TREATMENT OF IMPOTENCE BY CHINESE HERBS AND ACUPUNCTURE

Impotence refers to the syndrome of a male patient who has failed in a normal sexual life for over 3 months due to inability of the penis to erect or soft penial erection though he does have sexual desire.

THE WAYS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE IN TREATMENT OF APOPLECTIC HEMIPLEGIA

Apoplectic hemiplegia is a syndrome of injury of the brain caused by acute cerebrovascular disease (wind-stroke), belonging to the category of paralysis of the upper motor neurons. Clinically, apoplectic hemiplegia is characterized by such symptoms on the contralateral extremities as decreased or disappeared extremital voluntary movement, hypermyotonia,

System Evaluation and Meta Analysis of Total Clinical Effective Rate of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Treating Depression during 2019-2022

[Objectives]To systematically evaluate the total clinical effective rate of acupuncture treatment of depression,and provide clinical reference for the scheme design and selection of acupuncture treatment of depression.[Methods]By searching CNKI,Wanfang Data,CBM,VIP,Cochrane Library,Cochrane Central,Springer and other databases,randomized controlled experiment(RCT)on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of depression from January 1,2019 to August 31,2022 was collected,to extract relevant data of total clinical effective rate and conduct methodological quality evaluation.ReviewManager 5.4.1 software was used for Meta analysis.[Results]22 RCTs were included,1602 patients in total.Among them,there were 804 cases in treatment group and 798 cases in control group.Meta analysis results displayed that acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of depression may be better than the control group in improving the total clinical effective rate,and the difference was statistically significant[MD=1.16,95%CI(1.11,1.21)].[Conclusions]Acupuncture and moxibustion can achieve a higher total clinical effective rate in the treatment of depression,which is worthy of clinical application.However,due to fewer studies included in this systematic evaluation,small sample size,and low quality,there was a high possibility of bias.Therefore,the above conclusions needed to be verified by high-quality,large-sample,and multi-center RCTs.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF THE TONIFICATION METHOD IN ORTHOPEDICS AND TRAUMATOLOGY

Traumatological and orthopedical diseases with obstruction and blockage are in most cases treated by the reducing method like promoting qi flow and activating blood circulation, dispersing and removing obstruction. However, the therapeutic

Preventive electroacupuncture reduces cognitive deficits in a rat model of D-galactose-induced aging

Acupuncture can reduce cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease.However,whether electroacupuncture can prevent or alleviate the cognitive deficits in animal models of aging remains poorly understood.Studies have shown that disordered epigenetic modifications play a critical role in age-related cognitive decline.Therefore,we hypothesized that preventive electroacupuncture might improve cognitive functions during aging by regulating epigenetic modifications.A rat model of aging was produced by intraperitoneal injection of 120 mg/kg D-galactose for 8 weeks.Baihui and Shenshu acupoints were stimulated by electroacupuncture for 8 weeks from the first day of D-galactose administration.Preventive electroacupuncture alleviated memory impairment,decreased tau hyperphosphorylation,and reduced glycogen synthase kinase-3βprotein and mRNA expression levels in the brainstem dorsal raphe nucleus,where intracellular neurofibrillary tangle lesions first occur.In addition,the DNA methylation level in the promoter region of the glycogen synthase kinase-3βgene was increased.The effects of preventive electroacupuncture were stronger than those of preventive acupuncture.Intraperitoneal injection of 0.4 mg/kg 5-aza-2ʹ-deoxycytidine,an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase that blocks epigenetic modifications,antagonized the effects of preventive electroacupuncture.Our results suggest that preventive electroacupuncture treatment alleviates cognitive impairment in aging rats probably by affecting the epigenetic modification of the glycogen synthase kinase-3βgene in the dorsal raphe nucleus.This study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine,China(approval No.HUCMS201712001)on November 28,2017.

