Effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points on the expression of microRNA-21 and neuronal apoptosis in rats with acute spinal cord injury

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points on the expression of microRNA-21 and neuronal apoptosis in rats with acute spinal cord injury. Methods:SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, electro-acupuncture group and methylprednisolone group. The model of acute spinal cord injury was reproduced by modified Allen's method. Each group was given corresponding intervention treatment 2 hours after modeling. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electro-acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points in T8 to T12, the methylprednisolone group was given intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone sodium succinate, and the sham operation group and model group were not treated. After treatment, BBB scores were observed to evaluate the motor function of posterior limb in each group, and the injured spinal cord tissues were taken. The pathological changes of spinal cord neuropathy were observed by Nissl staining. The expression of microRNA-21 was detected by RT-qPCR, and the expression of apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-Caspase-3) was detected by Western-Blot. Result:Compared with sham operation group, BBB, neuron survival rate and expression of microRNA-21 were significantly lower, apoptotic rate of neurons was significantly higher, expression of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved Caspase-3 protein and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were significantly increased in model group (P< 0.05). Electroacupuncture could significantly increase BBB score, neuron survival rate and expression of microRNA-21, reduce apoptotic rate of neurons and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and inhibit the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3 protein in tissues, which were significantly different from those of model group (P< 0.05). Conclusions: Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points can significantly promote the recovery of neurological function in rats after ASCI, and its mechanism may be closely related to the up-regulation of the expression of microRNA-21 in tissues and the inhibition of the activation of Bax/Bcl-2/cleaved Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOPATHY BY LASER ACUPUNCTURE AT THE CERVICAL JIAJI POINTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF 102 CASES

Laser acupuncture therapy was employed in the treatment of spondylopathy.Thetherapeutic effect of the three types of the spondylopathy,nerve root type,vertebral artery type andspinal cord type were stuied and compared.The results indicate a significant difference between thethree types of spondylopathy.The best therapeutic effect was obtained in nerve root type with a remarkable effective rate of 98.5％;the effective rates for the vertebral artery type and the spinal cordtype were 92.3％and 25％,respectively.Combining laser irradiatlon with acupuncture,the therapyposseses the functions of acupuncture,heat effect and mild moxibustion action.Therefore,it showedeffect quickly and had the advantages of short treatment course and high therapeutic effect.Clinicalobservation has confirmed that laser acupuncture is more effective than single laser irradiation.Thistherapy offers another simple but effective method for the treatment of spondylopathy.

TREATMENT OF 29 CASES OF LUMBAR INTERVETEBRAL DISC PROTRUSION WITH GINGER-SEPARATED MOXIBUSTION

: To observe the effect of ginger-separated moxibustion for treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse. Methods: 29 lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion patients including 21 males and 8 females were treated with ginger-separated moxibustion of Ashi-point and Jiaji (EX-B 2 , the affected region), 5-6 cones every time, once every other day, continuously for 5 times. Then the therapeutic effect was analyzed. Results: After treatment, of the 29 cases, 23(79.3%) were cured, and the rest 6(20.7%) experienced improvement. Conclusion: Ginger-separated moxibustion is fairly effective and safe in treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion.

Effectiveness of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2), plus moxibustion and intermediate on postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2)plus moxibustion and intermediate frequency on postherpetic neuralgia(PHN).METHODS:A total of 140 outpatients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and volunteered for this treatment were randomly divided into treatment(n=70)and control(n=70)groups.Both groups received a localized lesion area and electroacupuncture treatment combined with moxibustion and intermediate frequency.The treatment group(TG)increased acupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2)and electroacupuncture.Pain and anxiety were assessed before and after 5,10,15,and 20 treatments by using visual pain simulation score(VAS)and Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),respectively.Clinical efficacy was also evaluated.RESULTS:The baseline between the two groups did not significantly differ(P>0.05).The VAS and HAMA scores of the two groups after treatment significantly decreased compared with those of various treatment stages(P>0.05).The HAMA score(P<0.01)of TG was lower than that of the control group(CG).The VAS score of TG was lower than that of CG in the 5th and 10th treatments(P<0.01).In the 15 th and 10 th scores,CG was also superior to TG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The combined treatment of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2),moxibustion,and intermediate frequency can relieve the pain and anxiety symptoms of PHN.The efficacy of the combined treatment was superior to traditional acupuncture.

