Acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of Crohn’s disease:A brief review

Crohn’s disease(CD)is a kind of intestinal inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and the incidence rate of CD is gradually increasing worldwide.Acupuncture and moxibustion have unique curative effects on gastrointestinal diseases and can be new options for the treatment of CD.

Effects of electroacupuncture on corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity

AIM: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH) in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus of rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity.METHODS: A rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity was generated according to the internationally accepted method of colorectal balloon dilatation. In the 7th week after the procedure, rats were randomly divided into a model group(MG), electroacupuncture group(EA), and sham electroacupuncture group(S-EA). After treatment, the abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR) score was used to assess the behavioral response of visceral hyperalgesia. Immunohistochemistry(En Vision method), ELISA, and fluorescence quantitative PCR methods were applied to detect the expression of CRH protein and m RNA in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus.RESULTS: The sensitivity of the rats to the colorectal distension stimulus applied at different strengths(20-80 mm Hg) increased with increasing stimulus strength, resulting in increasing AWR scores in each group. Compared with NG, the AWR score of MG was significantly increased(P < 0.01). After conducting EA, the AWR scores of the rats were decreased compared with MG rats. The relative expression of CRH m RNA in the colon, spinal cord, and hypothalamus of MG rats was significantly increased compared with NG rats(P < 0.01). CRH m RNA in the colon and spinal cord of EA and S-EA rats was decreased to varying degrees(P > 0.05) compared with normal rats(NG). However, the decrease in EA compared with MG rats was statistically significant(P < 0.01). The average optical density of CRH expression in the colon of the MG rats was significantly enhanced compared with NG(P < 0.05), while the average optical density of CRH expression in the EA and S-EA rats was significantly decreased compared with MG rats(P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). Compared with MG rats, the CRH concentration in the spinal cord of EA rats was significantly reduced(P < 0.01), but there was no significant change in S-EA rats(P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at the Shangjuxu acupoint was able to significantly reduce the visceral hypersensitivity in rats, and regulated the expression of CRH protein and m RNA in the colon, spinal cord and hypothalamus at different levels, playing a therapeutic role in this model of irritable bowel syndrome.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase, substance P and neurokinin-1 are involved in the analgesic mechanism of herb-partitioned moxibustion

Herb-partitioned moxibustion can effectively mitigate visceral pain, a major symptom in inflammatory bowel disease, but the analgesic lnechanism is still unclear. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, substance P, and neurokinin-1 are involved in formation of central hyperalgesia. Thus, we postulated that the analgesic effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion may be associated with these factors. Accordingly, in this study, we established an inflammatory bowel disease visceral pain model in rat by enema with a mixed solution of 5% trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and 50% ethanol. Bilateral Tianshu （ST25） and Qihai （CV6） points were selected for herb-partitioned moxi- bustion. Our results showed that herb-partitioned moxibustion improved visceral pain and down-regulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, substance P, and neurokinin-1 protein and mRNA expression in dorsal root ganglia. These results indicate that down-regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, substance E and neurokinin-1 protein and mRNA may be a central mechanism for the analgesic effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion.

