International Communication of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Popular in the West

With the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)acupuncture and moxibustion,research on acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world is deepening.The concept of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West is formed.By investigating the localization of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world,this paper introduces several kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West and concludes the spread of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West through hospitals and clinics,academic works,social organizations,education,and training.This paper provides a global vision developing domestic acupuncture and moxibustion and promoting academic prosperity and technical progress of world acupuncture and moxibustion system.

Caffeic acid hinders the proliferation and migration through inhibition of IL-6 mediated JAK-STAT-3 signaling axis in human prostate cancer

Background:Caffeic acid(CA)is considered a promising phytochemical that has inhibited numerous cancer cell proliferation.Therefore,it is gaining increasing attention due to its safe and pharmacological applications.In this study,we investigated the role of CA in inhibiting the Interleukin-6(IL-6)/Janus kinase(JAK)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(STAT-3)mediated suppression of the proliferation signaling in human prostate cancer cells.Materials and Methods:The role of CA in proliferation and colony formation abilities was studied using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay and colony formation assays.Tumour cell death and cell cycle arrest were identified usingflow cytometry techniques.CA treatment-associated protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)families,IL-6/JAK/STAT-3,proliferation,and apoptosis protein expressions in PC-3 and LNCaP cell lines were measured using Western blot investigation.Results:We have obtained that treatment with CA inhibits prostate cancer cells(PC-3 and LNCaP)proliferation and induces reactive oxygen species(ROS),cell cycle arrest,and apoptosis cell death in a concentration-dependent manner.Moreover,CA treatment alleviates the expression phosphorylated form of MAPK families,i.e.,extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1(ERK1),c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),and p38 in PC-3 cells.IL-6 mediated JAK/STAT3 expressions regulate the proliferation and antiapoptosis that leads to prostate cancer metastasis and migration.Therefore,to mitigate the expression of IL-6/JAK/STAT-3 is considered an important target for the treatment of prostate cancer.In this study,we have observed that CA inhibits the expression of IL-6,JAK1,and phosphorylated STAT-3 in both PC-3 and LNCaP cells.Due to the inhibitory effect of IL-6/JAK/STAT-3,it resulted in decreased expression of cyclin-D1,cyclin-D2,and CDK1 in both PC-3 cells.In addition,CA induces apoptosis by enhancing the expression of Bax and caspase-3;and decreased expression of Bcl-2 in prostate cancer cells.Conclusions:Thus,CA might act as a therapeutical application against prostate cancer by targeting the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling axis.

Hotspots and trends of risk factors in gastric cancer: A visualization and bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND The lack of specific symptoms of gastric cancer(GC)causes great challenges in its early diagnosis.Thus it is essential to identify the risk factors for early diagnosis and treatment of GC and to improve the survival rates.AIM To assist physicians in identifying changes in the output of publications and research hotspots related to risk factors for GC,constructing a list of key risk factors,and providing a reference for early identification of patients at high risk for GC.METHODS Research articles on risk factors for GC were searched in the Web of Science core collection,and relevant information was extracted after screening.The literature was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019,CiteSpace V,and VOSviewer 1.6.18.RESULTS A total of 2514 papers from 72 countries and 2507 research institutions were retrieved.China(n=1061),National Cancer Center(n=138),and Shoichiro Tsugane(n=36)were the most productive country,institution,or author,respectively.The research hotspots in the study of risk factors for GC are summarized in four areas,namely:Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,single nucleotide polymorphism,bio-diagnostic markers,and GC risk prediction models.CONCLUSION In this study,we found that H.pylori infection is the most significant risk factor for GC;single-nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)is the most dominant genetic factor for GC;bio-diagnostic markers are the most promising diagnostic modality for GC.GC risk prediction models are the latest current research hotspot.We conclude that the most important risk factors for the development of GC are H.pylori infection,SNP,smoking,diet,and alcohol.

