Acupoints combination correlates with activation of cerebral areas A functional MRI study

Acupoint combination is a method used for acupoint treatment of patients. Traditionally, acupoints are matched along the meridian distribution, which is a common rule in clinical practice, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Cerebral scans with functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） have been used in the study of acupuncture and acupoint specifically. In this study, fMRI was used to detect the activation of the brain areas under different acupoints, matched along different meridians, to elucidate the acupoint combination via a modern medical approach. Forty healthy volunteers were randomly divided into the following groups： Waiguan point （SJ 5）, Waiguan （SJ 5） ＋ Zhigou （SJ 6） （2 acupoints come from the same meridian）, Waiguan （SJ 5） ＋ Neiguan （PC 6） （2 acupoints come from 2 meridians with the relationship of interior-exterior）, Waiguan （SJ 5） ＋ Yanglingquan （GB 34） （2 acupoints come from 2 meridians with the same name-Shaoyang Meridian）, and sham point groups （needling in different points on the right hand）. A real-time cerebral fMRI scan was simultaneously performed. The cerebral activation rate, and the number and strength of different regions of interest were compared among the groups. The fMRI cerebral imaging confirmed that there were some differences in the activation of cerebral areas by the needlings in SJ 5, and in combination with other acupoints. Needling at SJ 5 alone greatly activated the right cerebellum, while needling at both SJ 5 and different co-needling points activated different cerebral functional areas.

COMMENTS ON THE STUDY OF ACUPOINT COMBINATION AND REMEDIES FOR TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

In the present paper, the author reviews the progresses in the study on acumoxi (acupuncture-moxi-bustion) treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) from Chinese ancient classical works, Chinese and foreign journals. The therapeutic results reveal that acupuncture treatment of DM is effective in improving DM patients' symptoms via vagal-nerve reflex, regulation of neuroendocrine and immune functions. The author holds that ① correct selection of acupoints in accordance with syndrome differentiation and the related meridians and combined application of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines (for oral administration) are the key points for raising the therapeutic effect; and ② acupoint combination and curative methods need to be researched further.

Cerebral mechanism of puncturing at He-Mu point combination for functional dyspepsia: study protocol for a randomized controlled parallel trial

Acupuncture is widely used to treat functional dyspepsia with satisfactory outcomes. Combination of the He and Mu acupoints is commonly used and has a synergistic effect on functional dyspepsia; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, a randomized controlled parallel clinical trial is currently underway at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China. This trial is designed to explore the efficacy of and central responses to the He-Mu point combination in patients with functional dyspepsia using functional magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 105 patients with functional dyspepsia will be allocated into 3 groups： the low-He point group（puncturing at Zusanli（ST36））, Mu point group（puncturing at Zhongwan（CV12））, and He-Mu point combination group（puncturing at ST36 and CV12）. Every participant will receive 20 sessions of manual acupuncture for 4 weeks. The needles will be inserted perpendicularly to a depth of 1 to 2 cun. The angle of rotation and twisting will range from 90 to 180 degrees, while lifting and thrusting will range from 0.3 to 0.5 cm. The various manipulations will be performed 60 to 90 times per minute. The needles will remain in place for 30 minutes, during which manipulation will be applied every 10 minutes. Magnetic resonance imaging will be performed before and after 20 sessions of acupuncture. The primary outcome is symptom improvement according to the Chinese version of the Nepean Dyspepsia Index. Secondary outcomes include the Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, and visual analogue scale scores before and after 10 and 20 sessions of acupuncture. Needle sensation and adverse events will be used to assess the therapeutic effects. This study will promote more widespread awareness of the benefits of acupoint combination in the clinical setting and provide a further explanation of the neuromechanism by which acupuncture at the He-Mu point combination for functional dyspepsia. Registration： Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Chi CTR-IOR-15006402.

Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Combination Therapies for Insomnia

Insomnia, a common sleep disorder, affects general well-being, hastens the onset of other diseases, and impairs work performance. Hypnotic medications are efficacious in the short term but have obvious side effects. Acupuncture, often used to treat insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is considered to be beneficial in restoring the normal sleep-wake cycle by regulating and restoring the natural flow of qi (energy power). The three main TCM theories for treating insomnia by acupuncture are the tranquilization disturbance, zangfu disturbance (disequilibrium of internal organs), and imbalance of yin and yang theories. Moxibustion, another treatment for insomnia, is usually combined with acupuncture. Acupuncture and moxibustion with tuina (exercise massage), acupuncture with Chinese herbal injection, electroacupuncture, and acupuncture with medication or psychotherapy are other interventions. Some acupuncture-based methods such as needle-rolling acupuncture, auricular acupoint plaster therapy, phlebotomy, and acupoint catgut-embedding therapy are used as well. Although most clinical trials have shown that acupuncture and its combination therapies are significantly effective in insomnia, the beneficial effects may have been overvalued, because of small sample size, nonstrict inclusion and exclusion criteria, flawed methodology, short follow-up, or nonstandardized evaluation. Therefore, clinical studies of high methodological quality are needed to verify the efficacy of acupuncture, moxibustion, and other combination therapies in insomnia.

Research on mechanism of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy for chronic bronchitis

Objective:To investigate the influencing mechanism of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy on hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis, thus to offer relevant help for clinical therapies on patients with chronic bronchitis. Methods:120 cases of patients with chronic bronchitis treated in our hospital were selected and randomly divided to be the therapeutic group and the control group, 60 cases each. Patients in control group were provided some basic treatments, such as spasmolysis, anti-inflammation, asthma relieving, oxygen inhalation and dissolve phlegm. For therapeutic group on this basis, Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy was provided. Hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in the two groups of patients were detected before and after treatment. Results:Differences of hemorheology indexes, inflammatory factors and pulmonary function relevant indexes between the two groups of patients with chronic bronchitis before treatment showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Compared with prior treatment, hemorheology relevant indexes [whole blood high shear viscosity (WHV), whole blood low shear viscosity (WLV), packed cell volume (PCV), plasma viscosity (PV) and red cell assembling index (RCAI)], inflammatory factors [IL-8 (interleukin-8) and TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor-α)] were significantly decreased and pulmonary function relevant indexes [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and expiratory flow rate when exhale vital capacity was 0.50], inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-2) were significantly increased in the two groups of patients with chronic bronchitis after relevant treatments;The differences between the groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). After combined therapy provided, pulmonary function relevant indexes (FVC, FEV1.0, PEF, MVV and V0.50) and inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-2) in therapeutic group were significantly higher than control group after basic therapy. Hemorheology relevant indexes (WHV, WLV, PV, PCV and RCAI) and inflammatory factors (IL-8 and TNF-α) in therapeutic group were significantly lower than control group;Differences between the two groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: Combination of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application significantly improved the levels of hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis. It has a great important clinical significance on therapies for patients with chronic bronchitis.

耳穴揿针联合栀黄散穴位贴敷在胆石症患者中的应用研究

目的观察耳穴揿针联合栀黄散穴位贴敷对胆石症患者的应用效果。方法将120例患者随机分为A组:耳穴揿针组(40例),B组:穴位贴敷组(40例),C组:联合治疗组(40例)。A组患者在常规西医治疗的基础上加用耳穴揿针治疗,按压4~6次/d,1~3 min/次,5 d 1个疗程,双耳交替操作。B组患者在常规西医治疗的基础上加用栀黄散穴位贴敷,贴敷于双侧胆俞穴、双侧肝俞穴、右侧期门穴、双侧阳陵泉穴,贴敷时间为4~6 h,2次/d,5 d 1个疗程。C组患者在常规西医治疗的基础上联合使用耳穴揿针和栀黄散穴位贴敷治疗。通过疼痛数值评分量表(NRS)比较3组患者治疗后0.5、1、2、24、48 h疼痛评分;治疗前后3组患者C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、胆红素、肝功能(ALT)变化情况;通过B超检查治疗前后胆囊收缩功能、胆囊壁厚度。结果干预后3组患者疼痛评分时间效应值、CRP、胆红素、ALT数值、胆囊壁厚度均低于干预前,胆囊收缩功能较干预前增加,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),A组、B组两组患者干预后疼痛评分时间效应值、CRP、胆红素、ALT数值、胆囊壁厚度、胆囊收缩功能比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。C组患者干预后疼痛评分时间效应值、CRP、胆红素、ALT数值、胆囊壁厚度均低于A、B两组,胆囊收缩功能高于A、B两组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论耳穴揿针和栀黄散穴位贴敷应用于胆石症患者,均可减轻患者的疼痛反应,降低炎症作用,促进肝功能恢复,增强胆囊收缩功能。将两者联合应用,临床疗效更加显著,能够加速患者康复,值得临床推广。

