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Liu Y, Mao R, Han S, Yu Z, Xu B, Xu T. Polymeric Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems: Mechanisms of Treatment, Material Properties, and Clinical Applications-A Comprehensive Review. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2568. [PMID: 39339032 PMCID: PMC11434959 DOI: 10.3390/polym16182568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Our comprehensive review plunges into the cutting-edge advancements of polymeric microneedle drug delivery systems, underscoring their transformative potential in the realm of transdermal drug administration. Our scrutiny centers on the substrate materials pivotal for microneedle construction and the core properties that dictate their efficacy. We delve into the distinctive interplay between microneedles and dermal layers, underscoring the mechanisms by which this synergy enhances drug absorption and precision targeting. Moreover, we examine the acupoint-target organ-ganglion nexus, an innovative strategy that steers drug concentration to specific targets, offering a paradigm for precision medicine. A thorough analysis of the clinical applications of polymeric microneedle systems is presented, highlighting their adaptability and impact across a spectrum of therapeutic domains. This review also accentuates the systems' promise to bolster patient compliance, attributed to their minimally invasive and painless mode of drug delivery. We present forward-looking strategies aimed at optimizing stimulation sites to amplify therapeutic benefits. The anticipation is set for the introduction of superior biocompatible materials with advanced mechanical properties, customizing microneedles to cater to specialized clinical demands. In parallel, we deliberate on safety strategies aimed at boosting drug loading capacities and solidifying the efficacy of microneedle-based therapeutics. In summation, this review accentuates the pivotal role of polymeric microneedle technology in contemporary healthcare, charting a course for future investigative endeavors and developmental strides within this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ruiyue Mao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shijia Han
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tiancheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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Joung JY, Lee YH, Son CG. An evolutionary perspective for integrating mechanisms of acupuncture therapy. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:103060. [PMID: 39278099 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.103060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/17/2024]
Abstract
This study applies an evolutionary medicine perspective to comprehend the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. It draws upon modern evolutionary theory to integrate the currently fragmented theories regarding the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating pain and promoting healing. We explore the interaction between the nervous and immune systems in the context of survival and homeostasis, and elucidate both the local and systemic effects of acupuncture therapy on pain relief and tissue healing. The mechanisms involved are categorized into two main types: local effects, which include immune cell migration, local vasodilation, and the release of adenosine; and distal systemic effects, which involve the regulation of the descending pain control system and the autonomic nervous system, with a particular focus on the parasympathetic nervous system. In conclusion, this integrated perspective not only deepens our understanding of acupuncture within a scientific narrative but also underscores the need for further research to validate and expand our knowledge, thereby enhancing its scientific credibility and clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yong Joung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon Good-morning Oriental Hospital, 21, Dunsan-ro 123beon-gil, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35240, Republic of Korea; Department of Korean Medicine, Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, Daehak-ro 62, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, 266, Munhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 35015, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Liver and Immunology Research Center, Daejeon Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, Daedukdae-ro 176 bun-gil 75, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35235, Republic of Korea; Department of Korean Medicine, Korean Medical College of Daejeon University, Daehak-ro 62, Dong-gu, Daejeon 34520, Republic of Korea.
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Zhao W, Liu SL, Lin SS, Zhang Y, Yu C. Astrocytic P2X7 receptor in retrosplenial cortex drives electroacupuncture analgesia. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-10043-w. [PMID: 39222236 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10043-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) has been found to contribute to the peripheral mechanism of acupuncture analgesia (AA). However, whether it plays an important role in central mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to reveal the role of astrocytic P2X7R in retrosplenial cortex (RSC) in AA and provide new evidence for underlying the central mechanism of AA. We applied the chemogenetic receptors hM3Dq to stimulate or hM4Di to inhibit astrocytes ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) following injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) into the bilateral RSC, or pharmacologically intervened in the activity of the purinergic receptor P2X7R. Current data indicated that chemogenetic inhibition of astrocytes or injection of P2X7R agonist Bz-ATP in the bilateral RSC significantly reverses the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in formalin tests while the bilateral injection of the P2X7R antagonist A438079 alleviated formalin-induced nociceptive behavior. Additionally, chemogenetic suppression of astrocytic P2X7R by injection of AAV in the bilateral RSC decreased hind paw flinches induced by formalin in the mice. These findings indicate the participation of both astrocytes and P2X7R in the RSC in EA analgesic. Moreover, P2X7R on astrocytes in the RSC appears to play a critical role in the ability of EA to attenuate formalin-induced pain responses in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Le Liu
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Si Lin
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chang Yu
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Lee CY, Yang SF, Hsiao CH, Sun CC, Chang CK, Huang JY, Hwang YS. Effectiveness of an Acupuncture Steam-Warming Eye Mask on Dry Eye Disease in Visual Display Terminal Users: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. Diseases 2024; 12:192. [PMID: 39195191 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12080192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of an acupuncture steam-warming eye mask (ASEM) on dry eye disease (DED) in visual display terminal (VDT) users. This prospective randomized clinical trial included VDT users with DED-related features who were randomly assigned to the ASEM group (ASEM for 2 weeks, 20 participants) or the steam-warming eye mask (SEM) group (SEM for 2 weeks, 20 participants). The tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, tear meniscus height, ocular surface staining scores, eyelid and meibomian gland exam, subjective symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) scores before and after treatment were collected. A generalized linear mixed model was applied to compare the improvement of symptoms and signs between the two groups. After the 2-week treatment, all the subjective symptoms and questionnaire scores in the ASEM group improved significantly (all p < 0.05), whereas the feelings of relaxation, comfortable, and refreshment did not change in the SEM group (both p > 0.05). The TBUT, tear meniscus height, and meibum quality in the lower eyelid were significantly better in the ASEM group than the SEM group (all p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the Schirmer test and ocular surface staining scores. Compared with the SEM group, the ASEM group experienced a stronger feeling of refreshment (p = 0.013), lower sensation of ocular discharge (p = 0.031), higher TBUT (p = 0.045), better meibomian gland expressibility of both eyelids (both p < 0.05), and better meibum quality of both eyelids (both p < 0.05), even after adjustments for age and sex. In conclusion, comparing with SEM, ASEM can improve some subjective DED symptoms, tear film stability, and meibum status in VDT users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yi Lee
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Nobel Eye Institute, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jen-Ai Hospital Dali Branch, Taichung 41265, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsi Hsiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chin Sun
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20448, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Kai Chang
- Nobel Eye Institute, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Optometry, Da-Yeh University, Chunghua 51591, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yang Huang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Shiou Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
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Wei L, Han H, Meng J, Li X, Yao QP. Meta-analysis and sequential analysis of acupuncture compared to carbamazepine in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:5083-5093. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i22.5083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing current acupuncture with carbamazepine for trigeminal neuralgia, meta- and sequential analyses were utilized.
AIM To guide clinical decision making regarding the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with carbamazepine.
METHODS The RCT literature on needle comparison was searched in various Chinese biomedical databases including Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Data, VIP Database, as well as international databases such as Excerpt Medica Database, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science, along with related clinical registration platforms such as World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform, ChiCTR, and Clinical Trials up to 1 April 2020. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaborative Risk Bias tool, primary outcome measures (pain reduction) were analyzed using STATA meta-analysis, outcome measures were analyzed using trial sequential analysis 0.9.5.10 Beta sequential analysis, GRADE was used to assess the evidence, and adverse reactions were documented.
RESULTS This study analyzed 16 RCTs with a total of 1231 participants. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in pain reduction between acupuncture and carbamazepine [standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.47; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-1.95], although the quality of evidence was deemed to be of extremely low quality. Cumulative meta-analysis based on the year of publication indicated that carbamazepine treatment first demonstrated a statistically significant difference in pain reduction in 2014 and remained relatively stable over time [SMD = 1.84; 95%CI: 0.22-3.47]. Additionally, the number of adverse events associated with acupuncture was significantly lower compared to carbamazepine.
