Effect of electroacupuncture at Lower He-Sea points including Yanglingquan(GB 34)on nuclear factor-κB and interleukin-1βin guinea pigs with acute cholecystitis

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Lower He-Sea points on the expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in the serum and gallbladder tissues,and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)in gallbladder tissues of the guinea pigs with acute cholecystitis(AC),and to explore whether Yanglingquan(GB 34),the Lower He-Sea point pertaining to Dan Fu(gallbladder),is relatively specific for the Dan Fu(gallbladder)disorders.Methods:Eighty-two healthy guinea pigs were randomly divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method,a blank group,a model group,a Yanglingquan(GB 34)group,a Zusanli(ST 36)group,a Shangjuxu(ST 37)group,and a Xiajuxu(ST 39)group,with 12 guinea pigs in the blank group while 14 in the other groups,respectively,half males and half females in each group.Except for the blank group,guinea pigs in the other groups were injected with E.coli into the gallbladder to establish AC models.Guinea pigs in the blank group were fed routinely without special treatment;those in the model group were daily tied up for 30 min without EA treatment;those in the 4 groups receiving EA treatment were acupunctured at the corresponding Lower He-Sea points after daily binding and stimulated with the SDZ-V EA instrument.After successful modeling and treatment for 5 d,blood was collected from the abdominal aorta of the guinea pigs,and the gallbladder tissues in each group were isolated for hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining to observe the morphological changes.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the serum IL-1βlevel,and immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to detect the expression levels of NF-κB and IL-1βin gallbladder.Results:On the 3rd day after modeling,the guinea pigs in the five groups with modeling were mentally depressed with decreased appetite,significantly reduced activities,slouch,lassitude,slack and matted fur,and loose stools;two guinea pigs were selected from each group(one male and one female,not included in the final statistics)to isolate the gallbladder after sacrifice;macroscopic observation showed that the gallbladder wall was differently thickened;the bile color was dark green and opaque with particles suspended or accumulated;light microscope observation showed that the submucosal blood vessels of the gallbladder were congested,along with mucosal edema,ulceration,necrosis,shedding,and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrating in the lamina propria,indicating that the AC model was successfully prepared.Compared with the model group,the gallbladder tissue injuries of the four groups receiving EA treatment were all differently repaired,the serum IL-1βlevels were reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.05),and the IL-1βlevels in the gallbladder tissues were reduced(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the NF-κB expression level in the Yanglingquan(GB 34)group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),but was not statistical different in the Zusanli(ST 36)group,Shangjuxu(ST 37)group and Xiajuxu(ST 39)group(all P>0.05).Compared with the Yanglingquan(GB 34)group,the gallbladder tissues of the Zusanli(ST 36)group,Shangjuxu(ST 37)group and Xiajuxu(ST 39)group were more severely damaged,and the expression levels of serum IL-1β,the NF-κB and IL-1βin the gallbladder tissues were increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05).Intervention effect of Yanglingquan(GB 34)on AC guinea pigs was superior to that of Zusanli(ST 36),Shangjuxu(ST 37)and Xiajuxu(ST 39).Conclusion:EA at the Lower He-Sea points of the stomach,large intestine,small intestine and gallbladder can produce curative effects on AC guinea pigs and reduced the inflammatory symptoms.Intervention effect of Yanglingquan(GB 34)on AC guinea pigs is superior to that of Zusanli(ST 36),Shangjuxu(ST 37)and Xiajuxu(ST 39).The mechanism of EA at Yanglingquan(GB 34)in treating AC may be regulating IL-1βand NF-κB to control the inflammatory response and improve the gallbladder tissue damage.

Instant effect of moxibustion at different points on electrogastrogram of patients with functional dyspepsia

Objective： To observe different effects of moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） and Yanglingquan （GB 34） on electrogastrogram （EGG） of patients with functional dyspepsia （FD）. Methods： A total of 65 cases were randomized into a Zusanli （ST 36） group （n=33） and a Yanglingquan （GB 34） group （n=32） by random serial number, to receive moxibustion therapy to the corresponding point respectively. The 8-lead EGG was used before and after treatment to collect EGG parameter of the gastric body, antrum of stomach, lesser curvature and greater curvature, including the dominant frequency, slow wave percentage, average frequency, response area and motility index. Results： After treatment, the dominant frequency and slow wave percentage were improved in nearly the whole stomach area in Zusanli （ST 36） group, showing statistical significances （both P〈0.05）; the slow wave percentage and average frequency were improved in stomach body and antrum of stomach in Yanglingquan （GB 34） group, showing statistical significances （both P〈0.05）; moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） had a significantly higher influence on EGG than Yanglingquan （GB 34）, in which the lifting of slow wave percentage was significantly higher than Yanglingquan （GB 34） group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） and Yanglingquan （GB 34） has the effect of adjusting abnormal EGG pattern in FD patients. Compared with Yanglingquan （GB 34）, Zusanli （ST 36） has a superior effect in improving EGG in stomach area.

