Acupuncture improved lipid metabolism by regulating intestinal absorption in mice

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),in which abnormal lipid metabolism plays an important role in disease progression,has become a pandemic.Abnormal lipid metabolism,for example an increased fat intake,has been thought to be an initial factor leading to NAFLD.The small intestine is the main site of dietary lipid absorption.A number of clinical trials have shown that acupuncture has positive effects in the regulation of lipid metabolism,which is closely associated with the progression of NAFLD.We therefore hypothesized that,acupuncture can improve the conditions of NAFLD by regulating intestinal absorption of lipid.AIM To study the role of acupuncture treatment in the improvement of metabolic syndrome secondary to NAFLD by mouse model.METHODS 8-wk-old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a methionine-and choline-deficient diet for 3 wk.Then,all mice were separated randomly into acupoints group(AG)or non-acupoints group(NG)with high fat diet feeding.Needling treatment was performed at Zu san li,Guan yuan and Yong quan acupoints as acupuncture treatment to AG mice while non-acupoints place to NG mice.Finally,mice were anesthetized with an injection of ketamine-medetomidine and euthanized by exsanguination.RESULTS An apparent improvement of obesity was found in AG mice after acupuncture treatment.In AG mice,the body weight was much lower(22.6±1.2 g vs 28.1±1.0 g,P<0.005)in comparison to NG mice.The length of small intestine in AG mice was significantly shorter(26.7±2.3 cm vs 32.7±2.7 cm,P<0.005).A large amount of chyme was observed in the lumen of the AG small intestine.The expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein,apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein C2 was downregulated.Triacylglycerols(TGs),total cholesterol and nonesterified fatty acid(NEFA)levels of the small intestinal tissue were significantly higher in AG mice,but the serum TGs and NEFA levels were reduced in AG mice.CONCLUSION These results indicate that acupuncture at Zu san li,Guan yuan and Yong quan suppressed lipid absorption by downregulating the expression of apolipoproteins in the small intestine.

Moxibustion combined with acupuncture increases tight junction protein expression in Crohn's disease patients

AIM:To investigate the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with acupuncture on the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction(TJ) proteins.METHODS:Sixty patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease(CD)were allocated into the herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with acupuncture(HMA)group(n=30)or the mesalazine(MESA)group(n=30)using a parallel control method.There were 2 sets of acupoints used alternately for HMA treatment.The following points were included in Set A:ST25(Tianshu),RN6(Qihai),and RN9(Shuifen)for herb-partitioned moxibustion and ST36(Zusanli),ST37(Shangjuxu),LI11(Quchi),and LI4(Hegu)for acupuncture.The points for Set B included BL23(Shenshu)and BL25(Dachangshu)for herb-partitioned moxibustion and EX-B2 of T6-T1(Jiajixue)fo r acupuncture.The patients received the same treatment6 times a week for 12 consecutive weeks.The MESA group received 1 g of mesalazine enteric coated tablets4 times daily for 12 consecutive weeks.Intestinaltissues were stained and examined to compare the morphological and ultrastructural changes before and after the treatment session.Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays were used to detect the expression of intestinal epithelial TJ proteins zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and claudin-1.The m RNA levels were also evaluated.RESULTS:After the treatment,both herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with acupuncture and mesalazine improved intestinal morphology and ultrastructure of CD patients;the patients treated with HMA showed better improvement.HMA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1(P=0.000),occludin(P=0.021),and claudin-1(P=0.016).MESA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1(P=0.016)and occludin(P=0.026).However,there was no significant increase in the expression of claudin-1(P=0.935).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for the expression of occludin and claudin-1(P>0.05).The HMA group showed a significant improvement in ZO-1 expression compared to the MESA group(2333.34±352.51 vs 2160.38±307.08,P=0.047).HMA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1 m RNA(P=0.000),occludin m RNA(P=0.017),and claudin-1 m RNA(P=0.017).MESA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1 m RNA(P=0.000),occludin m RNA(P=0.042),and claudin-1 m RNA(P=0.041).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the expression of occludin and claudin-1 m RNA(P>0.05).However,the HMA group showed a significant improvement in ZO-1 m RNA expression compared with the MESA group(2378.17±308.77 vs 2200.56±281.88,P=0.023).CONCLUSION:HMA can repair intestinal epithelial barrier lesions and relieve inflammation by upregulating the expression of TJ proteins and their m RNAs.