CONCLUSION Acupuncture for trigeminal neuralgia is better than analgesia and safer than carbamazepine; however, firm conclusions still require a high-quality, multicenter, large-sample RCT to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wei
- Department of Encephalopathy, Tianjin Beichen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Tianjin 300400, China
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Encephalopathy, Tianjin Beichen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Tianjin 300400, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Xin Li
- Bio-engineering Institute, Tianjin Modern Vocational Technology College, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qing-Ping Yao
- Department of Encephalopathy, Tianjin Beichen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Tianjin 300400, China
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Romero-García PA, Ramirez-Perez S, Miguel-González JJ, Guzmán-Silahua S, Castañeda-Moreno JA, Komninou S, Rodríguez-Lara SQ. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Practices: A Narrative Review Elucidating the Impact on Healthcare Systems, Mechanisms and Paediatric Applications. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1547. [PMID: 39120250 PMCID: PMC11311728 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12151547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
While research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the general population is expanding, there remains a scarcity of studies investigating the efficacy and utilisation of CAM practices, specifically in the paediatric population. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of the parental utilisation of CAM in their dependents is estimated to reach up to 80%. This literature review identified broad, heterogeneous, and inconclusive evidence regarding CAM's applications and effectiveness, primarily attributed to variance in sociodemographic factors and differences in national healthcare systems. Additionally, the review identified a lack of consensus and polarised positions among mainstream professionals regarding the mechanisms of action, applications, and effectiveness of CAM. This narrative review presents varied results concerning the efficacy of most CAM therapies and their applications; however, some evidence suggests potential benefits for acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, and massage in improving physical and mental health. Moreover, the available evidence indicates that meditation may enhance mental health, while reiki may only influence patients' perceptions of comfort. In light of the intricate and multifaceted nature of herbal medicine, it is imperative to assess its efficacy on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific compounds and procedures involved. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for health professionals, offering guidance for personalised healthcare approaches that consider the values and beliefs of patients, thereby facilitating integrated, evidence-based practices aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services and patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Anaid Romero-García
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
| | - Sergio Ramirez-Perez
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
- Instituto de Investigación en Reumatología y del Sistema Músculo-Esquelético (IIRSME), CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44100, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jorge Javier Miguel-González
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
- Departamento de Investigación, Instituto Cardiovascular de Mínima Invasión (ICMI), Zapopan 45116, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Sandra Guzmán-Silahua
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
- Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, CMNO OOAD Jalisco Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44160, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Javier Adan Castañeda-Moreno
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
| | - Sophia Komninou
- Faculty of Health and Life Science, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
| | - Simón Quetzalcoatl Rodríguez-Lara
- School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Zapopan 45129, Jalisco, Mexico; (S.R.-P.); (J.J.M.-G.); (S.G.-S.); (J.A.C.-M.)
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Bi J, Liu L, Fan Z, Qu S, Yang J, Xu C, Cui B. Efficacy and Mechanism of Acupoint Catgut Embedding in the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: Protocol for a Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e54376. [PMID: 39083341 PMCID: PMC11325124 DOI: 10.2196/54376] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that manifests as itching and wheals, seriously affecting quality of life. Clinical observations and previous research trials have shown that acupuncture is safe and effective for the treatment of CSU. However, there are problems, such as a short duration of action and frequent treatment. Compared with traditional acupuncture, acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) has the advantages of a longer effect and higher compliance. Clinical trials are needed to prove its efficacy and mechanism of action. OBJECTIVE This trial aims to provide definitive evidence for the treatment of CSU with ACE and explore the mechanism of ACE. METHODS This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. In this trial, 108 participants aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of CSU and no history of ACE will be randomly assigned to 2 groups (1:1 ratio) using the Statistical Analysis System: treatment (ACE) and control (sham ACE). The participants and efficacy evaluators will be blinded to the grouping. Both the ACE and sham ACE groups will undergo acupuncture, but the sham ACE group will not receive catgut sutures. Treatment will be performed twice weekly for 8 weeks, with a 1-week run-in period and a 16-week follow-up period. Twenty patients will be randomly selected to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after the treatment period. The primary outcome will be the urticaria activity score over 7 days (UAS7). We will use R (version 4.0.1; R Project for Statistical Computing) to perform ANOVA and independent samples t tests to compare the differences within and between groups before and after treatment by judging the rejection range based on a significance level of .05. RESULTS The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Guang'anmen Hospital on September 7, 2022, and has been registered on November 30, 2022. Recruitment began on March 1, 2023. A total of 4-6 participants are expected to be recruited each month. The recruitment is planned to be completed on March 1, 2025, and we expect to publish our results by the winter of 2025. As of November 1, 2023, we have enrolled 25 participants with CSU. CONCLUSIONS This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial aims to provide definitive evidence for the treatment of CSU with ACE and explore the mechanism of ACE. We hypothesize that wheals and itching will show greater improvement in participants receiving active therapy than in those receiving sham treatment. The limitations of this study include its single-center trial design, small sample size, and short treatment duration, which may have certain impacts on the research results. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200066274; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojEN.html?proj=179056. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/54376.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Bi
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Fan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengyuan Qu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Xu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingnan Cui
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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He Y, Xiang S, Zhang D, Chen M. Acupuncture treatment for liver cancer pain: A meta-analysis. J Surg Oncol 2024; 130:83-92. [PMID: 38764249 DOI: 10.1002/jso.27691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Acupuncture treatment is a common intervention for the clinical relief of primary liver cancer (PLC) pain, but there is variability in its efficacy. This review systematically assessed the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment for PLC pain by meta-analysis. A total of 17 randomized controlled trial studies involving 1162 patients met the inclusion criteria. This study identified the acupuncture method, treatment duration, and patient age were the main factors affecting the efficacy of acupuncture treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shate Xiang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danjun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muzhi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Lu L, Lu T, Tian C, Zhang X. AI: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine. JMIR Med Inform 2024; 12:e58491. [PMID: 38941141 PMCID: PMC11245652 DOI: 10.2196/58491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The pursuit of groundbreaking health care innovations has led to the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), thus marking a new frontier that demonstrates the promise of combining the advantages of ancient healing practices with cutting-edge advancements in modern technology. TCM, which is a holistic medical system with >2000 years of empirical support, uses unique diagnostic methods such as inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation. AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially via computer systems. TCM is experience oriented, holistic, and subjective, and its combination with AI has beneficial effects, which presumably arises from the perspectives of diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and prognostic veracity. The role of AI in TCM is highlighted by its use in diagnostics, with machine learning enhancing the precision of treatment through complex pattern recognition. This is exemplified by the greater accuracy of TCM syndrome differentiation via tongue images that are analyzed by AI. However, integrating AI into TCM also presents multifaceted challenges, such as data quality and ethical issues; thus, a unified strategy, such as the use of standardized data sets, is required to improve AI understanding and application of TCM principles. The evolution of TCM through the integration of AI is a key factor for elucidating new horizons in health care. As research continues to evolve, it is imperative that technologists and TCM practitioners collaborate to drive innovative solutions that push the boundaries of medical science and honor the profound legacy of TCM. We can chart a future course wherein AI-augmented TCM practices contribute to more systematic, effective, and accessible health care systems for all individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linken Lu
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Tangsheng Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyu Tian
- North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- School of Psychology and Mental Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Hebei Province, China
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10
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Zhu X, Jia Z, Zhou Y, Wu J, Cao M, Hu C, Yu L, Chen Z. Current advances in the pain treatment and mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 39031847 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), as a unique medical model in China, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of many diseases. It has been proven that TCM can increase the pain threshold, increase the level of endorphins and enkephalins in the body, and reduce the body's response to adverse stimuli. In recent years, TCM scholars have made valuable explorations in the field of pain treatment, using methods such as internal and external application of TCM and acupuncture to carry out research on pain treatment and have achieved more satisfactory results. TCM treats pain in a variety of ways, and with the discovery of a variety of potential bioactive substances for pain treatment. With the new progress in the research of other TCM treatment methods for pain, TCM will have greater potential in the clinical application of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhuolin Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ye Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mayijie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjiang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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11
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Zhang H, Guo M, Wang T, Li Z, Zhu F, Chen G, Li C, Chen H, Xiong L. Enhancing postoperative analgesia in open orthopedic surgery through acupoint catgut embedding: A single-center randomized clinical trial. Chin Med J (Engl) 2024:00029330-990000000-01110. [PMID: 38899497 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000003161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Huixing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Muzhen Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Tianjuan Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Guozhong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Lize Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
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12