Effects of electroacupuncture on pain sensation in a rat model of hyperalgesia with nicotine dependence

Tobacco smoking is considered to be one of the main risk factors in the development of chronic pain.Long-term chronic exposure to nicotine and other forms of tobacco have been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of pain.Studies have shown that acupuncture can help smokers to reduce their desire to smoke,reduce their withdrawal symptoms,and avoid a relapse after treatment.However,little has been reported about the effects of acupuncture on pain sensitivity caused by long-term smoking.Models of hyperalgesia were established in rats exposed to nicotine for 6 weeks.After 6 weeks of continuous nicotine exposure,electroacupuncture at bilateral acupoints Zusanli(ST36)and Taichong(LR3)was performed 20 minutes per day for 6 days at a continuous wave with a frequency of 2 Hz and a stimulus intensity of 1 m A.The results revealed that electroacupuncture treatment increased the mechanical response threshold of hind paw of nicotine-dependent rats with hyperalgesia and up-regulated the protein expression of pain-related factorsμ-opioid receptor,β-endorphin and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 in the spinal cord and midbrain periaqueductal gray and the protein expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 in the spinal cord.These findings suggest that electroacupuncture treatment has positive analgesic effects on pain sensitivity caused by long-term chronic nicotine exposure.One possible mechanism for the improved analgesia is that electroacupuncture increases the expression of painrelated factors in the spinal cord and midbrain periaqueductal gray.This study was approved by Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(IACUC)of the University of Miami(#18-167)on December 12,2018.

Acupuncture in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting:a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

However,the best choice of acupuncture therapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting remains controversy.Methods:Several databases were searched from inception to April 2020.Randomized controlled trials met the criterion were included.Risk of bias was implemented with Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.Addis,R,OpenBUGS and STATA were used to conduct meta-analysis.The evidence was assessed by GRADE profiler 3.6.Results:Fifty studies involving 5980 patients were included.The risk of bias of most included studies were acceptable.The results of network meta-analyses indicated,compared with placebo,electroacupuncture was the best choice for postoperative nausea(odds ratio=0.09,95%confidence interval:0.02-0.51)and acupoint plaster for postoperative vomiting(odds ratio=0.07,95%confidence interval:0.01-0.42),acupoint catgut embedding+5HTRA for postoperative nausea and vomiting(odds ratio=0.05,95%confidence interval:0.01-0.15),and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation+5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists for postoperative rescue antiemetics(odds ratio=0.14,95%confidence interval:0.08-0.46).Conclusion:It was suggested transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation+5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists was the best choice.The results provided guidance for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Clinical practice guidelines for traditional Chinese medicine and integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine:a cross-sectional study of data analysis from 2010 to 2020

Objective With the increasing publication of clinical practice guidelines(CPG)for Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)and Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine(IM),the standardization and scientifiction of its formulation have gradually attracted many people’s attention.To offer an overview of TCM and IM CPGs published over the past decade and analyze their general characteristics and methodological quality.Methods The China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)and WANFANG databases were searched for clinical practice guidelines and expert consensus papers from January 2010 to June 2021.Two researchers independently completed the literature screening and cross-checking according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of CPGs and extracted information on general characteristics and methodological quality of CPGs.Results According to the selection criteria,231 CPGs(EB-CPGs=119,CBCPGs=112)were selected and the number of CPGs published in the 11 years showed an overall upward trend.The vast majority of CPGs used the Western naming system for the diseases,and only 11 CPGs were named of TCM diseases or symptoms.TCM treatments were recommended in 223 CPGs.There were 156 ancient Chinese Medicine literature sources cited in 231 CPGs and opinions and experiences of 62 TCM experts cited in 37 CPGs.The methodological quality of EB-CPGs for TCM and IM were significantly better than CB-CPGs in 11 items.Only 60 EB-CPGs and 7 CB-CPGs designated clear criteria for grading quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations and 74 CPGs presented both the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations.We classified all CPGs according to whether or not they used GRADE,and the results showed that the CPGs using GRADE had higher methodological quality and more standardized reports.Conclusion This research has shown that the quantity and quality of CPGs in both TCM and IM have improved over the time span,but the methodological quality,especially evidence citation,and the use of criteria for grading quality of evidence and strength of the recommendations,still needs to further improvement in the future.