Influence of different acupoint combinations on immediate effect of surface electromyography of patients with cervical spondylosis

Objective To observe the influence of different acupoint combinations on immediate effect of surface electromyography of patients with cervical spondylosis, and to explore the interactions and laws among different acupoint combinations. Methods Acupuncture in three kinds of different acupoint combinations was conducted on 90 patients with cervical spondylosis（three groups）： group A [distal point selection group： Kūnlún（昆仑 BL 60） and Hòuxī（后溪 SI 3）]; group B [local point selection group： Fēngchí（风池 GB 20） and Tiānzhù（天柱 BL 10）]; group C（distal and local point selection group： BL 60, SI 3, GB 20 and BL 10）. Self control before and after treatment was adopted to observe the mean value of surface electromyography（SEMG） amplitude, to measure the mean values of integrated electromyography（IEMG） and electromyography root mean square（RMS）, and to calculate the variation rate of electromyography amplitude of trapezius on the affected side of patients before and after acupuncture. The differences of influences of different acupoint combinations on immediate effect of surface electromyography were compared intra-group, and the differences among the three groups after acupuncture were also compared. Results According to the intragroup comparison before and after acupuncture, the differences of mean value of electromyography amplitude, variation rate of electromyography amplitude, IEMG and RMS were both statistically significant（all P〈0.05）. According to the inter-group comparison after acupuncture, the mean value of electromyography amplitude, variation rate of electromyography amplitude, IEMG and RMS varied in different degrees, however, the differences were not significant（all P〉0.05）; there was no significant difference in the total effective rate among the three groups（P〉0.05）. Conclusion Acupuncture treatment in different acupoint combinations can increase IEMG and RMS and reduce mean value of electromyography amplitude and variation rate of electromyography amplitude, enhance cervical vertebral stability and active contractility of muscle fiber, and improve the fatigue resistance of neck flexion; while, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on cervical spondylosis has nothing to do with the distance or the number of selected acupoint.