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Wang X, Wang J, Han R, Yu C, Shen F. Neural circuit mechanisms of acupuncture effect: where are we now? Front Neurol 2024; 15:1399925. [PMID: 38938783 PMCID: PMC11208484 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1399925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been increasing attention on the impact of acupuncture on the dysregulated neural circuits in different disease. This has led to new understandings of how acupuncture works. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of research that have examined the impact of acupuncture on abnormal neural circuits associated with pain, anxiety, Parkinson's disease, addiction disorders, cognitive problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. These studies have shown that acupuncture's therapeutic effects are mediated by specific brain areas and neurons involved in neural circuit mechanisms, emphasising its wide-ranging influence. The positive impacts of acupuncture can be ascribed to its ability to modify the functioning of neurocircuits in various physiological conditions. Nevertheless, contemporary studies on acupuncture neural circuits frequently overlook the comprehensive circuit mechanism including the periphery, central nervous system, and target organ. Additionally, the scope of diseases studied is restricted. Future study should focus on broadening the range of diseases studied and exploring the neural circuit mechanisms of these diseases in depth in order to enhance our understanding of acupuncture's neurobiological impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuesong Wang
- College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Wuhan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Child Rehabilitation Medicine, Qujing Hospital of Maternity and Childcare, Qujing, China
| | - Chaochao Yu
- Department of Tuina, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- The Fourth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Shen
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Guo W, Zhang J, Feng Y. Treatment of neuropathic pain by traditional Chinese medicine: An updated review on their effect and putative mechanisms of action. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2962-2992. [PMID: 38600617 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain with heterogeneous clinical features, and consequent lowering of quality of life. Currently, although conventional chemical drugs can effectively manage NP symptoms in the short term, their long-term efficacy is limited, and they come with significant side effects. In this regard, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a promising avenue for treating NP. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated the effectiveness of TCM with multiple targets and mechanisms. We aimed to outline the characteristics of TCM, including compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, active ingredients, and TCM physical therapy, for NP treatment and discussed their efficacy by analyzing the pathogenesis of NP. Various databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database, were searched. We focused on recent research progress in NP treatment by TCM. Finally, we proposed the future challenges and emerging trends in the treatment of NP. TCM demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in NP treatment, employing multi-mechanisms. Drawing from the theory of syndrome differentiation, four types of dialectical treatments for NP by compound TCM prescriptions were introduced: promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; promoting blood circulation and promote Qi flow; warming Yang and benefiting Qi; soothing the liver and regulating Qi. Meanwhile, 33 single Chinese herbs and 25 active ingredients were included. In addition, TCM physical therapy (e.g., acupuncture, massage, acupoint injection, and fumigation) also showed good efficacy in NP treatment. TCM, particularly through the use of compound prescriptions and acupuncture, holds bright prospects in treating NP owing to its diverse holistic effects. Nonetheless, the multi-targets of TCM may result in possible disadvantages to NP treatment, and the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM need further evaluation. Here, we provide an overview of NP treatment via TCM, based on the pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic mechanisms, thus providing a reference for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Guo
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiquan Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Modern Preparation Technology of TCM of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Chien TJ, Huang YS, Liao LL, Chu CC, Pai JH. Head-to-Head Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Laser Acupuncture Effects on Autonomic Regulation and Clinical Effects in Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024; 30:560-575. [PMID: 38364185 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been applied in dysmenorrhea and has shown good efficacy. The mechanisms of EA are associated with autonomic nervous system adjustments and neuroendocrine regulation. Laser acupuncture (LA), however, has been widely investigated for its noninvasiveness. However, it remains uncertain whether LA is as effective as EA. This study aimed to compare EA and LA head to head in dysmenorrhea. Methods: A crossover, randomized clinical trial was conducted. EA or LA was applied to selected acupuncture points. Participants were randomized into two sequence treatment groups who received either EA or LA twice per week in luteal phase for 3 months followed by 2-month washout, then shifted to other groups (sequence 1: EA > LA; sequence 2: LA > EA). Outcome measures were heart rate variability (HRV), prostaglandins (PGs), pain, and quality-of-life (QoL) assessment (QoL-SF12). We also compared the effect of EA and LA in low and high LF/HF (low frequency/high frequency) status. Results: Totally, 43 participants completed all treatments. Both EA and LA significantly improved HRV activity and were effective in reducing pain (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]; EA: p < 0.001 and LA: p = 0.010) and improving QoL (SF12: EA: p < 0.001, LA, p = 0.017); although without intergroup difference. EA reduced PGs significantly (p < 0.001; δ p = 0.068). In low LF/HF, EA had stronger effects than LA in increasing parasympathetic tone in respect of percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50; p = 0.053) and very low-frequency band (VLF; p = 0.035). Conclusion: There is no significant difference between EA and LA in improving autonomic nervous system dysfunction, pain, and QoL in dysmenorrhea. EA is prominent in PGs changing and preserving vagus tone in low LF/HF; yet LA is noninvasive for those who have needle phobia. Whether LA is equivalent with EA and the mechanism warrants further study. Clinical trial identification number: NCT04178226.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ju Chien
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-Zhou, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shuo Huang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Medicine, Branch of Yang-Ming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Lan Liao
- Department of Traditional Medicine, Branch of Kunming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chang Chu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Branch of Yang-Ming, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Juo-Hsiang Pai
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Branch of Zhong-Zhou, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Li J, Zhang D, Hu J, Cui J, Mansoor KM. The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Mammary Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Res 2024; 17:1761-1772. [PMID: 38774535 PMCID: PMC11107910 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s457039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating mammary hyperplasia. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and VIP Database, from their inception until July 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) researching the use of acupuncture for mammary hyperplasia were included. Quality assessment and data analysis were performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results Eight RCTs, comprising 573 patients, were included in this analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that in the acupuncture group, the experimental group was better than the control group in improving breast pain, breast lump extent, and the texture of breast lump (P=0.0007, I2=61%; P=0.02, I2=0%; P=0.0002, I2=0%). We found that both could be improved, but after statistical analysis, there was no significant advantage in the acupuncture group compared with the patent Chinese medicine group (p>0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture appears to be an effective and safe treatment for mammary hyperplasia, providing pain relief and reducing mass volume, texture, and extent. However, the insufficient quality of the available evidence indicates the need for further methodologically rigorous and convincingly designed studies to determine the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of breast hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Li
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongxiao Zhang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Hu
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianchun Cui
- Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital (Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, People’s Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Khattak Mazher Mansoor
- Liaoning Provincial People’s Hospital (Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, People’s Hospital of China Medical University), Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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Wang C, Wang J, Shi L, Yu X, Wu Z, Cai H. The effects of combined acupuncture anesthesia and serratus anterior plane block with ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing chest surgery. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38641960 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2346155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of combined acupuncture anesthesia and ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia and neuro-related factors in patients undergoing chest surgery. METHODS The analgesic drug dosage, postoperative PCIA pressing times, VAS scores at rest and during activity at 6 h (T1), 12 h (T2), 18 h (T3), and 24 h (T4) postoperatively. RESULTS The analgesic drug dosage and postoperative PCIA pressing times were lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The VAS scores at T1-T4 postoperatively were lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The SAS scores at T1-T4 postoperatively were lower in the observation group than in the control group (p < 0.05). The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 on postoperative day 1 were higher than those on preoperative day 1 in both groups, with a smaller change in the observation group (p < 0.05). The levels of S100β protein on postoperative day 1 were higher than those on preoperative day 1 in both groups, while the BDNF levels were lower, with a smaller change in the observation group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the control group (11.36%) and the observation group (15.56%) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Combined acupuncture anesthesia and ropivacaine can effectively improve postoperative analgesia and agitation in patients undergoing chest surgery, reduce the dosage of analgesic drugs, regulate the levels of inflammatory factors and neurotrophic factors in patients, and do not increase the risk of adverse reactions related to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunfeng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jieqiong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingyan Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyuan Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongqin Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan Second People's Hospital, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
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Zhou X, Zhang YC, Lu KQ, Xiao R, Tang WC, Wang F. The Role of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Mediated F-Actin in the Acupuncture-Induced Mitigation of Inflammatory Pain in Arthritic Rats. Brain Sci 2024; 14:380. [PMID: 38672029 PMCID: PMC11048453 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The analgesic efficacy of acupuncture has been widely recognized. However, the mechanism by which manual acupuncture-generated mechanical stimuli translate into biological signals remains unclear. This study employed a CFA-induced inflammatory pain rat model. Acupuncture intervention was then performed following standardized procedures. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessed inflammatory cytokines levels, while immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR screened the level of p38 and F-actin expression in the ST36 acupoint area of rats. Results indicated increased inflammatory factors, including IL-1β and TNFα, with reduced paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) in CFA rats compared to unmodeled rats. After acupuncture intervention, the heightened expression level of F-actin and p38 mRNA and the phosphorylation of p38 in the acupoint area was observed alongside decreased inflammatory factors in diseased ankle joints. The application of lifting and thrusting manipulations further enhanced the effect of acupuncture, in which the molecular expression level of muscle and connective tissue increased most significantly, indicating that these two tissues play a major role in the transformation of acupuncture stimulation. Moreover, antagonizing p38 expression hindered acupuncture efficacy, supporting the hypothesis that p38 MAPK-mediated F-actin transduces mechanical signals generated by acupuncture and related manipulation into biological signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fan Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (X.Z.); (Y.-C.Z.); (K.-Q.L.); (R.X.); (W.-C.T.)
