Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints in treating rapid gastric emptying:Zusanli(ST36)plus Zhongwan(CV12)versus Zhongwan(CV12)alone

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on rapid gastric emptying by comparing the effectiveness of electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12)(He-Mu acupoints)versus electroacupuncture at Zhongwan(CV12)alone.METHODS:Sixty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups;33 patients in the He-Mu acupoints group received electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12),while 32 patients in the single acupoint group received electroacupuncture only at Zhongwan(CV12).Both groups were treated once daily for 30 min,five times per week for 3 weeks.Before and after the 3-week treatment course,patients underwent gastric emptying scintigraphy and were assessed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scale of gastrointestinal diseases.The two groups were compared regarding the percentages of gastric retention at 30 and 60 min and the TCM symptom scores.RESULTS:After the treatment course,the percentages of gastric retention at 30 and 60 min were significantly improved in both groups compared with the pre-treatment values(P<0.01).The improvement in the gastric retention was significantly better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group at 30 min(P<0.01)and 60 min(P<0.05).The TCM symptom score was significantly decreased after the treatment course in both groups(P<0.01).The improvement in the TCM symptom score was significantly better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group(P<0.01).The total effective rate was 93.55%(29/31)in the He-Mu acupoints group and 77.42%(24/31)in the single acupoint group.The treatment effect was better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12)or at Zhongwan(CV12)alone is effective in treating rapid gastric emptying.Furthermore,electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12)is more effective than electroacupuncture at Zhongwan(CV12)alone.

Effect of scar-producing moxibustion at the acupoints Zusanli(ST 36) and Feishu(BL 13) on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and quality of life in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: A randomized,controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of heat stimulation via scar-producing moxibustion at the acupoints Zusanli(ST 36) and Feishu(BL 13) on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and quality of life in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer(NSCLC).METHODS: Seventy patients with NSCLC were randomly assigned into two groups: group A received scar-producing moxibustion at the acupoints Zusanli(ST 36) and Feishu(BL 13) every day for 6 weeks, while group B received no intervention(control group). Outcome measures were the NLR and the scores from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30). The NLR and the EORTC QLQ-C30 were assessed at baseline and at the end of 6 weeks.RESULTS: Five participants dropped out, leaving afinal total of 65 participants who completed the trial. Groups A and B had a similar mean NLR at baseline. After the treatment course, the NLR in group A was significantly lower than that in group B(P <0.001). Compared with group B, the EORTC QLQ-C30 scores in group A were significantly greater in terms of global health status or quality of life(P < 0.001) and function(P < 0.05), and significantly lower in terms of symptoms(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that performing scar-producing moxibustion by heat-stimulating the acupoints Zusanli(ST 36) and Feishu(BL13) effectively decreases the NLR and improves the quality of life in patients with NSCLC.

Effect of dexamethasone injection into Zusanli(ST 36) acupoint on ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of acupunc ture with dexamethasone(A.Dex)on allergic rhini tis(AR)by injecting dexamethasone into the Zusan li(ST 36)acupoint.METHODS:Thirty 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were sensitized on days 1,5,and 14 by intraperitoneal injection of 100 pg of ovalbumin(OVA).The mice were then randomly divided into six groups(n =5 in each group).Five groups were sensitized intranasally with 2μL of 1.5 mg of OVA for 10 consecutive days,while one group was sensitized intranasally with PBS in a similar manner as a negative control group.One hour before each administration of intranasal OVA,two groups were orally administered either a control vehicle(distilled water;AR control group)or 200 pg/kg Dex(O.Dex group),while three groups received A.Dex at Zusanli(ST36)with Dex concentrations of 2,20,and 200μg/kg for each group,respectively.AR symptoms were evaluated by measuring the rubbing score,which comprised the number of nose,ear,and eye rubs that occurred in the initial 10 min after OVA intranasal provocation on the 10 th day.We isolated spleen,serum,and nasal mucosal tissue after measuring the rubbing score.Spleen weight was measured using an electronic microbalance.The levels of IgE,thymic stromal lymphopoietin,tumor necrosis factor-a,intercellular adhesion molecule-1,and macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 in serum or nasal mucosal tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.The serum histamine levels of OVA-sensitized AR mice were measured using O-phthaldialdehyde spectrofluorometry.Western blot analysis was performed on nasal mucosal tissue extracts.RESULTS:A.Dex significantly reduced the rubbing score,spleen weight,serum IgE,and serum histamine in OVA-sensitized mice.A.Dex significantly decreased the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines(thymic stromal lymphopoietin and tumor necrosis factor-a)in OVA-sensitized mice.A.Dex significantly reduced the nasal mucosal levels of inflammatory markers(intercellular adhesion molecule-land macrophage-inflammatory protein-2)in AR mice.A.Dex effectively attenuated the expression of caspase-1 and receptorinteractingprotein-2 in nasal mucosal tissue.CONCLUSION:A.Dex may be a new and useful therapy for AR.

