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Lyu Z, Chan YT, Lu Y, Fung Lam T, Wu X, Wu J, Xu L, Yang W, Zhang C, Lidan Zhong L, Wang N. Osteoprotegerin mediates adipogenesis in obesity. J Adv Res 2024; 62:245-255. [PMID: 38906326 PMCID: PMC11331166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.018] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adipogenesis, the process of white adipose tissue expansion, plays a critical role in the development of obesity. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), known for its role in bone metabolism regulation, emerges as a potential regulator in mediating adipogenesis during obesity onset. OBJECTIVES This study aims to elucidate the involvement of OPG in adipogenesis during the early phases of diet-induced obesity and explore its therapeutic potential in obesity management. METHODS Using a diet-induced obesity model, we investigated OPG expression patterns in adipocytes and explored the mechanisms underlying its involvement in adipogenesis. We also assessed the effects of targeted silencing of OPG and recombinant OPG administration on obesity progression and insulin resistance. Additionally, the impact of electroacupuncture treatment on OPG levels and obesity management was evaluated in both animal models and human participants. RESULTS OPG expression was prominently activated in adipocytes of white adipose tissues during the early phase of diet-induced obesity. Hyperlipidemia induced Cbfa1-dependent OPG transcription, initiating and promoting adipogenesis, leading to cell-size expansion and lipid storage. Intracellular OPG physically bound to RAR and released the PPARɤ/RXR complex, activating adipogenesis-associated gene expression. Targeted silencing of OPG suppressed obesity development, while recombinant OPG administration promoted disease progression and insulin resistance in obese mice. Electroacupuncture treatment suppressed obesity development in an OPG-dependent manner and improved obesity parameters in obese human participants. CONCLUSION OPG emerges as a key regulator in mediating adipogenesis during obesity development. Targeting OPG holds promise for the prevention and treatment of obesity, as evidenced by the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment in modulating OPG levels and managing obesity-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zipan Lyu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tsz Fung Lam
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xingyao Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Linda Lidan Zhong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore; School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Fumagalli M, Landgraaf RG, Schiavi-Lods NN, Golcea SS, Büller HR, Nieuwdorp M. Novel insights into weight loss: acupuncture combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet-a Swiss experience. Acupunct Med 2023; 41:327-335. [PMID: 37789716 PMCID: PMC10656784 DOI: 10.1177/09645284231202811] [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] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an acupuncture-diet program for treatment of overweight and obesity. METHODS The program consisted of weekly acupuncture sessions combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or above. Data were collected retrospectively between 2002 and 2021 in seven clinics in Switzerland through automated data extraction of existing medical records. The treatments described are standard care at the facilities where they took place. RESULTS A total of 11,233 patients were included. In those with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, a positive effect on body weight was noted with a peak average body weight loss of approximately 17.5 kg reached after 7 months. Long-term stabilization was at about 15.5 kg after 18 months. Significant male-female differences (p < 0.01) were observed with women losing less weight. Differences were also noted between overweight, obese and extremely obese patients suggesting a BMI-dependent effect. Maximum weight loss of patients with BMI of 35 kg/m2 or above was 29.8 ± 12 kg, while it was 18.8 ± 8 kg for obese patients (BMI = 30-34.9 kg/m2) and 12 ± 7 kg for overweight patients (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), reflecting a significant overall difference between groups (p < 0.01). Compliance to the protocol by patients and physicians seemed to be another differentiating factor; more adherent patients appeared to lose more weight and preserve body weight loss better over time. CONCLUSION Although this study lacked a control group and was retrospective and observational in nature, a program of acupuncture combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet appeared to be effective at inducing weight loss among obese patients. The observed weight reduction in this retrospective chart review represents a good starting point for further investigation of this approach via a comparative evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymond G Landgraaf
- Sinomedica, Lugano, Switzerland
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Harry R Büller
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Max Nieuwdorp
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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He Y, Yang K, Zhang L, Zhan M, Xia XW, Wang HF, Xie Y, Huang L, Yang N, Zheng YL, Yang H, Ying-Ning, Sun JY, Yang YJ, Ding WJ. Electroacupuncture for weight loss by regulating microglial polarization in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Life Sci 2023; 330:121981. [PMID: 37516430 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121981] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has a weight loss effect, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of weight loss with EA have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of EA on the phenotype of hypothalamic microglia in obese mice. A total of 50 male C57BL/6J mice were used in this study. There were three groups in this experiment: The conventional diet group (Chow group), the high-fat diet group (HFD group), and the EA intervention group (HFD + EA group). EA was applied at "Tianshu (ST25)", "Guanyuan (RN4)", "Zusanli (ST36)" and "Zhongwan (RN12)" every day for 10 min. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemical staining, and real-time PCR were applied in this study. The results showed that EA intervention was associated with a decrease in body weight, food intake, adipose tissue weight, and adipocyte size. At the same time, EA induced microglia to exhibit an M2 phenotype, representing reduced iNOS/TNF-α and increased Arg-1/IL-10/BDNF, which may be due to the promotion of TREM2 expression. EA also reduced microglia enrichment in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and declined TLR4 and IL-6, inhibiting microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. In addition, EA treatment promoted POMC expression, which may be associated with reduced food intake and weight loss in obese mice. This work provides novel evidence of EA against obesity. However, further study is necessary of EA as a therapy for obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Meng Zhan
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Xiu-Wen Xia
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Huai-Fu Wang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Ya Xie
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yibin, Sichuan 644000, China
| | - Ni Yang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Ya-Li Zheng
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Ying-Ning
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Jia-Yi Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - You-Jun Yang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China.
