Research on resting spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity of acupuncture at uterine acupoints

Objective The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-f MRI)method was used to observe brain activity and its functional connection upon electroacupuncture stimulation at bilateral uterine acupoints(EX-CA1),as well as to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of gynecological diseases.Methods Twenty-two healthy female subjects were stimulated by electroacupuncture at bilateral uterine acupoints;rs-f MRI data of the brain were acquired and standardized.Degree centrality(DC),amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(ALFF),and regional homogeneity(ReHo)were used to analyze local spontaneous brain activity via acupuncture.An independent component analysis was used to evaluate the functional connectivity of the resting brain networks after acupuncture.Results Analytical results showed that the neural activity intensity of the precuneus lobe,orbitofrontal cortex,lingual gyrus,amygdala,and posterior central gyrus decreased after acupuncture(voxel P<0.001,cluster P<0.05).Functional connectivity analysis revealed weakened auditory and right frontal-parietal networks(voxel P<0.001,cluster P<0.05),enhanced visual network(voxel P<0.001,cluster P<0.05),and synergistic auditory network and hypothalamic-pituitary system.Conclusion Significant differences in neural activity and functional connectivity in specific brain regions were observed after acupuncture intervention at uterine acupoints;the hypothalamic-pituitary system also showed various active states in different brain regions.It is speculated that the effective mechanism of acupuncture at uterine acupoints is related to the regulation of reproductive hormones,emotional changes,and somatic sensations.Therefore,the methods used in this study could clarify the neural mechanism of uterine-point acupuncture in the treatment of gynecological diseases and may serve as a reference for other studies pertaining to acupuncture.

Study on the anti-inflammatory mechanism of moxibustion in rheumatoid arthritis in rats based on phospholipaseA2 signaling inhibition by Annexin 1

OBJECTIVE:To determine whether moxibustion had an anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis(RA)by regulating Annexin 1 expression and interfering with the phospholipaseA2 signaling pathway.METHODS:Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly categorized into five groups(six rats per group):blank control(CON)group,RA model(RA)group,moxibustion(MOX)group,Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention(RNAi-Anxa1)group,and Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention+moxibustion(RNAi-Anxa1+MOX)group.The rats in the RNAi-Anxa1 and the RNAi-Anxa1+MOX groups were injected with the lentiviral vector-mediated RNAi-Anxa1 into the rat foot pad.An experimental RA rat model was established by injecting Freund's complete adjuvant(FCA)into the RA,MOX,RNAi-Anxa1,and RNAi-Anxa1+MOX groups.Rats in the MOX and RNAiAnxa1+MOX groups received moxibustion treatment.After modeling,using moxibustion“Shenshu(BL23)”and“Zusanli(ST36)”,each point is 5 times,bilateral alternating,once a day,6 times for a course of treatment,between the courses of rest for a one day.A total of three treatment courses were conducted.Both bilateral pad thicknesses were measured using Vernier calipers on experimental days 1,7,14,21,and 28.The expression of cPLA2αsignaling in the synovium of diseased joints was observed using Western blot.The pathology of the rat ankle synovium was observed using hematoxylineosin(HE)staining.Interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-10,prostaglandin E2(PGE2),and leukotriene B4(LTB4)were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.RESULTS:Moxibustion increased the levels of Annexin 1 and decreased the inflammatory response in rats with RA.After increasing the expression of Annexin 1,the phosphorylated expression of cPLA2αwas inhibited,the serum levels of IL-1β,PGE2,and LTB4 decreased,and the level of IL-10 increased.In moxibustion treated RA rats after the Annexin 1 lentiviral intervention,the serum levels of IL-1β,PGE2,LTB4,and IL-10 were almost unchanged.CONCLUSION:Moxibustion enhanced the negative regulation of the cPLA2αsignaling pathway,increased the synovial Annexin 1 expression,inhibited the cPLA2αsignaling pathway,indirectly inhibited the expression of downstream inflammatory factors,and played a role in reducing inflammation.

Effects of dietary management combined with exercise interventions on type 2 diabetes:A pilot before-after study in the same patient

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC3500401),the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82205250)and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(No.ZR2021QH056).

Mechanism Research of Electroacupuncture Stimulation at Baihui and Zusanli in Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury Using RNA-Sequencing