Research on the Relationship between Spinal Ways and the Effect of Point Zusanli (ST 36)

Objective： The integrity of the corresponding dorsal root is important in the research of the effects of acupuncture Zusanli （ST 36） on gastric smooth muscle. Investigate the communicate channels of central control on the effect of acupuncture Zusanli （ST 36）. Method： Selected 30 healthy adult SD rats and using veniua-glacial acid to made gastric mucosa ulcer model. Divided them into three groups, model group, cutting L4-S1 group and transecting T10-T11 group after the models have been made successfully, each group 10 rats. Implanted diameter in 0.2 mm Platinum Circle electrode into subserous of the ulcer place and recorded the myoelectricity activity of gastric smooth muscle before and after acupuncture Zusanli （ST 36）. Acupuncture parameters, 2-100 Hz, lasting 20 min. Results： Model group before acupuncture, （5.73±0.51） cycle per minitue （cpm）, （2.28±0.57） mV; model group after acupuncture, （5.34±0.34） cpm, （1.06 ± 0.13）. Group that before cutting dorsal L4-S1, （5.65±0.26） cpm, （1.66 ±0.15） mV; group that after cutting dorsal L4-S1, （5.40 ±0.23） cpm, （1.17 ±0.23）, group that after cutting dorsal L4-S1 and acupuncture, （5.26±0.18） cpm, （2.45±0.23）. Group that before transecting dorsal T10-T11 （5.69±0.36） cpm, （1.91 ±0.25） mV, group that after transecting dorsal T10-T11, （4.98±0.53） cpm, （1.05±0.18） mV, group that after transecting dorsal T10-T11 and acupuncture, （4.60 ±0.44） cpm, （2.52 ±0.38） mV. Conclusion： Acupunture Zusanli （ST 36） can inhibit the myoelectricity activity of gastric smooth muscle, cutting L4-S1 can strengthen the myoelectricity activity, but the effect of transect T10-T11 is better. So it can be said that the integrity of Dorsal root is important to the effect of acupuncture. The two-way regulation of Acupuncture has a close relationship with the higher centre above spinal cord.

Application of Injection at Acupoint Zusanli （ST 36） in Hydrotubation

Two hundred and twenty patients in hydrotubation were divided into experiment group and control group, with 110 cases in each group. Injection of vitamin K1 at Zusanli（ST 36） was used in the patients of experiment group before the operation. The control was given nothing. The observation showed that the number of case with adverse effects was less in experiment group than that in control group, and the measures was also milder in comparison with control group. The cases of unobstructed oviducts in experiment group were 89, accounting for 89.9%, while the cases in control group were 63, accounting for 57.3%.

Moxibustion at ST36 activates peritoneal macrophages in CTX-induced immunosuppression in mouse model via IFN-γ

Background:To explored whether moxa cone moxibustion can reduce peritoneal inflammation by increasing the content of peritoneal macrophages and B cells via interferon-gamma.Methods:The mice were randomly divided into three groups with six mice in each group:the control group,model group,and moxibustion group,and the model was established in mice using cyclophosphamide.In the moxibustion group,the mice received moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli(ST36)for 7 days.Analysis of Peritoneal cell were detected by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence,the protein expression level in the peritoneal fluid were measured with mouse cytokine antibody arrays and verified by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test,and RNA-Sequencing was used for peritoneal cell RNA analysis.Results:Our results showed that moxa cone moxibustion could reduce the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells(P<0.05).With the cytokine array analysis and enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay test of peritoneal fluid,we found that IFN‐γwas up-regulated in moxibustion group(P<0.05).There were 169 genes were down-regulated in the model group and up-regulated in the moxibustion group while 19 genes that were up-regulated in the model group and down-regulated in the moxibustion group via RNA-sequencing.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis of 188 intersect differentially expressed genes were found that the top 3 pathways with the highest enrichment of up-regulated genes included Hematopoietic cell lineage,Inflammatory bowel disease and Malaria.The differentially expressed genes visualization protein-protein interaction network shows the top 10 genes including Ifng,Grb2,CCR7,CTLA4,CXCR5,Foxp3,kit,PRF1,CD5 and klrg1.Conclusion:These findings showed that moxa cone moxibustion can alleviate chemotherapy-induced diarrhea by reducing the loss of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells in the peritoneal cavity,possibly through up-regulating inflammatory bowel disease signaling pathway via interferon-gamma to regulate the survival and function of large peritoneal macrophages and B1 cells.

