Acupoint catgut embedding improves senescence in a rat model of ageing by regulating mitophagy via the PINK1 pathway.

Ageing population is a tough task worldwide, and the aggravating trend of ageing population in China brings enormous pressure to healthcare system. Chinese acupuncture has shown definite anti-ageing effect as arthralgia relief, movement improvement, energy increase and immunity enhancement; however, the mechanisms underlying are far away from illumination. Increasing literature has highlighted the role of alterations in mitochondrial function as a potential central regulator in ageing biology; mitophagy plays a critical role in mitochondrial quality control. In the present study, we demonstrated that acupoint catgut embedding treatment ameliorated ageing-related alterations in appearance, muscle function and spatial memory in rats, reduced degenerated cells in hippocampus, and maintained relatively normal structures in the hippocampus tissue and neurons. These changes were proved to be associated with the regulation of mitochondrial function and autophagic activity. Furthermore, we investigated part of the molecular mechanisms and demonstrated that the PINK1 other than PINK1-Parkin signalling pathway involved in the effects of acupoint catgut embedding, and the imbalancement between mitochondrial fusion and fission and stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis may aggravate or compensate for impaired mitochondria. The factors act downstream PINK, and the interaction between them for mitochondrial homeostasis in this process remains to be identified.

Use of 5-0 Fast Absorbing Gut versus 6-0 Fast Absorbing Gut during cutaneous wound closure on the head and neck: A randomized evaluator-blinded split-wound comparative effectiveness trial.

BACKGROUND: Absorbable suture material (Fast Absorbing Gut [FG], Ethicon, Somerville NJ) is often used for patient convenience; however, the optimal diameter of FG sutures is debatable. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of 6-0 FG during repair of linear cutaneous surgery wounds on the head and neck improves scar cosmesis compared with the use of 5-0 FG. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, split-scar intervention in patients undergoing repair of linear cutaneous wounds on the head and neck. The scar was assessed 3 months after surgery via the Physician Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a validated instrument. RESULTS: The difference in the sum of the POSAS component scores for 6-0 FG (12.03) compared with that for 5-0 FG (13.11) was not statistically significant (P = .26). Observer overall opinion was similar for both interventions, at 2.49 for 6-0 FG vs 2.64 for 5-0 FG (P = .54). The difference in the number of complications in the 5-0 FG group (15) vs the 6-0 FG group (10) was not statistically significant (P = .40). LIMITATIONS: Single-center study with wounds limited to the head and neck in white individuals, with a predominance of men. CONCLUSION: For linear repair of cutaneous wounds, 6-0 FG was not statistically different for cosmetic outcomes, scar width, and complications compared with 5-0 FG.

The Bidirectional, Absorbable, No-Drain Abdominoplasty.

This article outlines the author's technique, and the concepts of Bidirectional, Absorbable, No-Drain Abdominoplasty (BAND-Abdominoplasty). The attendant advantages and disadvantages are reviewed in the context of a retrospective, 5-year, single surgeon series. Level of Evidence IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

[Clinical effect on migraine treated with acupoint implantation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy on migraine treated with acupoint implantation. METHODS: Sixty cases of migraine were randomized into a implantation group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 30 cases in each one. In the implantation group, implantation was used at Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Waiguan (TE 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc., once every 2 weeks, for 4 weeks totally. In the EA group, the acupoints were the same as the implantation group, and EA was applied to Fengchi (GB 20) and Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Zusanli (ST 36), once every two days, for 4 weeks totally. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted before and after treatment and the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, VAS score was reduced in the implantation group and the EA group as compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.01). After treatment, VAS score in the implantation group was lower than that in the EA group (P < 0.01). The difference in VAS score before and after treatment in the implantation group was improved apparently as compared with that in the EA group (P < 0.01). The total effective rate in the implantation group was higher than that in the EA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint implantation reduces VAS score in the patients of migraine and its clinical efficacy is better than that in the EA group. The therapy presents the long-term clinical effect and deserves to be promoted in clinical practice.

[Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern treated with acupoint embedding therapy: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference between the acupoint embedding therapy and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules in the clinical efficacy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern. METHODS: The multi-center clinical trial was adopted and 180 cases of NAFLD of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern were randomized into an embedding therapy group and a western medication group, 90 cases in each one. On the basis of general treatment such as diet control and proper physical exercise, in the embedding therapy group, the acupoint embedding therapy was applied to Ganshu (BL 18), Tai-chong (LR 3), Fenglong (ST 40), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once every 7 days; in the western medication group, polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules (essentiale) were prescribed, 228 mg/capsule, 2 capsules each time, three times a day. In 6 months of treatment, TCM syndrome score, liver enzymology, blood lipid and abdomen B-ultrasound examination were observed and compared before and after treatment between the two groups. RESULTS: (1) For TCM syndrome score, the total score in the embedding therapy group was lower significantly than that in the western medication group (P<0. 05); (2) For liver enzymology and blood lipid, the levels of serum alanine transarninase (ALT), serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) in the embedding therapy group were reduced significantly as compared with those in the western medication group (all P<0. 05); (3) For abdomen B-ultrasound examination, the fatty liver degree in the embedding therapy group was relieved significantly as compared with that in the western medication group (P< 0. 05); (4) For clinical efficacy, the total effective rate was 89. 8%o (79/88) in the embedding therapy group, higher significantly than 76. 7% (69/90) in the western medication group(P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint embedding therapy achieves the definite efficacy on NAFLD of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency pattern, better than polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules.

[Analysis of safety of minimally invasive embedding].

The technique of minimally invasive embedding simplifies the clinical manipulation of embeddingtherapy and relieves painful patients. The safety of minimally invasive embedding is analyzed in terms of manipula-tion apparatuses, embedding materials, operating techniques and possible adverse reactions, etc. It is expected thatthe evidence of popularizing minimally invasive embedding should be provided.

[Dynamic Changes of Fast Spin-echo T 2 Weighted Images Displayed Topical Reactions to Micro-invasive Catgut-embedment of Zusanli (ST 36) in Healthy Volunteer Subjects].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the duration of local reactions after subcutaneous micro-invasive catgut-embedding stimulation in Zusanli(ST 36) region in normal human body by using magnetic resonance (MR) T 2-mapping, so as to find a reasonable interval between every two catgut-embedding performance. METHODS: A total of 8 normal volunteers (3 women, and 5 men) were enrolled in the present study. Before and 8 h, and 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after the subcutaneous micro-invasive embedment of catgut (Gauge 2.0, 2 cm long) in the left Zusanli (ST 36) area, the local T 2-weighted images (T 2 WI) and fat-suppression T 2-weighted images (FS T 2 WI) were detected and recorded by using MR scan (GE Optima MR 360 1.5 T) and analyzed using FuncTool software. RESULTS: Compared with pre-catgut-embedment, the local signal strength of T 2 FS WI and T 2 relaxation time began to rise on the 8th hour after catgut-embedment, peaked on the 3rd day, began to descend on the 7th day, but being still higher than pre-embedment, and turned to the normal level on the 21st day to the 35th day. Results of statistical analysis displayed that compared with pre-catgut-embedment, T 2 relaxation time levels were significantly higher on the 8th h, day 3, 7 and 14 after the embedment (P<0.01), and were comparable to that of pre-embedment on day 21, 28 and 35 (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Catgut-embedment of Zusanli (ST 36) induces an apparent change of MRI signals from the 8th h to the 14th day in normal volunteer subjects, suggesting that an interval of 21 days may be reasonable for the micro-invasion catgut-embedment in clinical practice.

