Treating acute low back pain with acupuncture:A randomized controlled study protocol to compare the effectiveness between distal and local acupoints

Objective To compare the efficacy of using“distal acupoints only”vs.“local acupoints mainly combined with distal acupoints”in cases of acute low back pain(ALBP).Methods A total of 102 eligible patients aged 18–65 years with ALBP lasting less than 6 weeks will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the distal acupoints only group(DPOG)and the local acupoints mainly combined with the distal acupoints group(LPMG).During a 4-week treatment period,patients in the DPOG will receive acupuncture at distal acupoints only(Houxi[SI 3]and Yaotongxue[EX-UE 7])twice a week,while those in the LPMG group will receive acupuncture at local acupoints(mainly Shenshu[BL 23]and Dachangshu[BL 25])combined with distal points(Weizhong[BL 40]).The patients in both groups will be evaluated at every session of treatment,and the follow-up will be performed for 3 months.The primary outcome measure will be the change in ALBP intensity,assessed using visual analogue scale scores before and after treatment.The secondary outcome measure will be the evaluation of functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index.Discussion This study compares the DPOG and LPMG to explore the feasibility of the DPOG in the treatment of ALBP.

Acupuncture Legislation in the United States: Minnesota as a Case Study

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of legal regulation of acupuncture in the United States,as the first acupuncture law was enacted in Nevada.Acupuncture,like any other medical modality,is regulated at the state level,with each state formulating and enforcing its own laws and statutes over time.This article narrates the legislative process and major developments of the acupuncture profession in Minnesota,in the context of legislative developments across the country.It tells how this midsize,Midwest state’s acupuncture profession became regulated,and examines the challenges faced by the profession before and after state statutes were enacted.Minnesota stands as a representative example of the legislative process in other states.

Clinical research progress on acupuncture for the treatment of otogenic vertigo

Otogenic vertigo is a common disorder that affects the vestibular system,which often results in considerable discomfort and impaired daily functioning.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),including acupuncture and moxibustion,has been historically utilized to manage the symptoms of vertigo.However,the effectiveness and methodology of these treatments have rarely been investigated in the medical literature.This study reviews the existing literature on the point selection,method,and therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion to provide a reference for the TCM treatment of otogenic vertigo.A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine.The terms used included otogenic vertigo,acupuncture treatment,and acupuncture point selection.A total of 34 relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed.These suggest that the clinical treatment of otogenic vertigo should consider the functions of zang-fu organs and meridians and select different acupuncture treatment methods according to syndrome differentiation based on the difference between deficiency and excess.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy should be based on acupoint selection,considering the syndrome differentiation,supplemented with experience.The treatment of otogenic vertigo with acupuncture and moxibustion refers to the selection of appropriate acupuncture methods under the guidance of TCM theory and following the principles of syndrome,disease,and meridian differentiation.Common acupuncture methods include body acupuncture,auricular acupuncture,scalp acupuncture,acupoint injection,electroacupuncture,and moxibustion.There are many acupuncture and moxibustion acupoints selected for the treatment of otogenic vertigo.Individualized treatment according to the patient’s specific condition is effective and safe,which can help to improve the patient’s vertigo symptoms and cerebral blood perfusion.

Mechanism of acupuncture for limb spasm of post-stroke spasticity based on GABA and BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke limb spasm model rats and the underlying mechanism.Methods:A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups,Control group(10),Model group(20)and Zhishen Tiaoxing(ZSTX)acupuncture group(20).Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in SD rats to establish post-stroke limb spasm rats,which were treated with ZSTX acupuncture.Behavioral assays were determined by the Narrow ally test,the limb muscle tension was detected by the BL-420S test system,and infarct volume was assessed after the cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Heterogeneous neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and its receptors GABAA and GABAB in the cerebral cortex of the infarct area were determined by immunofluorescence assay.The release of Trkb and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2 was detected by an immunofluorescence double labeling study.Western Blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and Trkb.Results:The results showed that the behavioral assays in post-stroke limb spasm rats were significantly improved by the treatment of ZSTX acupuncture.14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can effectively inhibit muscle tone and decrease Infarct volume,which was measured with BL-420S biological function experiment system and triphenyltetrazolium chloride.Meanwhile,the results of Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays showed that ZSTX acupuncture improved the expression of GABA,GABAA,GABAB,BDNF,and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2.Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays and WB results showed that 14 days ZSTX acupuncture declined the expression of Trkb.Conclusions:Our results suggest that 14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can significantly improve post-stroke limb spasm.Meanwhile,the pathogenesis of post-stroke limb spasm and the efficacy of ZSTX acupuncture involve metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters,and electro-acupuncture can treat post-stroke limb spasm by regulating BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway.