足三里-中脘合募配穴针刺对运动应激性胃溃疡大鼠胃黏膜功能、氧化应激及炎症反应的影响

【目的】观察足三里-中脘合募配穴针刺对运动应激性胃溃疡大鼠的治疗作用及机制。【方法】将40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、针刺组、奥美拉唑组,每组10只。除空白组外,其余各组大鼠均采用每日力竭游泳法构建运动应激性胃溃疡模型。成功造模后,针刺组选用足三里穴和中脘穴针刺干预,每日1次,每次10 min;奥美拉唑组大鼠每日游泳2 h前给予奥美拉唑肠溶片蒸馏水混悬液灌胃。连续干预7 d后,观察大鼠整体状态与行为学,Guth法计算胃黏膜损伤指数,苏木素-伊红(HE)染色法观察胃黏膜病理形态,采用WST-1法、比色法和TBA法分别对应测定血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)和丙二醛(MDA)含量,酶联免疫吸附分析(ELISA)检测血清中胃泌素(GAS)、生长抑素(SS),肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)和白细胞介素10(IL-10)的含量,实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(qPCR)法检测胃黏膜组织表皮生长因子受体(EGFR)、基质金属肽酶3(MMP3)、核因子红细胞系相关因子2(NRF2)、血红素加氧酶1(HO-1)和线粒体超氧化物歧化酶2(SOD2)、TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6和IL-10 mRNA表达水平。【结果】与空白组比较,模型组大鼠体质量增长缓慢,旷场试验中活动路程缩短、活跃度降低,胃黏膜溃疡指数显著升高,胃黏膜功能指标血清GAS水平升高、血清SS水平降低、胃黏膜组织中EGFR mRNA表达水平降低及胃黏膜组织MMP3 mRNA表达水平升高,血清中抗氧化物质SOD、GSH-PX水平显著降低,氧化产物MDA水平显著升高,胃黏膜组织中抗氧化基因NRF2、HO-1、SOD2 mRNA表达水平显著降低,炎症因子TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-6的血清含量与胃黏膜组织mRNA水平显著升高,IL-10的血清含量与胃黏膜组织mRNA水平显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01或P<0.001),HE染色可见明显胃黏膜损伤;与模型组比较,针刺组、奥美拉唑组上述各指标均得到明显改善(P<0.05或P<0.01或P<0.001),HE染色可见胃黏膜损伤明显减轻。【结论】足三里-中脘合募配穴针刺可减轻运动应激性胃溃疡大鼠局部的氧化应激和炎症反应,减少胃黏膜损伤,改善大鼠情绪状态,维持大鼠整体活力。

揿针联合穴位贴敷治疗对胃肠道肿瘤化疗患者胃肠道反应及睡眠质量的影响

目的 探讨胃肠道肿瘤化疗患者应用揿针联合穴位贴敷治疗对胃肠道反应及睡眠质量的影响效果。方法 选择河南省肿瘤医院中西结合科住院的胃肠道肿瘤化疗患者96例(2021年10月至2023年6月入组)患者研究,参照计算机数字表法分为2组,每组48例,包括对照组(穴位贴敷治疗)与试验组(揿针联合穴位贴敷治疗)。比较干预前后2组患者胃肠道反应及睡眠质量的变化。结果 治疗前,2组恶心程度评分、呕吐程度评分、食欲情况评分差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗5 d、治疗7 d 2组均有改善,且试验组恶心程度评分、呕吐程度评分、食欲情况评分更低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗7 d,试验组恶心频率与呕吐频率均低于对照组(P<0.05);治疗前,2组睡眠质量差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),治疗7 d试验组睡眠质量PSQI评分低于对照组(P<0.05);试验组总并发症发生率比对照组低(P<0.05)。结论 胃肠道肿瘤化疗患者应用揿针联合穴位贴敷治疗可以更好地减轻化疗所致的胃肠道反应,改善食欲及睡眠质量,值得应用。

基于数据挖掘分析针药结合治疗急性痛风性关节炎的临床规律

目的基于数据挖掘技术来分析研究针药结合治疗急性痛风性关节炎的临床治疗规律,为临床上药穴结合治疗急性痛风性关节炎提供选穴和用药的参考和借鉴。方法检索并筛选20年来使用针药结合治疗急性痛风性关节炎的相关文献,用Excel 2019建立处方数据库并对处方中药、腧穴、归经、药类进行频数分析,SPSS Statistics 26进行聚类分析,SPSS Modeler18.0进行关联规则分析。结果共纳入40个针药结合处方,其中使用频率最高的腧穴和药物分别为三阴交、薏苡仁;关联规则分析显示药穴关联性最高的是:三阴交-薏苡仁-足三里;聚类分析得出10个聚类群。结论本研究总结出针药结合治疗急性痛风性关节炎的选穴与用药中常用组合的临床规律,为临床针药结合治疗急性痛风性关节炎提供了思路。

