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Chang YC, Chen CM, Lay IS, Lee YC, Tu CH. The effects of laser acupuncture dosage at PC6 (Neiguan) on brain reactivity: a pilot resting-state fMRI study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1264217. [PMID: 37901421 PMCID: PMC10600496 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1264217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that laser acupuncture (LA) may effectively treat various medical conditions. However, brain responses associated with LA intervention have not been fully investigated. This study is focused on the effect of LA with different energy density (ED) in brain using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We hypothesized that different ED would elicit various brain responses. We enrolled healthy adults participants and selected bilateral PC6 (Neiguan) as the intervention points. LA was applied, respectively, with ED of 0, 7.96, or 23.87 J/cm2. Two 500-s resting-state fMRI scans were acquired before and after intervention, respectively. The functional connectivity (FC) was calculated between autonomic nerve system-regulation associated brainstem structures and other brain regions. Compared to other dosages, the FC between rostral ventrolateral medulla and orbitofrontal cortex has more enhanced; the FC between caudal ventrolateral medulla, nucleus of the solitary tract/nucleus ambiguus, and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus and somatosensory area has more weakened when ED was 23.87 J/cm2. Different dosages of LA have demonstrated varied regions of FC changes between regions of interest and other brain areas, which indicated that variations in EDs might influence the clinical efficacy and subsequent impacts through distinct neural pathways within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chuan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Imaging, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Shiow Lay
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lee
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tu
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Li C, Wang Y, Li B, Su S. Effects of Acupuncture at Neiguan in Neural Activity of Related Brain Regions: A Resting-State fMRI Study in Anxiety. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:1375-1384. [PMID: 35832324 PMCID: PMC9271906 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s368227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture of PC6 points has the effects of calming, tranquilizing, regulating qi, and relieving pain and has been clinically found to alleviate anxiety disorders. To explore the mechanism of improvement at the Neiguan point acupuncture in anxiety patients, we used fMRI to observe the changes in brain function in patients with immediate anxiety before and after acupuncture at the Neiguan point. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The experiment followed the principle of randomized, single-blind design. Twenty-four anxiety volunteers (14 males and 10 females, 20-35 years old) were divided randomly into two groups: a group of acupuncture at Neiguan and a group of acupuncture at non-acupoint. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was applied to measure brain activity pre- and post-acupuncture. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity (FC) was used to analyze the activity and network of brain regions. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21.0 and REST 1.8 software. RESULTS ALFF results revealed that post-acupuncture at Neiguan increased the activity of the left parahippocampal gyrus, fusiform gyrus, and right superior temporal gyrus and decreased the activity of the right middle frontal gyrus, right precuneus, and cuneus. Post-acupuncture at non-acupoint led to a significant ALFF increase in the thalamus and middle frontal gyrus. The ALFF in the left middle frontal gyrus was decreased. Functional connectivity in several anterior default mode network (DMN) regions and vermis cerebelli at left parahippocampal/fusiform gyri was increased, and connectivity in bilateral superior temporal gyri was decreased. FC with posterior DMN regions decreased at the right middle frontal gyrus, right precuneus, and cuneus. CONCLUSION Our study elucidates that acupuncture at Neiguan modulates anxiety by activating or deactivating these brain anxiety-related regions and provides potential explanations for the application of PC6 acupuncture in mental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlin Li
- Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuangeng Wang
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Baopeng Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Su
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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Cai M, Yang EJ. Effect of Combined Electroacupuncture and Selegiline Treatment in Alzheimer's Disease: An Animal Model. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:606480. [PMID: 33362561 PMCID: PMC7758426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.606480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of pathological mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) poses significant challenges to the development of corresponding drugs. Symptom-specific pharmacological interventions and alternative treatments provide promising treatment possibilities. Therefore, we considered a combination of selegiline (SEL) and electroacupuncture (EA). We used an animal model with AD to investigate the effect of a combination of these treatments on cognitive function. 