Study on the Regulation of ROS by Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Relieve Inflammation in the Treatment of Sciatica

Objective: To observe the analgesic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model rats, and to investigate the mechanism of constriction constriction injury. Methods: 32 SPF SD rats were divided into Control Group, Sham Surgery Group, Model Group and Acupuncture and moxibustion Group, with 8 rats in each group. The Model Group, Acupuncture and moxibustion Group and sciatic nerve ligation were used to establish the CCI pain rat model. The sham operation group only separated the nerve, and the control group did not do any treatment. After modeling, the Acupuncture and moxibustion Group was given acupuncture treatment, while the control group and the Model Group did not do any intervention. 7 days for 1 course of treatment, continuous treatment for 3 courses of sampling and detection. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were observed. Biochemical detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH);Serum, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected by ELISA. Results: Compared with the control group, PWMT and PWTL in the Model Group were decreased (P α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were increased (P α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were decreased (P Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce the ROS level, enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body, reduce the damage of sciatic nerve caused by inflammation, and relieve sciatic pain.

An Interview with Peter Deadman—Acupuncture Pioneer and Founder of The Journal of Chinese Medicine

This interview was conducted on August 21st, 2022 by Charles Buck and Ioannis Solos. Peter Deadman has worked in the field of health promotion for 50 years. He co-founded Infinity Foods(an organic and natural foods workers co-op) in 1971, followed by the Brighton Natural Health Centre-a charity dedicated to teaching ways to improve personal, community and planetary health and wellbeing. He qualified as an acupuncturist in 1978 and in Chinese herbal medicine in 1990. He founded The Journal of Chinese Medicine(UK) in 1979(Fig. 1), and co-authored A Manual of Acupuncture(published in 1998). He is the author of Live Well Live Long: Teachings from the Chinese Nourishment of Life Tradition. He has taught Chinese medicine and health promotion internationally for decades and is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Qi Gong(气功).

Acupuncture for ischemic stroke:where are we now?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for ischemic stroke(IS)and plays a key role in neurological rehabilitation after IS.Acupuncture can improve the clinical symptoms of various complications after IS,including motor dysfunction,swallowing disorders,speech disorders,cognitive impairment,depression,insomnia,and fatigue.However,the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture in IS remain unclear.Available evidence suggests that acupuncture may exert neuroprotective effects through neuroplasticity(neurogenesis and synaptogenesis),angiogenesis,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and regulation of oxidative stress,inflammation,and immunity.Further studies should be conducted to improve the high-quality evidence-based system of acupuncture intervention for IS,by focusing on the clinical and basic research design,increasing the sample size,standardizing and quantifying the standards of acupuncture operations,using multidisciplinary techniques and methods to systematically explore the key targets of acupuncture intervention for IS,and reveal the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IS.

Effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture analgesia in controlling intraoperative pain and hemodynamics during total thyroidectomy:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture in conjunction with additional medications in providing analgesia and stabilizing hemodynamic parameters during total thyroidectomy.Methods:This randomized controlled trial included 100 patients who underwent a total thyroidectomy between October 2022 and October 2023 at the Vietnam National Hospital of Acupuncture.The patients were randomized into two groups.The electroacupuncture analgesia(EA)group received EA stimulation at five acupuncture points:Hegu(LI 4),Neiguan(PC 6),Shuitu(ST 10),Quepen(ST 12),and Yifeng(SJ 17),while the control group received a bilateral superficial cervical plexus block.Primary outcomes included the level of analgesia and perioperative vital signs in both groups.Additionally,pain thresholds and serum b-endorphin levels were measured before and after electroacupuncture in the EA group.Results:Complete analgesia(Level A)was attained in 86%and 76%of the patients in the EA and control groups,respectively,with no significant difference between the two groups(P¼1.00).In the EA group,the mean pain threshold after receiving EA doubled(648.7(77.4)g/s vs.305.3(45.3)g/s,P<.001),and the mean serum b-endorphin level increased by approximately 13.5 pg/mL(P<.001).All patients remained hemodynamically stable throughout the surgery.Conclusion:EA,in conjunction with additional medications that stimulate five acupuncture points,LI 4,PC 6,ST 10,ST 12,and SJ 17,was well tolerated and effectively maintained a suitable level of analgesia and hemodynamic stability during total thyroidectomy.

