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Kong J, Teng C, Liu F, Wang X, Zhou Y, Zong Y, Wan Z, Qin J, Yu B, Mi D, Wang Y. Enhancing regeneration and repair of long-distance peripheral nerve defect injuries with continuous microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1361590. [PMID: 38406586 PMCID: PMC10885699 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1361590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Peripheral nerve injuries, especially those involving long-distance deficits, pose significant challenges in clinical repair. This study explores the potential of continuous microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (cMENS) as an adjunctive strategy to promote regeneration and repair in such cases. Methods The study initially optimized cMENS parameters and assessed its impact on Schwann cell activity, neurotrophic factor secretion, and the nerve regeneration microenvironment. Subsequently, a rat sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair model was employed to evaluate the reparative effects of cMENS as an adjuvant treatment. Functional recovery was assessed through gait analysis, motor function tests, and nerve conduction assessments. Additionally, nerve regeneration and denervated muscle atrophy were observed through histological examination. Results The study identified a 10-day regimen of 100uA microcurrent stimulation as optimal. Evaluation focused on Schwann cell activity and the microenvironment, revealing the positive impact of cMENS on maintaining denervated Schwann cell proliferation and enhancing neurotrophic factor secretion. In the rat model of sciatic nerve defect-bridge repair, cMENS demonstrated superior effects compared to control groups, promoting motor function recovery, nerve conduction, and sensory and motor neuron regeneration. Histological examinations revealed enhanced maturation of regenerated nerve fibers and reduced denervated muscle atrophy. Discussion While cMENS shows promise as an adjuvant treatment for long-distance nerve defects, future research should explore extended stimulation durations and potential synergies with tissue engineering grafts to improve outcomes. This study contributes comprehensive evidence supporting the efficacy of cMENS in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Kong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Cheng Teng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fenglan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xuzhaoyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Zong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zixin Wan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jun Qin
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Daguo Mi
- Department of Orthopedics, Nantong City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Yaxian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Lu C, Prahm C, Chen Y, Ehnert S, Rinderknecht H, McCaig CD, Nussler AK, Kolbenschlag J. Microcurrent Reverses Cigarette Smoke-Induced Angiogenesis Impairment in Human Keratinocytes In Vitro. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9090445. [PMID: 36134990 PMCID: PMC9495747 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9090445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking (CS) leads to several adverse health effects, including diseases, disabilities, and even death. Post-operative and trauma patients who smoke have an increased risk for complications, such as delayed bone or wound healing. In clinical trials, microcurrent (MC) has been shown to be a safe, non-invasive, and effective way to accelerate wound healing. Our study aimed to investigate if MC with the strength of 100 μA may be beneficial in treating CS-related healing impairment, especially in regard to angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effect of human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) on angiogenesis after 72 h of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure in the presence or absence of 100 μA MC. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by resazurin conversion, Sulforhodamine B, and Calcein-AM/Hoechst 33342 staining; the pro-angiogenic potential of HaCaT cells was evaluated by tube formation assay and angiogenesis array assay; signaling pathway alterations were investigated using Western blot. Constant exposure for 72 h to a 100 μA MC enhanced the angiogenic ability of HaCaT cells, which was mediated through the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, the current data indicate that 100 μA MC may support wound healing in smoking patients by enhancing angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lu
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Cosima Prahm
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Yangmengfan Chen
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ehnert
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Helen Rinderknecht
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Colin D. McCaig
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Andreas K. Nussler
- Siegfried-Weller Institute for Trauma Research, BG Kinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72070 Tuebingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-606-1065
| | - Jonas Kolbenschlag