| | - Wei-Jun Ding
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, 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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Notonegoro C, Simadibrata C, Kresnawan T. Comparison of Therapeutic Effects Between Electroacupuncture and Thread-Embedded Acupuncture in Obese Patients Undergoing a Dietary Intervention. Med Acupunct 2022; 34:380-390. [PMID: 36644421 PMCID: PMC9805856 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2022.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Obesity is an epidemic with an increasing prevalence in developing countries. The condition affects almost all physiologic functions of the body and is a significant threat to public health. Treatment of obesity is often difficult and expensive. Pharmacologic therapy has many side-effects. Acupuncture, a nonpharmacologic therapy, has shown promising results for treating obesity. Electroacupuncture (EA) and thread-embedded acupuncture (TEA) can be used. The aim of this study was to analyze the therapeutic effects of EA and TEA, using polydioxanone (PDO), on weight loss, waist circumference, and plasma-leptin concentrations in obese patients undergoing a dietary intervention. Materials and Methods This single-blinded, randomized clinical trial randomized 34 subjects into 2 groups: EA and TEA. In the EA group, EA was administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks (a total of 12 sessions). In the TEA group, EA was administered only once. Body weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline, and on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 (end) of the trial. Plasma-leptin concentrations were measured at the beginning and end of the trial. Results There was a significant decrease in body weight and waist circumference in the groups before and after treatment (P < 0.001), and a significant decrease in plasma-leptin concentrations in the EA (P = 0.012) and TEA groups (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in weight loss (P = 0.621), waist circumference (P = 0.545), and plasma-leptin concentration (P = 0.784). Conclusions EA and PDO TEA are equally effective for reducing body weight, waist circumference, and plasma-leptin concentrations in obese patients undergoing dietary interventions. However, TEA is more time-efficient than EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Notonegoro
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
- Medical Acupuncture Specialist Program, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Daerah Istimewa Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Christina Simadibrata
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
- Medical Acupuncture Specialist Program, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Daerah Istimewa Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Triyani Kresnawan
- Department of Nutrition and Food Production, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, Indonesia
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Lima IGD, Silva JRTD, Silva AGD, Andrade ADS, Sousa LD. Electroacupuncture reduces weight, skinfold thickness and waist circumference and increases skin temperature of the abdominal region in women: a randomized controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:425-433. [PMID: 35437025 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221077111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture, as a complementary and alternative medical treatment, has shown some promise as a therapeutic option for obesity and weight control. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on body weight, body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness, waist circumference and skin temperature of the abdominal region in non-obese women with excessive abdominal subcutaneous fat. METHODS A total of 50 women with excessive abdominal subcutaneous fat (and average BMI of 22) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an EA group (n = 25) receiving 10 EA sessions (insertion of needles connected to an electrical stimulator at a frequency of 40 Hz for 40 min) and a control group (n = 25) that received no treatment. Outcome measures evaluated included waist circumference, supra-iliac and abdominal skinfolds, body composition and superficial skin temperature (measured by cutaneous thermography) before and after treatment. RESULTS Compared with the untreated group, women in the EA group exhibited decreased supra-iliac and abdominal skin folds (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), percentage body fat (p = 0.001) and percentage abdominal fat (p < 0.001). In addition, the EA group showed an elevated skin temperature at the site of the treatment. However, EA did not significantly impact body weight (p = 0.01) or BMI (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION EA promoted a reduction in abdominal waist circumference, supra-iliac and abdominal skin folds, and percentage body and abdominal fat in women of normal BMI with excessive abdominal subcutaneous fat, as well as an increase in the superficial skin temperature of the abdominal region. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER RBR-9tsmpp (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Gomes de Lima
- Physiotherapy Course, Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Josie Resende Torres da Silva
- Physiotherapy Course, Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Brazil.,Program of Biosciences Applied to Health, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Amanda Godoy da Silva
- Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Alice de Sousa Andrade
- Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
| | - Ligia de Sousa
- Physiotherapy Course, Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas, Brazil.,Program of Rehabilitation Sciences, Institute of Motricity Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil
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Obesity Animal Models for Acupuncture and Related Therapy Research Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6663397. [PMID: 34630614 PMCID: PMC8497105 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6663397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and related diseases are considered as pandemic representing a worldwide threat for health. Animal models are critical to validate the effects and understand the mechanisms related to classical or innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. It is, therefore, important to identify the best animal models for translational research, using different evaluation criteria such as the face, construct, and predictive validity. Because the pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions currently used for treating obesity often present many undesirable side effects, relatively high relapse probabilities, acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and related therapies have gained more popularity and attention. Many kinds of experimental animal models have been used for obesity research studies, but in the context of acupuncture, most of the studies were performed in rodent obesity models. Though, are these obesity rodent models really the best for acupuncture or related therapies research studies? In this study, we review different obesity animal models that have been used over the past 10 years for acupuncture and EA research studies. We present their respective advantages, disadvantages, and specific constraints. With the development of research on acupuncture and EA and the increasing interest regarding these approaches, proper animal models are critical for preclinical studies aiming at developing future clinical trials in the human. The aim of the present study is to provide researchers with information and guidance related to the preclinical models that are currently available to investigate the outcomes of acupuncture and related therapies.