[Effect of Preconditioning of Catgut Implantation at Acupoints on Changes of Behavior and EEG in Epileptic Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of preconditioning of catgut implantation on changes of behavior and EEG of rats with epilepsy. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, catgut implantation, medication groups (10 rats/group). The catgut implantation was performed at "Yintang" (EX 2) to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Changqiang" (GV 1) on day 1, 4 and 7. The epileptic model was made by intraperitoneal injection of penicillin sodium on the last day of the treatment. In the medication group, intragastric administration of valproic acid sodium was conducted once a day for consecutive 7 days. Behavior measurement and EEG recording were carried out shortly after the penicillin administration. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, the seizure latency was notably increased in the catgut implantation group and the medication group (P < 0.01), without significant difference between the last two groups (P > 0.05). The degree of the seizure attack was less severe in the catgut implantation group and the medication group (P < 0.01), without significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Similar to valproic acid sodium, catgut implantation significantly reduced the amplitude and accelerated the frequency of EEG (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Catgut implantation can delay the seizure attack latency, alleviate the severity, regulate the amplitude and frequency of the epileptiform discharges, giving rise to evident antiepileptic effect.

[Clinical research of chronic pelvic cavity pain syndrome treated with acupoint catgut embedding therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding therapy on chronic pelvic cavity pain syndrome differentiated as kidney deficiency and stagnation of damp heat, and explore the impacts on plasma P substance (SP), plasma beta-endorphin (ß-EP). METHODS: One hundred and eighty cases were randomly divided into a catgut embedding group (90 cases) and a western medication group (90 cases). In the western medication group, tamsulosin capsules 0. 2 mg were prescribed for oral administration, once a day; indometacin sustained release tablets, 25 mg, three times a day. Totally, the oral administration for 8 weeks was required. In the catgut embedding group, the acupoint catgut embedding therapy was applied to Qugu (CV 2), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhibian (BL 54), Huiyin (CV 1) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once every two weeks; the treatment of 4 weeks made one session, and two sessions were required. Before and after treatment, TCM symptom score, NIH-CPSI (the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index) score, lecithin body numbers in prostatic fluid, score in SAS (self-rating anxiety scale), score in SDS (self-rating depression scale), the levels of SP and ß-EP, etc. were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was assessed in the two groups. RESULTS: (1) Ten cases were dropped in either group. The total effective rate was 91. 25% (73/80) in the catgut embedding group, higher than 78. 75% (63/80) in the western medication group (P<0. 05). (2) After treatment, TCM symptom score, total score in NIH-CPSI, pain score and the scores in SAS and SDS were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0. 05). After treatment, TCM symptom score, total score and pain score in NIH-CPSI, and the scores in SAS and SDS in the catgut embedding group were both lower than those in the western medication group (all P<0. 05). (3) After treatment, the lecithin body numbers were both increased as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P<0. 05), and the result in the catgut embedding group was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0. 05). (4)After treatment, the SP level was lower than that before treatment in the two groups (both P<0. 05); the level of p-EP was increased as compared with that before treatment (both P<0. 05). The SP level in the catgut embedding group was lower than that in the western medication group (P<0. 05); the level of ß-EP was higher than that in the western medication group (P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint catgut embedding therapy apparently relieves the clinical symptoms of chronic pelvic cavity pain syndrome differentiated as kidney deficiency and stagnation of damp heat as well as the condition of anxiety and depression, increases lecithin body numbers in prostatic fluid and ß-EP level and reduces SP level.