Mechanism of acupoint penetration acupuncture therapy regulating chondrocyte autophagy via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway in KOA rats

Objective:To investigate whether acupoint penetration acupuncture(APA)could regulate chondrocyte autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway to reduce cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)rats.Methods: KOA was induced in rats via intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate resolution.Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control,model,APA,electro-acupuncture(EA),and sham model groups(n=8)and those in the APA and EA groups received their respective therapies.Following completion of the treatment course,histological examinations of cartilage and muscle were conducted.Levels of apoptosis-and autophagy-related factors,including Bax,Bcl-2,mTOR,ULK-1,and Beclin-1 protein,and mRNAs were assessed.Additionally,β-endorphin(β-EP)concentrations in the brain and serum were measured.Results: Histological analysis revealed that APA alleviated cartilage and muscle damage compared with the model group.APA inhibited cartilage degeneration by modulating the expression of apoptosis-and autophagy-related proteins and mRNA,thus preventing chondrocyte apoptosis.In the APA group,Bax and mTOR protein levels were significantly lower than those in the model group(both P=.024).Conversely,the Bcl-2 expression level was significantly higher than that in the EA group(P=.035).Additionally,ULK-1 expression was significantly lower than that in the EA group(P=.045).The mRNA level of Bax was significantly higher than that in the blank control group(P<.001).However,Beclin-1 levels were significantly higher than those in both the model and EA groups(both P<.001).ELISA results showed a significant decrease in the concentration ofβ-EP in the brains of the rats in the APA group compared with those in the model group(P=.032).Conclusions: APA reduced osteoarthritis-related pain and alleviated cartilage damage by upregulating chondrocyte autophagy and down-regulating apoptosis via signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt-mTOR in KOA rats.

Efficacy and safety of Yangxue Qingnao Granules in treatment of migraine:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Yangxue Qingnao Granules(YXQN)is a Chinese patent medicine that has been commonly used in the clinical treatment of migraine.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of YXQN alone for the treatment of migraine.METHODS We searched 10 databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials(RCTs)published before September 2022.Two review authors independently searched and screened the literature,extracted the data,and assessed the methodological quality of the studies using criteria from ROB 2.0,and analyzed the data using Review Manager 5.4 software.RESULTS A total of 12 RCTs including 767 participants with migraine met the selection criteria.We divided these studies into comparisons of YXQN with placebo,routine treatment drugs,and other Chinese patent medicines.The meta-analysis showed the following:(1)Efficacy:The YXQN group outperformed the placebo group[relative risk(RR)=0.29,95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.15–0.43,P<0.00001],routine treatment group(RR=0.18,95%CI:0.09–0.27,P<0.0001),and Chinese patent medicine group(RR=0.27,95%CI:0.13–0.41,P<0.001);(2)frequency of headache:There was a significant difference between YXQN vs placebo[mean difference(MD)=-1.25,95%CI:-1.60 to-0.90,P<0.00001],routine treatment drugs(MD=-0.85,95%CI:-1.15 to-0.56,P<0.00001),and Chinese patent medicine(MD=-0.91,95%CI:-1.35 to-0.46,P<0.0001);(3)headache duration:We found great heterogeneity between studies,with no differences between YXQN and placebo(MD=-0.61,95%CI:-1.53 to-0.31,P=0.19)and routine treatment drugs(MD=-0.22,95%CI:-0.89 to 0.46,P<0.53).YXQN was more effective than other Chinese patent medicines in reducing headache duration(MD=-1.24,95%CI:-1.70 to-0.77,P<0.00001);and(4)headache severity:There was no significant difference between YXQN vs placebo(MD=-1.67,95%CI:-3.52 to 0.19,P=0.08),routine treatment drugs(MD=-0.53,95%CI:-2.02 to 0.96,P=0.68),and other Chinese patent medicines(MD=-0.49,95%CI:-2.83 to 1.85,P=0.68).Mild gastrointestinal adverse reactions were reported in three cases.CONCLUSION This study revealed that YXQN is effective and safe for treatment of migraine.