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Bintoro DA, Nareswari I. The Role of Electroacupuncture in the Regulation of Appetite-Controlling Hormone and Inflammatory Response in Obesity. Med Acupunct 2021; 33:264-268. [PMID: 34471444 PMCID: PMC8403175 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2020.1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Obesity, a condition with serious complications, needs special attention. It is a complex and multifactorial problem and regulation of calorie balance involving various humoral and central factors is the main key for managing obesity. In addition, there is an increase in various proinflammatory cytokines and an increase in oxidative stress. There is a need to discover a useful therapy for obesity management. The goal of this review was to examine the literature on electroacupuncture (EA) as a potential therapy. Methods: This review explores the literature on EA, which has proven to be effective for inducing weight loss in experimental human and animal studies. Both continuous and dense-disperse EA waves have their own roles in hormone regulation of obesity using ST 25, CV 9, CV 12, CV 4, SP 6, ST 36, and ST 44; this is discussed the associated mechanism related to this is through suppression of various orexigenic peptides, enhancement of anorexigenic peptides, suppression of inflammatory factors, and improvement in the balance of pro-oxidants and antioxidants. Conclusions: The absence of another definitive therapy for obesity and EA's minimal side-effects make it a potential therapy for managing obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinda Aniela Bintoro
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Public Hospital, Central Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Irma Nareswari
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Public Hospital, Central Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Wang HF, Chen L, Xie Y, Wang XF, Yang K, Ning Y, He JY, Ding WJ. Electroacupuncture facilitates M2 macrophage polarization and its potential role in the regulation of inflammatory response. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 140:111655. [PMID: 34029955 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in relieving obesity, anti-inflammation and the interaction with metabolic pathways in obese mice has not been elaborated. The aim of this study was to investigate the regulation of EA on macrophage polarization in obesity tissue of diet-induced obesity mice. Mice were divided in 6 groups: normal control group, model group, EA-7 group, EA-14 group, EA-21 group and EA-28 group. Low-frequency EA was applied at "Tianshu (ST 25)", "Guanyuan (CV 4)", "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Sanyinjiao (SP 6)" for 10 min. Adipose tissue was assessed with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Adipocytokines and pro-inflammatory factors expression was measured by ELISA. The protein and mRNA levels of macrophage markers were examined by immumohistochemical staining and RT-PCR, respectively. EA treatment was associated with a decrease of adipose tissue and large adipocytes, and an increase of small adipocytes. After EA treatment, the levels of Leptin, Chemerin, TNF-α, F4/80, iNOS, and CD11c decreased obviously in adipose tissue, while IL-4, IL-10 and CD206 levels increased significantly. Besides, TNF-α in spleen tissue was also downregulated, but IL-4 and IL-10 were upregulated. EA prevents weight gain through modulation inflammatory response and macrophage polarization in obese adipose tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Fu Wang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China; Department of Endocrinology, Meishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 14# Suci Road, Dongpo District, Meishan, Sichuan, China
| | - Ya Xie
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Wang
- Department of Nursing, Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Longdu South Road, Longquanyi District, Chengdu 610100, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Ying Ning
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Jia-Yue He
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetics and Oncology, The Research Center for Preclinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Wei-Jun Ding
- Department of Fundamental Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Avenue, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
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Jung J, Lee SM, Lee MJ, Ryu JS, Song JH, Lee JE, Kang G, Kwon OS, Park JY. Lipidomics reveals that acupuncture modulates the lipid metabolism and inflammatory interaction in a mouse model of depression. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 94:424-436. [PMID: 33607237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a serious disease that has considerable impact on lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have shown that leptin, which is well known as a mediator of energy homeostasis and is a cytokine in inflammatory response, plays an important role in depression. Acupuncture is widely used to treat depression; however, the underlying mechanisms and the effect of acupuncture on depression remain poorly understood. In this study, we utilized the chronic restraint stress (CRS) induced depression model and acupuncture treatment was performed at KI10, LR8, LU8, LR4 (AP) or non-acupoint (NP). Then, lipidomics was applied to investigate the effects of acupuncture on lipid metabolism and analyze leptin signals in the brain and changes of immune markers. Acupuncture treatment at AP improved depression-like behavior in an open-field test, forced swimming test, and marble burying test. Concurrently, CRS mice treated with AP acupuncture (CRS + AP) had significantly lower levels of aspartate aminotransaminase (AST, liver injury markers) and exhibited different lipid patterns in liver lipidomic profiles. In particular, triglycerides (TGs) contributed the change of lipid patterns. Compared to the CRS mice, TGs with relatively high degrees of unsaturated fatty acids increased in the CRS + AP mice, but did not change in CRS mice treated with NP acupuncture (CRS + NP). The levels of leptin in plasma and leptin receptor positive cells in the brain (hypothalamus and hippocampus) decreased and increased, respectively, in the CRS + AP mice, while opposite patterns were exhibited in the CRS and CRS + NP mice. These results indicated that acupuncture treatment at AP attenuated leptin insensitivity in CRS mice. Additionally, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were decreased in the spleen, plasma, and liver of CRS + AP mice, which was one of results of alleviation of leptin resistance. In conclusion, these results show that AP acupuncture treatment effectively alleviated the depression-like behavior, affected immune responses, and altered hepatic lipid metabolism through the attenuation of leptin insensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyoun Jung
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - So Min Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ju Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sang Ryu
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Song
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Eun Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Geonhui Kang
- Clinical Trial Center, Wonkwang University Gwangju Hospital, 1140-23 Hoejae-ro, Nam-Gu, Gwangju 16729, Republic of Korea
| | - O Sang Kwon
- Department of Meridian and Acupuncture Points, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeun Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, 62 Daehak-ro, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea.
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Wang L, Yu CC, Li J, Tian Q, Du YJ. Mechanism of Action of Acupuncture in Obesity: A Perspective From the Hypothalamus. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:632324. [PMID: 33868169 PMCID: PMC8050351 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.632324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a prevalent metabolic disease caused by an imbalance in food intake and energy expenditure. Although acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of obesity in a clinical setting, its mechanism has not been adequately elucidated. As the key pivot of appetite signals, the hypothalamus receives afferent and efferent signals from the brainstem and peripheral tissue, leading to the formation of a complex appetite regulation circuit, thereby effectively regulating food intake and energy homeostasis. This review mainly discusses the relationship between the hypothalamic nuclei, related neuropeptides, brainstem, peripheral signals, and obesity, as well as mechanisms of acupuncture on obesity from the perspective of the hypothalamus, exploring the current evidence and therapeutic targets for mechanism of action of acupuncture in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao-Chao Yu
- Department of Tuina, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- The Fourth Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Li
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan-Jun Du
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yan-Jun Du,
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Cha HS, Park H. Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Korean Children Who are Obese. J Pediatr Nurs 2020; 51:e57-e63. [PMID: 31514977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupresure on reducing obesity in children who are obese. DESIGN AND METHODS The study design was a randomized controlled trial design. Participants aged between 9 and 11 years were 65 children who are obese, divided into the experimental group (n = 31) and control group (n = 34). The sessions continued for 8 weeks. The participants in the experimental and control groups received auricular acupressure using ear pellets (seeds) on 5 acupoints known to be either effective in obesity treatment or ineffective. Outcome measures included body image score, children's depression inventory, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, and anthropometric indices (waist circumference, hip circumference, BMI, etc.). RESULTS Children in the experimental group showed significant improvement in waist circumference and hip circumference after 8 weeks compared with those in the control group (p < .001). But no statistically significant difference in body image score, depression score, or self-esteem score emerged before or after auricular acupressure in the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSIONS Auricular acupressure using ear pellets for eight weeks was effective in decreasing waist and hip circumferences in children who are obese. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Auricular acupressure can be used as an intervention method for children to control obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Su Cha