SUPPLEMENTARY COMMENTS ON THE STANDARDIZATION OF AURICULAR POINTS

This paper is intended to supplement accurate descriptions concerning auricular point loca-tion and provide studies in establishing basic landmarks of the auricle. This paper mainly discusses the medial border of helix, antihelix peak, scapha groove, antihelix scapha border, cymba concha border of the antihelix, deltoid fossa border of the antihelix, cymba concha folding line, cymba concha border of the antitragus, upper line of ear lobe, and the anterior border of tragus.

Clinical research progress of acupuncture therapy in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by ankylosis of the spine and sacroiliac joints.The continuous development of this disease can cause damage to multiple organs.At present,modern medical treatment programs generally focus on symptomatic treatment such as analgesia and anti-inflammatory,which can relieve pain and inflammation to a certain extent,but there are many problems such as adverse drug reactions,and cannot be completely cured.Modern medical treatment of ankylosing spondylitis focuses on relieving symptoms,controlling disease activity,slowing disease progression,and reducing disability rates.As an important part of traditional Chinese medicine,acupuncture therapy,compared with modern medicine,has obvious advantages in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis,such as good curative effect,quick effect,safety and low price,and no toxic and side effects.By reviewing the literature,it is found that there are a large number of clinical studies on the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis by acupuncture and moxibustion in recent years,and it is concluded that acupuncture and moxibustion has unique advantages in reducing local pain,alleviating inflammatory symptoms,improving joint function,preventing spinal deformity,and improving quality of life.Therefore,this study summarizes and reviews the relevant literature on different acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for ankylosing spondylitis,in order to provide ideas and solutions for the effective treatment of this disease.

Electroacupuncture Alleviates Memory Deficits in APP/PS1 Mice by Targeting Serotonergic Neurons in Dorsal Raphe Nucleus

Objective Alzheimer’s disease(AD)has become a significant global concern,but effective drugs able to slow down AD progression is still lacked.Electroacupuncture(EA)has been demonstrated to ameliorate cognitive impairment in individuals with AD.However,the underlying mechanisms remains poorly understood.This study aimed at examining the neuroprotective properties of EA and its potential mechanism of action against AD.Methods APP/PS1 transgenic mice were employed to evaluate the protective effects of EA on Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20).Chemogenetic manipulation was used to activate or inhibit serotonergic neurons within the dorsal raphe nucleus(DRN).Learning and memory abilities were assessed by the novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests.Golgi staining,western blot,and immunostaining were utilized to determine EA-induced neuroprotection.Results EA at Shenshu(BL 23)and Baihui(GV 20)effectively ameliorated learning and memory impairments in APP/PS1 mice.EA attenuated dendritic spine loss,increased the expression levels of PSD95,synaptophysin,and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in hippocampus.Activation of serotonergic neurons within the DRN can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD by activating glutamatergic neurons mediated by 5-HT1B.Chemogenetic inhibition of serotonergic neurons in the DRN reversed the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and memory.Conclusion EA can alleviate cognitive dysfunction in APP/PS1 mice by activating serotonergic neurons in the DRN.Further study is necessary to better understand how the serotonergic neurons-related neural circuits involves in EA-induced memory improvement in AD.