Acupuncture:Effective and Recommended but More Implementation Needed

Acupuncture enjoys a robust evidence base for dozens of clinical conditions and decades of research exploring its mechanisms of action. It has over 9,000 positive recommendations from official government and clinical guidelines. However, it still remains relatively inaccessible in the United States, Europe and elsewhere, especially compared to the strength of evidence-based recommendations for its use. Acupuncture would benefit from robust implementation strategies, utilizing insights and approaches from implementation science. The clinical use of Botox for migraine suffered from weaker evidence of effectiveness and greater evidence of harm, but using a streamlined and robust implementation strategy, Allergan was able to achieve widespread implementation from when it began its efforts around 2010. Such a systematic approach that identifies and overcomes barriers to implementation for acupuncture would benefit millions of people who currently are offered less effective and more invasive treatments, contrary to the recommendations of clinical guidelines.

Feasibility of acupuncture as an adjunct intervention for ovulatory disorder infertility:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Acupuncture(AT)is widely used in treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility(ODI),but the safety and efficacy of AT for ODI still lack an evidence-based basis.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of AT as an adjunct intervention for ODI.METHODS The Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed,VIP,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,and Chinese biomedical literature databases were searched from inception to January 20,2024.Two reviewers independently selected studies,collected data,and evaluated methodological quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.Revman 5.4 was used for meta-analysis,and the Grade system was performed to evaluate the level of evidence for the outcomes of the meta-analysis.RESULTS A total of 20 randomized controlled trials with 1677 ODI patients were included.Compared with the clomiphene citrate(CC)group,the AT plus CC group exhibited significant improvement of the pregnancy rate[relative risk(RR)=1.68,95%confidence interval(CI):1.45-1.95,P<0.00001,I^(2)=23%],ovulation rate(RR=1.34,95%CI:1.22-1.47,P<0.00001,I^(2)=32%),serum E2 level[mean difference(MD)=31.36,95%CI:21.83-40.88,P<0.00001,I^(2)=97%],thickness of endometrium(MD=1.76,95%CI:0.71-2.81,P=0.001,I^(2)=98%)and decreasing miscarriage rate(RR=0.25,95%CI:0.09-0.65,P=0.005,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-2.10,95%CI:-3.27 to-0.94,P=0.0004,I^(2)=99%),serum luteinizing hormone level(MD=-6.94,95%CI:-9.89 to-4.00,P<0.00001,I^(2)=100%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-1.66,95%CI:-2.98 to-0.34,P=0.01,I^(2)=96%).The AT group had a more favorable effect than CC group for improving pregnancy rate(RR=1.52,95%CI:1.33-1.73,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),thickness of endometrium(MD=2.48,95%CI:2.15-2.81,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%)and reducing miscarriage rate(RR=0.23,95%CI:0.13-0.44,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-0.55,95%CI:-0.86 to-0.24,P=0.0005,I^(2)=0%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-0.24,95%CI:-0.28 to-0.20,P<0.00001).However,the level of evidence was predominantly assessed as very low to moderate.CONCLUSION AT can improve the pregnancy outcomes and sex hormone levels for patients with ODI.However,further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

International Communication of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Popular in the West

With the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)acupuncture and moxibustion,research on acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world is deepening.The concept of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West is formed.By investigating the localization of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world,this paper introduces several kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West and concludes the spread of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West through hospitals and clinics,academic works,social organizations,education,and training.This paper provides a global vision developing domestic acupuncture and moxibustion and promoting academic prosperity and technical progress of world acupuncture and moxibustion system.

