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Zhang Z, Zhang D, Lin Q, Cui X. Therapeutically Fine-Tuning Autonomic Nervous System to Treat Sepsis: A New Perspective on the Immunomodulatory Effects of Acupuncture. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:4373-4387. [PMID: 38988505 PMCID: PMC11233988 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s477181] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the immunomodulatory effects of acupuncture on sepsis and proposed novel non-pharmacological or bioelectronic approaches to managing inflammatory illnesses. Establishing rules for selectively activating sympathetic or vagal nerve-mediated anti-inflammatory pathways using acupuncture has valuable clinical applications. Over the years, studies have revealed the segmental modulatory role of acupuncture in regulating visceral function by targeting the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In this review, we aim to summarize recent findings on acupuncture in treating sepsis, focusing on the underlying ANS mechanism, as well as the rules of acupoint specificity, intensity, frequency, and other parameters utilized in these studies. Mechanistically, the immunomodulatory properties of the sympathetic nervous system have been highlighted. Furthermore, we explore the immunotherapeutic benefits of acupuncture in treating sepsis. A better understanding of the immunoregulatory mechanism of sympathetic nervous system may offer novel approaches for the development of therapeutics to treat or prevent a variety of inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dingdan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiang Cui
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
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Rabbogliatti V, Brioschi FA, Pecile A, Bronzo V, Martini V, Dall'Ara P, Ravasio G, Groppetti D. Can peri-surgical electroacupuncture relieve immunity suppression? A pilot study in dogs. Vet J 2024; 305:106140. [PMID: 38782236 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
General anesthesia and surgical stress can suppress the immunological response by acting both directly on the immune system and indirectly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Disturbance of the immune system during the perioperative period can lead to complications such as wound-healing disorders and infections up to sepsis. Effectiveness of acupuncture in regulating the immune function by increasing leukocyte numbers and inhibiting inflammatory response has been proven. This study aimed to explore the impact of electroacupuncture (EAP) on the dynamic balance of the immune system and immune cell populations in dogs undergoing surgery. Twelve healthy bitches scheduled for elective ovariectomy were divided into two groups according to whether (EAP, n=6) or not (CTR, n=6) a peri-operative electroacupuncture treatment was performed. Levels of leukocytes (neutrophils, monocytes, T- and B-cells) and immunoglobulins M (IgM) and A (IgA) were measured in blood samples collected before (T0), 1 h (T1) and 2.5 h (T2) after anesthesia induction. Leukocytes count decreased from T0 to T1 in both groups and restored within 1.5 h in EAP group whereas remained significantly lower in CTR group (P<0.02). In particular, neutrophils and monocytes increased in dogs receiving EAP (P<0.01) while T-cells decreased in CTR group (P<0.04) at T2. B-cells and cytotoxic T-cells decreased in EAP dogs (P<0.04) at T2. No differences in helper T-cells, IgM and IgA levels were recorded between groups and over time. Our results suggest a modulatory effect of EAP on the immune system which is early expressed on neutrophils, monocytes and T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Rabbogliatti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - F A Brioschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - A Pecile
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy.