Electroacupuncture improves gut barrier dysfunction in prolonged hemorrhagic shock rats through vagus anti-inflammatory mechanism

AIM:To investigate whether electroacupuncture(EA)at Zusanli(ST36)prevents intestinal barrier and remote organ dysfunction following prolonged hemorrhagic shock through a vagus anti-inflammatory mechanism.METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to about 45%of total blood volume loss followed by delayed fluid replacement(DFR)with Ringer lactate 3h after hemorrhage.In a first study,rats were randomly divided into six groups:(1)EAN:EA at non-channel acupoints followed by DFR;(2)EA:EA at ST36 after hemorrhage followed by DFR;(3)VGX/EA:vagotomy(VGX)before EA at ST36 and DFR;(4)VGX/EAN:VGX before EAN and DFR;(5)α-bungarotoxin(α-BGT)/EA:intraperitoneal injection ofα-BGT before hemorrhage,followed by EA at ST36 and DFR;and(6)α-BGT/EAN group:α-BGT injection before hemorrhage followed by EAN and DFR.Survival and mean arterial pressure(MAP)were monitored over the next 12 h.In a second study,with the same grouping and treatment,cytokine levels in plasma and intestine,organ parameters,gut injury score,gut permeability to 4 kDa FITC-dextran,and expression and distribution of tight junction protein ZO-1 were evaluated.RESULTS:MAP was significantly lowered after blood loss;EA at ST36 improved the blood pressure at corresponding time points 3 and 12 h after hemorrhage.EA at ST36 reduced tumor necrosis factor-αand interleukin(IL)-6 levels in both plasma and intestine homogenates after blood loss and DFR,while vagotomy or intraperitoneal injection ofα-BGT before EA at ST36reversed its anti-inflammatory effects,and EA at ST36did not influence IL-10 levels in plasma and intestine.EA at ST36 alleviated the injury of intestinal villus,the gut injury score being significantly lower than that of EAN group(1.85±0.33 vs 3.78±0.59,P<0.05).EA at ST36 decreased intestinal permeability to FITCdextran compared with EAN group(856.95 ng/mL±90.65 ng/mL vs 2305.62 ng/mL±278.32 ng/mL,P<0.05).EA at ST36 significantly preserved ZO-1 protein expression and localization at 12 h after hemorrhage.However,EA at non-channel acupoints had no such effect,and abdominal vagotomy andα-BGT treatment could weaken or eliminate the effects of EA at ST36.Besides,EA at ST36 decreased blood aminotransferase,MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase and creatinine vs EAN group at corresponding time points.At the end of 12-h experiment,the survival rate of the EA group was significantly higher than that of the other groups.CONCLUSION:EA at ST36 attenuates the systemic inflammatory response,protects intestinal barrier integrity,improves organ function and survival rate after hemorrhagic shock via activating the cholinergic antiinflammatory mechanism.

Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine in acute severe stroke patients

BACKGROUND Stroke is a common and frequently occurring disease of the nervous system and one of the three major diseases leading to human death.The incidence and mortality of stroke in China increase with age.Overall,70%of patients with stroke have serious disability,which results in heavy burden to their families and the society.AIM To analyze the effects of Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine on immune indexes and digestive tract function in patients with acute severe stroke.METHODS A total of 68 patients with acute severe stroke admitted to Lanzhou Second People’s Hospital between March 2018 and September 2021 were selected and divided into the control and observation groups according to a random number table method.The control group was administered routine Western medicine treatment,such as dehydration,lowering intracranial pressure,anticoagulation,improving cerebral blood circulation and cerebral nerve protection according to the“Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in China.”The observation group was administered Qixue Shuangbu decoction via nasal feeding tube on the basis of the routine Western medicine treatment with simultaneous acupuncture.The two groups were compared.RESULTS The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II,organ dysfunction syndrome score,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores of the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those measured before treatment,and the complements C3 and C4,and immunoglobulins(Ig)M and G were significantly increased compared with those observed before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group,and the complement and Ig levels were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of diamine oxidase(DAO),Dlactic acid(D-LA),and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)in the two groups were significantly higher than those before treatment,while the levels of lipopolysaccharide,ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 1(UCH-L1),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-2,and IL-8 were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,DAO,D-LA,and CGRP were higher in the observation group than in the control group,while lipopolysaccharide,UCH-L1,TNF-α,IL-2,and IL-8 were lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The hospitalization time of individuals in the observation group was shorter than that of the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Qixue Shuangbu decoction and acupuncture combined with Western medicine for the treatment of acute severe stroke can regulate intestinal flora,reduce inflammation,improve intestinal mucosal barrier function and immune function related indicators,and promote recovery.