- Department of Nursing, Sehan University, Yeongam, Republic of Korea; College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojung Park
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Zhou R, Wang Z, Chen W, Huang C, Liu C, Zhuang L, Xie X, Hong H. A prioritization regimen of the acupuncture treatment for simple obesity: Protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17353. [PMID: 31651840 PMCID: PMC6824648 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with simple obesity suffer from poor quality of life, as well as high risk of hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular accidents. Lots of Clinical trials suggested that acupuncture is beneficial for simple obesity, and it aims to gather solid evidence in order to provide reliable reference in establishing guidelines for acupuncture treatment of simple obesity in this study. METHODS Relevant databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline University Resource Center, Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure will be retrieved from January 1950 to November 2018. Two authors will screen studies independently according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and extract the data in a form of sheet. Quality evaluations and bias risk assessments will be performed for the methodology of included studies. Dichotomous data will be analyzed using odds ratio (OR), and continuous data using mean differences. Network meta-analysis will be conducted by using Stata 14.0. The Development and Evaluation approach will be used to rate the certainty of the evidence of estimates derived from meta-analysis. The primary outcome is body mass index (BMI), and the secondary outcomes are triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, effective rate, adverse effects, and recurrence rate. Trial registration number is CRD42019117387. RESULTS Based on current evidence, this review will rank the efficacy and safety of the various acupuncture regimen in decreasing BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol of patients with simple obesity, and to summarize a prioritization regimen. CONCLUSION This evidence may be useful for clinicians, patients, and guideline-makers to select the optimum proposal of acupuncture for the simple obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Zhijie Wang
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Wanwei Chen
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Chushuan Huang
- The First Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Chang Liu
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Lixing Zhuang
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Clinical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Haidu Hong
- The First Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
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The Effectiveness of Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy for Abdominal Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:9714313. [PMID: 31341504 PMCID: PMC6612388 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9714313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Acupoint catgut embedding is a useful therapy for weight management and widely applied in China. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of acupoint catgut embedding on abdominal obesity. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane-Library, Embase, OVID, MEDLINE, ISI (web of science), Wanfang, VIP, CBM, and CNKI for randomized controlled trials that used acupoint catgut embedding to treat abdominal obesity before April 2019 with the language restriction of Chinese and English. The combination subject terms of abdominal obesity (or central obesity) and acupoint catgut embedding (or catgut implantation, catgut embedding) were used. We found 15 studies involving 1584 individuals. When acupoint catgut embedding plus electroacupuncture is compared with electroacupuncture alone, significant reductions in improvement rate (RR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.99~1.08), body weight (MD = 5.20, 95%CI = 1.16~9.25), body mass index (MD = 1.73, 95%CI = 0.70~2.76), waist circumference (MD = 2.91, 95%CI = 1.36~4.46), and hip circumference (MD = 1.06, 95%CI = -0.18~2.30) were found. Mean values of body weight by acupoint catgut embedding were 1.35 kg compared with electroacupuncture. Less adverse events were reported in all included articles. In summary, pooled outcomes of acupoint catgut embedding presented a tendency of equal effects to other kinds of acupuncture, whereas acupoint catgut embedding plus electroacupuncture is more effective for abdominal obesity. This study is registered with PROSPERO 2017 (CRD42017082357).
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15
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Effects of auricular acupressure on obesity in adolescents. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2019; 35:316-322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Lu SF, Tang YX, Zhang T, Fu SP, Hong H, Cheng Y, Xu HX, Jing XY, Yu ML, Zhu BM. Electroacupuncture Reduces Body Weight by Regulating Fat Browning-Related Proteins of Adipose Tissue in HFD-Induced Obese Mice. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:353. [PMID: 31244685 PMCID: PMC6580183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) and its potential underlying mechanisms on adipose tissue in obese mice. Methods: Three-week-old male C56BL/6 mice were randomly divided to feed or not to feed high-fat diet (HFD), named HFD group and chow diet (CD) group, respectively. After 12 weeks, CD and HFD mice were randomly divided into two groups, respectively, to receive or not receive EA for 4 weeks. Body weight (BW) was monitored. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and metabolic chamber recordings were performed. Blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for the analysis of leptin, triglyceride levels, and fat browning-related proteins. Results: EA significantly reduced food intake, BW, and white adipose tissue (WAT)/BW ratio; decreased the adipocyte size and serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol; and increased oxygen consumption in HFD mice. Compared with the CD mice, the HFD mice had elevated fasting serum glucose level and impaired glucose tolerance; however, these parameters were decreased by EA treatment. Meanwhile, EA promoted the protein and mRNA expressions of UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α in adipose tissue, and activated sympathetic nerves via p-TH, A2AR, and β3AR in white adipose tissue. Conclusions: EA reduced food intake, BW, TG, and cholesterol, and improved glucose tolerance in HFD mice. This ameliorative effect of EA on obesity-related symptoms associated with its promoted adipose tissue plasticity via activating sympathetic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Feng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Xia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Huai'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaian, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Ping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hou-Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Yue Jing
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing-Mei Zhu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Acupuncture on Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanisms. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:6409389. [PMID: 30013603 PMCID: PMC6022277 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6409389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective Acupuncture, as one of the complementary and alternative medicines, represents an efficient therapeutic option for obesity control. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture in obesity and also summarized the available studies on exploring the mechanisms. Design We searched six databases from the inception to April 2017 without language restriction. Eligible studies consisted of acupuncture with comparative controls ((1) sham acupuncture, (2) no treatment, (3) diet and exercise, and (4) conventional medicine). The primary outcomes consisted of BMI, body weight reduction, and incidence of cardiovascular events (CVD). Secondary outcomes included waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass percent, body fat mass (kg), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) reduction, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) increase, and adverse effects. The quality of RCTs was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Subgroup analyses were performed according to types of acupuncture. A random effects model was used to adjust for the heterogeneity of the included studies. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots. Main Results We included 21 studies with 1389 participants. When compared with sham acupuncture, significant reductions in BMI (MD=-1.22, 95%CI=-1.87 to -0.56), weight (MD=-1.54, 95%CI=-2.98 to -0.11), body fat mass (kg) (MD=-1.31, 95%CI=-2.47 to -0.16), and TC (SMD=-0.63, 95%CI=-1.00 to -0.25) were found. When compared with no treatment group, significant reductions of BMI (MD=-1.92, 95%CI=-3.04 to -0.79), WHR (MD=-0.05, 95%CI=-0.09 to -0.02), TC (MD=-0.26, 95%CI=-0.48 to -0.03), and TG (MD=-0.29 95%CI=-0.39 to -0.18) were found. When compared with diet and exercise group, significant reduction in BMI (MD=-1.24, 95%CI=-1.87 to -0.62) and weight (MD=-3.27 95%CI=-5.07 to -1.47) was found. Adverse effects were reported in 5 studies. Conclusions We concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for obesity and inferred that neuroendocrine regulation might be involved.