Future directions:combination of acupuncture with mesenchymal stem cells for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a progressive chronic disease currently with no radical cure drugs and means due to the complex pathological mechanisms and limited regenerative capacity of neurons.Acupuncture aids in neuronal regeneration via various signaling routes like ROCK,Wnt,and Notch,safeguarding dopaminergic neurons against inflammation,oxidative stress,and cell death,which in turn enhances the progression of PD progression.Numerous research findings indicate that integrating acupuncture with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)transplantation is more effective than using either acupuncture or MSCs infusion alone.The combined treatment improves the survival rate of MSCs,promotes the generation of functional neural networks by stimulating the secretion of neurotrophic factors,and ultimately improves the disease microenvironment.In this review,we state the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture or MSCs treament alone in PD,then summarize the application of acupuncture combined with MSCs therapy in other diseases.Consequently,we anticipate that integrating acupuncture with MSCs transplantation may emerge as a novel and efficient approach for managing PD.This possibility needs to be verified through further basic and clinical research.

Clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride on mild-to-moderate depression

BACKGROUND Depression is a common,chronic,and recurrent mood disorder that has become a worldwide health hazard.Fluoxetine hydrochloride,a common treatment method,can inhibit 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)recycling in the presynaptic membrane;however,the efficacy of a single drug is inadequate.At present,mildto-moderate depression can be treated with acupuncture of ghost caves,but the clinical curative effect of combined therapy with fluoxetine hydrochloride has not been sufficiently reported.AIM To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression.METHODS This retrospective study included 160 patients with mild-to-moderate depression who were admitted to Shanghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,between January 2022 and June 2023.Patients were separated into a single-agent group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment,n=80)and a coalition group(fluoxetine hydrochloride treatment combined with acupuncture at ghost points,n=80).Pre-treatment symptoms were recorded,and the clinical curative effect and adverse reactions[Asberg Antidepressant Side Effects Scale(SERS)]were assessed.Depression before and after treatment[Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)-24],neurotransmitter levels[5-HT,norepinephrine(NE),dopamine(DA)],oxidative stress indicators[superoxide dismutase(SOD),malondialdehyde(MDA)],and sleep quality[Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)]were compared.RESULTS The total efficacy rate was 97.50%in the coalition group and 86.25%in the single-agent group(P<0.05).After 2,4,6,and 8 wk of treatment,the HAMD,self-rating depression scale,and SERS scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased compared with pre-treatment,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).After 8 wk of treatment,the levels of NE,DA,5-HT,and SOD in the coalition and single-agent groups increased,while the levels of MDA decreased;the increases and decrease in the coalition group were more significant(P<0.05).The PSQI scores of the coalition and single-agent groups decreased,and the decrease was more significant in the coalition group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture at ghost points combined with paroxetine tablets can safely improve depressive symptoms and sleep disorders,regulate neurotransmitter levels,and reduce stress responses in patients with mild-to-moderate depression.

Effects of moxibustion at 46°C on blood lipids and related indicators of thoracic aortic endothelium in a hyperlipidemia rat model

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion at different temperatures(38℃,46℃)on blood lipids,endothelial morphology of the thoracic aorta,serum endothelin-1(ET-1),calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP),nitric oxide(NO),and endothelial NO synthase(eNOS)in hyperlipidemic rats.Methods:Using the random number table method,60 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly and evenly divided into blank,model,38℃-moxibustion,and 46℃-moxibustion groups.Rats in the 3 experimental groups were fed a high-fat feed to model hyperlipidemia in rats.Rats in the 38℃-moxibustion and 46℃-moxibustion groups were moxibustion on the Shenque and bilateral Zusanli acupoints for 10 minutes each,once every other day for 4 weeks,at temperatures of 38±1℃ and 46±1℃.After that,rat blood samples were collected to detect blood lipids and ET-1,CGRP,eNOS and NO.Take the endotheal tissue of the thoracic aorta to do HE staining.Results:(1)The serum total cholesterol,triglycerides,and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of rats in the 46℃-moxibustion group were significantly lower than those in the model and 38℃-moxibustion groups.(2)Revealed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,showed necrosis in the local vascular endothelial cells and mild inflammatory cell infiltration in the tunica adventitia of the hyperlipidemic rats.These endothelial morphologies did not improve significantly after moxibustion at 38℃ but did improve at 46℃.(3)Compared with the blank group,serum ET-1 was significantly higher and serum CGRP,NO,eNOS were significantly lower in the model group.Compared with the model and the 38℃-moxibustion groups,serum ET-1 was significantly lower and serum CGRP,NO,eNOS were significantly higher in 46℃-moxibustion groups.Conclusion:Moxibustion at 46℃ effectively regulated blood lipids,improved the morphology of the vascular endothelium,and protected vascular endothelial function.