Acupuncture for Treating Postoperative Enteroparalysis

Postoperative enteroparalysis refers to dysfunction of the intestinal tract after abdominal surgery, which is manifested by abdominal distension, failure of aerofluxus from the anus etc.

TREATMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE

Ulcerative colitis is also known aschronic nonspecific u1cerative colitis charac-terized by diarrhea, abdominal pain andpresence of bloody pus and mucus in thestool. The morbid course is chronic with atendency of repeated recurrences of varyingseverity.According to traditional Chinese medi-cine, when the spleen fails to perform

75 CASES OF SIMPLE OBESITY TREATED WITH AURICULAR AND BODY ACUPUNCTURE

The author adopted auricular and body acupuncture in the treatment of obesity with satisfactory results as reported in the following: Clinical Data The series of 75 cases were diagnosed simple obesity for lack of evidence of any primary disease; age range was 17-65 years,

THE CLINICAL REPORT OF ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT ON 57 CASES WITH CHRONIC ATROPHIC GASTRITIS

57 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis were treated with acupuncture.There were 35 cases(61%)completely cured and 22(39%)markedly effective.The mainpoints punctured were Zusanli(ST 36),Xiangu(ST43),Zulinqi(GB 41)and Yangfu(GB38).

Acupuncture Treatment of Vomiting Caused by Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is mainly used for treating malignant tumor. However, some patients can not withstand the side effects in the digestive system and had to abandon the treatment. In order to prevent vomiting, antiemetics, such as metoclopramide and ondansetron (a new kind of antiemetic), are used. But some patients still vomit after taking these drugs. Moreover, drugs like ondansetron are very expensive for many patients. Since March 1999, we have applied acupuncture to prevent vomiting caused by chemotherapy with satisfactory results. The following is a report of 34 cases observed.

Acupuncture for Crohn’s disease:current status and future perspectives

Crohn’s disease(CD),a type of inflammatory bowel disease,is a chronic,recurrent inflammatory disease of the intestine,with the main clinical manifestations including abdominal pain,diarrhea,and loss of body mass.The disease is common in Europe and the United States,and its incidence has increased in recent years in newly industrialized countries in Asia,Africa,and South America[1].

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON IMMUNE RESPONSE RELATED TO OPIOID-LIKE PEPTIDES

Experimental research has recently shown that acupuncture induces the formation of opioid-like peptides (OLPs) in animals. In order to provide further evidence, we tested the beta-endorphin levels and other parameters (VIP, lymphocyte subsets, NK cells and monocyte phagocytosis) in a group of 90 patients suffering from various painful disorders treated with acupuncture. Zusanli (St 36) and Hegu (LI 4) acupoints were selected. A homogeneous group of 30 subjects was used as control. Evaluation of the above parameters was made with 3 series of blood tests before treatment, 30 minutes and 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In the acupuncture group, the following results were achieved: 1) A considerable increase in beta-endorphin levels remained high even 24 hours after acupuncture treatment. In addition, we demonstrated an inverted correlation between beta-endorphins and VIP; 2) 30 minutes after acupuncture session, 80% of the treated patients showed a significant increase of CD3 and CD4 values and an increase of CD8 24 hours after stimulation; 3) Monocyte phagocytosis was increased in 45% of the treated subjects 30 minutes from starting treatment, and in 100% of them after 24 hours. The percentage of NK cells was also increased in 40% of cases after 30 minutes, and in 50% after 24 hours. However, in the control group, no such significant changes in immune parameters were found.