A Brief Analysis of the Correlation Between Allergic Rhinitis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution

Allergic rhinitis(AR)and is a type of allergic diseases caused by an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by allergens.Clinically,AR is a common allergic disease and is difficult to treat.Due to differences in individual constitutions also known as body type,the severity of the disease is also different and it may even affect the daily life of the patient if it is severe.The effective treatment of AR has become a hot topic in current allergic disease research.Traditional Chinese Medicine’s understanding of constitution is based on the“Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic”book,and Professor Wang Qi put forward the“physical constitution theory of traditional Chinese medicine”.The constitution is a key internal factor of the occurrence and development of diseases.It is believed in Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)that the constitution can be regulated,and rectifying the patient’s imbalanced constitution has a positive effect on the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of the disease.Therefore,based on the“physical constitution theory of TCM”,this study considers the idea of treating body differently applying TCM constitution in the treatment of AR as the breakthrough point,and explores the correlation between AR and TCM constitution.The results show that TCM constitution is an intrinsic factor affecting the pathogenesis of AR.The use of TCM constitution theory in the treatment of AR has a positive effect and should be popularized in application.

High-frequency (50 Hz) electroacupuncture ameliorates cognitive impairment in rats with amyloid beta 1–42-induced Alzheimer＇s disease

Acupuncture has been shown to ameliorate cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease.Acupoints and stimulation frequency influence the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture.Rat models of Alzheimer’s disease were established by injecting amyloid beta 1–42（Aβ_（1–42））into the bilateral lateral ventricles.Electroacupuncture at 2,30,and 50 Hz was carried out at Baihui（GV20;15°obliquely to a depth of 2mm）and Shenshu（BL23;perpendicularly to 4–6 mm depth）,once a day for 20 minutes（each）,for 15 days,taking a break every 7 days.The Morris water maze test was conducted to assess the learning and memory.The expression levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β）,p Ser9-GSK-3β,p Tyr216-GSK-3β,amyloid precursor protein and Aβ_（1–40） in the hippocampus were determined by western blot assay.Results demonstrated that electroacupuncture treatment at different frequencies markedly improved learning and memory ability,increased synaptic curvatures,decreased the width of synaptic clefts,thickened postsynaptic densities,and downregulated the expression of GSK-3β,amyloid precursor protein,and Aβ_（1–40）.pSer9-GSK-3βexpression markedly decreased,while p Tyr216-GSK-3βexpression increased.High-frequency（50 Hz）electroacupuncture was more effective than low（2 Hz）or medium-frequency（30 Hz）electroacupuncture.In conclusion,electroacupuncture treatment exerts a protective effect against Aβ_（1–42）-induced learning and memory deficits and synapse-ultrastructure impairment via inhibition of GSK-3βactivity.Moreover,high-frequency electroacupuncture was the most effective therapy.

HOW TO PROMOTE THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF AURICULOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF VASCULAR HYPERTENSION?

Clinical practice has shown that thetherapeutic effect of auriculotherapy in thetreatment of vascular hypertension is de-pendable and durable. The short--termtherapeutic effects are like those ofhypotensors, and the long--term results aresuperior to medication. It is also effectivefor 70% of the patients refractory tomedication. However. sometimes we en-

Meta-analysis of the acupoint application therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application in the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods:A comprehensive search of domestic and international databases,the search time is limited to nearly ten years,collecting traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in stable phase of randomized controlled trials.Literature screening,information extraction and literature quality evaluation were carried out independently by two researchers,and Meta analysis was carried out by Revman software.Results:A total of 42 RCTs with a total of 4192 patients were included.The results of Meta analysis showed that:Compared with the routine treatment of western medicine,the addition of acupoint application therapy can significantly increase the effective rate[RR=1.23,95%CI(1.19,1.27),P<0.00001]and FEV1/FVC[MD=4.46,95%CI(3.17,5.76),P<0.00001].Significantly improved BODE index[MD=-0.63,95%CI(-0.87,-0.40),P<0.00001],SGRQ score[MD=-6.77,95%CI(-9.81,-3.72),P<0.00001],CAT score[MD=-3.33,95%CI(-3.87,-2.79),P<0.00001]and TCM syndrome integral[MD=-3.51,95%CI(-3.96,-3.06),P<0.00001].The differences is statistically significant and the safety profile is good.Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatment of COPD western medicine,acupoint application therapy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with less adverse reactions.However,due to the limitations of the research,high-quality research is still needed to provide further evidence.