Treatment of 100 Cases of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy by Electroacupuncture of Jiaji(Ex-B2)plus Oblique Needling Ashi Point

Summary： One hundred patients were diagnosed with cervicalspondylotic radiculopathy definitely by symptoms, signs and Xray examination. The therapeutic method was acupuncture of Jiaji（Ex-B 2） on the affected segment and the upper and lower vertebrae close together. After the arrival of qi, the needles were connected to acupuncture therapeutic instrument. Meanwhile, the numb, heavy and uncomfortable area on the shoulder and upper limb, where something like cord could be touched, was selected as Ashi point. The needle was inserted perpendicularly into the skin on the place that the cord was most obvious and inserted obliquely and deeply along the cord. After 3 4 courses of treatment, 90 cases got marked effectiveness and 10 cases got effectiveness.

Clinical observation on acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points plus tuina in treating thoracic facet joint disorder

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points plus tuina manipulation for thoracic facet joint disorder, and get new clinical evidence for treatment of thoracic facet joint disorder. Methods： Totally 106 patients with thoracic facet joint disorder were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group based on the random number table. Patients in the control group were treated by tuina manipulation, while those in the observation group were treated by acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points before tuina manipulation. Patients in the two groups were treated once a day. The improvements of signs and symptoms and the efficacy were observed after 3 treatments. Results： After treatment, there were intra-group statistical differences in scores of 8 signs and symptoms in both groups （P〈0.01}; the score of each item in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and there was statistical significance in the inter-group difference （P〈0.05）. The cure rate of the observation group was 50.9%, versus 26.4% in the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： In treating thoracic facet joint disorder, acupuncture plus tuina manipulation can restore the biomechanical balance of thoracic vertebrae, fully maximized the combined effect, and significantly improve the clinical efficacy.

Acupuncture-moxibustion at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points for intervertebral disc herniation: a systematic review

By organizing and classifying the literatures related to acupuncture-moxibustion at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points in treating intervertebral disc herniation （IDH） published before December 32, 2013, to summarize the application status and features of Jiaji （EX-B 2） points. It＇s found that its most favorable indication is IDH. It also further analyzed the action mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points in treating IDH, and brought up some ideas to highlight the further study.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (Ex-B 2) Points plus Herbal Medicine for Herpes Zoster

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of electroacupuncture （EA） at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） points plus herbal medicine for herpes zoster （HZ）. Methods： Sixty-two cases were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was treated with EA at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） points plus herbal medicine based upon the pattern differentiation. The control group was treated with oral administration of Aciclovir tablets for resisting virus, and Mecobalamin tablets for nourishing the nerves and Aciclovir cream for skin rash. The therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups, after two-week treatment Results： After 7 d of the treatment, the therapeutic effect was remarkably better in the treatment group than that in the control group （P〈0.01）. After two-week treatment, the therapeutic effects were still different between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The therapeutic effect of EA at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） points plus herbal medicine for HZ is better than that of Western medications in resisting virus and nourishing nerves.

Effects of electroacupuncture at “Jiaji ” (EX-B 2) on myocardial apoptosis and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury

Objective To explore the protective mechanism of acupuncture on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.Methods Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group,a model group,a Jiaji group,a Neiguan group and a Yanglingquan group,10-rats

Spinal stenosis treated with acupuncture on Huátuó Jiájǐ(夹脊EX-B 2) and vertebral curvature adjustment:report of therapeutic effect on 189 cases

Objective To observe the clinical effects on spinal stenosis treated with acupuncture on Huatuo Jiaji （夹脊EX-B 2） and vertebral curvature adjustment. Methods Comprehensive therapy was applied to all of 189 cases of any type of spinal stenosis, in which gukong needling technique was applied to Huatuo Jiaji （夹脊EX-B 2） at C4 - T5 and T12 - L5, associated with vertebral curvature adjustment with traction. The therapeutic effects were observed. Results Total effective rate was 96.8%, in which, clinical cured rate was 31.7% and excellent and good rate was 89.9% in average 28-month fol- low-up visit. Conclusion Spinal stenosis is segmental dynamic stenosis. It can be cured by acupuncture on Huatuo Jiaji （夹脊EX-B 2） and vertebral curvature adjustment and satisfactory result is achieved.