Effects of acupuncture in treating insomnia due to spleen-stomach disharmony syndrome and its influence on intestinal microbiome: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: Insomnia is a common complaint that is closely related to gastrointestinal symptoms, which is consistent with the traditional Chinese medicine classical theory of ‘‘stomach disharmony leading to restless sleep." Acupuncture is an effective complementary and alternative medicine therapy to improve gastrointestinal function and restore the normal sleep-wake cycle. However, studies on the effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia due to spleen-stomach disharmony syndrome are limited to case reports and few randomized controlled trials; deeper research on its mechanism is still lacking. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the treatment efficacy of ‘‘harmonizing stomach to tranquilize mind"acupuncture for insomnia and its influence on the intestinal microbiome.Methods/design: This is a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group study. Sixty eligible patients with insomnia due to spleen-stomach disharmony syndrome will be randomly divided into two groups(1:1 allocation ratio). The intervention group will use ‘‘harmonizing stomach to tranquilize mind"acupuncture, and the control group will receive sham acupuncture. Participants will receive 5 acupuncture treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment by making assessments at baseline, the end of treatment and the end of the follow-up. High-throughput 16 S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene sequencing will be performed to detect changes in the intestinal microbial composition before and after treatment.Discussion: The results of this trial are expected to confirm that ‘‘harmonizing stomach to tranquilize mind" acupuncture can effectively relieve insomnia and alter the intestinal microbiome.

Acupuncture and moxibustion for incomplete adhesive intestinal obstruction:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion for incomplete adhesive intestinal obstruction.Methods:A total of 100 patients with incomplete adhesive intestinal obstruction were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,and there were 50 patients in each group.The control group was treated with routine western medicine treatment,while the observation group was treated with acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on the foundation of the routine western medicine treatment of the control group.Zhongwan(中脘CV12),Tianshu(天枢ST25),Zusanli(足三里ST36),Shangjiuxu(上巨虚ST37),Zhigou(支沟TE6),Dachangshu(大肠俞BL25),and Xiaochangshu(小肠俞BL27)were taken when acupuncture was performed.Moxibustion was performed with moxibustion box on abdomen after acupuncture.The time of abdominal pain relief,the first anal exhausting,the first defecation and intestines sound recovery,surgery conversion rate and clinical efficacy were observed in the two groups.Results:The time of abdominal pain relief,the first anal exhausting,the first defecation and intestines sound recovery in the observation group were all shorter than those of the control group.There were statistically significant differences between the two groups(all P<0.01).The surgery conversion rate of the observation group was lower than that of the control group,there was statistically significant difference between the two groups(P<0.01).The clinical efficacy of the observation group was superior to that of the control group,the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on the foundation of the routine western medicine treatment,which can reduce the surgical conversion rate and cut down the time of treatment,was superior to routine western medicine treatment on the clinical efficacy of incomplete adhesive intestinal obstruction.

Changes in Small Intestinal Motility and Related Hormones by Acupuncture Stimulation at Zusanli(ST 36) in Mice

Objective： To clarify the effects of acupuncture stimulation at Zusanli（ST 36） on the hormonal changes. Methods： Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice received acupuncture stimulation at acupoint ST 36 or Quchi（LI 11） once a day for 3 or 5 days in the acupuncture-stimulated groups, but not received in the normal group（n=6 in each group）. On day 3 or 5, animals were given 0.1 m L of charcoal orally with a bulbed steel needle, 30 min after the last acupuncture stimulation. Ten minutes later, mice were anesthetized, and the intestinal transit and the concentrations of vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP）, motilin, ghrelin and gastrin in the serum were measured. Results： Compared to no acupuncture stimulation, acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days increased the intestinal transit and down-regulated the concentration of VIP and up-regulated the concentrations of motilin, ghrelin and gastrin（P〈0.05 or 0.01）, whereas acupuncture stimulation at LI 11 did not change them significantly（P〉0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture stimulation at ST 36 for 5 days enhances the small intestinal motility and regulates the secretion of hormones related to small intestinal motility.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion Inhibited Intestinal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Patients with Crohn's Disease Induced by TGF-β1/Smad3/Snail Pathway:A Clinical Trial Study

Objective:To explore whether acupuncture combined with moxibustion could inhibit epithelialmesenchymal transition in Crohn’s disease by affecting the transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1)/Smad3/Snail pathway.Methods:Sixty-three patients with Crohn’s disease were randomly divided into an observation group(31 cases)receiving moxibustion at 43℃ combined with acupuncture,and a control group(32 cases)receiving moxibustion at 37℃combined with sham acupuncture using a random number table.Patients were treated for12 weeks.Crohn’s Disease Activity Index(CDAI)was used to evaluate disease activity.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were utilized to observe the morphological and ultrastructural changes.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factorβ1(TGF-β1),TβR1,TβR2,Smad3,Snail,E-cadherin and fibronectin in intestinal mucosal tissues.Results:The decrease of the CDAI score,morphological and ultrastructural changes were more significant in observation group.The expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,Smad3,and Snail in the observation group were significantly lower than those before the treatment(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After treatment,the expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,and Snail in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(all P<0.05);compared with the control group,the expression of fibronectin in the observation group was significantly decreased,and the expression of E-cadherin was significantly increased(all P<0.05).Conclusions:Moxibustion at 43℃combined with acupuncture may suppress TGF-β1/Smad3/Snail pathway-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of intestinal epithelial cells in Crohn’s disease patients by inhibiting the expression levels of TGF-β1,TβR2,Smad3,and Snail.(Registration No.ChiCTR-IIR-16007751).

Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment for constipation due to intestinal qi stagnation

Objective： To compare the different therapeutic effects of acupuncture and Phenolphthalein for constipation due to intestinal qi stagnation. Methods： A total of 50 patients with constipation due to intestinal qi stagnation were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group by the random digital table, 25 cases in each group. The patients in the acupuncture group were treated by puncturing Gongsun（SP 4）, Sanyinjiao（SP 6）, Taichong（LR 3）, Zusanli（ST 36）, Shangjuxu（ST 37）, Hegu（LI 4）, Lieque（LU 7）, and Tianshu（ST 25）, once every day, and 7 d as one course, for continuous 3 courses; while the patients in the medication group were given Phenolphthalein, 7 d as one course, for continuous 3 courses. Compared the Cleveland clinic constipation score（CCS） between the two groups after one course, 3 courses and 3 months after the treatment, as well as the frequency of defecation within one week. Results： After one week of treatment, CCS scores and frequency of defecation per week were significantly changed in both groups compared with those before treatment（P〈0.05）, and CCS scores and frequency of defecation per week were improved more significantly in the patients of the medication group than in those of the acupuncture group（P〈0.01）. After 3 weeks of treatment, CCS scores and frequency of defecation per week were significantly changed in both groups compared with those before treatment（P〈0.05）, and CCS scores and frequency of defecation per week were improved more significant in the patients of the acupuncture group than in those of the medication group（P〈0.05）. Three months after the end of treatment, CCS scores and frequency of defecation per week were significantly changed in both groups compared with those before treatment（P〈0.05）, and CCS scores and frequency of defecation per week were improved more significantly in the patients of the acupuncture group than in those of the medication group（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture and medication are effective in the treatment of constipation due to intestinal qi stagnation. Their short-term therapeutic effect is similar, but the long-term therapeutic effect is better in the acupuncture group than in the medication group.

The Effect of Acupuncture on Intestinal Motility and Sero－Enzyme Activity in Perioperation

The authors studied 39 surgical patients suffering from abdominal illnesses. The patientswere divided into acupuncture and control groups. In the acupuncture group, needles were inserted atacupuncture points Zusanli (St 36) and Sanyinjiao (Sp.6) during the second 12 hours following the opera-tion. The patients were then observed to mark the time of the first passing of flatus. Sero-enzyme activityof glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamyltranspeptidase ( -GT) was determined before the operation, and measured at two day intervals from the1st to 7th days after the operation. The results show the time of passing flatus in the acupuncture group(58. 78±23. 94 h) was obviously faster than that in the control group (86. 14±20. 43 h) , P<O. 001. Thissuggests acupuncture can promote intestinal activity. After operation, sero-enzyme activity was raised200 % - 300 % over the average pre-operation activity. This is evidence of trauma to the cells caused bythe surgical procedure. This trauma caused the cells, directly or indirectly, to release enzymes into theblood. However, in those patients who received acupuncture therapy, sero-enzyme activity reduced to anormal level much faster. There is a possibility that acupuncture may be used to regulate reactivity of or-ganisms experiencing trauma, and to promote repair of the damaged cells.

