ERα of MSCs in tibia and femur. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, BMD was increased obviously in the pelvis and spine in the moxibustion group and the estradiol group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the bone mineral content was higher in the rib, pelvis and spine in the moxibustion group and the estradiol group, there was no statistically significant difference (all P>0.05). Compared with the model group, the bone trabeculas were stronger and well connected in the moxibustion group, indicated by HE staining. Compared with the model group, the concentrations of E2 in serum were increased obviously in the estradiol group and the moxibusiton group (both P<0.01), and ALP concentrations reduced obviously in the estradiol group and the moxibustion group (both P<0.001), the mRNA expressions of ERα in MSCs increased in the estradiol group and the moxibustion group (both P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) effectively increases BMD and bone strength in the ovariectomized rats and the mechanism may be related to the improvement of serum E2 concentration, the decrease of serum ALP concentration and the up-regulation of mRNA expression of ERα in MSCs.

[Therapeutic effects on primary dysmenorrhea treated with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and warm needling at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effects on primary dysmenorrhea treated with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and warm needling at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). METHODS: A total of 120 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in each one. In the control group, the warm needling technique was used at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In the observation group, besides the same treatment as the control group, moxibustion was added at Shenque (CV 8). The treatment was given for 4 menstrual cycles consecutively. Before and after treatment, the score of the severity and the score of the total frequency in the retrospective scale of dysmenorrhea symptoms as well as the score of the visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded and compared in the patients between the two groups. Additionally, the safety of the two therapeutic methods was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the score of severity and the score of total frequency as well as VAS score of menstrual pain were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0.05). The scores in the observation group were more obvious as compared with the control group (all P<0.05). Regarding the safety evaluation, the difference was not significant between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined treatment of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) with the warm needling technique at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) achieves the better clinical effects on primary dysmenorrhea as compared with the simple application of the warm needling technique at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). This therapy is safety in clinical practice.

Effect of moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on bone morphology, metabolism and ERα of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in the ovariectomized rats / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) on bone morphology, metabolism and ERα of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the ovariectomized rats and explore the underlying mechanism of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on the regulation of bone metabolism.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 SD rats were randomized into a normal group (20 rats) and an ovariectomy group (40 rats). In the normal group, no any treatment was provided. In the ovariectomy group, the classical ovariectomy was adopted to set up the osteoporosis model. In the 13th week after ovariectomy, 10 rats were collected from each of the normal group and the ovariectomy group for model identification. After model identification, the ovariectomy group was subdivided into a model group, an estradiol group and a moxibustion group, 10 rats in each one. In the normal group and the model group, the gavage was provided with 2 mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution, once a day. In the estradiol group, the gavage was provided with 17β-estradiol 100 μg/(kg•d), once a day. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was applied at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), 15 min at each acupoint, once a day. The 6 treatments were as one course, with 1 day of interval, 12 courses were required. After 12-week intervention, the dual-energy X-ray was adopted to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content of the whole body in living condition. After sacrificed, HE staining was adopted to observe femur structure, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was to determine the absorbance of estradiol (E) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum and the real-time quantitative PCR method was to determine the mRNA expressions of ERα of MSCs in tibia and femur.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, BMD was increased obviously in the pelvis and spine in the moxibustion group and the estradiol group (0.05). Compared with the model group, the bone trabeculas were stronger and well connected in the moxibustion group, indicated by HE staining. Compared with the model group, the concentrations of E in serum were increased obviously in the estradiol group and the moxibusiton group (both <0.01), and ALP concentrations reduced obviously in the estradiol group and the moxibustion group (both <0.001), the mRNA expressions of ERα in MSCs increased in the estradiol group and the moxibustion group (both <0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) effectively increases BMD and bone strength in the ovariectomized rats and the mechanism may be related to the improvement of serum E concentration, the decrease of serum ALP concentration and the up-regulation of mRNA expression of ERα in MSCs.

