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.

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.

Treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ points and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle

Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ （EX） points and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Methods Sixty cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were divided into a treatment group and a control group with 30 cases in each group. Acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ （EX） points （Extra） and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle were adopted for the treatment group. And acupuncture at neck Jiájǐ （EX） points was adopted for the control group. The therapeutic effect, visual analogue scale （VAS） and the numbness score were observed after 2 treatment courses. Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 86.7% （26/30）, while the rate of the control group was 83.3% （25/30）. Comparison of the differences of the two groups was without statistic significance （P0.05）. The VAS scores of the two groups after treatment were both improved （both P0.01）, but without statistic significance between the two groups （P0.05）. The numbness scores of the two groups after treatment were both better than those before treatment （P0.01）. The therapeutic effect on numbness of the extremities of the treatment group was better than that of the control group （P0.05）. Conclusion Blood-letting puncture with the plum flower needle has a satisfactory effect on treatment of numbness of the extremities of patient with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

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.

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.

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 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.

Clinical effect of traditional Chinese spinal orthopedic manipulation in treatment of chondromalacia patellae

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of traditional Chinese spinal orthopedic manipulation(TCSOM) in treating chondromalacia patellae(CP).METHODS: Sixty cases of CP patients were randomly assigned to a TCSOM group and a Celecoxib group according to the random number table method. All patients in the TCSOM group were treated with a maximum of 10 spinal manipulations and rehabilitation training of quadriceps femoris. The symptoms before and after treatment were assessed with visual analog scale(VAS) and Kujala functional knee scoring system(KFKSS). A symptom improvement rate(SIR) was implemented in order to evaluate the effects of the treatments.RESULTS: The symptoms of 16 patients in the TC-SOM group quickly resolved after the first spinal manipulation and 8 cases were significantly improved. The VAS scores in the TCSOM group after 4weeks of treatment were significantly lower than those in the Celecoxib group. The KFKSS scores in the TCSOM group after 4 weeks of treatment were significantly higher than those in the Celecoxib group. Side effects of the treatment were not reported. Symptom improvement rate based on the VAS in the TCSOM group indicated more significant improvements than the Celecoxib group.CONCLUSION: TCSOM has greater efficacy than Celecoxib capsules for relief of the symptoms of CP.

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

Clinical observation of warm needling moxibustion plus lumbar traction for lumbar disc herniation

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus lumbar traction for lumbar disc herniation(LDH)and its effect on Oswestry disability index(ODI)score,present pain intensity(PPI)score,and the degree of straight leg raising.Methods A total of 146 patients with LDH were randomized into a combination group and a control group by the random number table method,with 73 cases in each group.The control group was treated with lumbar traction,and the combination group was treated with lumbar traction plus warm needling moxibustion.The curative efficacy of the two groups was compared.Also,the lumbar function,pain,straight leg raising degree,and inflammatory factor levels before and after treatment were compared.Results The total effective rate of the combination group was 93.2%,which was higher than 78.1%of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the lumbar ODI score,the PPI scores of lumbar pain and lower-limb pain,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand interleukin(IL)-6 levels,and straight leg raising test score in both groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA)score significantly increased(P<0.05).The improvements of the above items in the combination group were all superior to those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Warm needling moxibustion plus lumbar traction in the treatment of LDH can improve lumbar function,relieve pain,and reduce inflammatory response of the body.

Electroacupuncture combined with iontophoresis of Chinese medicine for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

Objective：To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture （EA） combined with iontophoresis of Chinese medicine for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation （LIDH）. Methods： A total of 80 LIDH cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group and a control group by the random number table, 40 in each group. Cases in the treatment group were treated with EA combined with iontophoresis of Chinese medicine, whereas cases in the control group were treated with EA alone. Cases in both groups were treated once a day, 10 times for one course and there was a 3-day interval between two courses. The therapeutic efficacies in two groups were assessed after two courses of treatment. The short-form McGill pain questionnaire （SF-MPQ） and Japanese Orthopedic Association （JOA） low back pain evaluation questionnaire were used for the scoring system before treatment, after the first treatment and 2 courses of treatment. Results： After two courses of treatment, the total effective rate was 95.0% in the treatment group, versus 87.5% in the control group, showing a statistical difference （P〈0.05）. The therapeutic efficacy in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group after the first treatment and 2 courses of treatment. The score of SF-MPQ in the treatment group was more significantly decreased and the JOA score in the treatment group was more significantly increased, showing statistical differences （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： EA at Jiaji （EX-B2） points combined with iontophoresis of Chinese medicine is better than EA alone in alleviating low back and leg pain and improving functions of the low back and leg as well as the quality of life of LIDH patients .

Clinical observation on acupuncture combined with tuina manipulation for thoracic facet joint disorder

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture combined with tuina manipulation for thoracic facet joint disorder. Methods： A total of 93 eligible cases were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group. Patients in the observation group （n=46） were treated with acupuncture combined with tuina manipulation, whereas patients in the control group （n=47） were treated with tuina manipulation alone. The treatment was done once a day, for a total of 3 times. Therapeutic efficacies were then evaluated according to scores on signs and symptoms. Results： After treatment, there were intra-group statistically significant differences in scores of eight signs and symptoms （all P〈0.01）; and the between-group differences were statistically significant in scores of eight signs and symptoms （all P〈0.05）. After three times of treatment, the recovery rate in the observation group was 54.4%, versus 25.4% in the control group, showing a statistical significance （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture combined with tuina manipulation can obtain better effects than tuina manipulation alone for thoracic facet joint disorder and is therefore worth further clinical application.

Tuina plus Cupping Therapy for 60 Cases of Infantile Cough

Objective： To observe the clinical effect oftuina plus cupping therapy for infantile cough. Methods： Sixty subjects were mainly treated with pinching and pushing the spine, coordinating with the tuina manipulations and cupping therapy based on syndrome differentiation. Results： Among the 60 patients, 40 cases were cured and 20 cases got improved, the total effective rate was 100%. Conclusion： Tuina plus cupping therapy works effectively on infantile cough and without adverse reactions.