针药并用治疗膝骨关节炎的疗效观察及对疼痛和关节功能的影响

目的观察针刺四关穴和郄穴联合蠲痹汤治疗膝骨关节炎的临床疗效及对患者关节疼痛和关节功能的影响。方法选取100例膝骨关节炎患者,随机分为对照组(50例)和观察组(50例)。对照组予口服蠲痹汤治疗,观察组在对照组治疗基础上联合针刺四关穴和郄穴治疗。比较两组临床疗效,比较两组治疗前后疼痛视觉模拟量表(visual analog scale,VAS)评分、西安大略与麦克马斯特大学骨关节炎指数(Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index,WOMAC)评分和美国特种外科医院关节功能(Hospital for Special Surgery,HSS)评分,观察两组治疗前后骨代谢指标[血清骨钙素(osteocalcin,OC)和破骨细胞抑制因子(osteoclastogenesis inhibitory factor,OPG)]和炎症因子指标[血清白介素-6(interleukin-6,IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白介素-1(interleukin-1,IL-1)]的变化。结果观察组总有效率为94.0%,高于对照组的72.0%(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组VAS评分和WOMAC总分以及血清IL-6、TNF-α和IL-1水平均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),且观察组低于对照组(P<0.05);两组HSS评分以及血清OC和OPG水平均较治疗前升高(P<0.05),且观察组高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论针刺四关穴和郄穴联合蠲痹汤治疗膝骨关节炎可有效减轻患者膝关节疼痛,改善膝关节功能及骨代谢水平,降低炎症因子水平,疗效优于单一中药治疗。

基于数据挖掘浅析下关穴主治病症及腧穴配伍规律

目的运用数据挖掘技术分析总结下关穴的主治病症及腧穴配伍规律。方法检索自建库至2021年12月中国知网有关文献资料,运用SPSS Modeler 18.0和Gephi V0.9.2软件对纳入文献进行数据挖掘分析。结果共纳入90篇文献,其中下关穴单穴应用文献71篇,配伍他穴应用文献19篇。纳入的90篇文献中,针刺的研究文献数量最多。下关穴单穴主治的优势病症为鼻炎、牙痛、面瘫和面神经疾病、颞下颌关节炎与紊乱;下关穴配伍腧穴主治的优势病症为三叉神经痛、面瘫和面神经疾病、颞下颌关节炎与紊乱等;下关穴配伍腧穴15个,多配伍胃经、膀胱经等的腧穴。结论下关穴单穴和下关穴配伍内庭穴、四白穴、攒竹穴、翳风穴等可主治面部疾病和神经系统等疾病。

基于复杂网络探讨针刺治疗中风后失眠的选穴规律

目的:基于复杂网络技术探析临床针刺治疗中风后失眠的核心穴位及相关腧穴配伍规律。方法:收集2022年3月前收录在中国知网、万方数据知识服务平台、维普期刊资源整合服务平台、中国生物医学文献服务系统及PubMed数据库中公开发表的针刺治疗中风后失眠的临床研究文献,采用Microsoft Excel 2019建立数据库,利用Gephi 0.9.2软件进行复杂网络分析并对示意图进行展示。结果:最终纳入117篇符合标准的文献,提取出228条针刺治疗中风后失眠的腧穴处方,共涉及103个腧穴,腧穴使用总频次为1733次,其中,神门穴使用频次最高,其次为百会穴、四神聪穴、三阴交穴、内关穴等。腧穴归经主要为督脉、足太阳膀胱经。特定穴以五输穴使用频次最多,其次为原穴、八脉交会穴。复杂网络k-core分析发现神门穴、百会穴、四神聪穴、三阴交穴、内关穴、神庭穴、印堂穴、太溪穴、申脉穴、水沟穴为针刺治疗中风后失眠的核心腧穴。结论:针刺治疗中风后失眠所选腧穴主要分布在头颈部、下肢与上肢部,配穴以远近配穴、上下配穴为主,临证重视调气与调神,注重标本同治。

The explorationon on the characteristics of acupoint selection and the rule of acupoint combination in treatment of insomnia with acupuncture and moxibustion:Complex network analysis