| | - V Bronzo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - V Martini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - P Dall'Ara
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - G Ravasio
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
| | - D Groppetti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via dell'università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy
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Gong M, Qi S, Wu Z, Huang Y, Wu L, Wang X, He L, Lin L, Lin D. A novel therapeutic approach to modulate the inflammatory cascade: A timely exogenous local inflammatory response attenuates the sepsis-induced cytokine storm. Cytokine 2024; 176:156533. [PMID: 38340550 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of severe sepsis is contingent upon the occurrence of a cytokine storm (CS), a multifaceted process intricately entwined with the temporal dimension, thereby rendering the infection response remarkably intricate. Consequently, it becomes imperative to discern and accurately identify the optimal timing for interventions, predicated upon the dynamic timeline of inflammatory changes. Moreover, the administration of exogenous low-dose pro-inflammatory agents has exhibited the potential to impede the relentless progression of the inflammatory cascade. Hence, the present study aims to scrutinize the impact of exogenous Local Inflammatory Response (eLIR) on the body surface in the context of the inflammatory cascade during sepsis, within a temporal framework, with a particular emphasis on the point of exacerbation of inflammation. METHODS Rats were induced sterile sepsis by intraperitoneal injection of zymosan (ZY) at an appropriate dosage. The temporal progression of inflammatory changes and eLIR effects were described based on the trend of serum crucial inflammatory cytokines, tring to quest time-point of inflammatory aggravation in sepsis. Then, the varying degrees of surface inflammation caused by eLIR on this time point leading to the final effects on the inflammatory cascade response were explored. In addition, given the authentic pathological progression of sepsis, further observation was conducted on the impact of another intervention timing of eLIR on the inflammatory cascade. The survival rate was measured. Serum and organ related inflammatory cytokines were detected, and organ histopathology was investigated. RESULTS In present study, a dosage of 600 mg/kg ZY was found to be optimal for the sterile sepsis model. Initiating eLIR 6 h prior to ZY injection, the maximum effect point of eLIR could be precisely align with the inflammatory aggravation point of sterile sepsis. Initiating eLIR at this time, 3 sessions of eLIR were found to be more effective than 1 or 2 sessions in mitigating inflammatory responses during the initial stage of inflammation and the peak of inflammation. Notably, the findings also suggested that this intervention improve survival rate. In addition, the anti-inflammatory efficacy has been substantially diminished by the prompt initiation of 3 sessions of eLIR immediately after ZY injection at the onset of sepsis. Similarly, the current findings did not demonstrate a statistically significant enhancement in survival rates with eLIR at this time point. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the initial stage of inflammation, low-scale inflammation caused by a certain intensity of eLIR (3 sessions) on the body surface can more effectively pry the inflammation aggravation time-point, thereby shifting the pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory milieu, impeding the disproportionate cytokines release in inflammatory diseases, slowing down the inflammatory cascade, and improving the survival rate of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Gong
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shiyi Qi
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhiting Wu
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ying Huang
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lihua Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fujian provincial hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiangbin Wang
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lingling He
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lili Lin
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China; Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Dong Lin
- College of Acupuncture, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China; Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Fujian Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China.
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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Zhang Z, Cui X, Liu K, Gao X, Zhou Q, Xi H, Zhao Y, Zhang D, Zhu B. Adrenal sympathetic nerve mediated the anti-inflammatory effect of electroacupuncture at ST25 acupoint in a rat model of sepsis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:3178-3188. [PMID: 36300612 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture plays a vital anti-inflammatory action in sepsis by activating autonomic nerve anti-inflammatory pathways, such as sympathoadrenal medullary pathway, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to explore the optimum parameter of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation in regulating the sympathoadrenal medullary pathway and evaluate EA's anti-inflammatory effect on sepsis. To determine the optimum parameter of EA at homotopic acupoint on adrenal sympathetic activity, the left adrenal sympathetic nerve firing rate evoked by different intensities of single shock electrical stimulation (ES) at ST25 in healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated by in vivo electrophysiological recording, and the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and its metabolites normetanephrine (NMN) were also examined using mass spectrometry. To verify the role of EA at ST25 in sepsis, the rats were given an intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce sepsis model, and survival rate, clinical score, and the level of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 were evaluated after EA application. We observed that 3 mA is the optimal intensity for activating adrenal sympathetic nerve, which significantly elevated the level of NE in the peripheral blood. For LPS-treated rats, EA at the ST25 apparently increased the survival rate and improved the clinical score compared to the control group. Furthermore, 3 mA EA at ST25 significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 compared to the LPS-treated group. Overall, our data suggested that 3 mA is the optimal EA intensity at ST25 to activate the sympathoadrenal medullary pathway and exert an anti-inflammatory effect in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Xiang Cui