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Jie X, Li X, Song JQ, Wang D, Wang JH. Anti-inflammatory and autonomic effects of electroacupuncture in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. Acupunct Med 2018; 36:103-109. [PMID: 29487062 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) by measurement of vagal activity in rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. METHODS Diet-induced obesity (DIO) was induced in 30 rats by feeding them a HFD for 12 weeks. A further 10 rats fed normal food comprised the lean diet (LD) control group. DIO rats were further subdivided into three groups that received a HFD only (HFD group, n=10), a HFD plus electroacupuncture (HFD+EA group, n=10) or a HFD plus minimal acupuncture (HFD+MA group, n=10). EA and MA treatments were continued for 8 weeks. Heart rate variability (HRV) was used to measure the function of the autonomic nervous system before and after treatment. ELISA was used to determine acetylcholine (ACh) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in the serum. Real-time PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of α7-subtype nicotinic acetylcholine cholinergic receptors (α7nAChRs) and TNF-α in the mesenteric white adipose tissues (MWAT). RESULTS EA but not MA significantly reduced rats' bodyweight. No difference was found in the low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and the balance between LF and HF (LF/HF) components of HRV before treatment. After the EA intervention, HF was elevated and LF/HF was reduced in the HFD+EA group comparedwith the HFD group. TNF-α in the serum and MWAT were increased in the HFD group, but were reduced in the HFD+EA group. Furthermore, EA promoted expression of α7nAChRs and ACh in the MWAT. There was no difference between the HFD and HFD+MA groups for any indices. CONCLUSIONS EA enhanced vagal activity, promoted ACh release and activated α7nAChRs in the MWAT, leading to inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Jie
- Department of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Medicine, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Jian-Qing Song
- Department of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
| | - Jian-Hua Wang
- Department of Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Nanyang Second General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, China
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Fu SP, Hong H, Lu SF, Hu CJ, Xu HX, Li Q, Yu ML, Ou C, Meng JZ, Wang TL, Hennighausen L, Zhu BM. Genome-wide regulation of electro-acupuncture on the neural Stat5-loss-induced obese mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181948. [PMID: 28806763 PMCID: PMC5555711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is reported to be effective in treating obesity related illnesses, but its mechanism is still unclear. To investigate this mechanism we applied electro-acupuncture (EA) in a mouse model of obesity and used RNA-seq to identify molecular consequences. Deletion of the transcription factor STAT5 from neurons (Stat5NKO) led to obesity. Acupuncture, in turn, reduced body weight and the ratio of epididymal white adipose tissue (Epi-WAT) to body weight, and it also decreased plasma concentrations of glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol. In addition, EA increased cold endurance of Stat5NKO obese mice. EA reversed altered gene expressions in the hypothalamus and Epi-WAT, especially in the hypothalamus in Stat5NKO obese mice. This study provides, for the first time, insight into genomic networks of obesity and their modulation by electro-acupuncture, which in turn reveals potential mechanisms that explain acupuncture-induced weight-loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng-Feng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen-Jun Hu
- School of Information Technology, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hou-Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Ou
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Meng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian-Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lothar Hennighausen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Bing-Mei Zhu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- * E-mail:
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Cha HS, Park H. [Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Obesity in Women with Abdominal Obesity]. J Korean Acad Nurs 2017; 46:249-59. [PMID: 27182021 DOI: 10.4040/jkan.2016.46.2.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of auricular acupressure on reducing obesity in adult women with abdominal obesity. METHODS The study design was a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Participants were 58 women, aged 20 years or older, assigned to the experimental group (n=30) or control group (n=28). Auricular acupressure using vaccaria seeds was administered to the experimental group. The sessions continued for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included body weight, abdominal circumference, and body mass index, body fat mass, body fat percentage, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and serum glucose. RESULTS Women in the experimental group showed significant decreases in body weight (t=6.19, p<.001), abdominal circumference (t=4.01, p<.001), and body mass index (t=2.58, p=.006) after 8 weeks compared with those in the control group. CONCLUSION Results show that auricular acupressure using vaccaria seeds was effective in decreasing body weight, abdominal circumference, body mass index, and triglyceride levels in adult women with abdominal obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Su Cha
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul·Division of Nursing Science, Seonam University, Namwon, Korea
| | - Hyojung Park
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
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Park KS, Park KI, Suh HS, Hwang DS, Jang JB, Lee JM. The efficacy and safety of acupuncture on serum leptin levels in obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Integr Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Xie XC, Cao YQ, Gao Q, Wang C, Li M, Wei SG. Acupuncture Improves Intestinal Absorption of Iron in Iron-deficient Obese Patients: A Randomized Controlled Preliminary Trial. Chin Med J (Engl) 2017; 130:508-515. [PMID: 28229980 PMCID: PMC5339922 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.200549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Obesity has an adverse effect on iron status. Hepcidin-mediated inhibition of iron absorption in the duodenum is a potential mechanism. Iron-deficient obese patients have diminished response to oral iron therapy. This study was designed to assess whether acupuncture could promote the efficacy of oral iron supplementation for the treatment of obesity-related iron deficiency (ID). Methods: Sixty ID or ID anemia (IDA) patients with obesity were screened at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and were randomly allocated to receive either oral iron replacement allied with acupuncture weight loss treatment (acupuncture group, n = 30) or oral iron combined with sham-acupuncture treatment (control group, n = 30). Anthropometric parameters were measured and blood samples were tested pre- and post-treatment. Differences in the treatment outcomes of ID/IDA were compared between the two groups. Results: After 8 weeks of acupuncture treatment, there was a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist/hip circumference ratio of patients in the acupuncture group, while no significant changes were observed in the control group. Oral iron supplementation brought more obvious improvements of iron status indicators including absolute increases in serum iron (11.08 ± 2.19 μmol/L vs. 4.43 ± 0.47 μmol/L), transferrin saturation (11.26 ± 1.65% vs. 1.01 ± 0.23%), and hemoglobin (31.47 ± 1.19 g/L vs. 21.00 ± 2.69 g/L) in the acupuncture group than control group (all P < 0.05). Meanwhile, serum leptin (2.26 ± 0.45 ng/ml vs. 8.13 ± 0.55 ng/ml, P < 0.05) and hepcidin (3.52 ± 1.23 ng/ml vs. 6.77 ± 0.84 ng/ml, P < 0.05) concentrations declined significantly in the acupuncture group than those in the control group. Conclusion: Acupuncture-based weight loss can enhance the therapeutic effects of iron replacement therapy for obesity-related ID/IDA through improving intestinal iron absorption, probably by downregulating the systemic leptin-hepcidin levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Cai Xie