Objective:To analyze the rule of acupoint combination of insomnia treated with modern acupuncturemoxibustion with complex network technology and further reveal the internal characteristics of acupoint combination.Methods:Using computer retrieval,the relevant clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of insomnia were searched from China National knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform(VIP) and Pubmed Database in recent 5 years.The articles were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,and then the database was set up and the acupoint prescriptions of acupuncture and moxibustion were extracted.Using Excel 2016 software,the data were processed and the frequency analysis was conducted.With SPSS Modeler 18.0,the association rules were analyzed.Using Gephi 0.9.2,the community analysis and complex network analysis were conducted.Results:Finally,766 articles were eligible and 1276 acupoint prescriptions were extracted with 186 acupoints involved.The acupoints with the highest frequency of use were Shénmén(神门 HT7),Bǎihuì(百会GV20) and Sānyīnjiāo(三阴交SP6).The meridians with the highest frequency were bladder meridian and the governor vessel.The acupoints located on the head and foot were mostly selected.The specific points involved were the crossing points,five-shu points and yuan-source points.The main core paired points referred to HT7 and SP6,HT7 and GV20 as well as HT7 and Nèiguān(内关PC6).The meridians with the highest confidence level appeared among heart meridian of hand-shaoyin,spleen meridian of foot-taiyin and kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin.The modular analysis of complex network obtained 4 core communities and topology analysis obtained 35 core points.The main prescription was composed of HT7,GV20,SP6,Sìshéncōng(四神聪EX-HN1),PC6,Tàixī(太溪KI3),Zúsānlǐ(足三里ST36),Tàichōng(太冲LR3),Anmián(安眠EX-HN18),Yìntáng(印堂EX-HN3),Zhàohǎi(照海KI6),Shēnmài(申脉BL62) and Fēngchí(风池 GB20).Conclusion:Acupuncture-moxibustion therapy focuses on regulating the mind/spirit of the heart and brain,as well as of five zang organs.The general treatment principles are regaining consciousness and opening the orifice,replenishing yin and reducing yang,nourishing the heart and tranquilizing.The supplementary points are mostly the combination of distal and nearby points and the combination of the acupoints located in the upper and the lower parts of the body.The back-shu points and the front-mu points are generally used,while the crossing point as the specific point is especially applied.All of these summaries provide the reference and guidance for clinical application and scientific research.

Two Sets of Acupoint Combination of Similar Functions Engage Shared Neural Representation:A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Objective： To investigate whether the neural representations underlying alternating two acupoint combinations （ACs） are the same or not. Methods： In this functional magnetic resonance imaging study, two sets of analgesia ACs were utilized, including Waiguan （TE5） and Qiuxu （GB40） for Group A, and Neiguan （PC6） and Taichong （LR3） for Group B, which are the most commonly adopted in clinical treatment. Each group had 20 healthy subjects. An experinlental design was proposed, which consisted of a pre-needling resting phase, a needling phase and a post-needling resting phase. This paradigm optimally mimics the clinical protocol as well as focuses on both the stimulation and the resting periods. The results were subjected to general linear model analysis, conjunction analysis and the functional connectivity analysis. Results： The rostral anterior cingulated cortex was engaged in the initiative period of the acupuncture effect in both groups, and it was chosen as the seed region for the functional connectivity analysis for the following resting period. The results showed that several shared brain regions were involved in both groups, in particular the insula, amygdala and hypothalamus. Moreover, significant differences were located at the posterior cingulated cortex as revealed by a two sample t-test （P〈0.05, corrected）. Other regions showed no significant differences. This finding was further supported by the spatial correlation analysis that the two groups were significantly correlated （r=0.51, P〈0.01）. Conclusion： This preliminary research helps us understand the neurophysiological mechanisms of acupuncture when following clinical guidelines on ACs, as well as provides an important opportunity to develop better treatment strategies for reducing, or even preventing pain.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture stimulating Shenmen(HT7),Baihui(GV20),Sanyinjiao(SP6)on spatial learning and memory deficits in rats with insomnia induced by para-chlorophenylalanine:a single acupoint vs combined acupoints