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingchen Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hanqing Xi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingkun Zhao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dingdan Zhang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Landgraaf RG, Bloem MN, Fumagalli M, Benninga MA, de Lorijn F, Nieuwdorp M. Acupuncture as multi-targeted therapy for the multifactorial disease obesity: a complex neuro-endocrine-immune interplay. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1236370. [PMID: 37795371 PMCID: PMC10545882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1236370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has reached pandemic dimensions. It is associated with multiple comorbidities and is becoming a clinical and public health threat. Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a complex pathophysiology and interplay of various systems. A strong interplay exists between the neuro-endocrine system, the immune system with systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, and microbiome dysbiosis that can lead to the development of obesity, which in turn can exacerbate each of these factors, hence creating a vicious cycle. The conventional treatment with lifestyle modifications such as diet, physical exercise, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery does not always result in sufficient weight control thus paving the way for other strategies. As one such strategy, acupuncture is increasingly used worldwide to treat obesity. This narrative review outlines the evidence for this neuro-endocrine-immune interplay in the pathophysiology of obesity. Furthermore, the existing experimental and clinical evidence of acupuncture as a multi-targeted therapy for obesity is explained and future research perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Guy Landgraaf
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Sinomedica Gui Sheng Tang, Scientific Department, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Nicté Bloem
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Massimo Fumagalli
- Sinomedica Gui Sheng Tang, Scientific Department, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marc Alexander Benninga
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fleur de Lorijn
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Max Nieuwdorp
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Fan AY. Anti-inflammatory mechanism of electroacupuncture involves the modulation of multiple systems, levels and targets and is not limited to "driving the vagus-adrenal axis". JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023:S2095-4964(23)00043-2. [PMID: 37331861 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
In October 2021, an international collaborative study on the use of electroacupuncture (EA) to treat inflammation was published in the journal Nature by Dr. Qiufu Ma's team. Based on the results of EA on inflammation in the mouse model of lipopolysaccharide inflammatory storm, the study showed that the distal effect of acupuncture can be achieved by "driving the vagus-adrenal axis (through the adrenal medulla, by releasing catecholamines)." PROKR2Cre-marked sensory neurons, which innervate the deep hindlimb fascia but not the abdominal fascia, are crucial for driving this axis. The study suggests the existence of specificity distribution of acupoints, that different EA stimulation intensities or different needle penetration depths have different therapeutic effects, that photosensitive stimulation may be a substitute for needle acupuncture, and that massage, stretching and body movements may also activate PROKR2Cre-markable dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons and elicit anti-inflammatory effects. However, results of some other studies are contrary to the conclusions of Ma's team. For examples: low-intensity EA at GB30 point significantly reduced the inflammation in the rat model of persistent inflammation, which is more relevant to the real daily acupuncture practice, and this effect was partly related to the adrenal cortex and associated with the stimulation of corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone; manual acupuncture (similar to the low-intensity EA) at KI3, Zhichuan point (an extra point), etc. was effective in a severe COVID-19 patient with sepsis; stimulating ST25 with low-intensity EA or manual acupuncture was effective against gastrointestinal inflammations; the above mentioned points are not in an area enriched with PROKR2Cre-marked sensory nerve endings. Evidence shows that the mechanism of EA against inflammation includes modulating multi-systems, multi-levels and multi-targets, which does not limit to "driving the vagus-adrenal axis." Please cite this article as: Fan AY. Anti-inflammatory mechanism of electroacupuncture involves the modulation of multiple systems, levels and targets and is not limited to "driving the vagus-adrenal axis." J Integr Med. 2023; Epub ahead of print.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Yin Fan
- American TCM Association, Vienna, VA 22182, USA; McLean Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, PLC, Vienna, VA 22182, USA.
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Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting the HMGB1 Signaling Pathway in Rats with Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12121732. [PMID: 36552192 PMCID: PMC9776077 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12121732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy (SAE) is common in sepsis patients, with high mortality rates. It is believed that neuroinflammation is an important mechanism involved in SAE. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), as a late pro-inflammatory factor, is significantly increased during sepsis in different brain regions, including the hippocampus. HMGB1 causes neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment through direct binding to advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (GV20) and Zusanli (ST36) is beneficial for neurological diseases and experimental sepsis. Our study used EA to treat SAE induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. The Y maze test was performed to assess working memory. Immunofluorescence (IF) and Western blotting (WB) were used to determine neuroinflammation and the HMGB1 signaling pathway. Results showed that EA could improve working memory impairment in rats with SAE. EA alleviated neuroinflammation by downregulating the hippocampus's HMGB1/TLR4 and HMGB1/RAGE signaling, reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, and relieving microglial and astrocyte activation. However, EA did not affect the tight junctions' expression of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the hippocampus.