Interventional effect of electroacupuncture combined with medicine on monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus of rats with ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND： Ulcerative colitis （UC） is conventionally treated with sulfasalazine and other aminosalicylic acids. The symptoms of UC can be rapidly controlled, but high recurrence, severe adverse reactions and other shortages exist commonly. Whether electroacupuncture combined with medicine can make up these shortages remains unclear. OBJECTIVE： This study was to observe the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture combined with medicine on monoamine neurotransmitter in hypothalamus of rats with ulcerative colitis, and to analyze the pathogenesis of UC and the action pathway of electroacupuncture combined with medicine. DESIGN： A randomized controlled observation. SETTING： Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian. MATERIALS： Thirty involved male SD rats of clean grade, weighing （200±20）g, were provided by the Experimental Animal Center, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sulfasalazine was produced in the Shanghai Sanwei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd [certification No. （1995）002083]. METHODS： This study was carried out in the State Laboratory （grade 3） for Acupuncture and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian. The involved 30 rats were randomized into 5 groups： normal group, model group, electroacupuncture group, medicine group and electroacupuncture combined with medicine group, with 6 rats in each group. Rats in the latter 4 groups were prepared into models of UC. In the electroacupuncture group, Zusanli（shuang） point was selected. Electro-acupuncture apparatus （G6805Ⅱ type） was connected to the point and used to stimulate it with continuous wave, frequency of 2 Hz, electrical intensity 4 mA, 20 minutes a day, for 14 days successively. In the medicine group, rats were intragastrically administrated with sulfasalazine, twice a day, 3 mL once, for 14 days successively. In the electroacupuncture combined with medicine group, rats were treated with electroacupuncture and medicine simultaneously as described in the previous two groups. Rats in the model group and normal control group were untouched except for being fixed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The levels of noradrenaline acid tartrate （NE）, 3-methoxy-4 hydroxyphenylglycol （MHPG）, dopamine hydrochloride （DA）, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid （DOPAC）, 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT） hydrochloride, homovanillic acid （HVA） and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid （5-HIAA） of rats in each group were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）-electrochemical method. RESULTS： All the 30 involved rats entered into the stage of final analysis. ①Detection of NE and MHPG levels： After treatment, NE level in the hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in the electroacupuncture combined with medicine group, electroacupuncture group and medicine group was all significantly higher than that in the model group, respectively （P 〈 0.01）. After treatment, MHPG level in the metabolite of NE was very significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group than in the medicine group （P 〈 0.01）. ②Detection of DA and DOPAC levels： After treatment, DA level in the hypothalamus of rats was very significantly higher in the medicine group than in the model group （P 〈 0.01）. ③Detection of 5-HT, HVA and 5-HIAA levels： After treatment, 5-HIAA level in the hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in the medicine group than in the model group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The abnormal synthesis and metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitter in the central nervous system is one of pathogenesis of UC. Electroacupuncture combined with medicine might reach its goal of treatment by regulating the monoamine neurotransmitter disorder in the hypothalamus of rats with UC.

Effects of moxibustion on heat-shock protein 70 expression in the spinal cord and colonic mucosa in a rat model of ulcerative colitis

Pathological changes in the colon are closely associated with the spinal cord, and innervation of spinal cord can regulate cellular functions. Our previous studies verified that moxibustion protects and restores the colonic mucosa, but the mechanisms of action remain unknown. The present study observed the effects of moxibustion and salicylazosulfapyridine on expression of heat-shock protein 70 （HSP70） and its mRNA in the spinal cord and colonic mucosa of ulcerative colitis rats. Results demonstrated that moxibustion and salicylazosulfapyridine increased HSP70 mRNA expression in the spinal cord and colonic mucosa of ulcerative colitis rats. The decreased transcriptional activity of HSP70 in the spinal cord and colonic mucosa might participate in damage to the colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis rats. Moxibustion exerted protective effects on colonic mucosa by up-regulating HSP70 transcriptional activity in the spinal cord and colonic mucosa.

Inhibitory Effect of S100A11 on Airway Smooth Muscle Contraction and Airway Hyperresponsiveness