筋会穴用于痺证的临床与实验研究

目的 观察筋会穴阳陵泉治疗痺证的疗效及实验依据。方法 用单取筋会穴阳陵泉或针或灸或针灸兼施的方法治疗痺证,并与传统多穴组及药物治疗组比较,另作相关实验观察。结果 其有效率达90.5%,与传统多穴治疗组比较,虽然P>0.05,无显著差异,但临床总体疗效较其为高;与药物治疗组比较,P<0.01,有显著意义。实验观察显示针刺筋会穴阳陵泉能提高机体痛阈及耐痛阈。结论 表明筋会穴用于痺证的治疗,其疗效是肯定的。

巨刺阳陵泉穴对胆道系统的影响

目的:探讨针刺阳陵泉穴对胆道系统运动的效果与机理。方法:将60例胆囊疾病患者随机分为左阳陵泉(左穴组)、右阳陵泉(右穴组)和双阳陵泉组(双穴组),每组各20例,在B超下观察3组对胆囊收缩和胆总管扩张的影响。结果:左穴组、右穴组和双穴组对胆囊收缩和胆总管扩张均有明显作用(P<0.05),但3组间的作用差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。结论:左阳陵泉与右阳陵泉对胆道系统有同样的效应,故临床不宜只取右穴,而忽略左穴,也不必左右双穴同时取。

“相对穴”阴陵泉与阳陵泉治疗关节疾病特异性研究概况

针灸治疗膝关节炎采用不同的经穴配方,施以不同的针灸方法而取效,阴陵泉、阳陵泉是最常用的一组"相对穴",治疗时常采用对刺和透刺不同的治疗方法。踝关节病变是由气血瘀滞于局部,经气运行受阻所致,治疗舒筋活血,祛瘀消肿,通络止痛,目前常用的是透刺法。阳陵泉为筋之所会,总理筋伤之病,有调节阴阳,扶正祛邪,镇痛却疾之功。足太阴脾经之合穴阴陵泉,健脾除湿,散寒镇痛。两穴一阴一阳,阴阳相助,为临床常用的一组"相对穴",治疗关节疾病如膝关节炎和踝关节病变具有特异性。

针刺阳陵泉治疗外踝关节扭伤疗效观察

目的:观察阳陵泉治疗外踝关节扭伤的增效作用。方法:将79例外踝关节扭伤患者半随机分为治疗组(46例)与对照组(33例)。治疗组采用阳陵泉针刺和局部穴位电磁疗,对照组仅采用局部穴位电磁疗。结果:治疗组治愈率为67.4%,总有效率为91.3%;对照组治愈率为36.4%,总有效率为69.7%。两组比较,治愈率和总有效率差异均有显著性意义(P<0.01,P<0.05)。结论:针刺阳陵泉对外踝关节扭伤有较好疗效。

针刺治疗急性淤胆型肝炎疗效观察

目的观察针刺治疗急性淤胆型肝炎的临床疗效。方法将72例急性淤胆型肝炎随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组36例。治疗组采用针刺阴陵泉、阳陵泉、日月穴治疗,对照组采用口服托尼奈酸片治疗。比较两组临床疗效及治疗前后各项肝功能指标(总胆红素、结合胆红素、谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶、碱性磷酸酶及谷氨酰转肽酶)。结果治疗组总有效率和愈显率分别为94.3%和62.9%,对照组分别为88.2%和44.1%,两组比较差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组治疗后肝功能各项指标与同组治疗前比较,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。治疗组治疗后肝功能各项指标与对照组比较,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论针刺是一种治疗急性淤胆型肝炎的有效方法。

Effect of acupuncture at complementary acupionts on mast cells and histamine/bradykinin released by mast cells in the regions of acupionts