Research trends of clinical studies on acupuncture protocols over the past 20 years:a bibliometric analysis

Background:Acupuncture protocols are essential as they guide study design and improve the quality of clinical trial,thus preventing avoid research waste.Given the increasing number of publications on acupuncture protocols,this study aimed to assess the publications trends of acupuncture protocols over the past two decades and provided an overview for future research directions.Methods:Publications focusing on acupuncture protocols in clinical settings were retrieved and compiled from the Web of Science Core Collection spanning the period from 2004 to 2023.CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel software were used to analyze the relationship of publication with countries,institutions,authors,co-cited author,journals,references,keywords and other literature aspects.Results:This study analyzed 721 articles encompassing acupuncture protocols.A continuous yet fluctuating growth in publications volume were observed from 2004 to 2023.Notably,China stands at the forefront in contributing to acupuncture protocols,publishing 513 papers and demonstrating a high centrality score of 1.07 in cooperative network.Furthermore,China has fostered close collaborations with the USA and South Korea.Beijing University of Chinese Medicine(89),Zhishun Liu(36)and Trials(306)emerged as the top contributors in terms of institution,author,and journal,respectively.However,inter-institutional and author collaboration was relatively weak.Macpherson H was the most frequently cited author.High-frequency keywords included“randomized controlled trials”,“acupuncture”,“management”,“study protocol”,“quality of life”.Analysis of timeline diagram of keywords indicated that“functional dyspepsia”,“stroke”,“electroacupuncture”,and“colorectal cancer”were the research development trends and focus.Conclusion:Clinical acupuncture protocols have experienced robust development over the past two decades,with current research hotspots focusing on disease management and quality of life,which remain key research concerns.Moreover,we advocate for researchers to publish acupuncture protocols,which remain key research concerns.This approach allows for thorough pre-study planning of methodologies and objectives,enhancing scientific rigor through peer review,thereby laying the foundation for conducting high-quality research.

A comparative study of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on postoperative anal function of lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND From the anal function,inflammatory response and other indicators,acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics was applied to patients with cancer undergoing low resection,aiming to improve the prognosis of patients.AIM To explore the effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics on anal function after lower rectal cancer surgery.METHODS From January 2020 to December 2022,128 patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery in the Department of Oncology of Hebei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 64 patients in each group.Patients in the control group were not treated with acupuncture or rehabilitation gymnastics and served as blank controls.Patients in the study group were treated with acupuncture and rehabilitation gymnastics from the 7th postoperative day.The anal incontinence scores,changes in serum interleukin-4,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10 Levels,and serum motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels were compared.RESULTS There were no significant differences in serum interleukin-4,interleukin-6,and interleukin-10 Levels between the groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,these levels were better than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the anal incontinence scores between the groups before and 7 d after surgery(P>0.05).Anal incontinence scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group at 14 d,21 d,and 28 d postoperatively(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in serum motilin,5-hydroxytryptamine,or vasoactive intestinal peptide levels between the groups before treatment(P>0.05).After treatment,these levels were higher in the study group than in the control group,and vasoactive intestinal peptide level was lower in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation gymnastics can promote the recovery of anal function and reduce the inflammatory response in patients with lower rectal cancer after surgery.

Meta-analysis and sequential analysis of acupuncture compared to carbamazepine in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

BACKGROUND In this randomized controlled trial(RCT)comparing current acupuncture with carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia,meta-and sequential analyses were utilized.AIM To guide clinical decision making regarding the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with carbamazepine.METHODS The RCT literature on needle comparison was searched in various Chinese biomedical databases including Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,Wanfang Data,VIP Database,as well as international databases such as Excerpt Medica Database,Cochrane Library,PubMed,and Web of Science,along with related clinical registration platforms such as World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform,ChiCTR,and Clinical Trials up to 1 April 2020.Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaborative Risk Bias tool,primary outcome measures(pain reduction)were analyzed using STATA metaanalysis,outcome measures were analyzed using trial sequential analysis 0.9.5.10 Beta sequential analysis,GRADE was used to assess the evidence,and adverse reactions were documented.RESULTS This study analyzed 16 RCTs with a total of 1231 participants.The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in pain reduction between acupuncture and carbamazepine[standardized mean difference(SMD)=1.47;95%confidence interval(CI):0.99-1.95],although the quality of evidence was deemed to be of extremely low quality.Cumulative meta-analysis based on the year of publication indicated that carbamazepine treatment first demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pain reduction in 2014 and remained relatively stable over time[SMD=1.84;95%CI:0.22-3.47].Additionally,the number of adverse events associated with acupuncture was significantly lower compared to carbamazepine.CONCLUSION Acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia is better than analgesia and safer than carbamazepine;however,firm conclusions still require a high-quality,multicenter,large-sample RCT to confirm these findings.