[Impacts on motor function in the children of cerebral palsy treated with acupuncture and acupoint embedding therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy difference on the motor function in the children of cerebral palsy between acupuncture combined with acupoint embedding therapy and simple acupuncture. METHODS: One hundred and twenty children of cerebral palsy were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 60 cases in, each one. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied in combination with acupoint embedding therapy. For the acupoint embedding therapy, the main acupoints were Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23); the supplementary points were Dazhui (GV 14), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Sanjiaoshu (BL 22), Xinshu (BL 15) and Ganshu (BL 18). The catgut was embedded to the acupoints. Acupuncture was applied to the acupoints on the head and four limbs and the needles were retained for 40 min after qi arrival. In the control group, the simple acupuncture was applied, except for the acupoint embedding therapy. The rest treatment was the same as the observation group. The treatment lasted continuously for 3 months in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the gross motor function measure (GMFM) and the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) were used for the assessment and the efficacy was analyzed. RESULTS: (1) After treatment, the total score of GMFM was increased in the two groups (both P<0. 01) and the score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0. 05). (2) The scores in A and B areas of GMFM were all improved in the two groups after treat ment (all P<0. 01) and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0. 01 P<0. 05). (3) The total effective rate was 76. 7% (46/60) in the observation group, which was better than 55. 0% (33/60) in the control group (P<0. 01). CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of acupuncture and acupoint embedding much better improves the motor function in the children of cerebral palsy as compared with the simple acupuncture.

[Preliminary study on depth of embedded catgut and qi arrival at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) under ultrasound guidance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the needling sensation of catgut embedding therapy and the depth of embedded catgut so as to improve the safety of the needle insertion and catgut implantation of the therapy. METHODS: Twenty healthy adults were selected. Under the ultrasound, the structure of the cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) was observed. In the ultrasound guidance, the catgut was embedded. The two-dimensional imaging method was adopted to observe the anatomic structure and the procedure of needle insertion at the cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2). The high-frequency ultrasound was used to collect the images at Jiaji (EX-B 2) of C5 and determine the depths from the skin surface to the different layers of the point. Additionally, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted to score the needling sensations when the needle inserted at different layers. The persistent sensation duration in the local area was followed continuously. RESULTS: Under the ultrasound, the anatomic structure and tissue layers of cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) were displayed clearly. The difference was significant in the average depth from the skin surface to the subcutaneous tissue, trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, semipinalis cervicis, multifidus and vertebral arch between the males and females (all P<0. 01). During the needle insertion, the sensations were apparently different when the implantation went to different layers. The qi arrival presented when the catgut was embedded to the trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, semipinalis cervicis and multifidus. But the distending pain was the most significant when in the myofascial. Commonly, the embedded catgut 2. 5 cm in length may be implanted deeply to the multifidus and the local needling sensation lasted averagely for (72. 0 ± 10. 2) h. Conclusion Under the ultrasound guidance, the depth of embedded catgut is clearly displayed at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2). The needle insertion and the implanted material are visible, and the relationship between qi arrival and the layer of needle insertion is determined. The accuracy and safety of minimally invasive catgut embedding therapy is improved in the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

[Intractable facial paralysis treated with different acupuncture and acupoint embedding therapies: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical therapeutic effects on intractable facial paralysis among acupuncture, acupoint catgut embedding and PDS embedding. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients of intractable facial paralysis were randomized into an acupuncture group, a catgut embedding group and a PDS embedding group, 93 cases in each one. Cuanzhu (BL 2), Yuyao (EX-HN 4), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Xuanlu (GB 5), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Quanliao (SI 18), Qianzheng (Extra), Xiaguan (ST 7) and Fengchi (GB 20) on the affected side and bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected in the three groups. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to those acupoints, once every two days; 10 treatments made one session; the successive three sessions were required. In the catgut embedding group and the PDS embedding group, catgut and PDS were embedded separately, once every 10 days; 3 treatments made one session and the successive two sessions were required. The therapeutic cycle was 2 months in the three groups. The therapeutic results were analyzed statistically 2 months later. The scores of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system and the facial nerve electroneurography (ENoG) were used for the efficacy assessment before and after treatment in the three groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system was improved apparently after treatment as compared with that before treatment in any of the three groups (all P < 0.05). The score in either of the embedding groups was better than that in the acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). The difference was not significant between the catgut embedding group and the PDS embedding group (P > 0.05). After treatment, ENoG wave ampli tude values in the frontal muscle and orbicularisoris muscle on the affected side were improved as compared with those before treatment in the three groups (all P < 0.05). Those in the catgut embedding group and the PDS embedding group were better than those in the acupuncture group (all P < 0.05), and had no significant difference as compared with those on the healthy side (P > 0.05). In the acupuncture group, ENoG wave amplitudes on the affected side were lower than those on the healthy side (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture, catgut embedding and PDS embedding at acupoints all achieve the therapeutic effects on intractable facial paralysis. However, the acupoint embedding therapy presents more advantages on the recovery of facial nerve function. The efficacy is similar between the catgut embedding and the PDS embedding.