针刺头部穴配合夹脊治疗慢性疲劳综合征疗效观察

目的观察针刺头部穴配合夹脊治疗慢性疲劳综合征的临床疗效。方法将70例慢性疲劳综合征患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组35例。治疗组采用针刺头部穴配合夹脊治疗,对照组采用常规针刺治疗。观察两组治疗前后疲劳量表-14评分,并比较两组临床疗效。结果两组治疗后疲劳量表-14评分与同组治疗前比较,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。治疗组治疗后疲劳量表-14评分与对照组比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗组总有效率和愈显率分别为91.4%和71.4%,对照组分别为82.9%和45.7%。两组愈显率比较,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论针刺头部穴配合夹脊是一种治疗慢性疲劳综合征的有效方法。

Intractable post-herpetic neuralgia in the trunk treated with point injection at Jiájǐ(夹脊 EX-B 2)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the efficacy difference between point injection at Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） and oral medication in the treatment of intractable post-herpetic neuralgia （PHN） in the trunk. Methods One hundred and thirty cases were randomly divided into an point injection group and an medication group, 65 cases in each one. In point injection group, according to the invasion site of herpes zoster, Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） of corresponding segments and the meridian points on skin lesion areas, such as Fengchi （风池GB 20）, Tianzhu （天柱 BL 10）, Feishu （肺俞 BL 13） and Geguan （膈关 BL 46） were selected and injected with the mixed solution of compound Betamethasone （administered only in the first injection）, Vitamin B12 and Lidoeaine Carbonate, 2 mL on each point, once per day. In medication group, Diclofenac Sodium sustained release tablets, 75 mg were administered, twice per day. The clinical efficacy was compared 10 days later between two groups. Results The total effective rate in point injection group was 100.0% （65/65）, which was better than 66.1% （43/65） in medication group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion Point injection mainly at Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） is effective significantly on intractable PHN in the trunk, which is superior to Diclofenac Sodium sustained release tablets.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON 40 CASES OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE DRUGS

Objective： To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus Chinese herbal medicines for ankylceing Methods： A total of 80 cases of AS patients were evenly and randomly divided into treatment group and control group. In treatment group, patients were treated with acupuncture of Jiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） and oral administration of Yishen Tongdu Won （益肾通督丸,Bolus for Reinforcing the Kidney and Dredging Governor Vessesl） and those of control group treated with oral administration of Sulfasalazin （0.5 g, twice daily）. Before and after treatment, the thoracic-dilaion scale, Schober test, Bath ankylceing spondylitis disease activity index （BASDAI）, Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index （BASFI）, erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR） and C-reaction protein （CRP） were detected separately. Results： After 6 months of treatment, of the both 40cases in treatment and control groups, 27 （67.5%） and 13 （32.5%） were improved remarkably, 11 （27.5%） and 16 （40.0%） effective, and 2 （5.0%） and 11 （27.5%） failed, with the effective rates being 95.0% and 72.5% separately. The therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group （P〈 0.05）. After treatment, the thoracicdilaion scale and Schober test values increased significantly （ P〈 0.05）, while BASDAI, BASFI, ESR and CRP lowered considerably （P〈0.01, P〈0.05）. Comparison between two groups indicated that after treatment, the decreased values of BASDAI, BASFI, ESR and CRP of treatment group were significantly lower than those of control group （ P〈 0.01 ）, while those of the thoracio-dilaion scale and Schober test of treatment group were significantly higher than those of control group （ P 〈 0.05, P 〈 0.01 ）. Results displayed that both acupuncture combined with Chinese drugs and Sulfasalazin could lower BASDAI, BASFI, ESR and CRP, raise the thoracic-dilaion scale and Schober test values considerably in AS patients, and the therapeutic effect of combined acupunclure and Chinese drugs was apparently superior to that of Westem medicine. Conclusion： Joint application of acupuncture and Chinese drugs is superior to Western medicine in the therapeutic effect for AS and has fewer side effects.

