Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation at acupoints on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus:a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To examine whether transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation at acupoints(Acu-TENS)improved the biochemical and physical indices of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS:Ninety subjects with T2DM were divided randomly into a control group(n = 30),aerobic exercise group(n- 30),or Acu-TENS group(n = 30).In addition to conventional diabetes drug treatment,patients in the Acu-TENS group received acupoint stimulation,the aerobic exercise group engaged in walking exercises,and the control group was given sham electrical stimulation.All groups were treated for 30 min for each session and five times a week for 2 months.The indices of glycosylated hemoglobin,2 h postprandial glucose,fasting serum insulin,triglyceride,total cholesterol,and body mass index were assessed at pre-treatment,post-treatment,and follow-up,which was 2 months after treatment.RESULTS:The indices of the control group were not changed(P > 0.05) at the three time points.At the pre-treatment measurement,there were significant differences(P > 0.05) in indices among the three groups.At post-treatment,each index of the two groups was lower than that of the control group(P < 0.05),and improved in comparison with the pre-treatment measurement(P < 0.05).In follow-up,each index of the aerobic exercise group and Acu-TENS group increased,but was still decreased compared with the pre-treatment value(P < 0.05),excluding body mass index.CONCLUSION:Acu-TENS could improve the state of patients with T2 DM and be used as a therapy in clinical application.

Effect of electronic stimulation at Neiguan(PC 6) acupoint on gene expression of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel and protein kinases in rats with myocardial ischemia

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of electronic stimulation at acupoints Neiguan(PC 6) and Lieque(LU 7) on the gene expression of the adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-Sensitive potassium channel(KATP:Kir6.1,Kir6.2,SUR2 A,and SUR2B) and protein kinases(PKA,PKG,and PKCβ2) in myocardial cells of rats with myocardial ischemia(Ml) induced by isoproterenol(ISO).METHODS:Rats were randomly divided into a control,model,Neiguan(PC 6),Lieque(LU 7),and non-acupoint groups.The Ml model was established by injecting rats with ISO.Electro-acupuncture treatment was given to the acupuncture groups,once a day for 7 days.Gene expression was analyzed with real-time PCR.RESULTS:The gene expression of KATP and protein kinases in the model group was higher than those in the control group(P < 0.05).After acupuncture treatment,the KATP and protein kinase expression levels were significantly lower in the Neiguan(PC 6)and Lieque(LU 7) groups compared with the model group[P < 0.05).The Neiguan(PC 6) group lowered these levels significantly more than that of the Lieque(LU 7) group(P < 0.05).No significant differences were observed between the model and non-acupoint groups(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION:Our findings suggest that electronic needling of Neiguan(PC 6) can both reduce the gene expression of KATP and protein kinases in rats with ISO-induced Ml.