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9
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Formenti P, Piuri G, Bisatti R, Pinciroli R, Umbrello M. Role of acupuncture in critically ill patients: A systematic review. J Tradit Complement Med 2022; 13:62-71. [PMID: 36685071 PMCID: PMC9845654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2022.10.005] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is part of a complex medical approach used in China for about 2000 years, known as Traditional Chinese Medicine, whose central assumption is that health occurs when the patterned energy flow throughout the body is balanced. Within this paradigm, acute illness occurs when a major state of imbalance or disruption arises, and the use of acupuncture may help in correcting these imbalances. While the Chinese hospital system often offers the integration of traditional and western medicine, in Europe and the United States this combined approach is infrequently practiced. However, several investigations have consistently shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for different aspects of critical illness. The aim of this systematic review is to increase the clinician's awareness of the current evidence regarding the use of acupuncture for the management of critically ill patients, both alone or as a complement to western medicine. The effects of acupuncture on critical illness, with a particular focus on respiratory function, pain and delirium treatment and prevention, circulatory function, nutritional support, and recovery after acute illness are explored and summarized, and evidence is provided that acupuncture is an acceptable and feasible option for the management of several aspects of critical illness. In addition, we suggest a practical selection of potentially useful acupuncture points in the critical care setting, with indications for simple localization and the correct puncture method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Formenti
- SC Anestesia e Rianimazione, Ospedale San Paolo – Polo Universitario, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Riccardo Pinciroli
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Michele Umbrello
- SC Anestesia e Rianimazione II, Ospedale San Carlo Borromeo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo – Polo Universitario, Milan, Italy,Corresponding author. SC Anestesia e Rianimazione II, Ospedale San Carlo Borromeo, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo – Polo Universitario, 20151, Milano, Italy.
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Acupuncture for Pain Management in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9071076. [PMID: 35884060 PMCID: PMC9324601 DOI: 10.3390/children9071076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Pain management in an acute vaso-occlusive episode for pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) is challenging and often is focused on opioids, IV fluids, regional anesthesia, ketamine infusions, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acupuncture has long been studied as an effective method of pain relief, although the use of acupuncture in pediatric patients with SCD during an acute vaso-occlusive pain episode is vastly understudied. This article provides a review of current research regarding the use of acupuncture as a pain treatment strategy for pediatric patients with SCD experiencing acute pain. A literature review of scientific papers published within the last ten years was conducted on the topic. Five primary literature articles on acupuncture for pain management in pediatric patients with SCD were reviewed. Acupuncture is feasible and acceptable, with statistically significant findings for effectiveness as an adjunct treatment for pain in this setting. It is concluded that acupuncture is a promising and understudied therapy for the treatment of pain during an acute pain episode in pediatric patients with SCD. Hopefully, this paper stimulates interest in this specific area of medicine and prompts future research studies to be conducted to reveal conclusive outcomes.