Objective： To observe the changes in numbers and degranulation status of local mast cells （MCs） of the complementary acupionts, as well as the concentrations of serum histamine and bradykinin after acupuncture at rat＇s complementary acupionts of Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 101, for exploring the mechanisms of the synergistic effect of complementary acupionts. Methods： Using random number table method, 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （group K）, an acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34） group （group A）, an acupuncture at Yinlingquan （SP 9） group （group B）, an acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） group （group AB）, and an acupuncture at points near Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） group （group CD）, 8 rats in each group. Group A received acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34）; group B received acupuncture at Yinlingquan （SP 9）; group AB received acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9）; group CD received acupuncture at the control points [points 3 mm away from Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） respectively]. Acupuncture was performed at bilateral points in each group. Rats in group K were fixed using the same method as rats in the other 4 groups without acupuncture stimulation. Needles of 0.35 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length were used for acupuncture. Needle handle was connected to the G6805-]~[ mode electroacupuncture （EA） device after needling qi was obtained, with sparse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and current of i mA to keep the needle handles slightly tremulous while the rats kept quiet. Rats were continuously stimulated by EA for 20 rain each time. Experimental interventions were conducted on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days when the experiment started, for 4 times in total. Specimens from rats in each group were collected 2 h after the 7th day. The levels of histamine and bradykinin in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Local tissues of the points were used to prepare cryosections. The changes of MCs were observed after toluidine blue staining. Results： Compared with group K, the numbers and degranulation rates of MCs in group A, group B, group AB and group CD were significantly increased （all P〈0.05）. The number and degranulation rate of MCs in group AB were significantly higher than those in group A, group B and group CD （all P〈0.05）. The order of histamine levels from high to low was： group AB 〉 group B 〉 group A 〉 group CD 〉 group K, and the differences were statistically significant （all P〈0.05）; the levels of bradykinin in group AB, group A and group B were significantly higher than those in group K and group CD （all P〈O.05）. There was no significant difference in the bradykinin level between group A and group B, nor between group CD and group K （all P〉0.05）. Conclusion： The number and degranulation rate of MCs of the complementary acupionts are significantly increased after acupuncture at complementary acupionts of Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） of rats, and the serum levels of histamine and bradykinin are increased, which may be one of the mechanisms of the synergism produced by the combination of complementary acuDionts.

Effect of electroacupuncture on JAK2/STAT3 pathway in synovial tissues of rats with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway in knee joint synovial tissues of rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore the action mechanism of EA on RA. Methods: Twelve of the 48 SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to a normal group by the random number table method. The remaining 36 rats were subjected to RA model preparation by intradermal injection of the Freund's complete adjuvant into the right hind foot pad of each rat under sterile conditions. After the model was successfully prepared, rats were then divided into a model group, a drug group and an EA group according to a random number table method (n=12). Rats in the drug group were treated with 2 mL aqueous solution of tripterygium glycosides [8.1 mg/(kg?bw)];rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Zusanli (ST 36), for 30 min each time;rats in the normal group and the model group were placed in a special rat fixation tank for 30 min each time, and received the same dose of normal saline as those in the drug group. Rats in all groups received intervention once a day for 4 weeks. Diameter of rat ankle joint and rat arthritis index were measured before and after the intervention. At the end of the experiment, the expressions of phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 were determined by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs expressions. Results: After the model was produced, the arthritis index >2 was considered successful in model preparation. Compared with the model group, the ankle joint diameters and arthritis indexes of rats in the drug group and the EA group were significantly lower (all P<0.01);immunohistochemical staining cells with phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 were significantly decreased (all P<0.01);the expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs were decreased with statistical differences (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the EA group and the drug group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: EA can alleviate the inflammatory response of RA rats, improve their pathological conditions, reduce the expressions of phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 in the synovial tissue of knee joint, and decrease the expressions of JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs. The therapeutic effect of EA is comparable to that of the tripterygium glycosides. The mechanism of EA treatment may be related to the inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

中渚、阳陵泉穴与脑功能区的关系:功能性磁共振成像研究

目的:运用功能性磁共振成像技术(fMRI)观察针刺手少阳经中渚穴和足少阳经阳陵泉穴时大脑皮层兴奋区的分布特点,初步探讨经络、穴位作用的中枢机制。方法:将42例健康受试者(右利手),随机分为针刺中渚穴和阳陵泉穴两组。采用fMRI技术实时动态扫描针刺中渚穴和阳陵泉穴时脑功能区的变化,最终所获得的数据采用SPM2软件包分析其作用部位。结果:中渚穴引起的脑内主要兴奋区依次为双侧的额叶、颞叶、小脑和枕叶,阳陵泉穴引起的主要兴奋区依次为双侧的枕叶、小脑、额叶和颞叶。结论:针刺中渚穴和阳陵泉穴时均可以引起双侧听觉、视觉相关大脑皮质和双侧躯体运动区大脑皮质兴奋,这可能是临床治疗相关病症的中枢作用基础。