Impact of task-oriented training based on acupuncture rehabilitation on upper extremity function and quality of life of patients with early stroke

BACKGROUND Eighty percent of stroke patients develop upper limb dysfunction,especially hand dysfunction,which has a very slow recovery,resulting in economic burden to families and society.AIM To investigate the impact of task-oriented training based on acupuncture therapy on upper extremity function in patients with early stroke.METHODS Patients with early stroke hemiplegia who visited our hospital between January 2021 and October 2022 were divided into a control group and an observation group,each with 50 cases.The control group underwent head acupuncture plus routine upper limb rehabilitation training(acupuncture therapy).In addition to acupuncture and rehabilitation,the observation group underwent upper limb task-oriented training(30 min).Each group underwent treatment 5 d/wk for 4 wk.Upper extremity function was assessed in both groups using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity(FMA-UE),Wolf Motor Function Rating Scale(WMFT),modified Barthel Index(MBI),and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure(COPM).Quality of life was evaluated using the Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey(SF-36).Clinical efficacy of the interventions was also evaluated.RESULTS Before intervention,no significant differences were observed in the FMA-UE,MBI,and WMFT scores between the two groups(P>0.05).After intervention,the FMA-UE,WMFT,MBI,COPM-Functional Mobility and Satisfaction,and SF-36 scores increased in both groups(P<0.05),with even higher scores in the observation group(P<0.05).The observation group also obtained a higher total effective rate than the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Task-oriented training based on acupuncture rehabilitation significantly enhanced upper extremity mobility,quality of life,and clinical efficacy in patients with early stroke.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating low back and pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy:a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives:Low back and pelvic girdle pain(LBPGP)is common during pregnancy.Acupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for pain relief.However,further evidence is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating LBPGP during pregnancy.This study aimed to systematically review and investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of pregnancy-related LBPGP.Methods:The PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,CNKI,VIP,and WanFang databases were searched from January 2000 to August 2023.Only the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)involving pregnant women between 16 and 34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with LBPGP were included in the study.A meta-analysis was conducted and pooled risk ratios(RRs)or mean differences(MDs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were compared.Results:Meta-analysis included 12 RCTs involving 1,641 participants.Eleven trials compared acupuncture alone or acupuncture combined with standard care(SC),of which three trials also used non-penetrating or placebo acupuncture as the control group.One trial compared acupuncture alone with non-penetrating acupuncture.Compared with SC,acupuncture combined with SC group significantly decreased visual analog scale score(mean difference(MD)=−2.83,95%CI=−3.41 to−2.26,P<0.00001),cesarean section rate(RR=0.69,95%CI=0.49–0.97,P=0.03),preterm birth rate(RR=0.42,95%CI=0.27–0.65,P<0.0001),labor duration(MD=−1.97,95%CI=−2.73 to−1.20,P<0.0001),and Oswestry disability index score(MD=−9.14,95%CI=−15.68 to−2.42,P=0.008).In addition,acupuncture combined with SC significantly improved 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of physical component summaries(SF12-PCS).No significant differences were observed in the spontaneous delivery rate,newborn weight,drowsiness,and 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of mental component summaries(SF12-MCS)between the two groups.Adverse events such as needle pain and needle bleeding were aggravated in both the SC and acupuncture treatment groups but none were associated with acupuncture during or after the treatment period.Conclusions:Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with SC had better efficacy than SC alone and could be a potential therapy for LBPGP during pregnancy.The safety results imply that acupuncture caused few adverse reactions;however,more evidence is required for further confirmation.

Mechanism of acupoint penetration acupuncture therapy regulating chondrocyte autophagy via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway in KOA rats

Objective To investigate whether acupoint penetration acupuncture(APA)could regulate chondrocyte autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway to reduce cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)rats.Methods KOA was induced in rats via intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate resolution.Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control,model,APA,electro-acupuncture(EA),and sham model groups(n=8)and those in the APA and EA groups received their respective therapies.Following completion of the treatment course,histological examinations of cartilage and muscle were conducted.Levels of apoptosis-and autophagy-related factors,including Bax,Bcl-2,mTOR,ULK-1,and Beclin-1 protein,and mRNAs were assessed.Additionally,β-endorphin(β-EP)concentrations in the brain and serum were measured.Results Histological analysis revealed that APA alleviated cartilage and muscle damage compared with the model group.APA inhibited cartilage degeneration by modulating the expression of apoptosis-and autophagy-related proteins and mRNA,thus preventing chondrocyte apoptosis.In the APA group,Bax and mTOR protein levels were significantly lower than those in the model group(both P=.024).Conversely,the Bcl-2 expression level was significantly higher than that in the EA group(P=.035).Additionally,ULK-1 expression was significantly lower than that in the EA group(P=.045).The mRNA level of Bax was significantly higher than that in the blank control group(P<.001).However,Beclin-1 levels were significantly higher than those in both the model and EA groups(both P<.001).ELISA results showed a significant decrease in the concentration ofβ-EP in the brains of the rats in the APA group compared with those in the model group(P=.032).Conclusions APA reduced osteoarthritis-related pain and alleviated cartilage damage by upregulating chondrocyte autophagy and down-regulating apoptosis via signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt-mTOR in KOA rats.