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Yan-Qiang Cao
- Department of Children's and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Children's and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Children's and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Children's and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Shou-Gang Wei
- Department of Children's and Women's Health, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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Fang S, Wang M, Zheng Y, Zhou S, Ji G. Acupuncture and Lifestyle Modification Treatment for Obesity: A Meta-Analysis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2017; 45:239-254. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x1750015x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is an epidemic health hazard associated with many medical conditions. Lifestyle interventions are foundational to the successful management of obesity. However, the body’s adaptive biological responses counteract patients’ desire to restrict food and energy intake, leading to weight regain. As a complementary and alternative medical approach, acupuncture therapy is widely used for weight control. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture treatment alone and in combination with lifestyle modification. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and Chinese Biomedical Literature Databases for relevant publications available as of 24 October 2015 without language restriction. Eligible studies consisted of randomized controlled trials for acupuncture with comparative controls. A total of 23 studies were included with 1808 individuals. We performed meta-analyses of weighted mean differences based on a random effect model. Acupuncture exhibited a mean difference of body mass index reduction of 1.742[Formula: see text]kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [Formula: see text]) and 1.904[Formula: see text]kg/m2 (95% confidence interval [Formula: see text]) when compared with untreated or placebo control groups and when lifestyle interventions including basic therapy of both treatment and control groups. Adverse events reported were mild, and no patients withdrew because of adverse effects. Overall, our results indicate that acupuncture is an effective treatment for obesity both alone and together with lifestyle modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yiyuan Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Shigao Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institution of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
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Gong M, Cao C, Chen F, Li Q, Bi X, Sun Y, Zhan Z. Electroacupuncture Attenuates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation via Amp-Activated Protein Kinase (Ampk) Activation in Obese Rats. Acupunct Med 2016; 34:209-14. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background Electroacupuncture (EA) may offer an effective alternative approach for the treatment of obesity. EA mobilizes energy stores, but its effect on hepatic lipid metabolism is unknown, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective To examine the effect of EA on hepatic lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese (DIO) rats, and to explore potential underlying mechanisms. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal diet (control group, n=10) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks to induce obesity. Those exhibiting diet-induced obesity were subdivided into two groups, one receiving EA (DIO+EA group, n=10) and one left untreated (DIO group, n=10) and observed for a further 4 weeks. Body, liver and fat pad weight were measured, and liver injury was assessed histologically as well as by measuring serum values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hepatic triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol were quantified by enzymatic colorimetric methods. Expression of liver AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC), and carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT-1) was measured by Western blotting. Results EA treatment led to a reduction in body, liver and fat pad weight in DIO rats. This was accompanied by decreases in hepatic TG and total cholesterol values, fatty droplet accumulation, and serum concentrations of ALT and AST. Furthermore, EA treatment restored phosphorylation levels of AMPK (Thr172) and ACC (Ser79) inhibited by HFD, and increased CPT-1 expression. Conclusions EA reduces HFD-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, an effect that appears to be mediated through AMPK signalling pathways. Our results shed new light on the mechanisms by which EA may reduce obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirong Gong
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengli Chen
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolin Bi
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinong Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Zhan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Liaw JJ, Peplow PV. Effects of Electroacupuncture on Pro-/Anti-inflammatory Adipokines in Serum and Adipose Tissue in Lean and Diet-induced Obese Rats. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2016; 9:65-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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Electroacupuncture Reduces Weight Gain Induced by Rosiglitazone through PPARγ and Leptin Receptor in CNS. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:8098561. [PMID: 26904147 PMCID: PMC4745334 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8098561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on protecting the weight gain side effect of rosiglitazone (RSG) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats and its possible mechanism in central nervous system (CNS). Our study showed that RSG (5 mg/kg) significantly increased the body weight and food intake of the T2DM rats. After six-week treatment with RSG combined with EA, body weight, food intake, and the ratio of IWAT to body weight decreased significantly, whereas the ratio of BAT to body weight increased markedly. HE staining indicated that the T2DM-RSG rats had increased size of adipocytes in their IWAT, but EA treatment reduced the size of adipocytes. EA effectively reduced the lipid contents without affecting the antidiabetic effect of RSG. Furthermore, we noticed that the expression of PPARγ gene in hypothalamus was reduced by EA, while the expressions of leptin receptor and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were increased. Our results suggest that EA is an effective approach for inhibiting weight gain in T2DM rats treated by RSG. The possible mechanism might be through increased levels of leptin receptor and STAT3 and decreased PPARγ expression, by which food intake of the rats was reduced and RSG-induced weight gain was inhibited.