5XFAD mice received a week of SEL treatment and 2 weeks of EA. Novel object recognition and Y-maze tests were subsequently performed to assess their cognitive functions. To determine the molecular action of the combination treatment, Western blots, Aβ1-42 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and micro-positron-emission tomography were also performed to assess pathological markers and processes. The results were assessed based on the difference between untreated transgenic, SEL-treated, and SEL- and EA-treated groups of mice. Mice in the combined treatment group demonstrated significantly better cognitive functions, and lesser neuroinflammation than the comparative groups. In addition, mice treated with a combination of SEL and EA did not demonstrate a direct modulation of insoluble Aβ but demonstrated greater glucose metabolism. Our findings demonstrated that SEL combined with EA treatment was associated with better cognitive functioning due to inhibition of neuroinflammation and increased glucose metabolism relative to the comparative groups in a mouse model with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudan Cai
- Department of Herbal Medicine Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eun Jin Yang
- Department of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
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The role of microglia in thalamic reticular nucleus in acupuncture regulating cognitive deficits in insomnia rats. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-020-1207-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Song Y, Shen X, Mu X, Mao N, Wang B. A study on BOLD fMRI of the brain basic activities of MDD and the first-degree relatives. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020; 24:236-244. [PMID: 32228280 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1744663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The present study aims to explore the characteristics and differences of the ReHo, ALFF and fALFF of brain in the resting state of depression and first-degree relatives, in order to identify candidate central prodromal biomarkers of depression.Method: Three groups of medication-free patients (39-59 years old) was involved in this study, including the patients with major depression disorder (MDD group, n = 15), healthy volunteers with first-degree relatives with MDD (first-degree relatives group, n = 15), healthy volunteers with no personal or family history of MDD (the control group [HC], n = 15). Participants underwent functional MRI while staying in a resting state after a conventional MRI scanning on a clinical 3 T system(Siemens Skyra, Germany).Results: The ReHo, ALFF and fALFF values are different in brain of MDD, first-degree relatives, and HC (p<.05). MDD patients exhibited abnormal spontaneous activity in multiple brain regions which are closely related to emotion regulation and perception. The present findings provide further insight into the pathological mechanisms underlying MDD.Conclusion: With the widespread abnormal values of brain in MDD and first-degree relatives measured, we can get a hypothesis that these abnormalities may be associated with cognitive network disorders and emotional distress in MDD.Key pointsThe fMRI could increase the early validity of MDD as a new diagnostic and disease-monitoring tool.Monitoring ReHo, ALFF, fALFF values using fMRI can provide insight into the presence and evolution of MDD disease and permit objective evaluation of brain abnormalities.It appears that ReHo, ALFF, fALFF could be used as markers for monitoring disease progression and treatment effects in MDD patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Song
- Department of Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaojun Shen
- Department of Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Medical Imaging Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Medical Imaging Research Institute, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xinnuan Mu
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Ning Mao
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Medical Imaging Research Institute, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Abstract
As the worldwide population ages, the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) increases. However, the results of promising medications have been unsatisfactory. Chinese acupuncture has a long history of treating dementia, but lack of evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials that validate its efficacy and safety, as well as its lack of clear underlying mechanisms, contribute to its limited application in clinical practice. In recent years, brain imaging technologies, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, have been used to assess brain responses to acupuncture in a dynamic, visual, and objective way. These techniques are frequently used to explore neurological mechanisms of responses to acupuncture in AD and provide neuroimaging evidence as well as starting points to elucidate the possible mechanisms. This review summarizes the existing brain imaging evidence that explains the effects of acupuncture for AD and analyzes brain responses to acupuncture at cognitive-related acupoints [Baihui (GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6), and Taixi (KI 3)] from perspectives of acupoint specificity and acupoint combinations. Key issues and directions to consider in future studies are also put forward. This review should deepen our understanding of how brain imaging studies can be used to explore the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture in AD.