Objective S100A11 is a member of the S100 calcium-binding protein family and has intracellular and extracellular regulatory activities.We previously reported that S100A11 was differentially expressed in the respiratory tracts of asthmatic rats as compared with normal controls.Here,we aimed to analyze the potential of S100A11 to regulate both allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness(AHR)as well as acetylcholine(ACh)-induced hypercontractility of airway smooth muscle(ASM)and contraction of ASM cells(ASMCs).Methods Purified recombinant rat S100A11 protein(rS100A11)was administered to OVA-sensitized and challenged rats and then the AHR of animals was measured.The relaxation effects of rS100A11 on ASM were detected using isolated tracheal rings and primary ASMCs.The expression levels of un-phosphorylated myosin light chain(MLC)and phosphorylated MLC in ASMCs were analyzed using Western blotting.Results Treatment with rS100A11 attenuated AHR in the rats.ASM contraction assays showed that rS100A11 reduced the contractile responses of isolated tracheal rings and primary ASMCs treated with ACh.In addition,rS100A11 markedly decreased the ACh-induced phosphorylation of the myosin light chain in ASMCs.Moreover,rS100A11 also suppressed the contractile response of tracheal rings in calcium-free buffer medium.Conclusion These results indicate that S100A11 protein can relieve AHR by relaxing ASM independently of extracellular calcium.Our data support the idea that S100A11 is a potential therapeutic target for reducing airway resistance in asthma patients.

Accurate Assessment and Tracking the Process of Liver-Specific Injury by the Residual Tissue Activity of Carboxylesterase 1 and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4

Accurately assessing and tracking the progression of liver-specific injury remains a major challenge in the field of biomarker research.Here,we took a retrospective validation approach built on the mutuality between serum and tissue biomarkers to characterize the liver-specific damage of bile duct cells caused by a-naphthyl isothiocyanate(ANIT).We found that carboxylesterase 1(CES1),as an intrahepatic marker,and dipeptidyl peptidase 4(DPP-IV),as an extrahepatic marker,can reflect the different pathophysiologies of liver injury.Levels of CES1 and DPP-IV can be used to identify liver damage itself and the inflammatory state,respectively.While the levels of the conventional serological biomarkers alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were all concomitantly elevated in serum and tissues after ANIT-induced injury,the levels of bile acids decreased in bile,increased in serum,and ascended in intrahepatic tissue.Although the level of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase(γ-GT)changed in an opposite direction,the duration was much shorter than that of CES1 and was quickly restored to normal levels.Therefore,among the abovementioned biomarkers,only CES1 made it possible to specifically determine whether the liver cells were destroyed or damaged without interference from inflammation.CES1 also enabled accurate assessment of the anti-cholestasis effects of ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA;single component)and Qing Fei Pai Du Decoction(QFPDD;multicomponent).We found that both QFPDD and UDCA attenuated ANIT-induced liver damage.UDCA was more potent in promoting bile excretion but showed relatively weaker anti-injury and antiinflammatory effects than QFPDD,whereas QFPDD was more effective in blocking liver inflammation and repairing liver damage.Our data highlights the potential of the combined use of CES1(as an intrahepatic marker of liver damage)and DPP-IV(as an extrahepatic marker of inflammation)for the accurate evaluation and tracking of liver-specific injury—an application that allows for the differentiation of liver damage and inflammatory liver injury.

Acupuncture-moxibustion in treating irritable bowel syndrome: How does it work?

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a functional intestinal disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel habits.It has drawn great attention because of its high prevalence,reoccurring symptoms,and severe influence on patients’lives.Many clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncturemoxibustion in treating IBS.Increasing attention has been paid to research regarding the action mechanisms of acupuncture-moxibustion for IBS,and the adoption of modern techniques has achieved some progress.This article reviews the latest advances among actionmechanism studies from the perspectives of gastrointestinal motility,visceral hypersensitivity,the braingut axis,the neuroendocrine system,and the immune system.It is shown that acupuncture-moxibustion can effectively regulate the above items,and thus,this treatment should have a high efficacy in the treatment of IBS.This article also identifies existing problems in current mechanism research and raises several ideas for future studies.Further revelations regarding these action mechanisms will promote the application of acupuncture-moxibustion in treating IBS.