- Department of Hand-, Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery, BG Klinik Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Schnarrenbergstrasse 95, D-72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Sharp SJ, Huynh MT, Filart R. Frequency-Specific Microcurrent as Adjunctive Therapy for Three Wounded Warriors. Med Acupunct 2019; 31:189-192. [PMID: 31297172 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2019.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acupuncture is frequently offered for wounded warriors as a component of an integrated approach to pain and associated symptoms, with increasing availability at military treatment facilities and Veterans Administration hospitals. While medications can be effective for many patients, acupuncture and microcurrent therapies address the growing need to offer nonopiate, nonpharmaceutical therapeutics in integrative pain management. Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) is a newer, adjustable, microcurrent, electrical stimulation modality with applications for pain and other associated symptoms. Using low amperage, electrical current delivered transcutaneously affects and repairs tissues at the cellular level. Additionally, concomitant treatment with acupuncture is possible, which is particularly helpful when space and time limit the frequency with which acupuncture treatments can be provided. Cases: For 3 wounded warriors, FSM was combined with acupuncture treatments, resulting in more-rapid reduction of their pain and associated symptoms; including memory problems, mental sluggishness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Results: FSM was found to be a safe, nonpainful, noninvasive treatment that could be administered concurrently and beneficially with acupuncture. Conclusions: While additional, more-rigorous studies are needed, this case series demonstrates the potential that FSM has within an integrated pain treatment program for wounded warriors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Sharp
- Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesia, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Bethesda, MD
| | - Mylene T Huynh
- Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesia, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Bethesda, MD
| | - Rosemarie Filart
- Pain Clinic, Department of Anesthesia, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Bethesda, MD
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Wang X, Ren Y, Liu J. Liquid Metal Enabled Electrobiology: A New Frontier to Tackle Disease Challenges. MICROMACHINES 2018; 9:E360. [PMID: 30424293 PMCID: PMC6082282 DOI: 10.3390/mi9070360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this article, a new conceptual biomedical engineering strategy to tackle modern disease challenges, called liquid metal (LM) enabled electrobiology, is proposed. This generalized and simple method is based on the physiological fact that specially administrated electricity induces a series of subsequent desired biological effects, either shortly, transitionally, or permanently. Due to high compliance within biological tissues, LM would help mold a pervasive method for treating physiological or psychological diseases. As highly conductive and non-toxic multifunctional flexible materials, such LMs can generate any requested electric treating fields (ETFields), which can adapt to various sites inside the human body. The basic mechanisms of electrobiology in delivering electricity to the target tissues and then inducing expected outputs for disease treatment are interpreted. The methods for realizing soft and conformable electronics based on LM are illustrated. Furthermore, a group of typical disease challenges are observed to illustrate the basic strategies for performing LM electrobiology therapy, which include but are not limited to: tissue electronics, brain disorder, immunotherapy, neural functional recovery, muscle stimulation, skin rejuvenation, cosmetology and dieting, artificial organs, cardiac pacing, cancer therapy, etc. Some practical issues regarding electrobiology for future disease therapy are discussed. Perspectives in this direction for incubating a simple biomedical tool for health care are pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Yi Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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Nair HK. Microcurrent as an adjunct therapy to accelerate chronic wound healing and reduce patient pain. J Wound Care 2018; 27:296-306. [DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2018.27.5.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harikrishna K.R. Nair
- Head of Wound Care Unit; Department of Internal Medicine, SCACC Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Cai Y, Zhang CS, Liu S, Wen Z, Zhang AL, Guo X, Lu C, Xue CC. Electroacupuncture for Poststroke Spasticity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2017; 98:2578-2589.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2017.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Abstract
Bioelectrodynamics is an interdisciplinary subject that offers a pathway for nursing to develop a new patient care strategy in health care. The application of bioenergy to living organisms has the potential to advance medical science in the areas of prevention, cancer, wound care, pain, and many other chronic diseases.