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Huang Q, Luo D, Chen L, Liang FX, Chen R. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Alzheimer's Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Curr Med Sci 2019; 39:500-511. [PMID: 31209824 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-019-2065-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has reportedly improved memory and cognitive impairment in both animal and clinical studies. It may be an effective treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this meta-analysis was to review the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of AD. Eight databases were searched for articles published up to and including July 2017, and 13 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were identified. The main outcomes assessed were clinical efficacy rate, Mini-Mental State Examination score, Ability of Daily Living Scale score, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognition score, Hasegawa's Dementia Scale (HDS) score, and adverse events. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias. All the studies compared the efficacy of acupuncture with that of medication, and were published in Chinese journals. Meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture yielded positive results as determined via all the indexes scored except the HDS (95% CI -0.26 to 0.90, Z=0.35, P=0.73). Only one of the studies reported adverse events associated with acupuncture and medication. The rate of adverse events in the medication group was 13%. In most of the studies assessed in the current meta-analysis, acupuncture alone was better than conventional western medicines for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, China.
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Maharjan A, Peng M, Cakmak YO. Non-invasive High Frequency Median Nerve Stimulation Effectively Suppresses Olfactory Intensity Perception in Healthy Males. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 12:533. [PMID: 30719001 PMCID: PMC6348262 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Median nerve stimulation (MNS) had been performed in the existing literature to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The observed facilitative effects are thought to be mediated by the vagal pathways, particularly the vagus nerve (VN) brainstem nuclei of the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and nucleus tractus solitarius (DMV-NTS). Sense of smell is one of the major sensory modalities for inducing vomiting and nausea as a primary defense against potentially harmful intake of material. This study aimed to test effects of non-invasive, high and low frequency MNS on human olfactory functioning, with supplementary exploration of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Twenty healthy, male, adults performed supra-threshold odor intensity tests (labeled magnitude scale, LMS) for four food-related odorant samples (presented in three different concentrations) before and after receiving high-, low frequency MNS and placebo (no stimulation), while cortical activities in the OFC was monitored by the NIRS. Data of the NIRS and LMS test of separate stimulation parameters were statistically analyzed using mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA). Only the high frequency MNS showed effects for suppressing the intensity perception of the moderate concentration of Amyl Acetate (p:0.042) and strong concentration of Isovaleric Acid (p:0.004) and 1-Octen-3-ol (p:0.006). These behavioral changes were coupled with significant changes in the NIRS recordings of the left (p:0.000) and right (p:0.003) hemispheric orbitofrontal cortices. This is the first study that applied non-invasive, high frequency MNS to suppress the supra-threshold odor ratings of specific concentrations of odors. The vagal networks are potential relays of MNS to influence OFC. Results from the current article implore further research into non-invasive, high frequency MNS in the investigation of its modulatory effects on olfactory function, given its potential to be used for ameliorating nausea and malnutrition associated with various health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashim Maharjan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mei Peng
- Department of Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yusuf O Cakmak
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, Division of Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Medical Technologies Centre of Research Excellence, Auckland, New Zealand
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Li Z, Chen J, Cheng J, Huang S, Hu Y, Wu Y, Li G, Liu B, Liu X, Guo W, Huang S, Zhou M, Chen X, Xiao Y, Chen C, Chen J, Luo X, Xu P. Acupuncture Modulates the Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical Circuit and Cognitive Brain Regions in Patients of Parkinson's Disease With Tremor. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:206. [PMID: 30034336 PMCID: PMC6043808 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of acupuncture on Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with tremor and its potential neuromechanism by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: Forty-one PD patients with tremor were randomly assigned to true acupuncture group (TAG, n = 14), sham acupuncture group (SAG, n = 14) and waiting group (WG, n = 13). All patients received levodopa for 12 weeks. Patients in TAG were acupunctured on DU20, GB20, and the Chorea-Tremor Controlled Zone, and patients in SAG accepted sham acupuncture, while patients in WG received no acupuncture treatment until 12 weeks after the course was ended. The UPDRS II and III subscales, and fMRI scans of the patients' brains were obtained before and after the treatment course. UPDRS II and III scores were analyzed by SPSS, while the degree centrality (DC), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) were determined by REST. Results: Acupuncture improved the UPDRS II and III scores in PD patients with tremor without placebo effect, only in tremor score. Acupuncture had specific effects on the cerebrocerebellar pathways as shown by the decreased DC and ReHo and increased ALFF values, and nonspecific effects on the spinocerebellar pathways as shown by the increased ReHo and ALFF values (P < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Increased ReHo values were observed within the thalamus and motor cortex of the PD patients (P < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). In addition, the default mode network (DMN), visual areas and insula were activated by the acupuncture with increased DC, ReHo and/or ALFF, while the prefrontal cortex (PFC) presented a significant decrease in ReHo and ALFF values after acupuncture (P < 0.05, AlphaSim corrected). Conclusions: The cerebellum, thalamus and motor cortex, which are connected to the cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuit, were modulated by the acupuncture stimulation to alleviate the PD tremor. The regulation of neural activity within the cognitive brain regions (the DMN, visual areas, insula and PFC) together with CTC circuit may contributes to enhancing movement and improving patients' daily life activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianbo Cheng
- Department of Radiology, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, China
| | - Sicong Huang
- Department of Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyu Hu
- Department of Business Development, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijuan Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyuan Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yousheng Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaojun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Guangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional and West Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junbin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Yuebei People's Hospital, Shaoguan, China
| | - Xiaodong Luo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pingyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Cerebral Targeting of Acupuncture at Combined Acupoints in Treating Essential Hypertension: An Rs-fMRI Study and Curative Effect Evidence. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:5392954. [PMID: 28003850 PMCID: PMC5149687 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5392954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The study attempted to explore that the synergistic effect of acupoints combination is not a simple superposition of single acupoint's effect by comparing and analyzing the changes of blood pressure (BP), SF-36, and brain regions after acupuncture treatment. 47 patients were randomly divided into LR3+KI3 group, LR3 group, and KI3 group. Subjects received Rs-fMRI scan, BP measurement, and SF-36 questionnaires before and after treatment and short-term acupuncture treatment. After treatment, there were no significant differences in BP and SF-36 among 3 groups, compared to the case before treatment, SBP of 3 groups decreased, and DBP significantly decreased while vitality and mental health significantly increased in LR3+KI3 group. Both number and scopes of changes of brain regions in LR3+KI3 group were the largest, which mainly included BAs 3, 4, 8, 19, 21, 24, 32, 44, and 45. In conclusion, acupuncture at LR3+KI3 may auxiliarily reduce BP and improve the vitality and mental health of patients, and the changes of brain regions were related to somatesthesia, movement, vision, audition, emotion and mood, language, memory, etc. BAs 4, 9, 10, 24, 31, 32, and 46 may be the targeting brain areas of acupuncture in assisting hypotension. It is suggested that acupoints combination of LR3+KI3 maybe generates a synergistic effect, and it is not simple sum of single acupoint effect.
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Yu HL, Xu GZ, Guo L, Fu LD, Yang S, Shi S, Lv H. Magnetic stimulation at Neiguan (PC6) acupoint increases connections between cerebral cortex regions. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1141-6. [PMID: 27630699 PMCID: PMC4994458 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.187053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation at specific acupoints can activate cortical regions in human subjects. Previous studies have mainly focused on a single brain region. However, the brain is a network and many brain regions participate in the same task. The study of a single brain region alone cannot clearly explain any brain-related issues. Therefore, for the present study, magnetic stimulation was used to stimulate the Neiguan (PC6) acupoint, and 32-channel electroencephalography data were recorded before and after stimulation. Brain functional networks were constructed based on electroencephalography data to determine the relationship between magnetic stimulation at the PC6 acupoint and cortical excitability. Results indicated that magnetic stimulation at the PC6 acupoint increased connections between cerebral cortex regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Li Yu
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Gui-Zhi Xu
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling-di Fu
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Lv
- Province-Ministry Joint Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Field and Electrical Apparatus Reliability, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin, China