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Liaw JJT, Peplow PV. Effect of Electroacupuncture on Inflammation in the Obese Zucker Fatty Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2015; 9:73-9. [PMID: 27079228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is known to be associated with visceral obesity and insulin resistance and is characterized by altered levels of production of adipokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major and escalating public health and clinical challenge worldwide, and patients with MetS have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Electroacupuncture (EA) was tested as a means of decreasing inflammation in genetically obese Zucker fatty rats, which serve as a model of MetS. Repeated application of EA at the Zhongwan/Guanyuan acupoints decreased serum TNF-α, but produced no significant alterations in serum leptin, adiponectin, or IL-10. EA had no significant effect on the levels of these four adipokines in white adipose tissue. These findings are consistent with the supposition that EA inhibits proliferation and/or infiltration of macrophages into the adipose tissue of obese rats and stimulates the release of IL-10 from the decreased numbers of macrophages present in adipose tissue. Compared with the control animals, no significant change in body weight occurred. The blood glucose (BG) level over a 30-minute interval in Week 2 was relatively the same as that in Week 1, suggesting that EA treatment does not increase the likelihood of developing hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Zhou Q, Chang B, Chen XY, Zhou SP, Zhen Z, Zhang LL, Sun X, Zhou Y, Xie WQ, Liu HF, Xu Y, Kong Y, Zhou LB, Lian FM, Tong XL. Chinese herbal medicine for obesity: a randomized, double-blinded, multicenter, prospective trial. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2015; 42:1345-56. [PMID: 25406653 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x14500840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a serious medical problem worldwide. As a holistic therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have a potential in obesity management. In this controlled trial, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang (XJXGF), a TCM herbal formulation, in 140 obese subjects over a 24-week period. The XJXGF formula mainly consists of rhubarb, coptis, semen cassia, and citrus aurantium. Subjects with body mass index (BMI) 28-40 kg/m(2) were recruited at 5 centers in China. We assessed the changes in subjects' body weight, its related parameters, and the reduction of insulin resistance (IR) after administration of XJXGF formula or low-dose XJXGF (10% of the XJXGF formula, as control). After 24-week treatment, among participants in the XJXGF formula group and low-dose XJXGF group, the mean ± SE changes in the body weight were -3.58 ± 0.48 and -1.91 ± 0.38 kg, respectively (p < 0.01). The changes in the IR-index of two groups were -2.65 ± 1.04 and -1.58 ± 1.3, respectively (p < 0 .05). There were no serious adverse events reported during the 24-week trial. Participants reported 7 minor adverse events, 4 in the XJXGF formula group and 3 in the low-dose XJXGF group (p = 0.578). Future studies are needed to investigate the clinical utility of this TCM formulation in the treatment of obese subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhou
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
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Xu J, Chen L, Tang L, Chang L, Liu S, Tan J, Chen Y, Ren Y, Liang F, Cui J. Electroacupuncture inhibits weight gain in diet-induced obese rats by activating hypothalamic LKB1-AMPK signaling. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 15:147. [PMID: 25963634 PMCID: PMC4485871 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0667-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Electroacupuncture (EA) is reported to be an effective treatment for obesity, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hypothalamic LKB1-AMPK-ACC signaling and EA. Methods Fifty male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into two groups fed either chow (chow-fed group) or high-fat diet (HF group). After 4 weeks of feeding, obese rats in the HF group (defined as weighing 20 % or more than rats in the chow-fed group) were randomly allocated into an EA or Diet-induced obesity (DIO) group. The EA group was given EA on bilateral ST25–ST36 for 4 weeks, while the DIO group received no further intervention. Body weight of the chow-fed, DIO, and EA groups were measured weekly. mRNA and protein levels of the hypothalamic LKB1-AMPK-ACC signaling pathway were detected using real-time (RT)-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results After 4 weeks of EA treatment, the weight growth trend of rats in the EA group was inhibited compared with those in the DIO group. RT-PCR and western blotting showed that EA upregulated the transcription of Adenosine 5′-monophosphate -activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2), promoted protein expression of Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and AMPKα1, and inhibited acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) protein expression in the hypothalamus. Conclusions This study suggests that hypothalamic LKB1-AMPK-ACC signaling plays an important role in EA treatment for obesity.
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Acupuncture promotes white adipose tissue browning by inducing UCP1 expression on DIO mice. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:501. [PMID: 25514854 PMCID: PMC4301852 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background To study the influence of acupuncture and its possible mechanism on white adipose tissue of high fat diet-induced obese. Methods Four-week-old C57BL/6 J mice were randomly divided into a normal diet group and a high-fat diet (HFD) group. After 8 weeks, the HFD mice were randomly divided into Electro-acupuncture (EA) group and control group. Mice in the EA group were electro-acupunctured, under physical restraint, on Zusanli (ST36) and Neiting (ST44) acupoints, while the mice in the control group were under physical restraint only. Body weight and food intake were monitored, and serum leptin, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured by using biochemistrical methods. The effect of EA on white adipose tissues (WAT) was assessed by qPCR, immunobloting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunoprecipitation and cold endurance experiment. Results The WAT/body weight ratio decreased (P < 0.05) in the EA group, albeit no significant difference on food consumption between EA and control groups. The difference in the darkness of Epi-WAT between EA and control groups could be distinguished visually. HE staining indicated that the EA mice had an increased number of UCP1-immunoreactive paucilocular adipocytes in their WAT. The expressions of brown adipose tissue (BAT) markers, including UCP1, COX4il and Nrtf1 were increased in the WAT of EA mice, acetylation of Pparγ was decreased by electro-acupuncture. Conclusion EA can remodel WAT to BAT through inducing UCP1 expression, and this may be one of the mechanisms by which acupuncture affects weight loss.