Retrospective Analysis of the Effect of Auricular Acupuncture on Pain and Gastrointestinal Motility Recovery After Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Objective:To investigate the effect of auricular acupuncture on postoperative pain and gastrointestinal motility recovery after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.Methods:The clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery for colorectal cancer in our hospital from April 2020 to December 2021 were collected.Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,76 patients were included in the retrospective analysis.Depending on whether they received auricular acupuncture or not,the patients were divided into two groups:46 patients in the experimental group(auricular acupuncture)and 30 patients in the control group.The differences between the two groups were analyzed.Results:The time to first flatus of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group(52.2±7.36 h versus 66.3±7.83 h;P<0.001).Similarly,the time to first defecation of the experimental group was significantly shorter than that of the control group(76.3±7.76 h versus 86.1±10.79 h;P<0.001).The time to first fluid intake of the auricular group was significantly shorter than that of the control group(90.4±8.92 h versus 107.3±9.66 h,P<0.001).Compared with the control group,the experimental group scored significantly lower on the visual analogue scale on postoperative days 2 and 3(P<0.001).Conclusion:Auricular acupuncture is an effective traditional Chinese medicine external treatment method.It can promote gastrointestinal motility recovery in patients after laparoscopic radical surgery for colorectal cancer and also reduce postoperative pain and discomfort.Furthermore,this therapy is easy to operate and well-accepted by patients.Therefore,it should be strongly promoted in clinical practice.

Clinical Research on Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating chronic atrophic gastritis. Methods: Patients who met the criteria were randomly divided into the treatment groups consisting of the acupuncture group (30 cases) and the acupuncture-moxibustion group (30 cases), and the control group (28 cases). After two months of treatment, observed were safety and the curative effects, through general physical check ups, routine examinations of blood, urine and feces, and symptoms, pathology and gastrin before, during and after the treatment. Results: 1) The treatment groups showed significant superiorities in the improvement of symptoms, with the acupuncture-moxibustion group showing the best therapeutic effects. 2) The acupuncture-moxibustion group showed marked differences before and after the treatment in the improvement of glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia, with a total effective rate of 66.67%. 3) After the treatment, the three groups all showed marked improvement in the level of serum gastrin, with the acupuncture-moxibustion group showing the best effects. Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion have definite therapeutic effects for chronic atrophic gastritis, especially in improving the symptoms. Acupuncture or acupuncture combined with moxibustion can provide possibilities in reversing the pathologic changes of glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia for patients with chronic atrophic gastritis. Acupuncture-moxibustion is really an effective and safe therapy for chronic atrophic gastritis.

23 CASES OF CHRONIC NONSPECIFIC ULCERATIVE COLITIS TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

In recent years, the author has treated 23 in-patients and out-patients with chronic nonspecific ulcerative colitis and achieved good therapeutic results as reported in the following. Clinical Data In this series, there were 23 cases, 9 males and 14 females, ranging in age from 29 to 68 years, averaging 33.8 years. The duration of disease was 2 to 23 years, with a mean of 11.5 years. All the patients had symptoms and signs of the disease in varying degrees

A Re-evaluation of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Chronic Constipation by AMSTAR 2 and GRADE System