OBJECTIVE:To investiage the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at a single acupoint of Shenmen(HT7),Baihui(GV20),Sanyinjiao(SP6)and at combined acupoints of Shenmen(HT7)and Baihui(GV20)and Sanyinjiao(SP6)on the PKA/CREB and BDNF/TrkB signaling,as well as neuroapoptosis and neurogenesis in hippocampus and elucidate the underlying mechanism of single and combined acupoints on ameliorating spatial learning and memory deficits in a rat model of primary insomnia.METHODS:Primary insomnia was modeled by intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA)once daily for 2 d.EA was applied at Shenmen(HT7),Baihui(GV20),Sanyinjiao(SP6),or Shenmen(HT7)+Baihui(GV20)+Sanyinjiao(SP6)(combined)for 30 min daily for 4 d.Spatial learning and memory function was evaluated by the Morris water maze(MWM)test.Protein expressions of hippocampal cAMP-dependent protein kinase(PKA)-Cβ,phosphorylated cAMP-responsive element-binding protein(p-CREB),brainderived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and tyrosine kinase receptor B(TrkB)were evaluated by Western blotting.Neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus was detected with the transferase-mediated dUTP-X nick end labeling assay.Endogenous neurogenesis was examined with bromodeoxyuridine staining.The MWM test and hippocampal p-CREB,BDNF,and TrkB protein levels in the combined acupoints group were evaluated after the administration of a PKA-selective inhibitor(H89).RESULTS:Spatial learning and memory were significantly impaired in rats with insomnia.The spatial learning deficits were ameliorated in the Shenmen(HT7),Baihui(GV20),Sanyinjiao(SP6),and combined groups;this improvement was significantly greater in the combined group than the single acupoint groups.The spatial memory impairment was improved in the combined,Baihui(GV20),and Shenmen(HT7)groups,but not the Sanyinjiao(SP6)group.The expressions of PKA-Cβ,p-CREB,BDNF,and TrkB were decreased in rats with insomnia.All these proteins were significantly upregulated in the combined group.PKA/p-CREB protein levels were elevated in the Baihui(GV20)and Shenmen(HT7)groups,whereas BDNF/TrkB expression was upregulated in the Sanyinjiao(SP6)group.The staining results showed significant attenuation of hippocampal cell apoptosis and increased numbers of proliferating cells in the combined group,whereas the single acupoint groups only showed decreased numbers of apoptotic cells.In the combined group,the PKA inhibitor reversed the improvement of spatial memory and upregulation of pCREB expression caused by EA,but did not affect its activation of BDNF/TrkB signaling.CONCLUSIONS:EA at the single acupoints Baihui(GV20),Shenmen(HT7),or Sanyinjiao(SP6)had an ameliorating effect on the spatial learning and memory deficits induced by insomnia.EA at combined acupoints exerted a synergistic effect on the improvements in spatial learning and memory impairment in rats with insomnia by upregulating the hippocampal PKA/CREB and BDNF/TrkB signaling,facilitating neurogenesis,and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis.These findings indicate that EA at combined acupoints[(Baihui(GV20),Shenmen(HT7),and Sanyinjiao(SP6)]achieves a more pronounced regulation of hippocampal neuroplasticity than EA at single acupoints,which may partly explain the underlying mechanisms by which EA at combined acupoints exerts a better ameliorative effect on the cognitive dysfunction caused by insomnia.

保元汤合血府逐瘀汤治疗气虚血瘀型慢性心力衰竭患者的穴位温度变化规律探析

目的探讨保元汤合血府逐瘀汤对气虚血瘀型慢性心力衰竭(CHF)治疗疗效及穴位的温度变化规律。方法选取东莞市中医院在2020年12月-2021年12月收治的31例CHF患者,均给予保元汤合血府逐瘀汤治疗。在治疗前后,比较血清B型钠尿肽前体(NT-ProBNP)、超声心动图相关指标[左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDd)、心脏彩超射血分数(LVEF)]、膻中与跗阳24 h的温度变化(平均温度、昼夜温度)。结果治疗后,BNP水平低于治疗前(P<0.05);治疗后,超声心动图LVEDd参数值低于治疗前,LVEF参数值高于治疗前(P<0.05);治疗后,患者的膻中与跗阳的24 h平均温度均高于治疗前的平均温度(P<0.05)。结论气虚血瘀型CHF患者近心端及远心端不同穴位具有温度差异,心功能不同患者也具有穴位温度差异,通过穴温变化可评估心衰的病情变化和用药疗效。