Background:Electroacupuncture(EA)therapy,as a combination of electric stimulation and traditional acupunc-ture technology,is currently an important mean for treatment of ischemic stroke and post-stroke rehabilitation in China.Because of its remarkable therapeutic effect,it has been widely used in hospitals and clinic,however,the detailed mechanism remains unclear.Objective:This research aims to comprehensively and systematically elucidate the mechanisms of EA treatment at the acupoints of Zusanli(ST36)and Baihui(GV20)on ischemic stroke.Methods:In this study,EA was performed twice at onset of reperfusion and 20 h after reperfusion following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)in middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)rats,and transcriptomic changes of various molecules in ischemic hippocampal neurons of rats in Sham,I/R and EA groups were detected by RNA-Sequencing(RNA-Seq).Results:Thus,we detected 18 significantly different genes related to atherosclerosis(AS),with their functions associated with lipid metabolism,thrombosis,monocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells.And,we detected 10 significantly different genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis and 10 significantly different genes related to calcium overload and excitatory amino acids release.Also,we detected 19 significantly different genes related to blood-brain barrier(BBB)and 22 significantly different genes related to inflammatory response.Conclusion:In conclusion,EA can play a role in treating ischemic stroke through a variety of mechanisms,affecting atherosclerosis,oxidative stress,apoptosis,calcium overload,excitatory amino acids release,blood-brain barrier(BBB)and inflammatory response.

Effect of miniscalpel-needle on relieving the pain of myofascial pain syndrome: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect and safety of miniscalpel-needle(MSN) on reducing the pain of myofascial pain syndrome(MPS).METHODS: We reviewed the available literatures inception up to February 2014 using Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Wanfang Database.RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were finally identified. The main controls involved acupuncture, medications, injection, massage and cupping. We found that all of the studies agreed on the potential benefit of MSN as a strategy for MPS and the superiority compared to the controls, however,randomized methods applied in most of the trials could be criticized for their high or unclear risk of bias. Further research is also needed to clarify questions around the appropriate frequency and number of treatment sessions of MSN.CONCLUSION: This review shows that MSN might have the effect on MPS, even though there were some limitations in the studies included in the review. Studies with robust methodology are warranted to further test its pain-relieving effect on MPS.

Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints in treating rapid gastric emptying:Zusanli(ST36)plus Zhongwan(CV12)versus Zhongwan(CV12)alone

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on rapid gastric emptying by comparing the effectiveness of electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12)(He-Mu acupoints)versus electroacupuncture at Zhongwan(CV12)alone.METHODS:Sixty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups;33 patients in the He-Mu acupoints group received electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12),while 32 patients in the single acupoint group received electroacupuncture only at Zhongwan(CV12).Both groups were treated once daily for 30 min,five times per week for 3 weeks.Before and after the 3-week treatment course,patients underwent gastric emptying scintigraphy and were assessed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scale of gastrointestinal diseases.The two groups were compared regarding the percentages of gastric retention at 30 and 60 min and the TCM symptom scores.RESULTS:After the treatment course,the percentages of gastric retention at 30 and 60 min were significantly improved in both groups compared with the pre-treatment values(P<0.01).The improvement in the gastric retention was significantly better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group at 30 min(P<0.01)and 60 min(P<0.05).The TCM symptom score was significantly decreased after the treatment course in both groups(P<0.01).The improvement in the TCM symptom score was significantly better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group(P<0.01).The total effective rate was 93.55%(29/31)in the He-Mu acupoints group and 77.42%(24/31)in the single acupoint group.The treatment effect was better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12)or at Zhongwan(CV12)alone is effective in treating rapid gastric emptying.Furthermore,electroacupuncture at both Zusanli(ST36)and Zhongwan(CV12)is more effective than electroacupuncture at Zhongwan(CV12)alone.

Effect of acupuncture on cerebral blood flow,serum S100β and ALP in the patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment in the convalescence stage

Objective:To explore the clinical therapeutic effect and the impacts of acupuncture on cerebral blood flow and serum S100β and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) in the patients with post-stroke mild cognitive impairment in convalescence stage.Methods:A total of 66 cases were randomized into a control group(33 cases) and an observation group(33 cases).The conventional treatment was applied in the control group.On the base of the treatment of the control group,acupuncture was added at Shéntíng(神庭GV24),Bǎihuì(百会GV20),Dàzhuī(大椎GV14),Mìngmén(命门GV4),Shènshū(肾俞BL23),Shénmén(神门HT7) and Xuánzhōng(悬钟GB39) in the observation group.Before and after treatment,separately,Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA),mini-mental state examination(MMSE) and modified Barthel index(MBI) were assessed in the patients,peak systolic velocity(PSV) and resistance index(RI) and the levels of serum S100β and ALP were measured.At the end of treatment,the clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in patients of the both groups.Results:After treatment,the scores of MoCA,MMSE and MBI in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group.PSV in the observation group was higher than the control group,while RI,S100β and ALP were lower than those in the control group,indicating the statistical differences(all P <0.05).The total effective rate was 93.75% in the observation group,higher than 67.74% in the control group,showing statistical difference(P <0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture achieves the definite therapeutic effect on post-stroke mild cognitive impairment in convalescence stage.This therapy improves the cognitive function,the quality of life and cerebral blood flow in the patients and also down-regulates the levels of serum S100β and ALP.Hence,this acupuncture therapy is worthy of clinical promotion.