Therapeutic effects on primary dysmenorrhea treated with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and warm needling at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical effects on primary dysmenorrhea treated with moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) and warm needling at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6).@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in each one. In the control group, the warm needling technique was used at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In the observation group, besides the same treatment as the control group, moxibustion was added at Shenque (CV 8). The treatment was given for 4 menstrual cycles consecutively. Before and after treatment, the score of the severity and the score of the total frequency in the retrospective scale of dysmenorrhea symptoms as well as the score of the visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded and compared in the patients between the two groups. Additionally, the safety of the two therapeutic methods was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the score of severity and the score of total frequency as well as VAS score of menstrual pain were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The combined treatment of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) with the warm needling technique at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) achieves the better clinical effects on primary dysmenorrhea as compared with the simple application of the warm needling technique at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). This therapy is safety in clinical practice.

[Effects of mild moxibustion on the uterine microcirculation in patients of primary dysmenorrhea].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of mild moxibustion on the uterine microcirculation in patients of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and explore the potential mechanism of mild moxibustion in the treatment of PD. METHODS: A total of 30 patients were randomized into a treatment group and a waiting list group, 15 cases in each one. Additionally, 15 healthy people were collected in the healthy group. In the treatment group, the mild moxibustion was used at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The treatment was given once a day since 5 to 7 days before menstruation until menses, 20 min each time. The treatment lasted for 3 menstrual cycles. No any intervention was provided in the waiting list group and the healthy group. The three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound test was adopted to observe the changes of the relevant indexes of uterine arterial blood, such as the systolic velocity (Vs), the diastolic velocity (Vd), the mean velocity (Vm), peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity (S/D), pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) before treatment and at the end of 3-menstrual-cycle treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, as compared with the healthy group, Vs, Vd and Vm reduced in the treatment group and the waiting list group, S/D, PI and RI increased in the treatment group (all P<0.05). The differences were not significant in S/D, PI and RI between the waiting list group and the healthy group (all P>0.05). After treatment for 3 menstrual cycles, Vs, Vd and Vm increased in the treatment group (all P<0.05), S/D, PI and RI reduced (all P<0.05). The difference was not significant in every index before and after trial in the waiting list group and the healthy group (all P>0.05). After treatment, Vs, Vd and Vm in the treatment group were higher than those in the waiting list group (all P<0.05) and the difference was not significant as compared with those in the healthy group (all P>0.05). S/D, PI and RI in the treatment group were lower than those in the waiting list group and the healthy group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mild moxibustion remarkably improves the uterine microcirculation in PD patients, which is achieved possibly by increasing blood velocity and reducing vascular resistance.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on expression of CD36 in peritoneal macrophages of rabbits with atherosclerosis].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expressions of CD36 gene and protein in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture regulation of atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total of 26 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group (7 rabbits) and a model group (19 rabbits). The rabbits in the blank group were fed with common feedstuff, and those in the model group were applied with high fat diet and arteria carotis communis bullon injury. One rabbit was sacrificed after 8 weeks to observe the morphological changes of carotid atherosclerotic plaques by HE staining to verify model establishment separately in the blank group and model group. The model rabbits were randomized into a control group, an EA group and a western medication group, 6 rabbits in each one. Common feedstuff was used in the blank group and high fat feed in the other groups. No intervention except grabbing and fixation as the EA group was in the blank group and control group. Rabbits in the EA group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Guanyuan" (CV 4), and EA with sparse-dense wave was connected at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 20 min, 4 Hz/20 Hz and 1 mA. 20 mL suspension of 1mg/kg/d atorvastatin calcium tablets were prescribed by intragastric administration in the western medication group for 4 courses, 6 d as one course with 1 d between two courses, once a day. The expression of CD36 protein in peritoneal macrophages was detected by Western blot. Reverse transcription (RT) of RNA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cDNA were used to detect the expression of CD36 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages. RESULTS: In the blank group, the vascular wall thickness was uniform and the endothelium was intact. There was no accumulation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. In the model group, the intima of the artery obviously thickened; the intima was damaged; the atherosclerotic plaque and inflammatory cell infiltration were found in the intima, and the foam cells were seen. After treatment, the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA in the control group, EA group and western medication group were higher than those in the blank group (all P<0.01). Those in the EA group and western medication group were lower than the expressions in the control group (all P<0.01). There was no statistical significance for the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA between the EA group and the western medication group (both P>0.05). . CONCLUSION: EA can reduce the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits, which may be one of the mechanisms of EA treatment of atherosclerosis.