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Yu Z, Xia Y, Ju C, Shao Q, Mao Z, Gu Y, Xu B. Electroacupuncture regulates glucose-inhibited neurons in treatment of simple obesity. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:809-16. [PMID: 25206728 PMCID: PMC4146081 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucose-inhibited neurons present in the lateral hypothalamic area are regarded as glucose detectors. This structure is involved in the regulation of food intake through extracellular blood glucose concentrations, and plays a crucial role in obesity onset. In the present study, obesity models established with high fat feeding were treated with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36)/Inner Court (ST44) on the left side and Tianshu (ST25) bilaterally. We found that electroacupuncture could effectively reduce body weight and the fat-weight ratio, and decrease serum leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and neuropeptide Y levels, while increase serum adiponectin and cholecystokinin-8 levels. This treatment altered the electrical activity of glucose-inhibited neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area, with electroacupuncture at Zusanli/Inner Court exerting an inhibitory effect, while electroacupuncture at bilateral Tianshu exerting an excitatory effect. These data suggest that electroacupuncture at the lower limbs and abdominal cavity is an effective means for regulating the activity of glucose-inhibited neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area and for improving the secretory function of adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Youbing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chuanhui Ju
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qinghua Shao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Mao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Acupuncture and Drugs Affiliated to the Ministry of Education of China, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
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Peplow PV. Repeated electroacupuncture in obese Zucker diabetic fatty rats: adiponectin and leptin in serum and adipose tissue. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2014; 8:66-70. [PMID: 25952122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2014.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasted, male, obese, Zucker, diabetic fatty rats aged 10-16 weeks were anesthetized with 1% halothane in nitrous oxide-oxygen (3:1) on alternate weekdays over 2 weeks. Group 1 (n = 4) did not receive electroacupuncture (controls); Group 2 (n = 4) received electroacupuncture using the Zhongwan and the Guanyuan acupoints; Group 3 (n = 4) received electroacupuncture using the bilateral Zusanli acupoints; Group 4 (n = 6) received neither halothane in nitrous oxide:oxygen nor electroacupuncture. At the end of study, animals were injected with sodium pentobarbitone (60 mg/mL, i.p.), and blood and white adipose tissue were collected. Analysis of variance and Duncan's tests showed that the mean leptin in serum was significantly lower and the adiponectin:leptin ratio was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05); for Group 4, the serum leptin was significantly higher than it was for Groups 1-3 (p < 0.05), and the adiponectin:leptin ratio was significantly lower than it was for Group 2 (p < 0.05). Similar changes occurred for the leptin levels in the pelvic adipose tissue. In addition, for Group 2, the mean serum insulin: glucose ratio was significantly higher than it was for Group 1 (p < 0.05); for Group 4 the mean serum insulin and insulin: glucose ratio were significantly higher than they were for Groups 1 and 3 (p < 0.05), but not Group 2 (p > 0.05). No significant differences in the serum or the adipose-tissue measurements between Groups 1 and 3 were observed (p > 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Chen Y, Xu J, Liu S, Hou X. Electroacupuncture at ST36 increases contraction of the gastric antrum and improves the SCF/c-kit pathway in diabetic rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2014; 41:1233-49. [PMID: 24228598 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x13500833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 is effective for improving gastric motility. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EA on gastric contraction and to determine whether interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) are involved. Rats were randomized into control, diabetic (DM), diabetic with sham EA (DM + SEA), diabetic with low frequency EA (DM + LEA) and diabetic with high frequency EA (DM + HEA) groups. EA was performed everyday for four and eight weeks. Contractions in antrum strips were explored using the organ bath technique. Western blotting was employed to determine c-kit and transmembrane stem cell factor (M-SCF) expression in the gastric antrum, and levels of soluble stem cell factor (S-SCF) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The distribution of ICCs was further assessed by immunohistochemistry. The results were as follows: (1) Contractions in the DM group were attenuated at four and eight weeks, but LEA and HEA restored the attenuated contraction. (2) ICCs were significantly decreased at eight weeks without alteration at four weeks in DM group, but were rescued in the LEA and HEA groups. (3) Whereas M-SCF and S-SCF in the DM group were slightly decreased at four weeks and were dramatically reduced at eight weeks, LEA and HEA markedly enhanced SCF at eight weeks. Collectively, the data suggest that in diabetic rats, LEA and HEA at ST36 could facilitate contraction of the gastric antrum, possibly by involving the SCF/c-kit pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Pan H, Guo J, Su Z. Advances in understanding the interrelations between leptin resistance and obesity. Physiol Behav 2014; 130:157-69. [PMID: 24726399 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Obesity, which has developed into a global epidemic, is a risk factor in most chronic diseases and some forms of malignancy. The discovery of leptin in 1994 has opened a new field in obesity research. Currently, we know that leptin is the primary signal from energy stores and exerts negative feedback effects on energy intake. However, most individuals with diet-induced obesity (DIO) develop leptin resistance, which is characterized by elevated circulating leptin levels and decreased leptin sensitivity. To date, though various mechanisms have been proposed to explain leptin resistance, the exact mechanisms of leptin resistance in obesity are poorly understood. Consequently, it's an important issue worth discussing regarding what the exact interrelations between leptin resistance and obesity are. Here, we review the latest advancements in the molecular mechanisms of leptin resistance and the exact interrelations between leptin resistance, obesity, and obesity-related diseases, in order to supply new ideas for the study of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Pan
- Key Research Center of Liver Regulation for Hyperlipidemia SATCM/Class III Laboratory of Metabolism SATCM, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Key Research Center of Liver Regulation for Hyperlipidemia SATCM/Class III Laboratory of Metabolism SATCM, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Zhengquan Su
- Key Research Center of Liver Regulation for Hyperlipidemia SATCM/Class III Laboratory of Metabolism SATCM, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Peplow PV, Han SM. Repeated Application of Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Hyperglycemia in Obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2014; 7:1-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2013.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Lee TN. The principle of symmetry in acupuncture and its clinical applications. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2013; 41:1223-31. [PMID: 24228597 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x13500821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The clinical practice of acupuncture and study of the traditional Chinese medicine literature has led to the observation that if the diaphragm is used as an axis of symmetry, there are many symmetrical points on the upper and lower halves of the body. The symmetrical points share several common properties, including physiological functions, mechanisms of pathogenesis and therapeutic effects. Employing these corresponding points on the upper and lower parts of the body simultaneously can frequently enhance the therapeutic outcome rather substantially. This phenomenon may be called the Principle of Symmetry. Traditional and modern scientific literature already provides evidence that verifies the reliability of this principle. Furthermore, this principle may be viewed as the derivative of the Thalamic Neuron Theory.
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Belivani M, Dimitroula C, Katsiki N, Apostolopoulou M, Cummings M, Hatzitolios AI. Acupuncture in the treatment of obesity: a narrative review of the literature. Acupunct Med 2012; 31:88-97. [PMID: 23153472 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the leading health risk factors worldwide and is associated with several other risk factors and health problems including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and malignancies. Current conventional therapeutic strategies for obesity cannot achieve adequate weight control in all patients, so complementary types of treatment are also performed. Acupuncture, one of the oldest healing practices, represents the most rapidly growing complementary therapy which is recognised by both the National Institutes of Health and the WHO. A previous review concluded that acupuncture was superior to lifestyle advice, to sham acupuncture and to conventional medication. In this narrative review, the possible mechanisms of actions and the results of recent experimental and clinical studies with different forms of acupuncture (eg, body, auricular, manual and electroacupuncture) are presented. In particular, the effects of acupuncture on anorexigenic and orexigenic peptides, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers are discussed. Both experimental and clinical current data suggest that acupuncture exerts beneficial effects on the mechanisms of obesity. Some data suggest that electroacupuncture may be more effective than manual acupuncture; however, the most effective frequency remains controversial. Combination of different forms of acupuncture with diet and exercise seems to be necessary for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Further prospective clinical trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of this complementary method for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Belivani
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 1 Stilponos Kyriakidi Street, 54646, Thessaloniki, Greece
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