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Jung A, Cheon J, Park KW, Choi JY, Lee MS, Kim K. Efficacy and safety of microcurrent stimulation of acupoints on the sole of the foot of children with short stature in 25th percentile of height by age: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Integr Med 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Couture DC, Chung MK, Shinnick P, Curzon J, McClure MJ, LaRiccia PJ. Integrative Medicine Approach to Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety: A Case Report. Glob Adv Health Med 2016; 5:117-21. [PMID: 26937323 PMCID: PMC4756770 DOI: 10.7453/gahmj.2015.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is prevalent in 1% to 2% of the population. Emerging studies have correlated non-celiac gluten sensitivity with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, mania, and anxiety. This case study is the first reported case of OCD associated with non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The objectives of this case report are to (1) identify gluten sensitivity as a possible contributing factor to OCD in some patients; and (2) point out the possible benefit of an integrative medicine approach to the management of OCD in a patient with suboptimal benefit from a standard treatment regime. A 7-year-old male treated at a multi-physician integrative medicine practice in the United States had marked reduction of OCD symptoms and anxiety along with marked improvement of social behavior and school work after treatment consisting of gluten avoidance and other integrative medicine modalities. The patient's rapid response without side effects behooves the medical research community to further investigate the association of non-celiac gluten sensitivity and pediatric OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Chung Couture
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (Dr Couture), United States
| | - Myung Kyu Chung
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey; Chung Institute of Integrative Medicine; Won Sook Chung Foundation, Moorestown, New Jersey (Dr Chung), United States
| | - Phillip Shinnick
- Research Institute of Global Physiology and Treatment, New York (Dr Shinnick), United States
| | - Jonathan Curzon
- private practice, Perkasie, Pennsylvania (Dr Curzon), United States
| | - Mark J McClure
- National Integrated Health Associates, Washington, DC (Dr McClure), United States
| | - Patrick J LaRiccia
- Adjunct Scholar Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Won Sook Chung Foundation, Moorestown, New Jersey (Dr LaRiccia), United States
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Noites A, Nunes R, Gouveia AI, Mota A, Melo C, Viera Á, Adubeiro N, Bastos JM. Effects of aerobic exercise associated with abdominal microcurrent: a preliminary study. J Altern Complement Med 2015; 21:229-36. [PMID: 25875939 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2014.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the short- and long-term effects of microcurrent used with aerobic exercise on abdominal fat (visceral and subcutaneous). METHODS Forty-two female students from a university population were randomly assigned into five group: intervention group (IG) 1 (n=9), IG2 (n=9), IG3 (n=7), IG4 (n=8), and placebo group (PG) (n=9). An intervention program of 10 sessions encompassing microcurrent and aerobic exercise (performed with a cycloergometer) was applied in all groups, with slightly differences between them. In IG1 and IG2, microcurrent with transcutaneous electrodes was applied, with different frequency values; 30-minute exercise on the cycloergometer was subsequently performed. IG3 used the same protocol as IG1 but with different electrodes (percutaneous), while in IG4 the microcurrent was applied simultaneously with the cycloergometer exercise. Finally, the PG used the IG1 protocol but with the microcurrent device switched off. All groups were evaluated through ultrasound and abdominal perimeter measurement for visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat assessment; through calipers for skinfolds measurement; through bioimpedance to evaluate weight, fat mass percentage, and muscular mass; and through blood analyses to measure cholesterol, triglyceride, and glucose levels. RESULTS After intervention sessions, visceral fat decreased significantly in IG1 compared with the PG. Subcutaneous fat was reduced significantly in all groups compared with the PG. After 4 weeks, almost all results were maintained. CONCLUSION The addition of microcurrent to aerobic exercise may reduce fat more than does aerobic exercise alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Noites
- 1 Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Technologies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto , Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The search for effective treatments for fibromyalgia (FM) has continued for years. The present study premises that thalamocortical dysrhythmia is implicated in fibromyalgia and that low-frequency sound stimulation (LFSS) can play a regulatory function by driving neural rhythmic oscillatory activity. OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of LFSS on FM. METHOD The present open-label study with no control group used a repeated-measures design with no noncompleters. Nineteen female volunteers (median age 51 years; median duration of FM 5.76 years) were administered 10 treatments (twice per week for five weeks). Treatments involved 23 min of LFSS at 40 Hz, delivered using transducers in a supine position. Measures (repeated before and after treatment) included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, Jenkins Sleep Scale, Pain Disability Index, sitting and standing without pain (in minutes), cervical muscle range of motion and muscle tone. Mean percentages were calculated on end of treatment self-reports of improvement on pain, mood, insomnia and activities of daily living. RESULTS Significant improvements were observed with median scores: Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, 81% (P<0.0001); Jenkins Sleep Scale, 90% (P<0.0001); and Pain Disability Index, 49.1% (P<0.0001). Medication dose was reduced in 73.68% of patients and completely discontinued in 26.32%. Time sitting and standing without pain increased significantly (P<0.0001). Cervical muscle range of motion increased from 25% to 75% (P=0.001), while muscle tone changed from hypertonic to normal (P=0.0002). CONCLUSION In the present study, the LFSS treatment showed no adverse effects and patients receiving the LFSS treatment showed statistically and clinically relevant improvement. Further phase 2 and 3 trials are warranted.
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