[Clinical observation on premature ovarian failure by warming acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao points].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect difference between warm acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao points and western medication for premature ovarian failure (POF). METHODS: Fifty patients with POF were randomly assigned into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a western medication group, 25 cases in each group. Warm acupuncture (30 min a time) at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion (1.5 h a time) at Baliao points were used in the acupuncture-moxibustion group, once a day, 5 times a week. Three courses were given, one month as a course. Climen tablet was prescribed orally from the 5th day of menstruation in the western medication group, one tablet a time, once a day. The medication was given for 3 months, 7 days between the two 21-day medication. Before and after treatment, electrochemiluminescence was used to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH); euzymelinked immunosorbent assay was applied to test estradiol (E2); transvaginal color doppler sonography and abdomen ultrasound were applied to determine peak systolic velocity (PSV) of ovarian blood flow, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), ovarian volume and the number of sinus follicles (AFC). The clinical effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, FSH and FSH/LH were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the value of FSH/LH in the acupuncture-moxibustion group as lower (P<0.05). E2, PSV and AFC after treatment were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), and PSV, AFC in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were higher (both P<0.05). After treatment, RI and PI were lower and ovarian volume increased than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was 92.0% (23/25), and the total effective rate in the western medication group was 88.0% (22/25), without statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Warm acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at Baliao points are effective for POF patients, especially in improving FSH/LH, PSV and AFC.

Effects of electroacupuncture on expression of CD36 in peritoneal macrophages of rabbits with atherosclerosis / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expressions of CD36 gene and protein in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits, and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture regulation of atherosclerosis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 26 male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group (7 rabbits) and a model group (19 rabbits). The rabbits in the blank group were fed with common feedstuff, and those in the model group were applied with high fat diet and arteria carotis communis bullon injury. One rabbit was sacrificed after 8 weeks to observe the morphological changes of carotid atherosclerotic plaques by HE staining to verify model establishment separately in the blank group and model group. The model rabbits were randomized into a control group, an EA group and a western medication group, 6 rabbits in each one. Common feedstuff was used in the blank group and high fat feed in the other groups. No intervention except grabbing and fixation as the EA group was in the blank group and control group. Rabbits in the EA group were treated with acupuncture at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Guanyuan" (CV 4), and EA with sparse-dense wave was connected at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 20 min, 4 Hz/20 Hz and 1 mA. 20 mL suspension of 1mg/kg/d atorvastatin calcium tablets were prescribed by intragastric administration in the western medication group for 4 courses, 6 d as one course with 1 d between two courses, once a day. The expression of CD36 protein in peritoneal macrophages was detected by Western blot. Reverse transcription (RT) of RNA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of cDNA were used to detect the expression of CD36 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the blank group, the vascular wall thickness was uniform and the endothelium was intact. There was no accumulation of foam cells and atherosclerotic plaques. In the model group, the intima of the artery obviously thickened; the intima was damaged; the atherosclerotic plaque and inflammatory cell infiltration were found in the intima, and the foam cells were seen. After treatment, the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA in the control group, EA group and western medication group were higher than those in the blank group (all<0.01). Those in the EA group and western medication group were lower than the expressions in the control group (all<0.01). There was no statistical significance for the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA between the EA group and the western medication group (both>0.05). .</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA can reduce the expressions of CD36 protein and CD36 mRNA in peritoneal macrophages of atherosclerotic rabbits, which may be one of the mechanisms of EA treatment of atherosclerosis.</p>