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Kim DY, Ha IH, Kim JY. Graded exercise with motion style acupuncture therapy for a patient with failed back surgery syndrome and major depressive disorder: a case report and literature review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1376680. [PMID: 38651058 PMCID: PMC11034520 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1376680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) remains challenging despite urgent medical attention requirements. Depression is a contributing factor to the development and poor prognosis of FBSS, and vice versa. We report the case of a patient with FBSS and major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with graded exercise combined with motion-style acupuncture therapy (MSAT). A 53-year-old male veteran who had undergone lumbar discectomy and laminectomy with instrumented fusion was admitted to the hospital with re-current back pain and radiative pain in the left leg. The effects of failed surgery triggered MDD as a comorbidity. After a six-week routine treatment without remarkable improvement, a three-week program of graded exercise with MSAT was applied. The numeric rating scale (NRS) and short form-36 (SF-36) were used to assess low back pain with radiating leg pain, and daily functioning levels, respectively. The voluntary walking distance of the patients was measured. To analyze the therapeutic effects and other applications of the intervention, we surveyed clinical trials using MSAT or graded exercise therapy (GET). Three weeks of graded exercise with MSAT reduced physical and mental functional disabilities (SF-36, physical component: 15.0 to 37.2, mental component: 21.9 to 30.1) as well as the intensity of low back pain and/or radiative leg pain (NRS: 50 to 30). Furthermore, as the therapeutic intensity gradually increased, there was a significant corresponding increase in daily walking distance (mean daily walking distance, the first week vs. baseline, second, and third week, 3.05 ± 0.56: 2.07 ± 0.79, 4.27 ± 0.96, and 4.72 ± 1.04 km, p = 0.04, p = 0.02, and p = 0.003, respectively). Three randomized controlled trials of GET were included, all showing statistically significant antidepressant effects in the diseased population. Graded exercise with MSAT may be an effective rehabilitative therapy for patients with FBSS and MDD who have impaired daily routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do-Young Kim
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Hyuk Ha
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Kim
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ye Q, Li J, Ren WJ, Zhang Y, Wang T, Rubini P, Yin HY, Illes P, Tang Y. Astrocyte activation in hindlimb somatosensory cortex contributes to electroacupuncture analgesia in acid-induced pain. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1348038. [PMID: 38633538 PMCID: PMC11021577 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1348038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have confirmed the direct relationship between extracellular acidification and the occurrence of pain. As an effective pain management approach, the mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of acidification-induced pain is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the analgesic effect of EA in this type of pain and to explore the underlying mechanism(s). Methods We used plantar injection of the acidified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; pH 6.0) to trigger thermal hyperalgesia in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats aged 6-8 weeks. The value of thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) was quantified after applying EA stimulation to the ST36 acupoint and/or chemogenetic control of astrocytes in the hindlimb somatosensory cortex. Results Both EA and chemogenetic astrocyte activation suppressed the acid-induced thermal hyperalgesia in the rat paw, whereas inhibition of astrocyte activation did not influence the hyperalgesia. At the same time, EA-induced analgesia was blocked by chemogenetic inhibition of astrocytes. Conclusion The present results suggest that EA-activated astrocytes in the hindlimb somatosensory cortex exert an analgesic effect on acid-induced pain, although these astrocytes might only moderately regulate acid-induced pain in the absence of EA. Our results imply a novel mode of action of astrocytes involved in EA analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ye
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen-Jing Ren
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Patrizia Rubini
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Yan Yin
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling, School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Cui X, Wei W, Zhang Z, Liu K, Zhao T, Zhang J, Zheng A, Xi H, He X, Wang S, Zhu B, Gao X. Caffeine Impaired Acupuncture Analgesia in Inflammatory Pain by Blocking Adenosine A1 Receptor. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:1024-1038. [PMID: 37918469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Caffeine consumption inhibits acupuncture analgesic effects by blocking adenosine signaling. However, existing evidence remains controversial. Hence, this study aimed to examine the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) role in moderate-dose caffeine-induced abolishing effect on acupuncture analgesia using A1R knockout mice (A1R-/-). We assessed the role of A1R in physiological sensory perception and its interaction with caffeine by measuring mechanical and thermal pain thresholds and administering A1R and adenosine 2A receptor antagonists in wild-type (WT) and A1R-/- mice. Formalin- and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain models were recruited to explore moderate-dose caffeine effect on pain perception and acupuncture analgesia in WT and A1R-/- mice. Moreover, a C-fiber reflex electromyogram in the biceps femoris was conducted to validate the role of A1R in the caffeine-induced blockade of acupuncture analgesia. We found that A1R was dispensable for physiological sensory perception and formalin- and CFA-induced hypersensitivity. However, genetic deletion of A1R impaired the antinociceptive effect of acupuncture in A1R-/- mice under physiological or inflammatory pain conditions. Acute moderate-dose caffeine administration induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia under physiological conditions but not in formalin- and CFA-induced inflammatory pain. Moreover, caffeine significantly inhibited electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia in physiological and inflammatory pain in WT mice, comparable to that of A1R antagonists. Conversely, A1R deletion impaired the EA analgesic effect and decreased the caffeine-induced inhibitory effect on EA analgesia in physiological conditions and inflammatory pain. Moderate-dose caffeine administration diminished the EA-induced antinociceptive effect by blocking A1R. Overall, our study suggested that caffeine consumption should be avoided during acupuncture treatment. PERSPECTIVE: Moderate-dose caffeine injection attenuated EA-induced antinociceptive effect in formalin- and CFA-induced inflammatory pain mice models by blocking A1R. This highlights the importance of monitoring caffeine intake during acupuncture treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cui
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan Wei
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Acupuncture, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Acupuncture, Yuncheng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Ani Zheng
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Department of Acupuncture, Rehabilitation, Massage and Pain, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hanqing Xi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xun He
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuya Wang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Qiu J, Xu J, Cai Y, Li M, Peng Y, Xu Y, Chen G. Catgut embedding in acupoints combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1295429. [PMID: 38606276 PMCID: PMC11008468 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1295429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To date, the clinical modulation for bone metabolism based on the neuro-bone mass regulation theory is still not popular. The stimulation of nerve systems to explore novel treatments for Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is urgent and significant. Preliminary research results suggested that changes brain function and structure may play a crucial role in bone metabolism with PMOP. Thus, we set up a clinical trial to investigate the effect of the combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and catgut embedding in acupoints (CEA) for PMOP and to elucidate the central mechanism of this neural stimulation in regulating bone metabolism. Method This trial is a prospective and randomized controlled trial. 96 PMOP participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into a CEA group, an rTMS group, or a combined one. Participants will receive CEA, rTMS, or combined therapy for 3 months with 8 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcomes will be the changes in Bone Mineral Density scores, total efficiency of Chinese Medicine Symptoms before and after treatment. Secondary outcomes include the McGill Pain Questionnaire Short-Form, Osteoporosis Symptom Score, Mini-Mental State Examination, and Beck Depression Inventory-II. The leptin, leptin receptor, and norepinephrine levels of peripheral blood must be measured before and after treatment. Adverse events that occur during the trial will be recorded. Discussion CEA achieves brain-bone mass regulation through the bottom-up way of peripheral-central while rTMS achieves it through the top-down stimulation of central-peripheral. CEA combined with rTMS can stimulate the peripheral-central at the same time and promote peripheral bone mass formation. The combination of CEA and rTMS may play a coordinating, synergistic, and side-effect-reducing role, which is of great clinical significance in exploring better treatment options for PMOP.Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300073863.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Qiu
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - JiaZi Xu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingyue Cai
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghong Li
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingsin Peng
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yunxiang Xu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guizhen Chen
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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22
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Yuan S, Qiu B, Liang Y, Deng B, Xu J, Tang X, Wu J, Zhou S, Li Z, Li H, Ye Q, Wang L, Cui S, Tang C, Yi W, Yao L, Xu N. Role of TRPV1 in electroacupuncture-mediated signal to the primary sensory cortex during regulation of the swallowing function. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14457. [PMID: 37718934 PMCID: PMC10916430 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Electroacupuncture (EA) at the Lianquan (CV23) could alleviate swallowing dysfunction. However, current knowledge of its neural modulation focused on the brain, with little evidence from the periphery. Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) is an ion channel predominantly expressed in sensory neurons, and acupuncture can trigger calcium ion (Ca2+ ) wave propagation through active TRPV1 to deliver signals. The present study aimed to investigate whether TRPV1 mediated the signal of EA to the primary sensory cortex (S1) during regulation of swallowing function. METHODS Blood perfusion was evaluated by laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and neuronal activity was evaluated by fiber calcium recording and c-Fos staining. The expression of TRPV1 was detected by RNA-seq analysis, immunofluorescence, and ELISA. In addition, the swallowing function was assessed by in vivo EMG recording and water consumption test. RESULTS EA treatment potentiated blood perfusion and neuronal activity in the S1, and this potentiation was absent after injecting lidocaine near CV23. TRPV1 near CV23 was upregulated by EA-CV23. The blood perfusion at CV23 was decreased in the TRPV1 hypofunction mice, while the blood perfusion and the neuronal activity of the S1 showed no obvious change. These findings were also present in post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) mice. CONCLUSION The TRPV1 at CV23 after EA treatment might play a key role in mediating local blood perfusion but was not involved in transferring EA signals to the central nervous system (CNS). These findings collectively suggested that TRPV1 may be one of the important regulators involved in the mechanism of EA treatment for improving swallowing function in PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Yuan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Department of Rehabilitation of Traditional Chinese MedicineHunan University of Chinese MedicineChangshaChina
| | - Bo Qiu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Ying Liang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Bing Deng
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Jing Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaorong Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Junshang Wu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Sheng Zhou
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Zeli Li
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongzhu Li
- Rehabilitation CenterFirst Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiuping Ye
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lin Wang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuai Cui
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, College of Acupuncture and MoxibustionAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Wei Yi
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Lulu Yao
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu‐Moxi and RehabilitationGuangzhou University of Chinese MedicineGuangzhouChina
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Fan Z, Dou B, Wang J, Wu Y, Du S, Li J, Yao K, Li Y, Wang S, Gong Y, Guo Y, Xu Z. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia mediated by afferent nerves in acupoint microenvironments. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1239839. [PMID: 38384495 PMCID: PMC10879281 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1239839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the use of acupuncture analgesia in clinical practice has increased worldwide. This is due to its various benefits, including natural alleviation of pain without causing various adverse effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids. The acupoint represents the initial site of acupuncture stimulation, where diverse types of nerve fibers located at the acupoint hold significant roles in the generation and transmission of acupuncture-related information. In this study, we analyzed the patterns and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesic mediated by acupoint afferent fibers, and found that acupuncture stimulates acupoints which rapidly and directly induces activation of high-density primary afferent fibers under the acupoints, including myelinated A fibers and unmyelinated C fibers. During acupuncture stimulation at the muscle layer, the analgesic effects can be induced by stimulation of A fiber threshold intensity. At the skin layer, the analgesic effects can only be produced by stimulation of C fiber threshold intensity. Electroacupuncture (EA) activates A fibers, while manual acupuncture (MA) activates both A and C fibers. Furthermore, acupuncture alters acupoint microenvironments, which positively modulates afferent fibers, enhancing the transmission of analgesic signals. In addition to local activation and conduction at acupoints, nerve fibers mediate the transmission of acupuncture information to pain centers. In the spinal cord, acupuncture activates neurons by inducing afferent fiber depolarization, modulating pain gating, inhibiting long-term potentiation (LTP) of the spinal dorsal horn and wide dynamic range (WDR) neuronal activities. At higher nerve centers, acupuncture inhibits neuronal activation in pain-related brain regions. In summary, acupuncture inhibits pain signal transmission at peripheral and central systems by activating different patterns of afferent fibers located on various layers of acupoints. This study provides ideas for enhancing the precise application and clinical translation of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhi Fan
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiangshan Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongjian Wu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Simin Du
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiashan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaifang Yao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
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24
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Qin H, Feng J, Wu X. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture on women related health. Front Med 2024; 18:46-67. [PMID: 38151668 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Globally, public health interventions have resulted in a 30-year increase in women's life expectancy. However, women's health has not increased when socioeconomic status is ignored. Women's health has become a major public health concern, for those women from developing countries are still struggling with infectious and labor-related diseases, and their counterparts in developed countries are suffering from physical and psychological disorders. In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine has attracted wide attentions with regards to maintaining women's health. Acupuncture, a crucial component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to treat many obstetric and gynecological diseases for thousands of years due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and its effects on stimulating the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system. To fully understand the mechanism through which acupuncture exerts its effects in these diseases would significantly extend the list of available interventions and would allow for more reasonable advice to be given to general practitioners. Therefore, by searching PubMed and CNKI regarding the use of acupuncture in treating obstetric and gynecological diseases, we aimed to summarize the proven evidence of using acupuncture in maintaining women's health by considering both its effectiveness and the underlying mechanisms behind its effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huichao Qin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150036, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Jiaxing Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China.