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11
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Ma Q. Somatotopic organization of autonomic reflexes by acupuncture. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2022; 76:102602. [PMID: 35780689 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2000 years in China and now all over the world. One core idea behind this medical practice is that stimulation at specific body regions (acupoints) can distantly modulate organ physiology, but the underlying scientific basis has been long debated. Here, I summarize evidence supporting that long-distant acupuncture effects operate partly through somato-autonomic reflexes, leading to activation of sympathetic and/or parasympathetic pathways. I then discuss how the patterning of the somatosensory system along the rostro-caudal axis and the cutaneous-deep tissue axis might explain acupoint specificity and selectivity in driving specific autonomic pathways, particularly those modulating gastrointestinal motility and systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiufu Ma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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12
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Williams JE, Moramarco J. The Role of Acupuncture for Long COVID: Mechanisms and Models. Med Acupunct 2022; 34:159-166. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2021.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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13
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Li S, Zhao S, Guo Y, Yang Y, Huang J, Wang J, Lu S, Wang B, Chai C, Xu Z, Chin Y. Clinical Efficacy and Potential Mechanisms of Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Chemotherapy in Combating Cancer: A Review and Prospects. Front Oncol 2022; 12:864046. [PMID: 35547876 PMCID: PMC9082419 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.864046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although chemotherapy is the first-line treatment strategy for a variety of tumors, its side effects have limited its efficacy. This review summarizes the progress on the use of acupoint stimulation to combat chemotherapy-associated side effects, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), cognitive impairment (CICI), and gastrointestinal toxicity (GI), as well as myelosuppression and immunosuppression. It was found that acupoint stimulation attenuated CIPN and GI by modulating the 5-hydroxytryptamine system in dorsal root ganglia, the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, and the duodenum by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Acupoint stimulation also alleviated GI by activating vagal activity in the nucleus tractus solitarius and promoting the secretion of gastrointestinal neuropeptide hormones. Acupoint stimulation restored both bone marrow hematopoiesis and immune function to combat cancer. In addition, the combination of acupoint stimulation and chemotherapy could inhibit tumor growth by promoting tumor cell apoptosis and the enrichment of chemotherapeutic agents in tumor tissue and by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment and normalizing the vasculature. Multiple evidence also indicates that neuroimmune regulation may be involved in the effects of acupoint stimulation. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that acupoint stimulation can alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and can also assist chemotherapeutic agents in inhibiting tumor growth, which expands the clinical application of acupoint stimulation in cancer treatment. However, more high-quality clinical studies are needed to confirm the clinical value of acupoint stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Suhong Zhao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanzhen Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Chai
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Institute of Imaging Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China.,School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yenlie Chin
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
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14
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Lv ZY, Shi YL, Bassi GS, Chen YJ, Yin LM, Wang Y, Ulloa L, Yang YQ, Xu YD. Electroacupuncture at ST36 ( Zusanli) Prevents T-Cell Lymphopenia and Improves Survival in Septic Mice. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:2819-2833. [PMID: 35535053 PMCID: PMC9078867 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s361466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sepsis is the main cause of death in intensive care unit. Maladaptive cytokine storm and T-cell lymphopenia are critical prognosis predictors of sepsis. Electroacupuncture (EA) is expected to be an effective intervention to prevent sepsis. This study aims to determine the potential of EA at ST36 (Zusanli) to prevent experimental septic mice. Methods Mice were randomly assigned into PBS, LPS, or EA+LPS group. EA (0.1 mA, continuous wave, 10 Hz) was performed stimulating the ST36 for 30 min, once a day for 3 days. After the third day, all mice were challenged with PBS or LPS (4 mg/kg) simultaneously. Mice were evaluated for survival, ear temperature, and other clinical symptoms. Lung and small intestine tissue injuries were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Bio-Plex cytokine assay was used to analyze the concentration of cytokines. T lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry and Western blot assays. The role of T cells in preventing sepsis by EA was analyzed by using nude mice lacking T lymphocytes. Results EA at ST36 improved survival, symptom scores, and ear temperature of endotoxemic mice. EA also improved dramatically pulmonary and intestinal injury by over 50% as compared to untreated mice. EA blunted the inflammatory cytokine storm by inducing a lasting inhibition of the production of major inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, eotaxin, IFN-γ, MIP-1β and KC). Flow cytometry and Western blot analyses showed EA significantly reduced T-lymphocyte apoptosis and pyroptosis. Furthermore, T lymphocytes were critical for the effects of EA at ST36 stimulation blunted serum TNF-α levels in wild-type but not in nude mice. Conclusion EA halted systemic inflammation and improved survival in endotoxemic mice. These effects are associated with the protective effect of EA on T lymphocytes, and T cells are required in the anti-inflammatory effects of EA in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ying Lv