[Clinical research of catgut implantation at scalp reflecting foci for post-stroke sensory disturbance].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in clinical efficacy on post-stroke sensory disturbance between catgut implantation at scalp reflecting foci and conventional acupuncture as well as the impacts on blood rheology. METHODS: Fifty-nine cases of post-stroke sensory disturbance were randomized into a catgut implantation group (30 cases) and an acupuncture group (29 cases). The conventional internal medicine treatment, limb motor function rehabilitation training and sensory function training were applied in the two groups. Additionally, the catgut implantation was used at scalp reflecting foci in the catgut implantation group, once a week, 4 treatment made one session. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4), Siqiang (EX-LE 24), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Qiuxu (GB 40) and Taichong (LR 3), once every day, 5 times a week, the 4 weeks of treatment made one session. There was an interval of 1 week between the two sessions in the two groups. Totally, 2 sessions of treatment were required. Before and after treatment, the sensory and motor scores, modified barthel index (MBI) and blood rheological indices were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the patients of the two groups. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the catgut implantation group, which was better than 65.5% (19/29) in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05). FugI-Meyer motor function, sensory function scores and MBI were all improved as compared with those before treat ment in the two groups (all P < 0.05), and the results in the catgut implantation group was superior to the acu puncture group (all P < 0.05). The levels of whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte hematocrit, platelet aggregation and fibrinogen were improved as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05), and the results in the catgut implantation group was better than those in the acupuncture group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The catgut implantation at scalp reflecting foci achieves a satisfactory clinical efficacy on post-stroke sensory disturbance and improves the blood rheological indices.

[Observation of long-term efficacy and life quality in allergic rhinitis treated with acupoint catgut embedding therapy combined with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impacts of acupoint catgut embedding therapy and acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on the long-term efficacy and patient's life quality in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were randomized into the combined acupuncture-moxibustion and acupoint catgut embedding therapy group (combined therapy group, 36 cases) and an acupuncture-moxibustion group (33 cases). In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture was applied at Yingxiang (LI 20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8), Yintang (GV 29), Shangxing (GV 23), Tongtian (BL 7) and Zusanli (ST 36). Moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14) and Fengmen (BL 12). In the combined therapy group, on the basis of the treatment as acupuncture-moxibustion group, the catgut embedding therapy was applied at Feishu (BL 13), Fengmen (BL 12), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Qihai (CV 6). The treatment duration was 4 weeks in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score were observed before and after treatment as well as in the 4-weeks follow-up after the end of treatment respectively. RESULTS: The markedly effective rate was 72.7% (24/33) in the combined therapy group and 48.4% (15/31) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group after treatment. The efficacy was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). It was 57.6% (19/33) in the combined therapy group and was 22. 6% (7/31) in the 4-week follow-up after treatment, indicating the long-term efficacy in the combined therapy group was superior to that in the acupuncture-moxibustion group (P<0. 05). Scores of RQLO after treatment and in 4-week follow-up after treatment in both groups were improved as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). In 4-week follow-up, the improvements in sleep and affection in the combined therapy group were superior to the acupuncture-moxibustion group (3.27 +/- 3.23 vs 4.61 +/- 3.56, 3.48 +/- 3.67 vs 5.81 +/- 4.15, both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint catgut embedding therapy combined with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy are safe and effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and display the more roles in the long-term efficacy.