Moxibustion eases chronic inflammatory visceral pain through regulating MEK, ERK and CREB in rats

AIM To investigate the effects of herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM) on phosphorylation of mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase(MEK)1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)1/2 and c AMP response element binding protein(CREB) in spinal cord of rats with chronic inflammatory visceral pain(CIVP), and to explore the central mechanism of HPM in treating CIVP.METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal, model, HPM, sham-HPM, MEK-inhibitor and dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) groups. The CIVP model was established using an enema mixture of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and ethanol. HPM was applied at bilateral Tianshu(ST25) and Qihai(CV6) acupoints in the HPM group, while in the sham-HPM group, moxa cones and herb cakes were only placed on the same points but not ignited. The MEK-inhibitor and DMSO groups received L5-L6 intrathecal injection of U0126 and 30% DMSO, respectively. Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR), mechanical withdrawal threshold(MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency(TWL) were applied for the assessment of pain behavior. The colonic tissue was observed under an optical microscope after hematoxylin-eosin staining. Expression of phosphor(p)MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB in rat spinal cord was detected using Western blotting. The levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were detected using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, the AWR scores were increased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.05) in the model, sham-HPM and DMSO groups. Compared with the model group, the AWR scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were increased significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.05). Compared with the sham-HPM and DMSO groups, the AWR scores were decreased significantly(P < 0.01) and the MWT and TWL scores were increased significantly(P < 0.05) in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups. Compared with the normal group, the expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were increased significantly in the model, sham-HPM and DMSO groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were reduced significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Compared with the sham-HPM and DMSO groups, expression of p MEK1, p ERK1/2 and p CREB proteins and the levels of MEK, ERK and CREB m RNA in rat spinal cord were reduced significantly in the HPM and MEK-inhibitor groups(P < 0.01 or < 0.05). CONCLUSION HPM down-regulates protein phosphorylation of MEK1, ERK1/2 and CREB, and m RNA expression of MEK, ERK and CREB, inhibiting activation of the MEK/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the spinal cord of CIVP rats, which is possibly a critical central mechanism of the analgesic effect of HPM.

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion inhibits colonic autophagy in Crohn’s disease via signaling involving distinct classes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases

BACKGROUND Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved biological process in eukaryotic cells that involves lysosomal-mediated degradation and recycling of related cellular components.Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease(CD).Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion(HM)has been historically practiced to treat CD.However,the mechanism by which HM regulates colonic autophagy in CD remains unclear.AIM To observe whether HM can alleviate CD by regulating colonic autophagy and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a CD group,an HM group,an insulin+CD(I+CD)group,an insulin+HM(I+HM)group,a rapamycin+CD(RA+CD)group,and a rapamycin+HM(RA+HM)group.2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid was administered to establish a CD model.The morphology of the colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the formation of autophagosomes was observed by electron microscopy.The expression of autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta(LC3B)was observed by immunofluorescence staining.Insulin and rapamycin were used to inhibit and activate colonic autophagy,respectively.The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class I(PI3KC1),Akt1,LC3B,sequestosome 1(p62),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)were evaluated by RT-qPCR.The protein expression levels of interleukin 18(IL-18),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),nuclear factorκB/p65(NF-κB p65),LC3B,p62,coiled-coil myosin-like BCL2-interacting protein(Beclin-1),p-mTOR,PI3KC1,class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3KC3/Vps34),and p-Akt were evaluated by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Compared with the NC group,the CD group showed severe damage to colon tissues and higher expression levels of IL-18 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissues(P<0.01 for both).Compared with the CD group,the HM group showed significantly lower levels of these proteins(PIL-18<0.01 and Pp65<0.05).There were no significant differences in the expression of TNF-αprotein in colon tissue among the rat groups.Typical autophagic vesicles were found in both the CD and HM groups.The expression of the autophagy proteins LC3B and Beclin-1 was upregulated(P<0.01 for both)in the colon tissues of rats in the CD group compared with the NC group,while the protein expression of p62 and p-mTOR was downregulated(P<0.01 for both).However,these expression trends were significantly reversed in the HM group compared with the CD group(PLC3B<0.01,PBeclin-1<0.05,Pp62<0.05,and Pm-TOR<0.05).Compared with those in the RA+CD group,the mRNA expression levels of PI3KC1,Akt1,mTOR,and p62 in the RA+HM group were significantly higher(PPI3KC1<0.01 and PAkt1,mTOR,and p62<0.05),while those of LC3B were significantly lower(P<0.05).Compared with the RA+CD group,the RA+HM group exhibited significantly higher PI3KC1,p-Akt1,and pmTOR protein levels(PPI3KC1<0.01,Pp-Akt1<0.05,and Pp-mTOR<0.01),a higher p62 protein level(P=0.057),and significantly lower LC3B and Vps34 protein levels(P<0.01 for both)in colon tissue.CONCLUSION HM can activate PI3KC1/Akt1/mTOR signaling while inhibiting the PI3KC3(Vps34)-Beclin-1 protein complex in the colon tissues of CD rats,thereby inhibiting overactivated autophagy and thus exerting a therapeutic effect.

Transcranial pulse current stimulation improves the locomotor function in a rat model of stroke

Previous studies have shown that transcranial pulse current stimulation(tPCS) can increase cerebral neural plasticity and improve patients' locomotor function.However, the precise mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear.In the present study, rat models of stroke established by occlusion of the right cerebral middle artery were subjected to tPCS, 20 minutes per day for 7 successive days.tPCS significantly reduced the Bederson score, increased the foot print area of the affected limbs, and reduced the standing time of affected limbs of rats with stroke compared with that before intervention.Immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay revealed that tPCS significantly increased the expression of microtubule-associated protein-2 and growth-associated protein-43 around the ischemic penumbra.This finding suggests that tPCS can improve the locomotor function of rats with stroke by regulating the expression of microtubule-associated protein-2 and growth-associated protein-43 around the ischemic penumbra.These findings may provide a new method for the clinical treatment of poststroke motor dysfunction and a theoretical basis for clinical application of tPCS.The study was approved by the Animal Use and Management Committee of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China(approval No.PZSHUTCM190315003) on February 22, 2019.

Electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST 25) for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome using positron emission tomography Changes in visceral sensation center

Previous studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture therapy is effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. However, the precise mechanism of this therapy is unknown. The present study served to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture therapy on treatment of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS）. We compared brain activation maps based on the changes of cerebral glucose metabolism obtained by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scanning under three conditions： resting, rectal balloon distension and rectal balloon distension plus electroacupuncture. Under the resting condition, compared with healthy controls, IBS patients displayed an increasing regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose over a wide range： bilateral superior temporal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, superior frontal gyrus and bilateral middle frontal gyrus. However, there was no significant activity in the visceral pain center. Compared with the resting condition, under the rectal balloon distension condition, patients with IBS had a greater regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose in the prefrontal cortex, left anterior cingulate cortex, postcentral gyrus, precentral gyrus and temporal gyrus. Under the rectal balloon distension plus electroacupuncture condition, stimulation by electroacupuncture at Tianshu （ST 25） manifested a decreased regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose in the left cingulate gyrus, right insula, right caudate nucleus, fusiform gyrus and hippocampal gyrus. Electroacupuncture therapy relieved abdominal pain, distension or discomfort by decreasing glucose metabolism in the brain.

Factorial study of moxibustion in treatment of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

AIM: To identify an appropriate therapeutic regimen for using aconite cake-separated moxibustion to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(D-IBS).METHODS: A factorial design was employed to examine the two factors of moxibustion frequency and number of cones. The two tested frequencies were three or six moxibustion sessions per week, and the two tested doses were one or two cones per treatment. A total of 166 D-IBS patients were randomly divided into four treatment groups, which included each combination of the examined frequencies and doses. The bilateral Tianshu acupoints(ST25) and the Qihai acupoint(RN6) were selected for aconite cake-separated moxibustion. Each patient received two courses of treatment, and each course had a duration of 2 wk. For each group, the scores on the Birmingham irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) symptom questionnaire, the IBS Quality of Life scale, the Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS), the Hamilton Depression(HAMD) scale, and the Hamilton Anxiety(HAMA) scale were determined before treatment, after the first course of treatment, and after the second course of treatment. RESULTS: The symptom, quality of life, SDS, SAS, HAMD, and HAMA scores of the patients in all 4 aconite cake-separated moxibustion groups were significantly lower after the first and second courses of treatment than before treatment(P < 0.001 for all). The symptom, quality of life, SDS, SAS, HAMD, and HAMA scores of the patients in all four aconite cake-separated moxibustion groups were significantly lower after the second course of treatment than after the first course of treatment(P < 0.001 for all). Between-group comparisons after the second course of treatment revealed that the symptom scores for group 1(1 cone, 3 treatments/wk) and group 3(2 cones, 3 treatments/wk) were significantly lower than that for group 2(1 cone, 6 treatments/wk)(5.55 ± 5.05 vs 10.45 ± 6.61, P < 0.001; 5.65 ± 4.00 vs 10.45 ± 6.61, P < 0.001). Regarding the two levels of the two examined factors for aconite cake-separated moxibustion, after the first course of treatment, the changes in HAMA scores weresignificantly different for the two tested moxibustion frequencies(P = 0.011), with greater changes for the "6 treatments/wk" groups than for the "3 treatments/wk" groups; in addition, there were interaction effects between the number of cones and moxibustion frequency(P = 0.028). After the second course of treatment, changes in symptom scores for the 2 tested moxibustion frequencies were significantly different(P = 0.002), with greater changes for the "3 treatments/wk" groups than for the "6 treatments/wk" groups.CONCLUSION: An aconite cake-separated moxibustion treatment regimen of 3 treatments/wk and 1 cone/treatment appears to produce better therapeutic effects for D-IBS compared with the other tested regimens.

Research progress and key scientific problems of traditional Chinese moxibustion

Moxibustion Moxibustion(written as“jiū(灸)”in Chinese),also known as“jiūruò(灸焫)”in ancient Chinese,was described in the ancient Chinese book Shuo Wen Jie Zi as having the meaning of burning and possessing the properties of fire,while sharing the same pronunciation as“jiǔ(久).”“Moxibustion is a method of curing diseases that uses lighted moxa to press and cauterize acupoints.”Moxibustion is a traditional external treatment method that involves the application of moxa wool or other materials,either directly or indirectly(such as through burning or fumigation),to stimulate specific points or areas on body surface.It is used for purposes such as prevention,treatment,rehabilitation,and health care.Moxibustion originated in ancient times,prevailed during the Qin and Han dynasties(221 B.C.E.–220 C.E.),experienced a period of decline during the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368–1912 C.E.),and was revitalized in the contemporary era.

Taking Mafei Powder(麻沸散)as an Example to Explore the Evidence of the Existence of Ancient Anesthesia

Anesthesia has a long history in China.Ancient doctors have already created a variety of anesthetic formulae for surgery and the most famous one is Mafei powder(麻沸散).However,there are a few literatures about Mafei powder and Mafei powder was not recorded at that time.This article tries to discuss the existence of Mafei powder by summarizing relevant records in ancient books such as San Guo Zhi(《三国志》Records of The Three Kingdoms)and Hou Han Shu(《后汉书》History of the Latter-Han D^ynasty)and analyzing the anatomical,surgical,and pharmaceutical conditions at Hua Tuo's(华佗)time.

Introduction to HUA Xue-gui's Experience in Acupuncture Treatment of Tinnitus and Deafness

Doctor HUA Xue-gui,an associate chief physicianin Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture andMeridian,has been engaged in clinical practice andscientific research of acupuncture for over 30 years.She has created a set of unique and completeacupuncture modalities for neurotic tinnitus

Clinical Observation of Combined Acupuncture and Herbs in Treating Parkinson's Disease

目的:观察头排针结合中药治疗帕金森病(Parkinson Disease,简称PD)的临床疗效。方法:150例PD患者按就诊先后随机分为4组,针药并用组(A组,88例)、针刺组(B组,20例)、中药组(C组,20例)和西药组(D组,22例)。A组采用头排针结合滋补肝肾、活血祛风中药治疗,针刺隔日治疗1次,10次为1疗程;B组单纯使用头排针治疗,C组单纯使用滋补肝肾、活血祛风中药治疗,D组采用口服复方多巴胺药物治疗。4组均治疗1个治疗期(3个月)观察疗效。结果:A组总有效率为89.8%,与D组(86.4%)相比,无显著性差异(P>0.05),但与C组(65.0%)相比,有显著性差异(P<0.01)。结论:针药并用治疗PD的疗效较好。

Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion on BrainGut Function in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective： To compare the effects of electroacupuncture （EA） and moxibustion therapies on patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （D-IBS）. Methods： A total of 60 D-IBS patients were randomly allocated to the EA group （30 cases） and moxibustion group （30 cases）. Before and after treatment, the gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological symptoms were scored by Visual Analogue Scale, Bristol Stool Form Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale （HAMA）, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale （HAMD）; the expressions of 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）, 5-HT3 receptor （5-HT3R）, and 5-HT4 receptor （5-HT4R） in the sigmoid mucosal tissue were measured by immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, the effects on the functional brain areas of the anterior cingulate cortex （ACC）, insular cortex （IC） and prefrontal cortex （PFC） were observed by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results： Compared with before treatment, both EA and moxibustion groups reported significant improvements in abdominal pain and abdominal bloating after treatment （P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）. The moxibustion group reported greater improvements in defecation emergency, defecation frequency, and stool feature than the EA group （P〈0.01）. Both HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly decreased in the moxibustion group than in the EA group （P〈0.01）. Both groups demonstrated significantly reduced expressions of 5-HT, 5-HT3R and 5-HT4R in the colonic mucosa after treatment （P〈0.01）, with a greater reduction of 5-HT in the moxibustion group （P〈0.05）. Finally, decreased activated voxel values were observed in the left IC, right IC and PFC brain regions of patients in the moxibustion group under stimulation with 150 mL colorectal distension after treatment （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, while in the EA group only PFC area demonstrated a reduction （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Moxibustion can significantly improve the symptoms of D-IBS, suggesting that moxibustion may be a more effective therapy than EA for D-IBS patients.

Exploration of Clinical Regularities in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

目的：回顾1956～2007年针灸文献，探索针灸治疗变应性鼻炎用穴和治疗方法的规律。方法：根据《中国现代针灸信息数据库》数据，采用计量分析方法进行综合分析。结果：迎香、肺俞应用频次为最，治疗方法以针剁和水针为主。结论：建议迎香、印堂、肺俞、大椎作为针灸治疗变应性鼻炎基础方，并辨证选穴。

Effect of Acupuncture-moxibustion on TNF-α,sTNFR-Ⅰ and sTNFR-Ⅱ of Rats with Crohn's Disease

目的:观察针灸对克罗恩病大鼠血清TNF-α、sTNFR-Ⅰ、sTNFR-Ⅱ的影响。方法:采用TNBS制备大鼠克罗恩病模型,随机分为模型组、隔药灸组、电针组,并与正常大鼠作对照,采用HE染色观察结肠黏膜组织病理学变化,应用ELISA方法检测血清TNF-α、sTNFR-Ⅰ、sTNFR-Ⅱ的含量。结果:与正常组比较,CD大鼠血清TNF-α显著升高、sTNFR-Ⅰ和sTNFR-Ⅱ无显著变化。经隔药灸和电针治疗后血清TNF-α水平显著降低,sTNFR-Ⅰ和sTNFR-Ⅱ无显著变化。CD大鼠结肠组织的炎症病变和异常的组织结构在隔药灸、电针治疗后得到明显改善。结论:隔药灸与电针均能够显著降低血清TNF-α的含量,该作用可能是隔药灸与电针治疗CD的作用机制之一。