穴位贴敷配合磁电联合治疗慢传输型便秘伴焦虑30例疗效观察

目的:观察穴位贴敷配合磁电联合治疗慢传输型便秘伴焦虑的临床疗效。方法:将60例慢传输型便秘患者按照随机分组的原则,分为对照组和观察组,对照组予单纯穴位贴敷治疗;观察组予穴位贴敷配合磁电联合治疗。每组治疗2个疗程。观察两组的便秘症状评分、SAS评分、以及肠道菌群(大肠杆菌、乳酸杆菌、双岐杆菌)治疗前后的变化。结果:治疗前两组便秘症状评分、SAS评分、肠道菌群计数差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,两组便秘症状评分、SAS评分、大肠杆菌计数均较前下降,观察组效果更显著(P<0.05);乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌计数较前升高,观察组效果优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:穴位贴敷配合磁电联合治疗慢传输型便秘有效,且可缓解患者焦虑状态,值得临床推广。

联合针刺梁丘穴和足三里穴与足三里穴和上巨虚穴的fMRI-BOLD对比研究

目的:探讨同一经络内2个相邻穴位针刺的联合效应,为针刺的中枢机制和经络学说提供一定证据。方法:50例健康志愿者随机分为2组,分别行右侧梁丘穴+足三里穴和足三里穴+上巨虚穴脉冲电针治疗仪针刺。采用区块设计模式行fMRI,分析针刺过程中的脑活动模式,并比较2组的差异。记录2组针刺感觉类型和强度,评估针刺感觉与脑活动的关系。结果:梁丘穴+足三里组和足三里穴+上巨虚穴组共同激活区集中在右侧额上回眶缘、左侧额下回盖部、左侧前扣带回和左侧眶前回,2组共同负激活区则集中在右侧缘上回、右侧尾状核、右侧壳核和左侧岛叶。梁丘穴+足三里穴组在左侧额下回盖部、左侧前扣带回等区域更活跃,而足三里穴+上巨虚穴组在右侧缘上回、左侧岛叶和左侧壳核等区域更活跃。结论:同一经络内2个相邻穴位的针刺刺激可产生协同效应,不同穴位组合对大脑活动的影响也有差异。这些结果可为针刺的中枢机制和经络学说提供一定证据,为针刺方案的设计提供参考。

俞募配穴调控脑-肠轴对急性后循环脑梗死伴胃肠功能障碍患者预后的影响

目的:本研究旨在观察俞募配穴电针治疗对急性后循环脑梗死伴胃肠功能障碍患者的神经功能和胃肠功能的改善作用。方法:2021年5月至2023年1月,将四川省四所医院126名患者随机分为电针组、假电针组和对照组,每组42例。在常规治疗基础上,电针组和假电针组予以早期3天的电针治疗。比较治疗第3天和第28天/出院时患者神经功能缺损程度评分(NIHSS)、急性缺血性中风中医症征积分以及胃肠功能症状疗效评分的差异。结果:与对照组相比,电针组第3天NIHSS评分下降(P<0.05);与两组相比,电针组第28天/出院时的NIHSS评分均下降(P<0.05);与对照组相比,电针组治疗第3天及第28天/出院时的中医症征积分均降低(P<0.05);电针组在胃肠功能评分方面总有效率达到66.7%,显著高于假电针组(50.0%)和对照组(33.3%)(P=0.039);与两组相比,电针组在治疗第3天胃肠减压量均减少;与两组相比,电针组第28天/出院时的胃肠功能评分均降低(P<0.05)。结论:俞募配穴电针治疗能改善急性后循环脑梗死伴胃肠功能障碍患者的神经功能及胃肠功能。