[Efficacy observation on chronic pelvic pain syndrome of damp-heat stagnation pattern treated with acupoint catgut embedding therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy difference in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain syndrome of Sev-damp-heat stagnation pattern between acupoint catgut embedding therapy and western medication. METHODS: enty cases were randomized into a catgut embedding group (40 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases) at the ratio of 4 : 3. In the catgut embedding group, the catgut embedding therapy was applied to Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Quchi (LI 11), Huiyin (CV 1), Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongji (CV 3), Shenshu (BL 23), etc. The treatment was given once every two weeks, the treatment for 4 weeks was as one session and totally 2 sessions were required. In the western medication group, tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules 0. 2 mg, oral administration, once a day, and Indometacin sustained release tablets, 75 mg, once a day, 3 tablets each time were prescribed. The symptom score of TCM, score of NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), lecithin body number in prostatic fluid, (SAS) score of Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and score of Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were compared before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups. The efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: (1)The total effective rate was 91. 9% (34/37) in the catgutembedding group and was 86. 2% (25/29) in the western medication group. The efficacy in the catgutembedding group was better than that in the western medication group (P<0. 05). (2) The symptom score of TCM was all reduced significantly after treatment in the two groups (both P<0.01), and the result in the catgut embedding group was superior to the western medication group (6.42 +/-2. 81 vs 10. 99+/-3. 11 ,P<0. 01). (3) Lecithin body number was increased apparently in the two groups after treatment (both P<0.01), and the result in the catgut-embedding group was superior to the western medicine group (33.56+/-5.88 vs 29. 78+/-7. 06,P<0. 05). (4) Total score of NIH-CPSI, score of pain, score of SAS and score of SDS were all improved apparently after treatment in the two groups (all P<0. 01), and the results in the catgut embedding group were superior to the western medication group (P<0. 01, P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The acupoint catgut embedding therapy achieves the superior efficacy on chronic pelvic pain syndrome of damp-heat stagnation pattern as compared with conventional western medicine. This therapy relieves clinical symptoms, improves the states of anxiety and depression and increases lecithin body number obviously.

[Primary dysmenorrhea treated with staging acupoint catgut embedment therapy: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the short-term and long-term efficacies on primary dysmenorrhea treated with staging acupoint embedment therapy. METHODS: Seventy cases of primary dysmenorrhea were randomized into an embedment therapy group and a fenbid group, 35 cases in each one. In the embedment therapy group, the embedment therapy was applied twice during the menstrual cycle, one treatment 3 days before menstruation and one treatment during the 12th-14th days of menstruation, respectively. Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Diji (SP 8) and Ciliao (BL 32) were the main acupoints in the treatment 3 days before menstruation. Shenshu (BL 23), Ganshu (BL 18) and Pishu (BL 20) were the main acupoints in the treatment during menstruation. In the fenbid group, fenbid was prescribed for oral administration, 0.3 g each time, twice a day, starting 3 days before menstruation till pain was relieved. The treatment of one menstrual cycle was one session. The continuous treatment of 3 menstrual cycles was required. The short-term and long-term efficacies were evaluated at the end of the 3rd cycle and in 3 months after the treatment terminal. The dysmenorrhea score was used to evaluate the efficacy. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and SF-36 were for the assessment of pain degree and life quality. RESULTS: (1) The total effective rate was 91.4% (32/35) in the embedment therapy group after the 3 menstrual cycles, which was better than 74.3% (26/35) in the fenbid group (P < 0.01). In the follow-up stage, the total effective rate was 91.4% (32/35) in the embedment therapy group, which was better than 40.0% (14/35) in the fenbid group (P < 0.01). (2) The differences were not significant in dysmenorrhea score and VAS score after the 1st and 2nd menstrual cycle treatments between the two groups (all P > 0.05). In the 3rd menstrual cycle and the follow-up stage, the dysmenorrhea score and VAS score were reduced obviously in the embedment therapy group as compared with those in the fenbid group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The rebound effect occurred in the follow-up stage in the fenbid group. (3) In the 3rd menstrual cycle and the follow-up stage, the improvement in the total score of life quality of the embedment therapy group was superior apparently to the fenbid group (P < 0.05, P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: The staging acupoint embedment therapy achieves the superior short-term and long-term efficacies as compared with the oral administration of fenbid in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. As the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and pain are relieved, the life quality is improved.