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Kui W, Xie L, Li Y, Gu Z, Liu S, Xue C, Wang K. Efficacy and safety of bloodletting puncture and cupping in postherpetic neuralgia: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Biomed Rep 2024; 20:30. [PMID: 38259587 PMCID: PMC10801353 DOI: 10.3892/br.2023.1718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bloodletting puncture and cupping (BLP-C) in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and to provide guidance for clinical treatment. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of BLP-C therapy in PHN were systematically searched in eight databases from inception to September 2022. Literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent researchers. Dichotomous and continuous variables were pooled using the risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD), respectively. A total of 13 studies involving 1,129 patients with PHN (571 in the experimental group and 558 in the control group) were included in the present meta-analysis. Overall efficacy (RR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.28, P<0.00001), VAS score (WMD=-1.10, 95% CI: -1.31 to -0.90, P<0.00001) and PSQI score (WMD=-2.42, 95% CI: -2.87 to -1.96, P<0.0001) were significantly different between the BLP-C group and Western medicine group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis demonstrated that BLP-C alone or combined with other traditional Chinese medicines was more effective than Western medicine in PHN. A total of four RCTs mentioned adverse reactions, most of which were in the Western medicine group and were relieved after treatment discontinuation. In conclusion, BLP-C is superior to Western medicine in relieving pain and improving the sleep quality of patients with PHN with a lower incidence of adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyun Kui
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Lei Xie
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Yanan Li
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Gu
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Chunchun Xue
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
| | - Kaiqiang Wang
- Department of Pain, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200071, P.R. China
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26
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Pye C, Clark N, Bruniges N, Peffers M, Comerford E. Current evidence for non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis. J Small Anim Pract 2024; 65:3-23. [PMID: 37776028 DOI: 10.1111/jsap.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease process that affects a significant proportion of the canine population, impacting these animals' quality of life. Currently, there is no cure and treatment consists of managing the clinical signs of pain and reduced mobility. There are many treatments for canine osteoarthritis and in this review we discuss the evidence base behind non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical treatments of this disease. These treatments include weight management, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, physiotherapies such as therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy as well as other therapeutic modalities including photobiomodulation therapy, electromagnetic field therapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pye
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX
| | - N Clark
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX
| | - N Bruniges
- University of Liverpool Small Animal Teaching Hospital, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE
| | - M Peffers
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX
| | - E Comerford
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, William Henry Duncan Building, 6 West Derby Street, Liverpool, L7 8TX
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27
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Shin WC, Kim H, Chung WS. Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:7424-7431. [PMID: 37969454 PMCID: PMC10643069 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i30.7424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by pain as well as sensory, motor, and sudomotor disorders. Generally, it is classified into two types CRPS-I and CRPS-II. There is no single diagnostic test or treatment approach for CRPS, and a multidisciplinary approach is gaining attention to improve patients' symptoms and their quality of life. CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history sought treatment for CRPS at a hospital of Korean medicine. During her first visit, she was wheelchair-bound due to severe pain in her left lower extremity. She had edema and discoloration of the left foot. She was treated with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches, including acupuncture, moxibustion, pharmacopuncture, and herbal decoction, for approximately 20 sessions. The foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) and visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain were evaluated, along with general signs and functions. Her symptoms, signs, FAOS, and VAS scores improved after treatment, with a significant 7-degree decrease in the VAS score and a 62-point increase in the FAOS score. Additionally, the foot swelling and discoloration gradually resolved. During the phone follow-up, 5 mo after the last visit, additional improvements in outcomes were observed. CONCLUSION Combined TCM treatment may be a reasonable and safe option for alleviating symptoms and improving function in patients with CRPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Chul Shin
- Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Hyungsuk Kim
- Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, South Korea
| | - Won-Seok Chung
- Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, South Korea
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Gao H, Ding W. Effect and mechanism of acupuncture on endogenous and exogenous stem cells in disease treatment: A therapeutic review. Life Sci 2023; 331:122031. [PMID: 37598978 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122031] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture is effective intervention, particularly in nerve, endocrine diseases and immune diseases. The potential mechanisms mediating the effects of acupuncture include anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress, inhibition of cell apoptosis, and stimulation of the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous stem cells. Traditional Chinese medicine combined with stem cell transplantation have a synergistic effect in the treatment of diseases. Increasing studies have found that acupuncture can promote the proliferation, differentiation, homing and survival of exogenous stem cells. This article reviews the mechanism of acupuncture and Chinese herbs on endogenous stem cells and exogenous stem cells in the combined intervention of diverse disorders and the major problems in past 15 years, which will provide a reference for future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Weijun Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
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Volinn E. When Patients' Assessments of Treatment for Subjective Symptoms are At Odds with Authoritative Assessments in the Biomedical Literature: The Case of Patients Treated with Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in China (and Story of a Bewildered Chicken). J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:1073-1082. [PMID: 36647197 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Assessments of treatments for 'subjective symptoms' are problematic and potentially contentious. These are symptoms without ascertainable pathophysiology, also referred to as 'medically unexplained.' Treatments of them may be assessed from different perspectives, and an assessment as seen from one perspective may be discrepant with an assessment as seen from another perspective. The observational study described in the paper represents one perspective. Patients in the study were treated with acupuncture for the subjective symptom of low back pain in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in China; acupuncture is a form of TCM, which is indigenous to China. Shortly after treatment began and six months afterward, patients reported 'clinically important improvements' on a variety of standard, cross-culturally validated outcome measures, including pain intensity, physical functioning, and emotional functioning; this assessment is consistent with numerous assessments of acupuncture in China and other Southeastern Asian countries. On the other hand, clinical trials represent another perspective from which to assess acupuncture. Although assessments based on trials are not uniform, several assessments based on them, including those published in journals such as Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine, conclude that acupuncture is not effective. These trials, however, were mainly situated in the U.S., western European countries, and other WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) countries. This is notable, because the population of China, the indigenous context of acupuncture, is greater than populations of WEIRD countries combined. Patients' expectations of a treatment such as acupuncture and their prior familiarity with it vary among contexts, and patients' experiences of treatment outcomes may vary accordingly. In short, although clinical trials constitute a test of truth in biomedicine and inform authoritative assessments in WEIRD countries, they do not necessarily represent the truth from the perspective of those experiencing outcomes of especially indigenous treatments for subjective symptoms in non-WEIRD contexts.