Influence of electroacupuncture therapy of tonifying the kidney and regulating governor vessel on Aβ related degradation enzymes in the hippocampus of a rat model of Alzheimer's disease induced by Aβ_(1-42)

Objective： To explore influence of electroacupuncture（EA） therapy of tonifying the kidney and regulating governor vessel on amyloid beta（Aβ） related degradation enzymes in the hippocampus of a rat model of Alzheimer＇s disease（AD） induced by Aβ（1-42）.Methods： Forty Wistar male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups： a normal group, a sham operation group, a model group and an EA group, 10 rats in each one. The rats in normal group were normally fed. The rats in sham operation group were bilaterally injected in the hippocampus with 5 μL of saline and they were normally fed after the injection. The rats in the model group and the EA group were bilaterally injected in the hippocampus with 5 μL of Aβ（1-42） on each side. Rats in the EA group received EA of 5 Hz continuous wave at the ＂Bǎihuì（百会 GV20）＂ and bilateral ＂Shènshū（肾俞 BL23）＂ for a duration of 15 min per time every day and continuously for 15 days. After 15 days, the hippocampal expression levels of insulin degrading enzyme（IDE）, lipoprotein（LPL）, transthyretin（TTR）, apolipoprotein E（APoE）,a2 macroglobulin（a2 M） and Aβ（1-42） of the 4 groups were tested by Western blot.Results： Compared with the sham operation group, the expression levels of IDE, LPL, TTR, APoE and a2 M in the hippocampus were significantly lower（P〈 0.05, P〈 0.01） and the expression of Aβ（1-42） was significantly higher（P〈 0.01） in the model group. Compared with the model group, the expression levels of IDE, LPL, TTR,APoE and a2 M in the hippocampus of these rats were significantly lower（P〈 0.05,P〈 0.01）, the expression of Aβ（1-42） was significantly higher（P〈 0.01） in the EA group.Conclusion： EA therapy of tonifying the kidney and regulating governor vessel can enhance the expression of IDE, LPL, TTR, APoE, and a2 M in the hippocampus of AD rats injected by Aβ（1-42）, and may consequently promote the degradation of aβ（1-42） to help improve the pathological manifestations of AD and therefore delay its progression.

Effect of electroacupuncture on the expression of PGC-1α and UCP-1 in the brown adipose tissue of obese rats

Objective： To explore the effect of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α（PGC-1α） and uncoupling protein-1（UCP-1） in the brown adipose tissue（BAT） of obese rats in the process of acupuncture treatment for obesity.Methods： Fifty clean-grade male Wistar rats with the age of 3 months were randomly divided into highfat diet group（n = 40） and normal diet group（control group, n = 10）. Nutritional obesity animal models were established through feeding with high-fat diet. Twenty-four animal models in the high-fat diet group were established successfully, and then they were randomly divided into model group, acupuncture group and non-acupoint group,with 8 rats in each group. In acupuncture group, Zusanli（足三里ST36） and Tianshu（天枢ST 25） were selected. In non-acupoint group,the non-acupoints located on 5 mm beside ST 36 and ST 25 were selected as acupuncture points, and electroacupuncture intervention was adopted for 5 times/week for 8 weeks. The body mass of obese rats was measured, the body fat ratio in BAT of rats was calculated, and the expression levels of PGC-1α and UCP-1 in BAT of rats were detected by immunohistochemical method.Results： ① After treatment, the body mass of rats in acupuncture group reduced significantly, which increased in the other three groups. The changing value of body mass of rats in acupuncture group was higher than that in model group（P 0.05）, the changing value of body mass of rats in acupuncture group was higher than that in non-acupoint group（P 0.05） and the difference in body mass changing value of rats between non-acupoint group and model group was not statistically significant（P 0.05）,the body fat ratio in BAT of rats in non-acupoint group was lower than that in acupuncture group, and the differences were statistically significant（P0.05）. ② Compared with model group, the body fat ratio in BAT of rats in acupuncture group increased significantly（P 0.05）,and the difference in body fat ratio in BAT of rats between non-acupoint group and model group was not statistically significant（P 0.05）.③ Compared with model group, the PGC-la and UCP-1 levels in BAT of obese rats in acupuncture group increased（P 0.05）, and the difference in expression levels of PGC-la and UCP-1 in BAT of rats between non-acupoint group and model group was not statistically significant（P 0.05）, the expression levels in non-acupoint group were lower than that in acupuncture group, and the differences were statistically significant（P 0.05）.Conclusion： Electroacupuncture at ＂ST 36＂ and ＂ST 25＂ can effectively up-regulate the expression levels of PGC-la and UCP-1 of diet induced obesity rats, it indicates that ＂ST 36＂ and ＂ST 25＂ have close relationship with obesity and it is may be one of the effect mechanisms of electroacupuncture in losing weight through facilitating the ＂browning reaction＂ of white adipose tissue.