针刺颈夹脊穴联合推拿对主观认知下降患者认知功能的影响

目的:在生活方式健康宣教、元记忆训练基础上,观察针刺颈夹脊穴联合推拿对主观认知下降(SCD)患者认知功能、睡眠质量、血流动力学指标的影响。方法:将60例SCD患者随机分为观察组(30例,脱落1例)和对照组(30例,脱落3例)。对照组予生活方式健康宣教和元记忆训练,每天训练2次,每次15 min,每周5 d,连续4周;在对照组基础上,观察组采用针刺颈夹脊穴联合推拿治疗,先使用一指禅偏锋推法结合拨法分别沿足太阳膀胱经和督脉按摩颈部10~15 min,然后针刺双侧C1-C7颈夹脊穴,留针30 min,每日1次,每周5次,连续4周。于治疗前后,观察两组简易智能精神状态量表(MMSE)评分、韦克斯勒记忆量表第四版(WMS-Ⅳ)评估的总记忆商(FSMQ)评分、匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)评分,采用经颅多普勒超声检测两组患者血流动力学指标[左侧椎动脉(LVA)、右侧椎动脉(RVA)、基底动脉(BA)的平均血流速度(Vm)和血管搏动指数(PI)]。结果:治疗后,两组患者MMSE、FSMQ评分较治疗前升高(P<0.05,P<0.001),观察组PSQI评分较治疗前降低(P<0.05),观察组BA的Vm值较治疗前升高(P<0.001);观察组MMSE、FSMQ评分以及BA的Vm值均高于对照组(P<0.05,P<0.001),PSQI评分低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:针刺颈夹脊穴联合推拿在改善SCD患者认知功能、缓解慢性情绪应激和改善睡眠状态方面更具优势,其作用机制可能是改善BA的供血。

火针围刺联合夹脊电针治疗急性期带状疱疹:随机对照试验

ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical efficacy of surrounding fire needling combined with electroacupuncture (EA) at Jiājĭ (夹脊EX-B2) on acute herpes zoster, and explore the potential mechanism of this combined treatment by measuring the changes of serum inflammatory cytokines and pain mediators.MethodsSixty patients with acute herpes zoster were randomly assigned to either acupuncture plus western medicine group or western medicine group. In the western medicine group, the patients took orally mecobalamin and ganciclovir for 14 consecutive days. In the acupuncture plus western medicine group, on the base of the western medicine, the surrounding fire needling (fire needling was operated swiftly toward the center of skin lesions.) combined with EA at EX-B2 was provided. Acupoints of EX-B2 were selected based on the nerve ganglion corresponding to the skin lesions, as well as two adjacent nerve ganglions(one level upwards and one downwards) to the lesions, and were stimulated with EA once daily for 14 days. The change of symptoms from the blister eruption to scabbing and decrustation were observed. The score of visual analogue scale (VAS), serum inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α) and pain mediators (calcitonin gene related peptide, substance P) before and after treatment, the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) before and after treatment as well as at 1 month of follow-up, and the overall effective rate and the incidence of post-hepatic neuralgia at 1 month of follow-up were assessed and compared between two groups, respectively.ResultsAfter treatment completion, the time of blister relief, scabbing and decrustation in the acupuncture plus western medicine group was significantly shorter when compared with that of the western medicine group (all P < 0.05). After treatment, VAS score, PSQI score and HAMD score were all reduced significantly when compared with that before treatment within group (P < 0.05). These scores in the acupuncture plus western medicine were reduced significantly compared with the western medicine group at the same time point (all P < 0.05). After treatment, the incidence of post-hepatic neuralgia was 6.89%, lower than that in western medicine group (50.00%, P < 0.05). After treatment, the values of serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNT-a) and pain mediators (CGRP, SP) were reduced when compared with the those before treatment within group (P < 0.05), and the reduction in the acupuncture plus western medicine group was larger than that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 96.67% in the acupuncture plus western medicine group, higher than western medicine group (86.67%, P < 0.05).ConclusionsSurrounding fire needling therapy combined with EA at EX-B2 on the base of western medicine obtained better therapeutic effect on acute herpes zoster when compared with western medicine. This combined treatment may effectively relieve pain and depressive emotions, improve sleep quality and reduce the incidence of post-hepatic neuralgia. The underlying mechanism may related to regulation of pain mediators and reduction of inflammatory cytokines.