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30
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Liang F, Du L, Rao X, Li Y, Long W, Tian J, Zhu X, Zou A, Lu W, Wan B. Effect of electroacupuncture at ST36 on the cerebral metabolic kinetics of rheumatoid arthritis rats. Brain Res Bull 2023; 201:110700. [PMID: 37414302 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110700] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to enhance the recovery of symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Both the pathogenesis of RA and the therapeutic effects of EA are closely associated with the metabolic activity of the brain. In this study, we investigated the effect of EA at the "Zusanli" acupoint (ST36) on a rat model of collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis (CIA). The results demonstrated that EA effectively alleviated joint swelling, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage erosion, and bone destruction in CIA rats. Additionally, the metabolic kinetics study revealed a significant increase in the 13C enrichment of GABA2 and Glu4 in the midbrain of CIA rats treated with EA. Correlation network analysis showed that changes in Gln4 levels in the hippocampus were strongly associated with the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. Immunofluorescence staining of c-Fos in the midbrain's periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) and hippocampus demonstrated increased c-Fos expression in these regions following EA treatment. These findings suggest that GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons in the midbrain, along with astrocytes in the hippocampus, may play vital roles in the beneficial effects of EA on RA. Furthermore, the PAG and hippocampus brain regions hold potential as critical targets for future RA treatments. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the specific mechanism of EA in treating RA by elucidating the perspective of cerebral metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Liang
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Du
- Eye Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Rao
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Long
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxuan Tian
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuanai Zhu
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Aijia Zou
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Clinical College of Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China.
| | - Bijiang Wan
- College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan, China.
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Pai MYB, Hohl A, de Souza LRC, Mendes MV, Sampaio LCS, Tsai AWW. Acupuncture for pregnancy-related pain in the lower back and posterior pelvic girdle. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e2023S101. [PMID: 37556620 PMCID: PMC10411702 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.2023s101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Yu Bin Pai
- Universidade de São Paulo, Pain Center, Hospital das Clínicas, Department of Neurology – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Adriano Hohl
- Brazilian College of Medical Acupuncture – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Andre Wan Wen Tsai
- Universidade de São Paulo, Acupuncture Center, Hospital das Clínicas, Department of Orthopedics – São Paulo (SP), Brazil
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Wang Y, Yang L, Wu Y. Case report: Cheek acupuncture exhibits an immediate effect in relieving severe pain associated with nerve compression or damage of central nervous system and its potential mechanism of action. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1211361. [PMID: 37547149 PMCID: PMC10400715 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1211361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve compression or permanent damage of central nervous system (CNS) can trigger severe neuralgia to patients. Analgesic medicine or even surgery to remove nerve compression is commonly used for pain relief. But these treatments either are ineffective, have side-effect or can cause subsequent complications. Acupuncture, a technique that has been widely used in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years, is an alternative to relieve pain, although the mechanism of action is not fully understood. In this study, two patients who had symptoms of severe neuralgia associated with peripheral nerve compression or permanent damage/dysfunction of CNS and analgesic medicines are ineffective, underwent cheek acupuncture, a new technique established recent years by the author with the features of painless, standardization, simplicity, and precision. An immediate analgesic effect of the cheek acupuncture was observed without any side effects, and clinical remission was achieved after several sessions of treatments. It suggests that this new approach is an efficient alternative for pain relief induced by nerve impairment. The authors proposed a biological holographic model of triplet homunculi existing at the level of the local cheek, spinal cord, and cerebral cortex, to explain the immediate and accurate analgesic effect of the cheek acupuncture. These homunculi have the same structure, and synchronized sensations and actions that are mediated by afferent and efferent neurons, as the integrated human body. Therefore, the nociception and needling signals are sensed, transmitted, analyzed, and manipulated cooperatively and simultaneously among these homunculi with the subsequent pain relief in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongzhou Wang
- International Cheek Acupuncture Therapy Institute, Fontenay-sous-Bois, France
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzheng Wu
- Unité de Biologie Cellulaire & Infection Microbienne, CNRS UMR3691, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Yu G, Luo S, Zhu C, Chen L, Huang H, Nie B, Gu J, Liu J. Global Trends and Performances of Acupuncture Therapy on Bell's Palsy from 2000 to 2023: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2155-2169. [PMID: 37397274 PMCID: PMC10312334 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s401086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Recent studies have shown that acupuncture may have great potential in the treatment of Bell's palsy. However, the bibliometric analysis of this field has not been summarized properly. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the hotspot of acupuncture for Bell's Palsy. Methods The core collection database of Web of Science was searched for relevant publications from 2000 to 2023, and countries, institutions, authors, keywords, and literature were analyzed and visualized by bibliometric softwareCiteSpace 5.1.R6, Vosviewer, BICOMB, and gCLUTO to explore the scientific achievements, research collaboration networks, research hot spots, and research trends. Results 229 publications were included in this study. The most cited journal is Journal of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery; the most prolific country is China; the most prolific author is Li Ying, moreover, the collaboration among scholars is poor; Kyung Hee University is the most prolific institution studying acupuncture for Bell's Palsy. Reference burst detection indicates that traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy, the role of acupuncture in the prognosis of facial palsy, mechanism of acupuncture to improve facial nerve function, and the use of electroacupuncture are starting to become new research hotspots. Conclusion The field of acupuncture for Bell's Palsy has developed rapidly in recent years, and new research trends are mainly: combination with traditional Chinese medicine, the role of acupuncture in the prognosis of facial palsy, mechanism of acupuncture to improve facial nerve function, and the use of electroacupuncture. However, research in this field is still dominated by case reports and clinical trials, and there is a lack of large-scale, multicenter clinical trials and animal experiments there are still many problems in institutional cooperation and experimental design, which requires relevant researchers to strengthen cooperation and improve experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangbin Yu
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuping Luo
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuilian Zhu
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Chen
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Huang
- First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Nie
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhao Gu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Liu
- Fifth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou City, People’s Republic of China
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Carvalho V, Rangrej SB, Rathore R. The Benefits of Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence. Cureus 2023; 15:e41203. [PMID: 37525791 PMCID: PMC10387299 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this evidence-based study is to narrate and evaluate the current evidence on recommendations for practicing physicians and other healthcare providers regarding integrative approaches to managing pain in patients with cancer. This review will assess the guideline recommendations and analyze the role of integrative medicine in addressing cancer pain in patients. The literature search highlights relevant studies that will inform evidence-based recommendations for practicing physicians, highlighting their relevance and weaknesses. Acupuncture, massage, and hypnosis have intermediate-strength evidence quality and are moderately recommended for various types of cancer pain. Most of the evidence points to acupuncture being recommended for aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain, hypnosis for procedural pain, and massage for palliative care pain. Other practices with lower-quality evidence include yoga and guided imagery with progressive muscle relaxation, mostly recommended for general cancer pain or musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, music therapy is recommended for procedural or surgical pain. Low-quality or inconclusive evidence was found for other mind-body interventions or natural products. Similarly, there is insufficient evidence to provide recommendations for pediatric patients. Further research is required to enhance our understanding of the role of integrative medicine interventions in caring for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shahid B Rangrej
- Anatomy/Research, Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale, VCT
| | - Rajni Rathore
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Saint James School of Medicine, Arnos Vale, VCT
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Ma Y, Li B, Cui Y, Zhang Z, Jiang S, Yan X, He J, Du Y. The Top 100 Cited Articles on Acupuncture in the Last 20 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis. Complement Med Res 2023; 30:393-407. [PMID: 37263232 DOI: 10.1159/000530778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has gained increasing international attention in recent decades. The act of incorporating acupuncture treatment into the routine treatment of COVID-19 in China drove us to review the 100 most influential articles of the last 20 years to learn about the current status and trends of acupuncture. METHOD Articles related to acupuncture from January 1, 2001, to July 4, 2022, were searched in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection database. The top 100 most cited publications were selected, and information was extracted. Software such as VOSviewer, GraphPad Prism, Scimago Graphica, and CiteSpace were used to visualize and analyze the extracted data. RESULT The 100 most cited articles were identified, with an average of 218 citations (range: 131-625). The majority of the top 100 articles were from the USA (n = 53). The institution that published the most highly cited papers was Harvard University (n = 16). The most influential team was Klaus Linde's group. Pain was the top-ranked journal in terms of the number of publications. The largest clusters for co-occurrence keyword analysis focused on acupuncture and electroacupuncture analgesia and brain imaging responses to acupuncture stimulation via functional MRI. The two highest strength burst keywords were "randomized controlled trials" and "osteoarthritis," with "randomized controlled trials" being a consistent burst keyword from 2011 to the present. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into articles of historical significance in the field of acupuncture through bibliometric analysis. These data should provide clinicians and researchers with insight into future directions related to acupuncture. Hintergrund Die Akupunktur hat in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten zunehmend die internationale Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen. Die Einbeziehung der Akupunktur in die Routinebehandlung von COVID-19 in China hat uns dazu veranlasst, die 100 einflussreichsten Artikel der letzten 20 Jahre zu überprüfen, um etwas über den aktuellen Stand und die Trends in der Akupunktur zu erfahren. Methode Artikel mit Bezug zu Akupunktur vom 1. Januar 2001 bis 4. Juli 2022 wurden in der Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Core Collection Datenbank gesucht. Die 100 am häufigsten zitierten Veröffentlichungen wurden ausgewählt und die Informationen wurden extrahiert. Visualisierung und Analyse der extrahierten Daten erfolgten mithilfe der Software VOSviewer, GraphPad Prism, Scimago Graphica und CiteSpace. Ergebnis Es wurden die 100 am häufigsten zitierten Artikel ermittelt mit durchschnittlich 218 Zitierungen (Spanne: 131 bis 625). Der Großteil der 100 meistzitierten Artikel stammte aus den Vereinigten Staaten ( n = 53). Die Institution, die die meisten zitierten Artikel veröffentlichte, war die Harvard-Universität ( n = 16). Das einflussreichste Team war die Gruppe von Klaus Linde. Was die Zahl der Veröffentlichungen betrifft, war Pain die am häufigsten zitierte Zeitschrift. Bei der Analyse der Koinzidenz von Schlüsselwörtern lag der Fokus der größten Cluster auf Akupunktur-und Elektroakupunktur-Analgesie sowie auf den Reaktionen auf Akupunkturstimulation in den bildgebenden Untersuchungen des Gehirns mittels funktioneller MRT. Die beiden stärksten Burst-Schlüsselwörter waren “randomisierte kontrollierte Studien” und “Osteoarthritis,” wobei “randomisierte kontrollierte Studien” von 2011 bis heute durchgängig ein Burst-Schlüsselwort ist. Schlussfolgerung Diese Studie bietet einen Einblick in historisch bedeutsame Artikel auf dem Gebiet der Akupunktur mittels bibliometrischer analyse. Diese Daten sollen Klinikern und Forschern einen Einblick in zukünftige Richtungen im Zusammenhang mit Akupunktur geben.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Ma