Exploration on acupoint selection rules of ancient acupuncture for chronic gastritis based on data mining

Objective:To explore the experiences of ancient acupuncture physicians in acupoint combination with meridians and body regions involved in treatment of chronic gastritis through data mining technology so as to provide the evidences for the clinical application of acupuncture for chronic gastritis in the modem time.Methods:Firstly,the ancient literature(database),searching words,inclusion and exclusion criteria were determined.Secondly,the database was organized through computer and manual retrieval.Finally,using data mining techniques,such as frequency analysis and association analysis,the experiences of ancient acupuncture physicians were explored in meridian selection and acupoint combination in treatment of chronic gastritis.Results:A total of 2243 items in compliance with the relevant requirements were included,covering224 acupoints for the treatment of chronic gastritis.Of them,the involved meridians were closely related to the stomach,especially to bladder,spleen and stomach meridians as well as Conception Vessel.The acupoints selected not only focus on the local acupoints related to lesions,but also on the distal ones,especially those located in the lower limbs.The most common acupoints for any symptom were Zusanli(足三里ST36),Neiguan(内关PC6),Zhongwan(中脘CV12),Gongsun(公孙SP4)and Taibai(太白SP3).For epigastric pain,Liangmen(梁门ST21)and Xiangu(陷谷ST43)were the representatives as the combination of acupoints from the same meridian.For the disorders with upward reversion of qi,PC6 and SP4 were generally combined.Among the specific points,the five-shu points were the most common,followed by the front-mu points.In the combination with the specific points involved,PC4 and SP4 were highly associated.The acupoint combination was particular for each category of main symptoms.Conclusion:In treatment of chronic gastritis with acupuncture,the ancient physicians give the great consideration to symptom differentiation and meridian differentiation relevant with gastric disorders,as well as the combination of the distal and nearby acupoints.Besides,the specific points are of the best choice.

Clinical study on bladder function recovery of 360 cases after radical hysterectomy treated by acupuncture

Objective:To analysis the clinical curative effect on bladder function recovery after radical hysterectomy with acupuncture and acu-physiotherapy.Methods:A total of 564 cervical cancer patients in the gynecology department who received radical hysterectomy from January 2011 to December 2017 in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University were collected.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,we studied 360 case records at last,with 120 cases respectively.Patients got treatment of acupuncture[acupuncture at Zhongwan(中脘CV12),Tianshu(天枢ST25),Shuidao(水道ST28),TAichong(太冲LI3),Sanyinjiao(三阴交SP6),Zusanli(足三里ST36)and Yinlingquan(阴陵泉SP9)],or acu-physiotherapy with two large-size electrodes placed on the bladder area above the pubic symphysis besides acupuncture,from the 3 rd day after operation once a day till the14 th day that removing the indwelling catheter.And the blank group got no other auxiliary treatment except scrubbed the meatus orifice with iodophor twice a day.We tested the residual urine volume 6 h later after removement of indwelling catheter.Residual urine volume more than 100 mL was defined as urinary retention,and the volume less than 50 mL was defined as adequate bladder emptying.Results:We analyzed patients’age,the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO)stage,operation duration,amount of hemorrhage,depth of myometrium infiltration,cancer embolus,parametrium invasion,lymphatic metastasis,treating methods and residual urine volume recorded in case records,and there was no significant difference between every two groups(P>0.05).The incidences of urinary retention of the acupuncture group,the acu-physiotherapy group and the blank group were 24.17%,21.67%,and 44.17%,indicating that both treating methods have significant effects(P<0.05),and acupuncture group was a little better than acu-physiotherapy group.The bladder function recovery rates of the 3 groups were 44.17%,56.67%,and 40.83%correspondingly,which had significant difference between acu-physiotherapy group and blank group(P<0.05).Both acupuncture and acu-physiotherapy could reduce the incidence of urinary retention for the patients of Ibl and IIal stages(P<0.01),whilst for patients of Ib2 and IIa2 stages,neither of the two methods was effective(P>0.05).Conclusion:Both acupuncture and acu-physiotherapy could prevent urinary retention after radical hysterectomy for local early cervical cancer(Ibl and IIal stages)effectively,and acupuncture was a little more effective than acu-physiotherapy group.Acupuncture together with modulated medium frequency eletro-therapy could improve the cure rate of bladder function and minimize the residual urine volume.

Prick-bloodletting combined with cupping on the back for 52 cases of acne

Objective To introduce the experience of professor YIN Ke-jing in selecting reaction points on taiyang meridian on the back for acne. Methods Positive reaction points on taiyang meridian of the medial border of scapulae on the both sides of the back were selected for prick-bloodletting combined with cupping, and the treatment was conducted once every three days,3 treatments as one course of treatment and 2–3 courses of treatment were needed. Results After treatment for two courses of treatment, the total effective rate of the 52 patients was 96.2%. Conclusion The application of the theory of corresponding meridian of meridians and collaterals in treatment of acne made the treatment simple and convenient; with less acupoints selected, rapid effect and definite clinical efficacy, this method is worthy of being generalized.