Objective:To evaluate the methodological quality of the systematic reviews(SRs)of acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic constipation and rate the evidence bodies of their Meta-analysis.Methods:We searched MEDLINE,EMBASE,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database(CBM),the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),the VIP Database and the WanFang Database.Systematic Aseviews and Meta-analysis of all Randomized Controlled Trials(RCTs)of acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic constipation were included.Data from the included studies were extracted by two independent reviewers and were re-evaluated with AMSTAR 2 and Grades of Recommendation,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE).Results:We included 12 SRs/Meta-analysis with only one conducted outside China.Evaluated with AMSTAR 2,methodology of one SR was of medium quality,methodologies of 7 SRs were of low quality,and methodologies of 4 SRs were of critical low quality.Among 54 outcome measures screened from included SRs,7 outcome measures introduced evidence bodies of moderate quality,22 outcome measures were of low quality and 25 outcome measures were of very low quality.No high level of quality was awarded to any evidence body.Conclusion:Overall,the quality level of SR/Meta-analysis of acupuncture/moxibustion for chronic constipation is low.The SRs/Meta-analysis of acupuncture/moxibustion for chronic constipation can be used for guideline formulation and clinical decision making by taking into account the experience of clinical experts,patients'preference,medical policies and other factors.

32 CASES OF FEMORAL ADDUCTORS SYNDROME TREATED BY ELECTROACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

The syndrome of femoral adductors is a common disorder of the sport injury. It is manifested by pain in the pubic and medial femoral regions, which is exacerbated by walking and squatting down. The author had treated 32 cases of the syndrome by electroacupuncture and moxibustion with satisfactory therapeutic results as reported in the following.

ON THE INDICATIONS OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

Though with Wide Indications, Acupuncture and Moxibustion are not the Remedy for All Ills Treating diseases with acupuncture-moxibustion has a long history in China, and rich experience has been accumulated in its application. According to a statistics in early 1980’s by prof. Jiao Guorui, a senior researcher from China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture-moxibustion therapy has at least been used to treat 307 kinds of diseases, among

Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain

BACKGROUND Urological calculi often cause renal colic,which is characterized by paroxysmal or persistent severe pain in the upper abdomen or lumbar region.Development of methods to quickly relieve these pain symptoms has garnered clinical attention.Wrist-ankle acupuncture is a type of floating acupuncture therapy administered at selected points in the carpal and ankle areas,and it has good pain-relieving effects.We used wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for pain intervention in patients with renal calculi to confirm its application and safety.AIM To study the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing in the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain.METHODS Eighty-two patients with urinary calculi with acute pain as the first symptom followed at our hospital from November 2019 to June 2021 were enrolled in the study and classified into two groups according to the odd and even numbers of the visit sequences,each with 41 cases.The control group received a routine nursing intervention and intramuscular injection of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,whereas the observation group received pain management nursing and wrist-ankle acupuncture.Subsequently,the pain-relieving effect was compared between the two groups.RESULTS The score on the visual analog scale(VAS)at 24,48,and 72 h postintervention was decreased in both groups compared with the baseline data;moreover,the observation group scored significantly lower than the control group on the VAS at each time point after the intervention(P<0.05).The clinical efficacy at 24 h postintervention was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).In turn,the pain recurrence rate at 72 h postintervention was lower in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).Finally,the nursing satisfaction rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group(P<0.05).No serious adverse reactions occurred during the treatment and the safety of treatment was high in both groups.CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for treating urolithiasis with acute pain effectively alleviated the degree of pain and reduced the recurrence rate,which was worthy of clinical application.