Effects of Acupuncture on Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from Neuroimaging Studies

As the worldwide population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases. However, the results of promising medications have been unsatisfactory. Chinese acupuncture has a long history of treating dementia, but lack of evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials that validate its efficacy and safety, as well as its lack of clear underlying mechanisms, contribute to its limited application in clinical practice. In recent years, brain imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, have been used to assess brain responses to acupuncture in a dynamic, visual, and objective way. These techniques are frequently used to explore neurological mechanisms of responses to acupuncture in AD and provide neuroimaging evidence as well as starting points to elucidate the possible mechanisms. This review summarizes the existing brain imaging evidence that explains the effects of acupuncture for AD and analyzes brain responses to acupuncture at cognitive-related acupoints [Baihui (GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6), and Taixi (KI 3)] from perspectives of acupoint specificity and acupoint combinations. Key issues and directions to consider in future studies are also put forward. This review should deepen our understanding of how brain imaging studies can be used to explore the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in AD.

Effect specificity of the early intervention with moxibustion at“BL23”in Alzheimer’s disease rats modeled by ovariectomy and D-Galactose injection

Objective:To observe the effect of the early intervention with moxibustion at "Shènshū(肾俞BL23)" on learning and memory of Alzheimer’s disease(AD) rats modeled by ovariectomy and D-Galactose(D-Gal)injection and the effect on Ca2+/CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway so as to provide the evidence for the acupoint selection in the early intervention with acupuncture and moxibustion for AD.Methods:Sixty female SD rats at the age of 3 months were selected and randomly divided into a normal group,a sham-operation group,a model group,a "BL23" group,a "Wèishū"(胃俞BL21) group,and a non-acupoint group,10 rats in each group.Except in the normal group and the sham-operation group,bilateral ovaries were removed in the other 4 groups.3 days after the operation,D-Gal was injected intraperitoneally at a dose of 150 mg/kg/d for 90 days to establish AD rat model.In the sham-operation group,only the peripheral fat of ovarian was removed and 0.9% normal saline was injected intraperitoneally of the same dose for 90 days.In the "BL23" group,the "BL21" group and the non-acupoints group,since the 2 nd day after ovariectomy,moxibustion was applied at 9:00 a.m.every day in the rats.The rats were fixed on a fixed table,the mild moxibustion with self-prepared moxa stick was applied to bilateral "BL23""BL21" and the non-acupoint of each rat,the ignited end of moxa stick was 2 cm to 3 cm far from skin surface.The infrared thermometer was adopted to measure the temperature of the epidermis of each acupoint from time to time so as to maintain the local temperature to be(41 ± 0.5)℃.Mild moxibustion lasted for 10 min each time,consecutively for 5 days a week and at an interval of 2 days.The total consecutive intervention duration was 12 weeks.In the normal group and the shamoperation group,no moxibustion intervention was performed,but the rats were restricted in a same way during the experiment.At the end of modeling and intervention,water maze test was adopted to detect the learning and memory abilities of rats in each group.The western blotting was used to detect the expressions of p-CREB,p-CaMKII,CaMKII and CREB in hippocampus of rats in each group.Results:(1)Navigation test:since Day 72,compared with the sham-operation group,the escape latencies in all of the consecutive 5 days were longer in the model group(all P <0.05).Since Day 73,compared with the normal group,the escape latency in all of the consecutive 4 days was shorter in the "BL23"group(all P <0.05).