Clinical observation on premature ovarian failure by warming acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at points / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect difference between warm acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at points and western medication for premature ovarian failure (POF).@*METHODS@#Fifty patients with POF were randomly assigned into an acupuncture-moxibustion group and a western medication group, 25 cases in each group. Warm acupuncture (30 min a time) at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion (1.5 h a time) at points were used in the acupuncture-moxibustion group, once a day, 5 times a week. Three courses were given, one month as a course. Climen tablet was prescribed orally from the 5th day of menstruation in the western medication group, one tablet a time, once a day. The medication was given for 3 months, 7 days between the two 21-day medication. Before and after treatment, electrochemiluminescence was used to measure follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH); euzymelinked immunosorbent assay was applied to test estradiol (E); transvaginal color doppler sonography and abdomen ultrasound were applied to determine peak systolic velocity (PSV) of ovarian blood flow, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), ovarian volume and the number of sinus follicles (AFC). The clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, FSH and FSH/LH were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Warm acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) combined with ginger moxibustion at points are effective for POF patients, especially in improving FSH/LH, PSV and AFC.

Effects of mild moxibustion on the uterine microcirculation in patients of primary dysmenorrhea / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of mild moxibustion on the uterine microcirculation in patients of primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and explore the potential mechanism of mild moxibustion in the treatment of PD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 30 patients were randomized into a treatment group and a waiting list group, 15 cases in each one. Additionally, 15 healthy people were collected in the healthy group. In the treatment group, the mild moxibustion was used at Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The treatment was given once a day since 5 to 7 days before menstruation until menses, 20 min each time. The treatment lasted for 3 menstrual cycles. No any intervention was provided in the waiting list group and the healthy group. The three-dimensional Doppler ultrasound test was adopted to observe the changes of the relevant indexes of uterine arterial blood, such as the systolic velocity (Vs), the diastolic velocity (Vd), the mean velocity (Vm), peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity (S/D), pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) before treatment and at the end of 3-menstrual-cycle treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Before treatment, as compared with the healthy group, Vs, Vd and Vm reduced in the treatment group and the waiting list group, S/D, PI and RI increased in the treatment group (all <0.05). The differences were not significant in S/D, PI and RI between the waiting list group and the healthy group (all >0.05). After treatment for 3 menstrual cycles, Vs, Vd and Vm increased in the treatment group (all <0.05), S/D, PI and RI reduced (all <0.05). The difference was not significant in every index before and after trial in the waiting list group and the healthy group (all >0.05). After treatment, Vs, Vd and Vm in the treatment group were higher than those in the waiting list group (all <0.05) and the difference was not significant as compared with those in the healthy group (all >0.05). S/D, PI and RI in the treatment group were lower than those in the waiting list group and the healthy group (all <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The mild moxibustion remarkably improves the uterine microcirculation in PD patients, which is achieved possibly by increasing blood velocity and reducing vascular resistance.</p>

[Discussion of biological effects of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and its influence factors].

Moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) can produce biological effects, mainly including local effects, targeting organ effects, systemic effects. The biological effects of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) are related to stimulation parameters and health or pathological nature of the objects, and the effects show acupoint specificity. Its research of local effects should be attached importance to and the acupoint specificity needs to be ascertained, as well as the relationships between the biological effects and stimulation parameters, and between the effects and health or pathological nature of the objects.

Discussion of biological effects of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) and its influence factors / 中国针灸

Moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) can produce biological effects, mainly including local effects, targeting organ effects, systemic effects. The biological effects of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) are related to stimulation parameters and health or pathological nature of the objects, and the effects show acupoint specificity. Its research of local effects should be attached importance to and the acupoint specificity needs to be ascertained, as well as the relationships between the biological effects and stimulation parameters, and between the effects and health or pathological nature of the objects.