Acupuncture at Back-Shu point improves insomnia by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Insomnia is a disease where individuals cannot maintain a steady and stable sleep state or fail to fall asleep.Western medicine mainly uses sedatives and hypnotic drugs to treat insomnia,and long-term use is prone to drug resistance and other adverse reactions.Acupuncture has a good curative effect and unique advantages in the treatment of insomnia.AIM To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at Back-Shu point for the treatment of insomnia.METHODS We first prepared a rat model of insomnia,and then carried out acupuncture for 7 consecutive days.After treatment,the sleep time and general behavior of the rats were determined.The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning ability and spatial memory ability of the rats.The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and the hippocampus were detected by ELISA.qRTPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes in the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate the protein expression levels of RAF-1,MEK-2,ERK1/2 and NF-κB.RESULTS Acupuncture can prolong sleep duration,and improve mental state,activity,diet volume,learning ability and spatial memory.In addition,acupuncture increased the release of 1L-1β,1L-6 and TNF-αin serum and the hippocampus and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that acupuncture at Back-Shu point can inhibit the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and treat insomnia by increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus.

Influence of Ren and Du meridian electro-acupuncture on neural stem cell proliferation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia injury

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that electro-acupuncture at the Ren meridian could improve proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells in cerebral-ischemic rats. However, there are few reports on the influence of electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian on neural stem cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on neural stem cell proliferation in the subventricular zone and altered signal transduction in cerebral ischemia rats. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, animal experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Medical College of Sun Yat-sen University from May 2006 to February 2008. MATERIALS： Mouse anti-rat bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU） monoclonal antibody was provided by Sigma, USA; mouse anti-rat nestin monoclonal antibody and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase （ERK） specific inhibitor PD98059 were provided by Calbiochem, Germany; acupuncture needle was provided by Suzhou Acupuncture Supplies, China. METHODS： A total of 126 rats were randomly assigned to four groups： model （n = 36）, Du meridian （n = 36）, Ren/Du meridian （n = 36）, and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 （n = 18）. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were observed on days 7 （n = 6） and 14 （n = 12） after cerebral ischemia injury. Rats in the model, Du meridian, and Ren/Du meridian groups were observed on days 7, 14, and 28 after cerebral ischemia injury, with 12 rats per group at each time point. Thread occlusion was used to establish middle cerebral artery occlusion models. Electro-acupuncture was performed at Renzhong （DU 26） and Baihui （DU 20） acupoints in the Du meridian group, as well as Chengjiang （RN 24）, Guanyuan （RN 4）, Renzhong, and Baihuiacupoints in the Ren/Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 groups 2 days after model establishment. In addition, electro-acupuncture stimulation with disperse-dense waves was performed, with 30 Hz disperse wave, 100 Hz dense wave, and 5 V intensity for 20 minutes. Rats in the Ren/Du meridian ＋ PD98059 group were treated with 0.2 pg PD98059 injection into the subventricular zone, 2 pL per rat. Rats in the model group were not treated with electro-acupuncture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： BrdU/nestin immunofluorescent staining was used to detect proliferating neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of cerebral ischemia rats; Western blot was used to determine phosphorylated ERK1 and 2 （pERK1/2） expression in the subventricular zone. RESULTS： On days 14 and 28 after cerebral ischemia, there were significantly more BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells in the Ren/Du meridian group compared with the Du meridian group （P 〈 0.05）. PD98059 decreased the number of BrdU-positive and BrdU/nestin-positive cells induced by electro-acupuncture at the/：ten and Du meridians （P 〈 0.05）. On days 7, 14, and 28 after treatment, pERK1/2 expression was significantly greater in the Du meridian and Ren/Du meridian groups compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05）. The promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians on ERK1/2 phosphorylation was superior to electro-acupuncture at the Du meridian alone on day 14 after model induction （P 〈 0.05）. However, PD98059 completely abolished the promoting effect of electro-acupuncture at Ren/Du meridians on pERK1/2 expression （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture at Ren and Du meridians increased proliferation of subventricular zone neural stem cells, which was related to activation of the ERK pathway in a rat model of cerebral ischemia injury.