Comparison of protective effects of electroacupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36)on perinatal nicotine exposure-induced lung phenotype in rat offspring

Objective:To compare the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)and moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36)on the lung phenotype of rat offspring exposed to nicotine during the perinatal period.Methods:Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the control group(saline only),the model group(nicotine only),the EA group(nicotine+EA at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally),and the moxibustion group(nicotine+moxibustion at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally).n=6 rats per group.On postnatal day 21,the body weight,lung weight,and pulmonary function were determined and lung morphometry was performed.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma andβ-catenin levels in the lung tissue of offspring were also determined.Results:Perinatal nicotine exposure(PNE)results in decreased body and lung weights of offspring rats,abnormal lung tissue morphology,and significantly altered pulmonary function,showing an increase in total airway resistance and a decrease in tidal volume,minute ventilation,total airway compliance,and peak expiratory flow.Bilateral EA at ST 36 acupoints could block all of these perinatal nicotine-induced effects.Although moxibustion also had protective effects in nicotine-induced offspring lungs,some of these effects did not reach statistical significance,e.g.,protection against the upregulation ofβ-catenin,the downregulation of PPARγsignaling,and the increase in peak expiratory flow.Conclusion:Maternal EA at ST 36 blocked the PNE-induced changes in key developmental signaling pathways,prevented the PNE-induced changes in lung morphology,and protected pulmonary function.Moxibustion at ST 36 showed similar but weaker protective effects against the PNE-induced changes in the exposed offspring.It is important to note that the mechanism underlying the protective effects of moxibustion at ST 36 may be different from those of EA at ST 36,and further research is needed to understand these differences.

Effect of Point Sticking Therapy on Biochemical Markers and Rating of Perceived Exertion in Athletes with Exercise-induced Fatigue

Objective： To observe the effect of point sticking therapy on biochemical markers and Rating of Perceived Exertion （RPE） in athletes with exercise-induced fatigue. Methods： A total of 35 football players were randomly allocated into a blank group, a control group and an observation group. The athletes in the blank group received no treatment, those in the control group take Xi Yang Shen （Radix Panacis Quinquefolii） orally and those in the observation group were treated by point sticking therapy. The athletes＇ RPE, hemoglobin （Hb）, red blood cell count （RBC）, blood urea nitrogen （BUN） and blood glucose （BG） were recorded every day for analysis. Results： The RPE value in the blank group tends to increase, while that in the treatment and the blank groups tend to increase first but decrease afterwards, and the corresponding RPE value in the observation group was smaller than that in the control group. After treatment, athletes in the blank group showed a decrease in Hb, RBC and BG, but an increase in BUN in the blank group; while athletes in the observation and the control groups showed increases in Hb, RBC and BG, but a decrease in BUN. Conclusion： Point sticking can alleviate clinical symptoms induced by exercise-induced fatigue.

Study on the differences between moxibustion at different points in the effects on the anti-fatigue ability of rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming

Objective:To observe the effects of moxibustion at Shenshu(BL 23),Zusanli(ST 36)and Shenque(CV 8)on the energy metabolism and endocrine metabolism indicators of rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming,and to explore the differences between moxibustion at different points in the effects on anti-exercise fatigue.Methods:Forty-eight male SPF rats were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,a non-meridian and non-acupoint group,a Shenshu(BL 23)group,a Zusanli(ST 36)group,and a Shenque(CV 8)group using random number table method,with eight rats in each group.Except for the blank group,rats in the other groups were subjected to replicating the one-time exhaustive model using the weight-bearing swimming experiment.Except for the model group,the other model rats received mild moxibustion immediately after swimming.Rats in the non-meridian and non-acupoint group received mild moxibustion at bilateral subcostal non-meridian and non-acupoint points,those in the Shenshu(BL 23)group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu(BL 23),those in the Zusanli(ST 36)group received mild moxibustion at bilateral Zusanli(ST 36),and those in the Shenque(CV 8)group received mild moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)for 15 min.Four hours after the exhaustive swimming,femoral artery blood was collected to detect blood lactate(BLA),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),creatine kinase(CK),creatinine(CRE),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),cortisol(C)and testosterone(T)levels,and calculate the T/C ratio.Results:Compared with the blank group,rat's serum levels of BLA,LDH,CK,BUN and C in the model group and the non-meridian and non-acupoint group were increased,and serum levels of CRE and T,and T/C ratios were decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05);compared with the model group and the non-meridian and non-acupoint group,the serum levels of BLA,LDH,CK,BUN and C in the Shenshu(BL 23)group,Zusanli(ST 36)group and Shenque(CV 8)group were decreased,and the serum CRE and T levels,and the T/C ratios were increased(all P<0.01);compared with the Shenshu(BL 23)group,the serum CK level was decreased in the Shenque(CV 8)group(P<0.01),the serum levels of T and C were decreased in the Zusanli(ST 36)group and Shenque(CV 8)group(P<0.01 or P<0.05),and the T/C ratio was increased in the Shenque(CV 8)group(P<0.01);compared with the Zusanli(ST 36)group,the serum CK and BUN levels were decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05),and the T/C ratio was increased in the Shenque(CV 8)group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion at Shenshu(BL 23),Zusanli(ST 36)and Shenque(CV 8)shows different anti-fatigue effects by regulating the energy metabolism and endocrine metabolism in rats undergoing one-time exhaustive swimming.Moxibustion at Shenshu(BL 23)is better in promoting energy synthesis.Moxibustion at Shenque(CV 8)is more effective in regulating synthesis and decomposition of the skeletal muscle proteins.

Effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli(ST36) on inflammatory cytokines in a rat model of smokeinduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE： Improvement in lung function was reported after acupuncture treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Because an immune response imbalance could be seen in COPD, we hypothesize that electroacupuncture （EA） may play a role in regulating inflammatory cytokines and contribute to lung protection in a rat model of smoke-induced COPD. METHODS： A COPD model using male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to cigarette smoke was established. The rats were randomly divided into four groups （control, sham, COPD, and COPD plus EA）, and COPD model was evaluated by measuring pulmonary pathological changes and lung function. EA was applied to the acupuncture point Zusanli （ST36） for 30 min/d for 14 d in sham and COPD rats. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） was used to measure levels of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a）, interleukin-113 （IL-113）, and malonaldehyde （MDA）. RESULTS： Compared with the control rats, COPD rats had significant changes in lung resistance （R,） and lung compliance （C,） （both P〈0.01）, bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction （P〈0.01）, and levels of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β（P〈0.01）. There were no significant differences between the control and the sham groups. Compared with the COPD rats, the COPD plus EA rats had decreased R, and increased CL （both P〈0.05）, and reduced bronchi and bronchiole airway obstruction （P〈0.05, P〈0.01, respectively）, while levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MDA in BALF were lowered （P〈0.05 and P〈0.01, respectively）. However, TNF-α and IL-1β levels of the EA group rats remained higher than those of the control group （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： EA at ST36 can reduce lung injury in a COPD rat model, and beneficial effects may be related to down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may prolong the clinical benefit of EA.

Electro-acupuncture at Zusanli(ST 36) to improve lower extremity motor function in sensory disturbance patients with cerebral stroke A randomized controlled study of 240 cases

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that sensory transduction is a way to introduce needle sensation. OBJECTIVE： To observe the influence of electro-acupuncture at the ＂Zusanll＂ （ST 36） point on lower extremity motor function in various sensory disturbance patients with cerebral stroke. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, clinical study was performed at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Centre from September 2006 to June 2008. PARTICIPANTS： Patients with first-time cerebral infarction or hemorrhage, or with a stroke history, but no neurodysfunction （single damage）, were selected for this study. The subjects were right-handed and disease state was stable. A total of 240 inpatients were randomly assigned to the following groups： electro-acupuncture （n = 124） and control （n = 116）. The two groups were further assigned into sub-groups： no sensory disturbance, superficial sensory disturbance, deep sensory disturbance, and deep and superficial sensory disturbance. METHODS： On the basis of routine limb function training, the acupoint Zusanliwas utilized in all patients from the electro-acupuncture group. Perpendicular acupuncture was 3.0-4.0 cm deep. An electric acupuncture instrument was connected when patients developed the needle sensation, deqi. A stimulation pattern consisting of distant and dense waves of 50 Hz was used to elicit slight dorsal foot extension. Acupuncture was administered 5 times per week, 30 minutes per session, for 6 weeks in total. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： FugI-Meyer assessment （FMA） was used to evaluate lower extremity motor function; Ver.1.0 gait analysis to estimate gait （step frequency, step speed, and step scope）; lower extremity Composite Spasticity Scale （CSS） to estimate muscle spastic degree. RESULTS： Following treatment, motor function improved in both groups. Compared with the control group, FMA score, step speed, step frequency, and step scope were increased in the electro-acupuncture group, but there was no difference in lower extremity CSS scores between the electro-acupuncture and the control groups （P 〉 0.05）. Compared with the control group, Zusanli （ST 36） electro-acupuncture improved motor function indices as follows： FMA score, step frequency, step speed, and step scope of patients with no sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05-0.01）, step frequency of patients with superficial sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05）, and step frequency and step speed of patients with deep sensory disturbance （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Zusanfi （ST 36） electro-acupuncture effects on lower extremity motor function in stroke patients were improved with no muscle tone rise. Therefore, this form of treatment can be used in convalescent treatment, Moreover, effects were different according to various sensory disturbance types, which suggested that sensory input influenced acupuncture effects.

Effects of pre-moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36) on heat shock protein 70 expression in rats with gastric mucosal lesions after neurotomy

Studies have shown that pre-moxibustion protects the gastric mucosa by up-regulating the expression of heat shock protein 70. However, the signaling pathway underlying this effect remains unclear. Rats were intragastrically administered absolute alcohol, causing obvious lesion of the gastric mucosa. Following pre-moxibustion at Zusanfi （ST36） for 8 days, the ulcer index decreased to different degrees. The results of an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting showed significant upregulation of heat shock protein 70 expression in the gastric mucosa and serum. None out of transection of the spinal cord, damage to the nucleus of the solitary tract, neurotomy of the vagal nerve and neurotomy of the common peroneal nerve affected the decrease in ulcer index or the increase in heat shock protein 70 expression in serum after pre-moxibustion at Zusanfi, and heat shock protein 70 expression was obviously decreased in the gastric mucosa. These findings suggest that pre-moxibustion at Zusanfi can protect the gastric mucosa against lesioning, and that the mechanism underlying this effect involves its induction of heat shock protein 70 expression. Neural pathways participate in the regulatory effects of moxibustion on heat shock protein 70 expression in the gastric mucosa.

Effect of purulent moxibustion on Zúsānlǐ(足三里ST 36) point on the clinical symptoms of patients with malignant tumor

Objective To discuss the effect of purulent moxibustion on Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） point on the clinical symptoms and life quality of patients with malignant tumor. Methods Sixty patients with malignant tumor were divided into an observation group and a control group with 30 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with purulent moxibustion on Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） in combination with herbal medicine; the control group was only treated with herbal medicine. After 80 days, the changes of the clinical symptoms and KPS of the two groups before and after the treatment were observed. Results The effective rates for the improvement of lassitude, poor appetite and insomnia in the observation group were 72.4% （21/29） ,25.0% （15/20） ,71.4% （15/21）, and those in the control group were 42.9%（12/28） ,55.6% （10/18） ,42.9% （6/14）, and there was no statistical significance of difference between the two groups（P〉0.05）. KPS has statistical significance in the two groups after the treatment （P〈0.01）,and the observation group was higher than the control group. Conclusion Purulent moxibustion on the point of Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） has certain effect to improve the clinical symptoms of patients with malignant tumor, and raise KPS and upgrade the life quality of patients.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON MOXIBUSTION AT ZUSANLI(ST 36) AND LIANGMEN (ST 21) INDUCING HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 70 (HSP70) EXPRESSION TO RESIST OXIDATIVE INJURY OF GASTRIC MUCOSA

