Xu HF, Zhang HX, Zhou L, Feng C. Electro-acupuncture regulates plasma NOS and 5-HT levels in patients with severe functional constipation.
Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015;
23:1849-1854. [DOI:
10.11569/wcjd.v23.i11.1849]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To observe the effect of electro-acupuncture on plasma levels of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in patients with severe functional constipation, and to explore the underlying mechanism.
METHODS: Sixty patients with severe functional constipation were randomly divided into two groups to receive electro-acupuncture (EA group) or sham electro-acupuncture (sham EA group), respectively. Cleveland clinic score (CCS) score and plasma NOS and 5-TH levels were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the therapeutic effect on severe functional constipation was assessed.
RESULTS: After treatment, the clinical curative effect was better in the EA group than in the sham EA group (P < 0.01), and plasma levels of NOS and 5-HT were significantly reduced in the EA group (NOS: 0.83 ng/mL ± 0.22 ng/mL vs 1.70 ng/mL ± 0.08 ng/mL, P < 0.01; 5-HT: 496.97 ng/mL ± 25.53 ng/mL vs 394.36 ng/mL ± 20.38 ng/mL, P < 0.01) and sham EA group (NOS: 0.83 ng/mL ± 0.22 ng/mL vs 1.04 ng/mL ± 0.19 ng/mL, P < 0.01; 5-HT: 496.97 ng/mL ± 25.53 ng/mL vs 452.29 ng/mL ± 20.19 ng/mL, P < 0.01). The improvement or reduction was more significant in the EA group than in the sham EA group.
CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture exerts its therapeutic effects possibly by regulating expression of NOS and 5-HT in the intestinal mucosa of patients with severe functional constipation.
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