Effect of electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian on somatostatin and expression of somatostatin receptor genes in rabbits with gastric ulcer

AIM： To discuss the protective effect of electroacupuncture at the Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric mucosal lesion, somatostatin （SS） and the expression of SS receptor genes （SSR1mRNA） in rabbits with gastric ulcer and to further explore the relative specificity of meridians and viscera at gene expression level. METHODS： Forty rabbits were randomly divided into control group （A）, gastric ulcer model group （B）, FootYangming Meridian group （C）, Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group （D） and Foot-Taiyang Meridian group （E）. The gastric ulcer model was prepared by infusing alcohol into stomach. Groups C-E were treated with electroacupuncture at points along the above meridians using meridian stimulating instruments for 7 days respectively. By the end of treatment, the index of gastric ulcer was determined, the amount of epidermal growth factor（EGF） and somatostatin was measured by radioimmunoassay （PJA）. SS-R1mRNA expression in gastric mucosa was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS： The value of EGF in model group was obviously lower（73.6±14.8 vs 91.3±14.9 pg/mL, P〈 0.01） than that in control group. The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SSRtmRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly higher than those in control group （24.88 ± 6.29 vs 8.50 ± 2.98 scores, P〈 0.01; 2978.6 ± 587.6 vs 1852.4 ± 361.7 mIU/mL, P〈 0.01; 2.56±0.25 vs 1.04±0.36, P〈0.01） . The value of EGF in Foot-Yangming Meridian group was higher than that in model group（92.2±6.7 vs 73.6±14.8 pg/mL, P〈 0.01）. The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SS-R1mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantlylower than those in control group（10.88±3.23 vs 24.88±6.29 scores, P〈0.01; 1800.2±488 vs 2978.6±587.6 mIU/mL, P 〈 0.01; 1.07±0.08 vs 2.56±0.25mIU/mL, P〈0.01）. Compared to the model group, the content of SS and expression of SSRlmRNA in gastric mucosa in Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group decreased （2441.0±488. vs 2978.6± 587.6 mIU/mL, P〈 0.05; 1.73±0.16 vs 2.56±0.25 mIU/mL, P〈0.01）. But the above parameters in Foot-Taiyang Meridian group did not improve and were significantly different from those in Footoyangming Meridian group （P〈0.05） CONCLUSION： Electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian can protect gastric mocusa against injury. The mechanism may be releted to the regulation of brain-gut peptides and the expression of SSRtmRNA.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Alzheimer's Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Acupuncture has reportedly improved memory and cognitive impairment in both animal and clinical studies. It may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to review the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of AD. Eight databases were searched for articles published up to and including July 2017, and 13 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. The main outcomes assessed were clinical efficacy rate, Mini-Mental State Examination score, Ability of Daily Living Scale score, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition score, Hasegawa's Dementia Scale (HDS) score, and adverse events. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias. All the studies compared the efficacy of acupuncture with that of medication, and were published in Chinese journals. Meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture yielded positive results as determined via all the indexes scored except the HDS (95% CI -0.26 to 0.90, Z=0.35, P=0.73). Only one of the studies reported adverse events associated with acupuncture and medication. The rate of adverse events in the medication group was 13%. In most of the studies assessed in the current metaanalysis, acupuncture alone was better than conventional western medicines for the treatment of AD.

Effects of Electro-acupuncture on T Cell Subpopulations,NK Activity,Humoral Immunity and Leukocyte Count in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Objective: To observe the effects of electro-acupuncture on T cell subpopulations, natural killer cell (NK) activity, humoral immunity and leukocyte count in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Electro-acupuncture was added for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Tests were done on T cell subpopulations, NK activity, humoral immunity and leukocyte count before treatment and after 4 courses of treatment. Results: After 4 courses of treatment with chemotherapy and electro-acupuncture, no obvious changes were found in T cell subpopulations, NK activity, humoral immunity and leukocyte count (P > 0.05) as compared with those before treatment. Patients undergoing chemotherapy combined with electro-acupuncture showed obviously higher leukocyte count than that of the control group given no leukogenic drugs (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Electro-acupuncture may reduce immunologic damage caused by chemotherapy, thus it can be used as the auxiliary therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy.