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The Application of Laser Acupuncture in Animal Experiments: A Narrative Review of Biological Aspects. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6646237. [PMID: 33680056 PMCID: PMC7929682 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6646237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies on animals are conducted in almost all areas of medical research. The experiments offer insights into diseases and expand biomedical knowledge. Animal experiments are also imperative for studying acupuncture treatment mechanisms and the exploration of innovative acupuncture techniques. Laser acupuncture (LA), as a promising alternative to traditional manual acupuncture (MA), has the characteristics of painless and controllable stimulation. Today, society is more aware of animal welfare than previous generations. The use of noninvasive LA as a substitute for invasive MA in basic experimental research of acupuncture should be encouraged. Thus, we conducted an overview of animal experiments in the research field of LA from January 1978 to April 2020. After careful research, 52 studies were included in the work. Among these studies, both single-point and multipoint LA studies have been reported. To make noninvasive LA better in replacing invasive MA in experimental animal research of acupuncture, further experiments should focus on exploring uniform criteria for selecting laser parameters and revealing the extent to which the curative effect of LA depends on the property of acupuncture points rather than the characteristics of photobiomodulation.
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Effects of laser needle-knife therapy on vertebroarterial morphology and protein expression of PI-3K, AKT and VEGF in the carotid artery in a rabbit model of cervical spondylotic arteriopathy. Saudi J Biol Sci 2018; 26:390-394. [PMID: 31485183 PMCID: PMC6717135 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore how the use of a laser needle-knife affects vertebroarterial morphology and protein expression of PI-3K, AKT and VEGF in the carotid artery of a rabbit model of cervical spondylotic arteriopathy (CSA), and to determine its primary treatment mechanism. Methods The CSA rabbit model consisted of 30 rabbits with CSA that were randomly divided into a model group (n = 10), an acupuncture group (n = 10) and a laser needle-knife group (n = 10) plus a further 10 wild type rabbits placed into a normal group. Rabbits in the acupuncture group were treated by needling the Fengchi (GB 20) and Jiaji (EX-B2) acupoints, while those in the laser needle-knife group were treated with a laser needle-knife on the Jiaji (EX-B2) near the spinous process of the fifth cervical vertebra, the rabbit in both groups immobilized during treatment. Rabbits in the other two groups received no treatment, but were immobilized for a similar duration. The morphology of the right vertebral artery and the distribution of pore size before and after treatment were compared using BET and SEM, and the protein expression of PI-3K, AKT and VEGF in the carotid artery of the four groups measured using Western blot analysis. Results The pore diameter and specific surface area of the right vertebral artery increased after treatment, as did the number of micropores. Compared with the normal group, the protein expression of PI-3K, AKT and VEGF in the carotid artery of the model group was significantly lower (P < 0.05), while that of the laser needle-knife group was significantly higher (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). In addition, rabbits from the acupuncture and laser needle-knife groups demonstrated significantly higher levels of protein expression of PI-3K and VEGF in the carotid artery compared with the model group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Conclusions By promoting micrangium hyperplasia within the vertebral artery of rabbits with CSA, treatment with a laser needle-knife modified the protein expression of PI-3K, AKT and VEGF, suggesting that laser needle-knife therapy possibly treats CSA though these signaling pathways.
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Zhang H, Chen Z, Wu J, Chen N, Xu W, Li T, Liu S. Laser stimulating ST36 with optical fiber induce blood component changes in mice: a Raman spectroscopy study. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2018; 11:e201700262. [PMID: 29446873 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.201700262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
ST36 is a commonly-used acupoint in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of inflammations, pains and gastrointestinal disturbs. For decades, the low power laser acupuncture has been widely applied as an alternative therapy to traditional metal needle acupuncture and achieved relatively fine therapeutic effect for ST36-related symptoms with reduction of uncomfortableness and infection risks. However its disadvantages of low penetrativity and lack of manipulation skills limit its potential performance. An optical fiber laser acupuncture introduced by the previous study combines traditional needling acupuncture and the laser stimulation together, making a stronger therapeutic effect and showing a potential value in clinical application. To evaluate its acupunctural effect on blood, mice are taken as experimental model and Raman spectroscopic technique is used to analysis the changes of blood components after stimulating on ST36. The results show that both the traditional needling acupuncture and optical fiber acupuncture could lead to some spectral changes of blood in mice. This study explores the optical fiber acupuncture's effect on blood in mice using Raman spectroscopy technique for mechanism of acupuncture therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiping Wu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Chen
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Taihao Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Imaging Technology, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Shupeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Optical Access Networks, Joint International Research Laboratory of Specialty Fiber Optics and Advanced Communication, Shanghai Institute for Advanced Communication and Data Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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Melo ALSD, Gomes ELC, Ximenes VO, Montenegro EJN. The effects of different TENS frequencies applied to LU7 acupoint on cold-induced pain test. FISIOTERAPIA EM MOVIMENTO 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/0103-5150.027.004.ao01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pain represents a frequent phenomenon among the general population with great socio-economic impact. TENS is one of the most common forms of electroanalgesia. However, totally effective stimulation parameters remain uncertain. Thus, this study aims to assess the effects of 4 Hz, 10 Hz and 100 Hz TENS applied to the LU7 (Lieque) acupoint on cold-induced pain in young healthy subjects. Methods 100 volunteers, divided into five groups (three TENS groups, one electrode group and one placebo group), completed six experimental cycles. Each cycle comprised three phases: pretreatment, treatment and post-treatment. In each cycle, pain was induced by immersion of the hand into ice water and the pain threshold latency was measured. For the analysis of results, we used the one-way ANOVA test, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc test. The level of significance was p < 0.05. Results The 4 Hz TENS group the pain showed elevation of the pain threshold during the treatment phase, when compared to pretreatment (p < 0.05). This elevation was maintained in the post-treatment phase. The other groups showed no changes in the pain threshold. Conclusion 4 Hz TENS applied with 1x1 cm electrodes to LU7 acupoint increases hypothermia-induced pain threshold latency in young healthy subjects.