艾灸阳陵泉对慢性背部肌筋膜疼痛综合征患者体表热像的影响

目的:比较艾灸阳陵泉对慢性背部肌筋膜疼痛综合征(MPS)患者和健康者体表热像的即刻影响。方法:将35例MPS患者作为观察组,将15例健康者作为对照组,采用ATIR-M301医用红外热成像仪对两组艾灸阳陵泉15 min前后的体表热像变化进行观察。采用图像定性分析和温度定量分析相结合,比较两组体表热像差异。结果:观察组MPS患者背部红外热像图表现,88.6%有异常热区,分布在上段的最多,其次是下段;有约一半左右的患者脊柱热力线中断或消失;71.4%的患者主诉的疼痛部位和红外热像图表现部位一致。观察组背部上段异常热区的左右侧温差与对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。艾灸阳陵泉对MPS患者以及健康者的背部体表热像均有影响,以上段和菱形窝最为显著;艾灸阳陵泉对MPS患者背部上段的升温程度较健康者更为明显(P<0.05)。结论:艾灸阳陵泉可对慢性背部MPS患者背部热像有即刻改善作用。

艾灸治疗战士背肌筋膜疼痛综合征疗效观察

目的:为解决部队战士背部肌筋膜疼痛症状提供一套艾灸自治互治方法。方法:将58例患者随机分为艾灸组(30例)和膏药贴敷组(28例)。艾灸组悬灸阳陵泉15min,再用艾灸按摩器艾灸按摩疼痛区域,在医生指导下自行治疗或互相治疗;膏药贴敷组使用狗皮膏贴敷疼痛局部,均每天1次,治疗5天。采用临床症状评分、临床体征评分、功能障碍表现评分、功能障碍指数、综合经济效益等指标对两组临床疗效进行分析比较。结果:艾灸及膏药贴敷两种治疗方法对战士背部肌筋膜疼痛综合征均有一定疗效,均可明显改善临床症状、体征及功能障碍(P<0.01,P<0.05),且艾灸组优于膏药贴敷组(P<0.01,P<0.05);在综合经济效益指标方面,艾灸组优于膏药贴敷组;艾灸组总有效率为96.7%(29/30),膏药贴敷组为35.7%(10/28),艾灸组疗效优于膏药贴敷组(P<0.01)。结论:艾灸自治互治方法治疗部队战士背部肌筋膜疼痛综合征的临床疗效较好,并且可以降低常规医疗的成本,减少军队的医疗开支,适合在部队开展。

Effect of music therapy derived from the five elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine on post-stroke depression

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of five phase music therapy in patients with depression after ischemic stroke.METHODS: A total of 92 patients with post-stroke depression were randomly divided into the control group(32 cases), treatment group A(30 cases), and treatment group B(30 cases). All groups were given basic therapies for cerebral infarction. In addition,the control group was administerd 50 mg of oral sertraline hydrochloride daily, while treatment groups A and B received needling at Baihui(GV 20)plus acupoint injection at Yanglingquan(GB 34) daily; treatment group B also received music therapy derived from the five phases in Traditional ChineseMedicine theory twice daily. All treatments were administered for 5 d per treatment cycle for three cycles, with a 1 d interval between cycles. In all three groups, Hamilton's depression scale(HAMD-17)score and the activities of daily life(ADL) score were measured before and after treatment, and side effects were assessed with the treatment emergent symptom scale.RESULTS: The HAMD-17 score significantly decreased after treatment in all three groups, and the post-treatment reduction in HAMD-17 score was markedly greater in treatment group B than in treatment group A(P < 0.01). The ADL score significantly increased after treatment in all three groups,and the post-treatment increase in ADL score was significantly greater in treatment group B than in treatment group A(P < 0.01). The treatment emergent symptom scale score was highest in the control group, and lowest in group B, and significantly differed between the three groups(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: Five phase music therapy plus acupoint needling and acupoint injection can improve the symptoms in patients with post-stroke depression.