Application of Nape Acupuncture in Treatment of Vertebral-artery Type Cervical Spondylosis

Objective： To observe the effect of nape acupuncture on vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis. Methods： Eighty patients with vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into nape acupuncture group and Jiaji acupuncture group, with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the nape acupuncture group were treated with the nape acupuncture plus Jiaji acupuncture, while the patients in the Jiaji group were treated with Jiaji acupuncture only, to observe the functional scale before and after treatment. Results： The total effective rate in the nape acupuncture group was 95.0%, while the total effective rate in the Jiaji acupuncture group was 82.5%. By Ridit analysis, u=5.186, P〈0.01. It indicated that the therapeutic effect in the nape acupuncture group was better than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group. Compared with Jiaji acupuncture group, the difference value of pre- and post-treatment about functional scale of vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis and the post-treatment score have statistic differences （P〈0.01）. It indicated that the therapeutic effect of nape acupuncture group was more obvious in treating vertigo than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group. Conclusion： The treatment of vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis by Jiaji acupuncture plus the nape acupuncture may enhance the therapeutic effect significantly.

Clinical observation of warm needling moxibustion for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion at points on the back in treating rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. Methods： Sixty RA patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table, 30 in each group. The observation group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion at the points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points, while the control group was by regular acupuncture. Results： After intervention, the morning stiffness, joint pain index, joint swelling index and erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR） were significantly improved in both groups （P〈0.01）; the inter-group difference was also statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group versus 76.6% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Warm needling moxibustion at points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points can produce a higher efficacy than regular acupuncture in treating RA.

Treatment of Herpes Zoster with Electroacupuncture plus Collateral-pricking and Cupping Therapy

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture （EA） plus collateral-pricking and cupping therapy for herpes zoster. Methods： Fifty-three cases with herpes zoster were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty-one cases in the treatment group were treated with EA at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points plus local collateral-pricking and cupping therapy. Twenty-two cases in the control group were treated with oral administration of VaLacido~;ir Hvdrochloride and Indomethaci~. Results： The curative and remarkable effective rate was 93.5% in the treatment group and 72.7% in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant （P〈0.01）, indicating that EA plus collateral-pricking and cupping therapy is better than Western medications in the clinical effects for herpes zoster. Conclusion： The EA plus collateral-pricking and cupping method is an effective therapy for herpes zoster.

Clinical Study on Chronic Gastritis Treated by Acupuncture

Objective： To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in managing chronic gastritis. Methods： The subjects were 102 patients with chronic gastritis, receiving acupuncture at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） plus cupping for treatment. Results： Among the 102 patients, 31 were clinically recovered, 62 got improved, and the total effective rate was 91.2%. Conclusion： Acupuncture therapy is effective in treating chronic gastritis.

Observation on Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture Therapy for Posterior Circulation Ischemia Vertigo

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for posterior circulation ischemia vertigo （PCIV）. Methods： A total of 71 PCIV cases were randomly allocated into an acupuncture group （37 cases） and a medication （oral Flunarizine Hydrochloride） group （34 cases）. After 6 weeks of treatment, the therapeutic efficacies in the two groups were analyzed. Results： After treatment, the mean blood flow velocities （VM） of both the vertebral artery （VA） and the basilar artery （BA） in acupuncture group were significantly increased, showing statistical differences when compared with the pre-treatment result of the same group （P〈0.05）; despite some decrease in pulsatility index （PI） after treatment, there was no statistical difference when compared with the pre-treatment result. After treatment, the mean blood flow velocities of both VA and BA in the medication group were increased, showing statistical differences when compared with the pre-treatment result of the same group （P〈0.05）; there was no statistical difference in PI before and after the treatment （P〉0.05）. Regarding the improvement of VM, the acupuncture group was superior to the medication group, showing a statistical difference （P〈0.05）; there was no statistical difference in PI improvement between the two groups. Considering from the clinical efficacy, both acupuncture and medication are effective. However, acupuncture obtained a significantly better effect than medication （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture therapy can posterior circulation ischemia vertigo. obtain a better effect than oral Flunarizine Hydrochloride for