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12
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Feng B, Zhang ZJ, Zhu RM, Yuan GZ, Luo LY, McAlonan GM, Xu FZ, Chen J, Liu LY, Lv YY, Wong HK, Zhang Y, Zhu LX. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation as an adjunct therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A randomized controlled study. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 80:30-37. [PMID: 27281260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is thought to have potential to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether adding TEAS to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and clomipramine would improve the efficacy of these conventional treatments in OCD. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 360 OCD patients were assigned to receive TEAS combined with CBT plus clomipramine (Group A, n = 120), TEAS combined with CBT plus placebo (Group B, n = 120), and simulated (placebo) TEAS combined with CBT plus clomipramine (Group C, n = 120) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). RESULTS OCD symptoms in all patients reduced over time, however Groups A and B had a significantly greater reduction in Y-BOCS total score and the subscale for obsession and compulsion between week 2 and week 12 compared to Group C. Groups A and B had similar scores on these measures. Both groups had significantly higher rates of clinical response than Group C (88.3% and 81.7% vs. 67.5%, respectively, p < 0.001); and higher rates of remission (30.0% and 22.5% vs. 9.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). Group B experienced fewer adverse events than the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS TEAS enhances the efficacy of conventional OCD interventions and avoids the adverse effects associated with conventional pharmacological treatment. It can be considered as an effective adjunct intervention for OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Feng
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Rui-Ming Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yiwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Zhen Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, Wuxi Mental Health Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li-Yuan Luo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Grainne M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Fang-Zhong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lan-Ying Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yang-Yang Lv
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hei Kiu Wong
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Xia Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yiwu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
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The Status of the Quality Control in Acupuncture-Neuroimaging Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:3685785. [PMID: 27242911 PMCID: PMC4875991 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3685785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Using neuroimaging techniques to explore the central mechanism of acupuncture gains increasing attention, but the quality control of acupuncture-neuroimaging study remains to be improved. We searched the PubMed Database during 1995 to 2014. The original English articles with neuroimaging scan performed on human beings were included. The data involved quality control including the author, sample size, characteristics of the participant, neuroimaging technology, and acupuncture intervention were extracted and analyzed. The rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria are important guaranty for the participants' homogeneity. The standard operation process of acupuncture and the stricter requirement for acupuncturist play significant role in quality control. More attention should be paid to the quality control in future studies to improve the reproducibility and reliability of the acupuncture-neuroimaging studies.
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The Effects of Acupuncture at Real or Sham Acupoints on the Intrinsic Brain Activity in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:529675. [PMID: 26064166 PMCID: PMC4433670 DOI: 10.1155/2015/529675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating neuroimaging studies in humans have shown that acupuncture can modulate a widely distributed brain network in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Acupuncture at different acupoints could exert different modulatory effects on the brain network. However, whether acupuncture at real or sham acupoints can produce different effects on the brain network in MCI or AD patients remains unclear. Using resting-state fMRI, we reported that acupuncture at Taixi (KI3) induced amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) change of different brain regions in MCI patients from those shown in the healthy controls. In MCI patients, acupuncture at KI3 increased or decreased ALFF in the different regions from those activated by acupuncture in the healthy controls. Acupuncture at the sham acupoint in MCI patients activated the different brain regions from those in healthy controls. Therefore, we concluded that acupuncture displays more significant effect on neuronal activities of the above brain regions in MCI patients than that in healthy controls. Acupuncture at KI3 exhibits different effects on the neuronal activities of the brain regions from acupuncture at sham acupoint, although the difference is only shown at several regions due to the close distance between the above points.