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China,
| | - Bo Li
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Cui
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zixing Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiyi Jiang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiong Yan
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Junpeng He
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuzheng Du
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Ang L, Kim HJ, Heo JW, Choi TY, Lee HW, Kim JI, Lee MS. Acupuncture for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 52:101763. [PMID: 37159979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Few systematic reviews have examined the effects of acupuncture on trigeminal neuralgia. This review aims to provide up-to-date evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture for managing pain in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. METHODS Eleven databases were searched from inception until November 2022 for relevant articles Two researchers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and evaluation. The present review solely targeted randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool 2.0 was employed to assess the risk of bias. Data were compiled using RevMan 5.4.1 software, and the quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS Thirty studies involving 2295 patients were included in this review. Compared with carbamazepine, acupuncture led to improvements in pain scores (15 RCTs, mean difference (MD) - 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI)-1.82 to -0.98 [95% prediction interval, -3.137,0.343], p < 0.00001, low certainty of evidence (CoE)), response rates (29 RCTs, risk ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.25 [95% prediction interval, 1.067, 1.346], p < 0.00001, low CoE), frequency of pain attacks (2 RCTs, MD -2.53, 95% CI -4.11 to -0.96, P = 0.002, low CoE), and adverse effects (13 RCTs, risk difference (RD) -0.15, 95% CI -0.19 to -0.11 [95% prediction interval, -0.193, -0.108], P < 0.00001, very low CoE). CONCLUSION Although the quality of evidence is low, compared with carbamazepine, acupuncture may improve trigeminal neuralgia-related pain. Further rigorously designed studies are warranted to confirm the effects of acupuncture on patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ang
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Kim
- Department of East-West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Weon Heo
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae-Young Choi
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- KM Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jong-In Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.
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Lin KYH, Chang YC, Lu WC, Kotha P, Chen YH, Tu CH. Analgesic Efficacy of Acupuncture on Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:830. [PMID: 36981487 PMCID: PMC10048458 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is the pain occurred in the pelvic region longer than six months. The monotherapy of medicine may not adequate for the pain management of CPP and multidisciplinary approaches have been more recommended. The aim of this study is to evaluate the pain management efficacy of acupuncture compared with a control group on CPP. The articles of randomized controlled trial on CPP in PubMed and Embase databases were screened between January 2011 and September 2022 without language restriction to evaluate the treatment efficacy of acupuncture. The visual analogue scale/numerical rating scale (VAS/NRS) and total pain scores of National Institutes of Health-chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI) were served as outcome variables. Post-intervention mean scores were extracted and pooled for meta-analysis. Seventeen studies including 1455 patients were selected for meta-analysis. Both total pain scores of NIH-CPSI and VAS/NAS data revealed significant lower pain level in the acupuncture group than in the control group. Moreover, monotherapy with acupuncture revealed a significantly lower pain level than in the control group in both total pain scores of NIH-CPSI and VAS/NRS. These results indicated that acupuncture may have beneficial effects on pain management for CPP, even when administrated as a monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Yu-Hsien Lin
- Department of Gynecology, Ryde Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney 2122, Australia
| | - Yi-Chuan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin 651012, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Lu
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Peddanna Kotha
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hung Chen
- International Master Program in Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Photonics and Communication Engineering, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Tu
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
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Kang B, Zhao C, Ma J, Wang H, Gu X, Xu H, Zhong S, Gao C, Xu X, A X, Xie J, Du M, Shen J, Xiao L. Electroacupuncture alleviates pain after total knee arthroplasty through regulating neuroplasticity: A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2913. [PMID: 36749304 PMCID: PMC10013951 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture in relieving acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and related mechanism. METHODS In this randomized, single-blind, and sham-acupuncture controlled study. Forty patients with postoperative acute pain were recruited and randomly divided electroacupuncture group (n = 20) and sham-acupuncture group (n = 20) from November 2020 to October 2021. All patients received electroacupuncture or sham-acupuncture for 5 days after TKA. Their brain regions were scanned with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging before and after intervention. Pain was scaled. Another 40 matched healthy controls underwent scanning once. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values was compared. Pearson's correlation analysis was utilized to explore the correlation of ALFF with clinical variables in patients after intervention. RESULTS Compared with the HCs, patients with acute pain following TKA had significantly decreased ALFF value in right middle frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area, bilateral precuneus, right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, and left triangular part of inferior frontal gyrus (false discovery rate corrected p < .05). Patients had higher ALFF value in bilateral precuneus, right cuneus, right angular gyrus, bilateral middle occipital gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus after electroacupuncture (AlphaSim corrected p < .01). Correlation analysis revealed that the change (postoperative day 7 to postoperative day 3) of ALFF in bilateral precuneus were negatively correlated with the change of NRS scores (r = -0.706; p = .002; 95% CI = -0.890 to -0.323) in EA group. CONCLUSIONS The functional activities of related brain regions decreased in patients with acute pain after TKA. The enhancement of the functional activity of precuneus may be the neurobiological mechanism of electroacupuncture in treating pain following TKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation centersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
| | - Chi Zhao
- Acupuncture Tuina InstituteHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
| | - Jie Ma
- Center of Rehabilitation MedicineYueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Haiqi Wang
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoli Gu
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Xu
- Acupuncture Tuina InstituteHenan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
| | - Sheng Zhong
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Chenxin Gao
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xirui Xu
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xinyu A
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jun Xie
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mengmeng Du
- Department of Rehabilitation centersThe First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
- Depart of Peripheral vascularThe First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese MedicineZhengzhouChina
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Lianbo Xiao
- Department of OrthopaedicsShanghai Guanghua Hospital of Integrative Chinese and Western MedicineShanghaiChina
- Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western MedicineShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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Spinal cord astrocyte P2X7Rs mediate the inhibitory effect of electroacupuncture on visceral hypersensitivity of rat with irritable bowel syndrome. Purinergic Signal 2023; 19:43-53. [PMID: 35389158 PMCID: PMC9984627 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-021-09830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the role of P2X7 receptors in spinal cord astrocytes in the electroacupuncture-induced inhibition of visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Visceral hypersensitivity of IBS was intracolonically induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension (CRD-20,40,60,80 mmHg) and abdominal withdrawal reflex scoring (AWRs) were recorded after electroacupuncture at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on visceral pain in rats with IBS. Fluorocitric acid (FCA), an astrocyte activity inhibitor, was injected intrathecally before electroacupuncture intervention and AWRs were recorded. Western blot and real-time qPCR were used to detect the expression of NMDA and P2X7 receptor to observe the regulation effect of electroacupuncture on NMDA receptor in the spinal cord of rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Intrathecal injection of P2X7 agonist or antagonist was administered before electroacupuncture treatment. To observe the effect of P2X7 receptor in spinal astrocytes on the inhibition of visceral hyperalgesia by electroacupuncture, the changes of AWR score, NMDA receptor in the spinal cord, and GFAP expression in astrocytes were detected. Inflammation of the colon had basically subsided at day 21 post-TNBS; persistent visceral hypersensitivity could be suppressed by electroacupuncture. This analgesic effect could be inhibited by FCA. The analgesic effect, downregulation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit, and P2X7 protein of electroacupuncture were all reversed by FCA. P2X7 receptor antagonist A740003 can cooperate with EA to carry out analgesic effect in rats with visceral pain and downregulate the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP in spinal dorsal horn. However, the P2X7 receptor agonist BzATP could partially reverse the analgesic effect of EA, inhibiting the downregulatory effect of EA on the expression of NR1, NR2B, and GFAP. These results indicate that EA may downregulate the expression of the NMDA receptor by inhibiting the P2X7 receptor in the spinal cord, thereby inhibiting spinal cord sensitization in IBS rats with visceral pain, in which astrocytes are an important medium.