[Effect of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy on changes of structure of hippocampal neurons in senile chronic stress rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of chronic stress stimulation on aging and the effect of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy on structural changes of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in senile chronic stress rats, so as to reveal its mechanisms underlying resisting senility. METHODS: Forty-eight male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, senility model, senility + stress and senility + stress + catgut-embedding (catgut-embedding) groups (n = 12 in each group). Senility model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-galactose liquor, once daily for 8 weeks; and chronic stress was produced by restricting the rat in an inmovable cylinder for 1-4 h progressively, once daily for 4 weeks. Catgut embedment (0.4-0.6 cm in length) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shenshu" (BL 23), "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Ganshu" (BL 18) alternatively by using a surgical needle, once a week, 8 weeks altogether. The brain tissue containing hippocampus was cut into sections to be stained with H.E. technique, and the number of the hippocampal pyramidal neurons of CA 3 region was counted under optical microscope. The ultrastructure of pyramidal neurons in the left CA 3 region of the hippocampus was observed by electron microscope (2 rats for each group). RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the numbers of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the senility model group and senility + stress group were remarkably decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The number of pyramidal neurons was obviously fewer in the senility + stress group than in the senility model group (P < 0.01). In comparison with the senility + stress group, the number of pyramidal neurons in the catgut-embedding group was considerably increased (P < 0.01). Results of optical microscope showed that the pyramidal cells were sparse in the senility model and very sparse in the senility + stress group, and relatively richer in the catgut-embedding group. Findings of the electron microscope displayed that the pyramidal neurons presented an injured state including shrank soma, pyknosis of the cellular nucleus, atrophia of nucleoli, onglobation of intranuclear caryotin, decreased glycogen granules, etc. in the senility model group, and an extremely irregular shape, partial apoptosis, severer pyknosis of the cellular nucleus, more edema blank regions, etc. in the senility + stress group. These situations of pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA 3 region were relatively milder in the catgut-embedding group. CONCLUSION: Chronic stress may aggravate the damage of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in senile rats, which can be improved by catgut-embedding therapy.

[Premature ovarian failure treated with acupoint catgut implantation and artificial periodic therapy: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the clinical efficacy on premature ovarian failure (POF) between the acupoint catgut implantation combined with artifical periodic therapy and the simple artificial periodic therapy and explore its effect mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-five patients of POF were randomized into the two groups. In a western medication group, 32 cases were treated with the artificial periodic therapy with the oral administration of medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets. In a catgut implantation + western medication group, 33 cases were treated with the acupoint catgut implantation combined with artificial periodic therapy. The acupoints of Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected. The treatment was lasted for half a year and the follow-up visit was for another half a year in the two groups. Kupperman index was used to assess the improvements in the clinical symptoms. The levels of serum sexual hormones such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were evaluated of the patients in the two groups before and after treatment. The efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The scores of the clinical symptoms were all significantly improved after treatment and in the follow-up in the two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). In the 6-month follow-up visit after treatment, the result in the catgut implantation + western medication group was better than that in the western medication group (8.17 +/- 1.19 vs 13.68 +/- 1.08, P < 0.01). FSH was reduced after treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.01) and E2 was increased (all P < 0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rates were 75.8% (25/33) and 81.8% (27/22) after treatment and in the follow-up visit in the catgut implantation + western medication group, which were better than 67.9% (19/28) and 53.6% (15/28) in the western medication group separately (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The acupoint catgut implantation combined with artificial periodic therapy achieve the remarkable improvements in the clinical symptoms of POF in the patients and the better results as compared with the simple western medication therapy. The combined therapys efficacy is stable and the long-term efficacy is apparently superior. The effect mechanism is related to the improvements in the serum sexual hormone levels.