(2) Times across platform:compared with the normal group,the number of times consecutively crossing the platform was lower in the model group(P <0.05).After moxibustion,compared with the model group,the number of times across platform was higher in the "BL23"group,indicating a statistical significance(P <0.05).(3)Moving track of water maze spatial probe:the "tendency"strategy was displayed in the normal group and the sham operation group.The "marginal" strategy,which is commonly seen in the AD rats,was displayed in the model group.The "random" strategy was displayed in the "BL23" group.The "marginal" strategy was presented in the "BL21" group and the non-acupoint group.(4) Expressions of hippocampal P-CAMKII,CAMKII,CREB and P-CREB in the rats:compared with the normal group,the phosphorylation degrees of CAMKII and CREB were significantly reduced(both P<0.05) in the model group.In 12 weeks of moxibustion,compared with the model group,the levels of P-CAMKII and P-CREB were increased in the "BL23" group and the "BL21" group(all P <0.05) and the levels in the "BL23" group were higher than that of the "BL21" group and the non-acupoint group(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion at "BL23" achieves a better effect in improving the learning and memory of AD rats modeled by ovariectomy and D-Gal injection as compared with moxibustion at "BL21" and the non-acupoint.The effect mechanism is potentially related to the effective activation of Ca2+/CaMKII/CREB signaling pathway.

Therapeutic effect of dog-day moxibustion on herbs in knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type

Objective:To compare the therapeutic effect difference among dog-day moxibustion on herbs,ordinary moxibution and routine western medication in treating knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type.Methods:A total of 90 patients with knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type were divided into dog-day moxibustion group,ordinary moxibution group and western medication group according to the registration order,and there were 30 patients in each group.Among them,the patients in the dog-day moxibustion were given dog-day moxibustion on herbs method during the dog days of 2018(July 17 to August 25).Continuous treatment was applied on the first,second and third dog-day with 5 days for each dog-day,and once for a day,and there were totally 15 times of treatment.In the same period,the patients in the ordinary moxibustion group was treated with the pure moxa stick moxibustion,and the point selection and treatment course were the same as the dog-day moxibustion group.And in the same period,the patients in the western medication group were treated with routine western medication,and the patient took orally diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules,with 100 mg each time,once a day.The Visual Analog Scale(VAS),Western Ontario and McMaster University Arthritis Index(WOMAC),life quality score and clinical efficacy for the knee joint of the three groups before and after treatment were observed.Results:After treatment,the effective rate of the dog-day moxibustion was 93.33%,the effective rate of the ordinary moxibustion group was 83.33%,and the effective rate of the western medication group was 53.33%.Compared with pre-treatment,the VAS scores and WOMAC scores of the patients with KOA in the three groups after treatment decreased,and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).There were also statistically significant differences between the VAS score,total WOMAC score,pain score,joint stiffness score and joint function score of the three groups after treatment(all P<0.05).Conclusion:The effect of dog-day moxibustion on herbs in treating knee-joint osteoarthritis of yang deficiency and congealing cold type was significantly better than ordinary moxibustion and western medication,and it was worthy of clinical promotion.