针刺对SAMP8小鼠学习记忆能力和肠道菌群的影响

目的探讨针刺对快速老化小鼠亚系(Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8,SAMP8)小鼠的学习记忆能力和肠道菌群结构的影响。方法将18只6月龄SAMP8小鼠随机分为模型组和针刺组,每组9只,以9只同月龄SAMR1小鼠作为空白组。针刺组选取百会、涌泉穴针刺,每周5次,每次20 min,连续8周。采用Morris水迷宫检测每组小鼠学习记忆能力,免疫荧光法检测大脑皮层β-淀粉样蛋白(β-Amyloid protein,Aβ)表达,16S rDNA技术检测肠道菌群变化。结果水迷宫实验结果显示,与空白组比较,模型组小鼠学习记忆能力显著降低(P<0.05),针刺组小鼠学习记忆能力较模型组显著提高(P<0.05)。免疫荧光结果显示,与空白组比较,模型组大脑皮层Aβ阳性表达显著增加(P<0.01),可见明显Aβ斑块沉积;针刺组较模型组Aβ斑块明显减少(P<0.05)。Alpha多样性指数显示,与空白组比较,模型组Ace、Simpson值降低(P<0.05),Shannon值增高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,针刺组Ace、Chao值升高(P<0.05,P<0.01)。Beta多样性分析中主成分分析(PCA)、主坐标分析(PCoA)结果显示各组内样本相对聚集,各组间样本距离较远,Venn图显示空白组、模型组和针刺组中分别有664、689、649个OTUs。肠道菌群结构分析结果显示,与空白组比较,模型组拟杆菌门、瘤胃菌科、嗜木聚糖真杆菌丰度增加(P<0.05),梭杆菌科、未分类的梭杆菌科和卟啉菌属丰度下降(P<0.05);与模型组相比,针刺组拟杆菌门下降、嗜木聚糖真杆菌丰度下降(P<0.05),梭杆菌科、未分类的梭杆菌科和卟啉菌属丰度增加(P<0.05)。结论针刺可以减少SAMP8小鼠大脑皮层Aβ沉积,改善学习记忆能力,可能与调节肠道菌群结构、增加物种多样性有关。

俞募配穴针刺治疗肝郁脾虚型抑郁症的临床效果观察

目的:观察俞募配穴针刺治疗肝郁脾虚型抑郁症患者的临床疗效。方法:选取2022年1月至2022年12月福建中医药大学附属第二人民医院收治的肝郁脾虚型抑郁症患者100例作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,每组50例。对照组给予艾司西酞普兰口服治疗,持续用药1个月;观察组在对照组基础上联合俞募配穴针刺治疗,2 d治疗1次,持续治疗15次。比较2组患者治疗前后主要症状、抑郁程度、生命质量评分、血清5-羟色胺(5-HT)水平、肠道菌群、不良反应、复发率及临床疗效。结果:治疗后,观察组健康调查简表(SF-36)评分、血清5-HT水平、粪便标本乳酸杆菌及双歧杆菌数量高于对照组(均P<0.05),主要症状评分、汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD-24)评分、粪便标本大肠埃希菌及肠球菌数量低于对照组(均P<0.05)。2组患者不良反应发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组治疗后6个月复发率略低于对照组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗后观察组总有效率高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:俞募配穴针刺治疗肝郁脾虚型抑郁症患者疗效明确,可有效改善患者症状,减轻抑郁程度,提高生命质量,调节血清5-HT水平及改善肠道菌群分布,安全性高。

基于脑-肠相通理论观察醒脑调神针刺法治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征临床研究

目的:基于脑-肠相通理论观察醒脑调神针刺法治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征(IBS-D)的临床疗效。方法:选取110例脾肾阳虚证IBS-D患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组各55例。对照组给予常规西药治疗,观察组在对照组基础上给予醒脑调神针刺法治疗。比较2组临床疗效、肠易激综合征症状严重程度量表(IBS-SSS)评分、胃肠激素指标[生长抑素(SS)、血管活性肠肽(YIP)]、血清炎症因子[白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)]、肠道菌群变化、肠易激综合征生活质量量表(IBS-QOL)评分、不良反应总发生率。结果:观察组总有效率为96.36%,高于对照组74.55%(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组生活干扰度、排便满意度、腹胀程度、腹痛天数、腹痛程度评分及总分均较治疗前降低(P<0.05),且观察组各项评分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组血清SS、VIP、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-8水平较治疗前降低(P<0.05),且观察组血清SS、VIP、IL-6、TNF-α、IL-8水平低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组肠球菌、肠杆菌门丰度较治疗前降低,乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌门丰度较治疗前升高(P<0.05);且观察组肠球菌、肠杆菌门丰度均低于对照组,乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌门丰度均高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,2组IBS-QOL评分较治疗前升高(P<0.05),且观察组IBS-QOL评分高于对照组(P<0.05)。2组不良反应总发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:醒脑调神针刺法可有效调节IBS-D患者肠道菌群及胃肠激素分泌,缓解腹痛等腹部不适症状,减轻炎症反应,提高生活质量,安全可靠。