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang-Lin Shi
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gabriel Shimizu Bassi
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jiao Chen
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei-Miao Yin
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Luis Ulloa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yong-Qing Yang
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Dong Xu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Liu S, Wang Z, Su Y, Qi L, Yang W, Fu M, Jing X, Wang Y, Ma Q. A neuroanatomical basis for electroacupuncture to drive the vagal-adrenal axis. Nature 2021; 598:641-645. [PMID: 34646018 PMCID: PMC9178665 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04001-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Somatosensory autonomic reflexes allow electroacupuncture stimulation (ES) to modulate body physiology at distant sites1-6 (for example, suppressing severe systemic inflammation6-9). Since the 1970s, an emerging organizational rule about these reflexes has been the presence of body-region specificity1-6. For example, ES at the hindlimb ST36 acupoint but not the abdominal ST25 acupoint can drive the vagal-adrenal anti-inflammatory axis in mice10,11. The neuroanatomical basis of this somatotopic organization is, however, unknown. Here we show that PROKR2Cre-marked sensory neurons, which innervate the deep hindlimb fascia (for example, the periosteum) but not abdominal fascia (for example, the peritoneum), are crucial for driving the vagal-adrenal axis. Low-intensity ES at the ST36 site in mice with ablated PROKR2Cre-marked sensory neurons failed to activate hindbrain vagal efferent neurons or to drive catecholamine release from adrenal glands. As a result, ES no longer suppressed systemic inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxins. By contrast, spinal sympathetic reflexes evoked by high-intensity ES at both ST25 and ST36 sites were unaffected. We also show that optogenetic stimulation of PROKR2Cre-marked nerve terminals through the ST36 site is sufficient to drive the vagal-adrenal axis but not sympathetic reflexes. Furthermore, the distribution patterns of PROKR2Cre nerve fibres can retrospectively predict body regions at which low-intensity ES will or will not effectively produce anti-inflammatory effects. Our studies provide a neuroanatomical basis for the selectivity and specificity of acupoints in driving specific autonomic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenbin Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhifu Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yangshuai Su
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Meridians Research Center, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Qi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mingzhou Fu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xianghong Jing
- Meridians Research Center, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiufu Ma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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16
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Yin X, Cai SB, Tao LT, Chen LM, Zhang ZD, Xiao SH, Fan AY, Zou X. Recovery of a patient with severe COVID-19 by acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine adjuvant to standard care. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2021; 19:460-466. [PMID: 34154967 PMCID: PMC8186062 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is currently no drug or therapy that can cure the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is highly contagious and can be life-threatening in severe cases. Therefore, seeking potential effective therapies is an urgent task. An older female at the Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China, with a severe case of COVID-19 with significant shortness of breath and decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), was treated using manual acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine granule formula Fuzheng Rescue Lung with Xuebijing Injection in addition to standard care. The patient’s breath rate, SpO2, heart rate, ratio of neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), ratio of monocyte/lymphocyte (MLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and chest computed tomography were monitored. Acupuncture significantly improved the patient’s breathing function, increased SpO2, and decreased her heart rate. Chinese herbal medicine might make the effect of acupuncture more stable; the use of herbal medicine also seemed to accelerate the absorption of lung infection lesions when its dosage was increased. The combination of acupuncture and herbs decreased NLR from 14.14 to 5.83, MLR from 1.15 to 0.33 and CRP from 15.25 to 6.01 mg/L. These results indicate that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, as adjuvants to standard care, might achieve better results in treating severe cases of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shu-Bin Cai
- Department of General Medicine No. 3 Division, Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lan-Ting Tao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lu-Ming Chen
- Department of General Medicine No. 3 Division, Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhong-de Zhang
- Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Su-Hong Xiao
- SH Clinic for Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States; TCM American Alumni Association (TCMAAA), Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States; American TCM Association (ATCMA), Vienna, VA 22182, United States.
| | - Arthur Yin Fan
- TCM American Alumni Association (TCMAAA), Indianapolis, IN 46268, United States; American TCM Association (ATCMA), Vienna, VA 22182, United States; McLean Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, PLC, Vienna, VA 22182, United States.
| | - Xu Zou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, Guangdong Province, China.
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