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Zhang SQ, Wang YJ, Zhang JP, Chen JQ, Wu CX, Li ZP, Chen JR, Ouyang HL, Huang Y, Tang CZ. Brain activation and inhibition after acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi: resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:292-7. [PMID: 25883630 PMCID: PMC4392679 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.152385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture can induce changes in the brain. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on a single acupoint at a time. In the present study, we observed activity changes in the brains of healthy volunteers before and after acupuncture at Taichong (LR3) and Taixi (KI3) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain 15 minutes before acupuncture, then received acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi using the nail-pressing needle insertion method, after which the needle was retained in place for 30 minutes. Fifteen minutes after withdrawal of the needle, the volunteers underwent a further session of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed that the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, a measure of spontaneous neuronal activity, increased mainly in the cerebral occipital lobe and middle occipital gyrus (Brodmann area 18/19), inferior occipital gyrus (Brodmann area 18) and cuneus (Brodmann area 18), but decreased mainly in the gyrus rectus of the frontal lobe (Brodmann area 11), inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 44) and the center of the posterior lobe of the cerebellum. The present findings indicate that acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi specifically promote blood flow and activation in the brain areas related to vision, emotion and cognition, and inhibit brain areas related to emotion, attention, phonological and semantic processing, and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Qun Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan-Jie Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ji-Ping Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun-Qi Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Li
- First Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Rong Chen
- First Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huai-Liang Ouyang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Zhi Tang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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16
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He T, Zhu W, Du SQ, Yang JW, Li F, Yang BF, Shi GX, Liu CZ. Neural mechanisms of acupuncture as revealed by fMRI studies. Auton Neurosci 2015; 190:1-9. [PMID: 25900479 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
As an ancient therapeutic method, acupuncture has been used to treat many diseases as an adjunctive therapy. However, its clinical efficacy remains controversial and the neural mechanisms have not been well understood. Accumulating studies have revealed that fMRI has made it possible to study brain responses to acupuncture. This review aims to provide scientific evidence to support the notion and discuss how these findings contribute to the neural mechanisms of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian He
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Si-Qi Du
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Jing-Wen Yang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Fang Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Bo-Feng Yang
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China.
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Liu Y, Liu P, Hou L, Li L, Zhang Y, Wu J, Xie J, Jin G, Yang X. Analysis of the effects of electroacupuncture at the pericardium 6 acupoint on heart function in patients with angina using equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography quantity analysis technique. J Altern Complement Med 2014; 20:466-71. [PMID: 24720785 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2013.0433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze changes in cardiac function indices after electroacupuncture (EA) at the pericardium 6 (PC-6) acupoint using the equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) quantity analysis technique. DESIGN Analysis of clinical outcomes after EA at PC-6 measured by ERNA. SETTING The study was conducted in a hospital. PARTICIPANTS 31 participants (17 patients with angina and 14 healthy volunteers). INTERVENTION The study used ERNA to study outcomes of EA at PC-6 on heart function. OUTCOME MEASURE ERNA images were taken before the treatment (T0), at the end of the treatment (T1), and 20 minutes after the treatment (T2) and then processed. RESULTS Regional left ventricular ejection fraction (REF) increased after EA in the angina and control groups. REF at T2 was significantly higher than at T1 in the angina group (p<.01). In the control group, REF was higher at T1 than at T0 (p<.01) but did not differ between T1 and T2 (p=.08). The REF deviation among ventricular regions in the angina group was significantly greater than that in the control group at T0 (p<.01) but was reduced to the level of that in control group after EA (p=.52). Peak filling rate was lower in the angina group than in controls at all three time points (all p<.01). After EA, peak filling rate increased markedly in the angina group but not in the control group. The cardiac cycle was shorter in the angina group than in the control group at T0 (p<.01) and increased after EA. The cardiac cycle of the control group did not change. CONCLUSION Effects of EA at PC-6 on heart function can be detected and quantified by ENRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Liu
- 1 The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University , Harbin, China