Acupuncture for cervical dystonia associated with anxiety and depression: A case report

BACKGROUND Cervical dystonia(CD)is a type of muscle tone disorder that usually occurs in the neck muscles.Due to the intermittent or continuous involuntary contraction of the neck muscles,the head and neck are twisted and skewed and some postural abnormalities occur.Long-term abnormal posture or pain can cause negative emotions in patients,which can affect their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY This case report included a 37-year-old woman who was diagnosed with CD associated with anxiety and depression;the accompanying symptoms were head and neck tilt of approximately 90°to the right and mental abnormality.After two courses of acupuncture treatment,the patient’s head and neck can be maintained in a normal position,and the negative emotions can be relieved.CONCLUSION This case indicates that acupuncture can effectively improve CD and the emotional state and quality of life of patients,making it an effective alternative treatment for the condition.

Brain mechanism of acupuncture for children with anisometropic amblyopia: a resting functional magnetic resonance imaging study based on voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity

AIM:To explore the brain mechanism of acupuncture for children with anisometropic amblyopia using the voxelmirror homotopic connectivity(VMHC)analysis method of resting functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI)technology based on clinical effectiveness.METHODS:Eighty children with anisometropic monocular amblyopia were randomly divided into two groups:control(40 cases,1 case of shedding)and acupuncture(40 cases,1 case of shedding)groups.The control group was treated with glasses,red flash,grating,and visual stimulations,with each procedure conducted for 5min per time.Based on routine treatment,the acupuncture group underwent acupuncture of“regulating qi and unblocking meridians to bright eyes”,Jingming(BL1),Cuanzhu(BL2),Guangming(GB37),Fengchi(GB20)acupoints were taken on both sides,with the needle kept for 30min each time.Both groups were treated once every other day,three times per week,for a total of 4wk.After the treatment,the overall curative effect of the two groups and the latency and amplitude changes of P100 wave of pattern visual-evoked potential were counted.At the same time,nine children with left eye amblyopia were randomly selected from the two groups and were scanned with rsfMRI before and after treatment.The differences in the brain regions between the two groups were compared and analyzed with VMHC.RESULTS:Chi-square test showed a notable difference in the total efficiency rate between the acupuncture(94.87%)and control groups(79.49%).Regarding the P100 wave latency and amplitude,the acupuncture group had significantly shorter latency and higher amplitude of P100 wave than the control group.Moreover,the VMHC values of the bilateral temporal lobe,superior temporal gyrus,and middle temporal gyrus were notably increased in the acupuncture group after treatment.CONCLUSION:Acupuncture combined with conventional treatment can significantly improve the corrected visual acuity and optic nerve conduction in children with anisometropic amblyopia.Compared with the conventional treatment,the regulation of acupuncture on the functional activities of the relevant brain areas in the anterior cerebellum may be an effective acupuncture mechanism for anisometropic amblyopia.

Research progress on insomnia treated by traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture based on microbial-gut-brain axis theory

Insomnia,as one of the emotional diseases,has been increasing in recent years,which has a great impact on people's life and work.Therefore,researchers are eager to find a more perfect treatment.The microbiome-gut-brain axis is a new theory that has gradually become popular abroad in recent years and has a profound impact in the field of insomnia.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has played an increasingly important role in the treatment of insomnia,especially acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.It is the main method of TCM in the treatment of insomnia.This paper mainly reviews the combination degree of"microorganism-gut-brain axis"theory with TCM and acupuncture under the system of TCM.To explore the mechanism of TCM and acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia under the guidance of"microorganismgut-brain axis"theory,in order to provide a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.