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de Souza DE, de Souza RSS, Manoel CV, Pereira MDO, do Carmo FS, da Fonseca ADS, Bernardo-Filho M. Acupuncture Stimulation at Taixi Point: Effect on Technetium-99m Methylenediphosphonate Bioavailability in Rats. Med Acupunct 2011. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2011.0791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Deise Elisabete de Souza
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Raphael Sancho Sisley de Souza
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Cristiano Viana Manoel
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Marcia de Oliveira Pereira
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Fernanda Santos do Carmo
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Adenilson de Souza da Fonseca
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Mario Bernardo-Filho
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Centro de Pesquisa Básica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Zhang YS, Xu YX, Chen CS, Chen GZ, Weng ZX, Yao Y. Effects of laser irradiation of acupuncture points Shenshu on ovariectomized rats. Photomed Laser Surg 2011; 29:271-5. [PMID: 21214487 DOI: 10.1089/pho.2010.2763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effect of laser acupuncture on obesity in postmenopausal women remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of this form of treatment using an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-seven female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into seven groups: normal control (Normal), sham-operation control (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX) control rats (OVX), OVX rats treated with estrogen (OVX + E), and three groups of ovariectomized rats treated with laser acupuncture (OVX + L). Bilateral ovaries were removed to decrease estrogen levels. After 2 wk, semiconductor laser irradiation was administered to bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) acupoints of rats in the three OVX + L groups at 12, 30, and 60 J/cm(2), respectively. Changes in body weight and pituitary estrogen receptor (ER) mRNA expression were analyzed. Morphological differences in the uterus and pituitary glands were also observed. RESULTS The OVX group exhibited marked weight gain and a significant decrease in pituitary ERα mRNA expression. Semiconductor laser irradiation at 30 J/cm(2) reduced body weight and increased ERα expression compared with the control, whereas irradiation at 12 or 60 J/cm(2) presented slightly weaker effects. Significant differences in pituitary ERβ mRNA were not observed due to lack of optical density data. CONCLUSIONS The semiconductor laser irradiation of bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) acupoints can exert beneficial effects on OVX rats through reducing body weight and increasing pituitary ERα expression, and 30 J/cm(2) was the most effective dose among those used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shi Zhang
- Laboratory of Photonic Chinese Medicine, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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Montenegro EJN, Albuquerque NBD, Mariz LMRD, Costa RDCDS, Montarroyos CS, Motta MAD. Ação da TENS acupuntural em acupontos na dor induzida pela hipotermia local (0-2º C). FISIOTERAPIA EM MOVIMENTO 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0103-51502010000300015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUÇÃO: A dor é um fenômeno multidimensional que dificulta o desenvolvimento das atividades cotidianas. A aplicação de estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation - TENS) está entre uma das modalidades mais usadas para o tratamento da dor. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a TENS acupuntural (baixa frequência) influencia a dor aguda produzida pela hipotermia local em indivíduos saudáveis, quando os eletrodos estão localizados nos acupontos TA5 e CS6 e na aplicação placebo. MÉTODOS: Trinta e dois voluntários, de ambos os gêneros, foram alocados, aleatoriamente, nos grupos TENS e placebo. O estudo consistiu em três momentos: hipotermia sem eletroanalgesia, hipotermia com eletroanalgesia ou placebo, e hipotermia pós-eletroanalgesia ou placebo, para avaliar o efeito da TENS e do placebo na latência do limiar de dor e na intensidade da dor. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que a latência do limiar de dor aumenta significativamente quando comparados os momentos antes e depois do uso da TENS, enquanto o grupo placebo não mostrou significância entre seus ciclos de experimentação. A intensidade da dor não sofreu influencia da TENS e do placebo. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados sugerem que a TENS acupuntural aplicada sobre a área dos acupontos TA5 e CS6 é eficaz em aumentar a latência do limiar de dor, mas não interfere na intensidade da dor.
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Sakakibara R, Murakami E, Katagiri A, Hayakawa S, Uchiyama T, Yamamoto T, Hattori T. Moxibustion, an alternative therapy, ameliorated disturbed circadian rhythm of plasma arginine vasopressin and urine output in multiple system atrophy. Intern Med 2007; 46:1015-8. [PMID: 17603243 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously no alternative therapy approach has been made to ameliorate disturbed circadian arginine vasopressin rhythm (C-AVP-R) in multiple system atrophy (MSA). A 65-year-old man with MSA showed loss of C-AVP-R and nocturnal polyuria. We performed moxibustion at specific acupuncture points on the bladder and inside the feet, once a day, 3 times a week, for 6 months. After the treatment, his C-AVP-R appeared to be normal, and the nocturnal urine output decreased to 75% (p<0.01). Together with the previous studies, it seems possible that somatic warm stimulation by moxibustion in specific points might have facilitated AVP secretion in this patient.
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