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Zhou Y, Lui YW, Zuo XN, Milham MP, Reaume J, Grossman RI, Ge Y. Characterization of thalamo-cortical association using amplitude and connectivity of functional MRI in mild traumatic brain injury. J Magn Reson Imaging 2013; 39:1558-68. [PMID: 24014176 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.24310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine thalamic and cortical injuries using fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFFs) and functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) based on resting state (RS) and task-related fMRI in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients and 27 age-matched controls were recruited. The 3 Tesla fMRI at RS and finger tapping task were used to assess fALFF and fcMRI patterns. fALFFs were computed with filtering (0.01-0.08 Hz) and scaling after preprocessing. fcMRI was performed using a standard seed-based correlation method, and delayed fcMRI (coherence) in frequency domain were also performed between thalamus and cortex. RESULTS In comparison with controls, MTBI patients exhibited significantly decreased fALFFs in the thalamus (and frontal/temporal subsegments) and cortical frontal and temporal lobes; as well as decreased thalamo-thalamo and thalamo-frontal/ thalamo-temporal fcMRI at rest based on RS-fMRI (corrected P < 0.05). This thalamic and cortical disruption also existed at task-related condition in patients. CONCLUSION The decreased fALFFs (i.e., lower neuronal activity) in the thalamus and its segments provide additional evidence of thalamic injury in patients with MTBI. Our findings of fALFFs and fcMRI changes during motor task and resting state may offer insights into the underlying cause and primary location of disrupted thalamo-cortical networks after MTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxia Zhou
- Department of Radiology / Center for Biomedical Imaging, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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Zeng BY, Salvage S, Jenner P. Effect and mechanism of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 111:181-95. [PMID: 24215923 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411545-3.00009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia diagnosed in the aging population worldwide. The cause of Alzheimer's is still not clear. There is no cure for the disease and current treatments are only symptomatic relieve. The search for new treatment is made ever more urgent due to increasing population aging. Acupuncture has been in practice in China for more than 3000 years and used to treat a wide variety of conditions including cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases, acute, and chronic pain. In this chapter, we review recent development on the effects and mechanisms of acupuncture on Alzheimer's disease. In Alzheimer's animal models, acupuncture stimulation at acupoints enhances cholinergic neurotransmission, trophic factor releasing, reduces apoptotic and oxidative damages, improves synaptic plasticity and decreases the levels of Aβ proteins in the hippocampus and relevant brain regions. The biochemical modulations by acupuncture in the brains of Alzheimer's models are correlated with the cognitive improvement. In Alzheimer's patients, functional brain images demonstrated that acupuncture increased in the activity in the temporal lobe and prefrontal lobe which are related to the memory and cognitive function. Although only a few acupuncture clinical studies with a small number of participants are reported, they represent an important step forward in the research of both acupuncture and Alzheimer's. Translation of acupuncture research in animal model studies into the human subjects will undoubtedly enhance acupuncture efficacy in clinical study and treatment which could eventually lead to a safer, well-tolerated and inexpensive form of care for Alzheimer's patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai-Yun Zeng
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Wang Z, Nie B, Li D, Zhao Z, Han Y, Song H, Xu J, Shan B, Lu J, Li K. Effect of acupuncture in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease: a functional MRI study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42730. [PMID: 22916152 PMCID: PMC3423412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to clarify the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer disease (AD) by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Thirty-six right-handed subjects (8 MCI patients, 14 AD patients, and 14 healthy elders) participated in this study. Clinical and neuropsychological examinations were performed on all the subjects. MRI data acquisition was performed on a SIEMENS verio 3-Tesla scanner. The fMRI study used a single block experimental design. We first acquired the baseline resting state data in the initial 3 minutes; we then acquired the fMRI data during the procession of acupuncture stimulation on the acupoints of Tai chong and Hegu for the following 3 minutes. Last, we acquired fMRI data for another 10 minutes after the needle was withdrawn. The preprocessing and data analysis were performed using the statistical parametric mapping (SPM8) software. Then the two-sample t-tests were performed between each two groups of different states. We found that during the resting state, brain activities in AD and MCI patients were different from those of control subjects. During the acupuncture and the second resting state after acupuncture, when comparing to resting state, there are several regions showing increased or decreased activities in MCI, AD subjects compared to normal subjects. Most of the regions were involved in the temporal lobe and the frontal lobe, which were closely related to the memory and cognition. In conclusion, we investigated the effect of acupuncture in AD and MCI patients by combing fMRI and traditional acupuncture. Our fMRI study confirmed that acupuncture at Tai chong (Liv3) and He gu (LI4) can activate certain cognitive-related regions in AD and MCI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Nie
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Donghong Li
- General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing China
| | - Zhilian Zhao
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haiqing Song
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyang Xu
- General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing China
| | - Baoci Shan
- Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kuncheng Li
- Department of Radiology, Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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