To observe effect of moxibustion at Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） and Liangmen （梁门 ST 21 ） on expression of heat shock protein 70 （HSP70） in gastric mucosa of the rat of stress ulcer （SU） to explore the mechanism of moxibustion in resisting oxidative injury of the gastric mucosa. Methods： Sixty SD rats were evenly randomized into 4 groups, a blank group, a model group, an acupoint moxibustion group and a non-acupoint moxibustion group. Water restraint stress （WRS） method was used to make stress gastric ulcer rat model. The ulcerative index （Ul） of gastric mucosa was evaluated by using GUTH method, the gastric mu- cosa blood flux （GMBF） was detected by a laser Doppler bloodflow monitor, and HSP70 expression and malondialdehyde （MDA） content in the gastric mucosa were determined respectively with immunohistochemical and thiobarbiturate methods. Results： Moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） and Liangmen （ST 21 ） significantly de- creased Ul, up-regulated HSP70 expression, increased GMBF, and decreased MDA content in the gastric mucosa in the rat of stress gastric ulcer, with significant differences as compared with the model group and the non-acupoint moxibustion group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01 ）. Conclusion： Moxibustion at Zusanli （ST 36） and Liangmen （ST 21 ） can induce high expression of HSP70 and decrease MDA content in the gastric mucosa, so as to resist oxidative injury, with relative acupoint specificity.

Effect of electric acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal hormones and motility among geriatric postoperative patients with gastrointestinal tumors

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effects of electric acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal hormones and motility among geriatric postoperative patients with gastrointestinal tumors,and to explore an efficient and noninvasive method for postoperative recovery of bowel functions.METHODS:Forty patients were randomly and evenly assigned into a regular nursing care group(RNC) and an acupoint electric stimulation group(AES).Patients in the RNC group received regular nursing care and patients in the AES group received regular nursing care plus electric stimulation of acupoints.The serum levels of gastrin(GAS),motilin(MOT),and cholecystokinin(CCK),and an electrogastrogram(EGG) of all the patients were evaluated on the first,third,and fifth day after surgery.The time to first flatus after surgery and the number of patients with side effects such as abdominal pain,abdominal distention,and diarrhea were recorded.RESULTS:There were significant differences between the two groups in GAS,MOT,EGG,time to first flatus,abdominal pain,abdominal distention,and diarrhea(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Electric stimulation on acupoints could increase levels of GAS and MOT,promote the recovery of gastrointestinal functions,and decrease complications among postoperative senile patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

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.

Effect of acupoint injection of Neostigmine on gastrointestinal function after cholecystectomy

Objective： To observe the effect of acupoint injection with Neostigmine Methylsulfate at Zusanli（ST 36） on gastrointestinal function of patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.Methods： Totally 120 patients undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized into an acupoint injection group, a muscular injection group, and a blank control group at 1：1：1 by random number table, 40 cases in each group. The blank control group was intervened by conventional post-operation treatment, the acupoint injection group was by acupoint injection with Neostigmine Methylsulfate 2 m L at bilateral Zusanli（ST 36） in addition to the treatment given to the blank control group, and the muscular injection group was by muscular injection with Neostigmine Methylsulfate 2 m L in addition to the treatment given to the blank control group. The two injection groups both received injection twice a day, totally for 3 d at most. The restored time of bowel sounds, initial flatulence time, defecation time and clinical efficacy were observed. Results： After treatment, there were significant differences in comparing the restored time of bowel sounds among the three groups（F=17.30, P〈0.05）, the acupoint injection group and muscular injection group were significantly different from the blank control group（P〈0.05）, and there was a significant difference between the acupoint injection group and muscular injection group（P〈0.05）; there were significant differences in comparing the initial flatulence time among the three groups（F=19.12, P〈0.05）, and the acupoint injection group was significantly different from the muscular injection group and the blank control group（P〈0.05）; there were significant differences in comparing the initial defecation time among the three groups（χ^2=21.23, P〈0.05）, while the difference between the acupoint injection group and muscular injection group was statistically insignificant（P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 87.5% in the acupoint injection group, versus 72.5% in the muscular injection group and 60.0% in the blank control group, and there were significant differences among the three groups（P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Acupoint injection with Neostigmine Methylsulfate at Zusanli（ST 36） can shorten the restored time of bowel sounds and flatulence time in patients undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the efficacy is more significant compared to muscular injection with Neostigmine Methylsulfate.

Adenosine triphosphate mediates the pain tolerance effect of manual acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36) in mice

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanisms behind the effects of acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine,we delved into the adenosine triphosphate/peripheral purinergic P2X receptor 3(ATP/P2X3)receptor signaling system as an indicator of the body's energy state,commonly referred to as"Qi".METHODS:The tail-flick test was utilized to explore the impact of acupuncture on pain tolerance threshold(PTT)in mice,while also assessing adenosine(ADO)levels and adenylate energy charge(EC)at Zusanli(ST36).The study further investigated the dose-dependent effects of acupuncture on PTT and ADO levels at Zusanli(ST36).To shed light on the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture's effects,the study examined the impact of ATP,a P2X3 receptor antagonist,and adenosine disodium on PTT following acupuncture administration.RESULTS:Acupuncture at Zusanli(ST36)led to significant improvements in PTT in mice,with the most effective interventions being twirling for 2 min and needle retention for 28 min.These interventions also resulted in significant increases in ATP levels.The effects of acupuncture were further augmented by administration of different doses of ATP at Zusanli(ST36),and pretreatment with a P2X3 receptor antagonist decreased PTT.Adenylate EC peaked at 30 min after intraperitoneal injection of ATP,and pretreatment with various doses of i.p.ATP 30 min prior to acupuncture increased PTT in a dose-dependent manner.Additionally,pretreatment with an i.p.or intramuscular injection of adenosine disodium enhanced the effects of acupuncture.CONCLUSION:This research provides compelling evidence that ATP is involved in the regulation of PTT through acupuncture,revealing new avenues for achieving enhanced clinical outcomes.

Effect of Sanhuangwuji powder,anti-rheumatic drugs,and ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with peptic ulcer:a randomized controlled study

OBjECTIVE:To observe the efficacy and safety of oral Sanhuangwuji powder,anti-rheumatic drugs(ARDs),and ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at Zusanli(ST 36) on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) complicated by peptic ulcer.METHODS:This prospective randomized controlled study included 180 eligible inpatients and outpatients randomly assigned to an ARD treatment(n = 60),ginger-partitioned stimulation(n =60),or combination treatment(n = 60).Patients assigned to the ARD group were given oral celecoxib,methotrexate,and esomeprazole.Patients assigned to theginger-partitioned stimulation group were given ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at Zusanli(ST 36) in addition to the ARDs.Patients in the combination treatment group were given oral Sanhuangwuji powder,ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at Zusanli(ST 36),and ARDs.All patients were followed up for 2 months to evaluate clinical effects and safety.The study was registered in the World Health Organization database at the General Hospital of Chengdu Military Area Command Chinese People's Liberation Army(ChiCTR-TCC12002824).RESULTS:The combination treatment group had significantly greater improvements in RA symptoms,laboratory outcomes,and gastrointestinal symptom scores,compared with the other groups(P < 0.05).The peptic ulcer healing rate in the combination treatment group was significantly greater than that in the ARD treatment group(x^2 = 16.875,P < 0.05) and the ginger-partitioned stimulation group(x^2 = 6.171,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Combination treatment with ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation at Zusanli(ST36),oral Sanhuangwuji powder,and ARDs had a better clinical effect for RA with complicated peptic ulcer,compared with ARD treatmentalone or in combination with ginger-partitioned acupoint stimulation.

Mechanism study of the transmission of moxibustion heat in human acupoint tissues

Objective: To discuss the topical action characteristics of the biological transmission of moxibustion heat via temperature collection and numerical modeling. Methods: Temperature of moxibustion was measured at multiple points at a distance of 3 cm to obtain the moxibustion temperature field nephograms by the high-accuracy temperature measure array. Finite element analysis was used to imitate the three-dimensional dynamic distribution of temperature in acupoint tissues. Results: Through numerical analysis, the one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional distributions of temperature in human acupoint tissues at 5 min of moxibustion were established. The result showed that moxibustion heat mainly tran smitted from the surface of the tissue to the internal, and the in flue nee of moxibusti on heat decreased with the depth of the tissue. The analysis of the nephograms of acupoint tissue temperature at 5,10, 15 and 20 min of moxibustion showed that with the in crease of the moxibusti on time, the temperature in acupoint tissues consta ntly rose, and the transmission depth of moxibustion heat also further expanded inside acupoint. Conclusion: By establishing the three-dimensional dynamic model of heat transmission inside acupoint tissues with the biological parameters of human tissues and the temperature values obtained, this study used finite element analysis software ANSYS 14.0 and discovered the rules in the transmission of heat in body tissues during moxibustion, and the features in moxibustion heat transmission (from the proximal to the distant) and heat penetration (from the surface to the intern al). This study provides theoretical and experime ntal support for the application of moxibusti on in clinical practice.