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Jin Y, Yu X, Hu S, Liu L, Wang B, Feng Y, Li Y, Xiong B, Wang L. Efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after cesarean delivery: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:100826. [PMID: 36464237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroacupuncture is a nonpharmacologic intervention for analgesia that is widely recognized as therapy for pain. However, the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery, determine the optimal frequency for the best analgesic effect, and explore the underlying mechanism of action. STUDY DESIGN This single-center, randomized, single-blinded, sham acupuncture controlled clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary university hospital in China. Female patients who underwent cesarean delivery and received fentanyl as patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative analgesia were enrolled. Patients were after surgery randomized to receive 2 Hz electroacupuncture treatment (n=53), 20/100 Hz electroacupuncture treatment (n=53), or sham electroacupuncture treatment (n=52) (controls). The 2 electroacupuncture groups received electroacupuncture treatment at 2 or 20/100 Hz at the ST36 and SP6 points, whereas, in the sham electroacupuncture group, sham electroacupuncture was performed at nonmeridian points with nonenergized electroacupuncture instruments. Of note, 4 electroacupuncture treatments were performed in all groups at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. The primary outcome was the number of analgesic pump compressions at 48 hours after surgery. The secondary outcomes included number of analgesic pump compressions at 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery; pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery; fentanyl consumption at 48 hours after surgery; interleukin 6 and procalcitonin levels at 12 and 48 hours after surgery; and time to first exhaust. RESULTS Overall, 174 primigravida women were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The number of analgesic pump compressions and pain scores at all 4 time points and fentanyl consumption at 48 hours after surgery were significantly lower in the electroacupuncture treatment groups than in the sham electroacupuncture group (P<.001). CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia had a significantly better analgesic effect than sham electroacupuncture + patient-controlled intravenous analgesia within 48 hours after surgery. Thus, electroacupuncture can be considered safe and effective and may improve the efficacy of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for pain management after cesarean delivery. Electroacupuncture can be recommended as a routine complementary therapy for pain control after cesarean delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jin
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Jin and Xiong); Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jin and Liu); Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Drs Jin and Li)
| | - Xiaoshuai Yu
- The Third School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Dr Yu)
| | - Shen Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Hu, Feng, and L Wang)
| | - Lanying Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China (Drs Jin and Liu)
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Dr B Wang)
| | - Yuanling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Hu, Feng, and L Wang)
| | - Yubo Li
- College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China (Dr Li); Key Laboratory of Pulsed Power Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China (Drs Jin and Li)
| | - Bing Xiong
- Department of Rehabilitation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Jin and Xiong).
| | - Liquan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Province, China (Drs Hu, Feng, and L Wang).
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Chen Y, Li D, Li N, Loh P, Guo Y, Hu X, Zhang J, Dou B, Wang L, Yang C, Guo T, Chen S, Liu Z, Chen B, Chen Z. Role of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk in mediating the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1093849. [PMID: 36756246 PMCID: PMC9899820 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1093849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic pain rises because of nervous system damage or dysfunction and is the most difficult to treat among other pathological pains. Acupuncture has been reported as a great treatment option for neurogenic pain owing to its unlimited advantages. However, previous studies on the analgesic effects of acupuncture for NP were scattered and did not form a whole. In this study, we first comprehensively review the relevant basic articles on acupuncture for NP published in the last 5 years and summarize the analgesic mechanisms of acupuncture in terms of nerve signaling, neuro-immune crosstalk, and metabolic and oxidative stress regulation. Acupuncture inhibits the upstream excitatory system and suppresses neuronal transmission efficiency by downregulating glutamate, NMDA receptors, P2XR, SP, CGRP, and other neurotransmitters and receptors in the spinal cord, as well as plasma channels such as TRPV1, HCN. It can also activate the downstream pain inhibitory pathway by upregulating opioid peptide (β-endorphin), MOR receptors, GABA and GABA receptors, bi-directional regulating 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and its receptors (upregulate 5-HT 1A and downregulate 5-HT7R) and stimulating hypothalamic appetite-modifying neurons. Moreover, neuroinflammation in pain can be inhibited by acupuncture through inhibiting JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/mTOR pathways, down regulating chemokine receptor CX3CR1 on microglia and up regulating adenosine receptor A1Rs on astrocytes, inhibiting the activation of glia and reducing TNF-α and other inflammatory substances. Acupuncture also inhibits neuronal glucose metabolism by downregulating mPFC's GLUT-3 and promotes metabolic alterations of the brain, thus exerting an analgesic effect. In conclusion, the regulation of nerve signal transduction and neuroimmune crosstalk at the peripheral and central levels mediates the analgesic effects of acupuncture for neuropathic pain in an integrated manner. These findings provide a reliable basis for better clinical application of acupuncture in the management of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ningcen Li
- Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - PeiYong Loh
- School of International Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiyou Hu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lifen Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chaobo Yang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuangli Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Zelin Chen ✉
| | - Zelin Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China,Bo Chen ✉
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Yu WL, Park JY, Park HJ, Kim SN. Changes of local microenvironment and systemic immunity after acupuncture stimulation during inflammation: A literature review of animal studies. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1086195. [PMID: 36712435 PMCID: PMC9875056 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1086195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the underlying mechanisms by which acupuncture therapy mediates both local and systemic immunomodulation. However, the connection between alterations in the local microenvironment and the resulting change in systemic immunity remains unclear. In this review, we focus on cell-specific changes in local immune responses following acupuncture stimulation and their link to systemic immune modulation. We have gathered the most recent evidence for chemo- and mechano-reactive changes in endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and mast cells in response to acupuncture. Local signaling is then related to the activation of systemic neuro-immunity including the cholinergic, adrenal, and splenic nervous systems and pain-related neuromodulation. This review aims to serve as a reference for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lien Yu
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeun Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea,*Correspondence: Seung-Nam Kim ✉
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Li D, Yang H, Lyu M, Wang J, Xu W, Wang Y. Acupuncture Therapy on Dementia: Explained with an Integrated Analysis on Therapeutic Targets and Associated Mechanisms. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:S141-S158. [PMID: 36776063 PMCID: PMC10473135 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221018] [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: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dementia, mainly Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), remains a global health challenge. Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of acupuncture therapy (AT) in improving dementia. Nevertheless, the therapeutic targets and integrated biological mechanisms involved remain ambiguous. OBJECTIVE To identify therapeutic targets and biological mechanisms of AT in treating dementia by integrated analysis strategy. METHODS By the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of AD, VaD, and molecular targets of AT active components, the acupuncture therapeutic targets associated with the biological response to AD and VaD were extracted. Therapeutic targets-based functional enrichment analysis was conducted, and multiple networks were constructed. AT-therapeutic crucial targets were captured by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The interactions between crucial targets with AT active components were verified by molecular docking. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that 132 and 76 acupuncture therapeutic targets were associated with AD and VaD. AT-therapeutic crucial targets including 58 for AD and 24 for VaD were captured by WGCNA, with 11 in shared, including NMU, GRP, TAC1, ADRA1D, and SST. In addition, 35 and 14 signaling pathways were significantly enriched by functional enrichment analysis, with 6 mutual pathways including neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, GABAergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, cAMP signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, and inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP channels. CONCLUSION The improvement of AD and VaD by AT was associated with modulation of synaptic function, immunity, inflammation, and apoptosis. Our study clarified the therapeutic targets of AT on dementia, providing valuable clues for complementing and combining pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Li
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxi Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingqian Lyu
- Department of Computer Science, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ju Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weili Xu
- Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Health Care Sciences and Society Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yaogang Wang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Public Health Science and Engineering College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Zou X, Chen ZY, Yang YH, Qiao Y, He SJ, Li Q, Chen WL, Zhang XY, Li SY, Sha SY, Hu MH, Zhang XY, Yang MJ, Wang RP, Wu HG, Shi Y, Xue XH, Ji YJ. Acupoint Thread Embedding Combined With Wenshen Bugu Decoction for the Treatment of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Musculoskeletal Symptom Among Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Patients: Study Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Integr Cancer Ther 2023; 22:15347354231188679. [PMID: 37565358 PMCID: PMC10422911 DOI: 10.1177/15347354231188679] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are recommended as the preferred therapy for postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. As a result, aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptom (AIMSS) have become a major problem leading to therapy discontinuation and decreased quality of life in patients receiving adjuvant AIs treatment. Multiple therapies have been attempted, but have yielded limited clinical results. This study will be performed to determine whether acupoint thread embedding (ATE) combined with Wenshen Bugu Decoction can effectively treat AIMSS, so as to improve the AIs medication compliance of postmenopausal breast cancer patients. METHODS This study will utilize a randomized, 2 parallel groups controlled trial design. A total of 128 eligible postmenopausal breast cancer women with AIMSS will be randomized to receive a 12-week treatment with Wenshen Bugu Decoction alone (control group) or in combination with ATE (treatment group) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome will be the 12 week Brief Pain Inventory Worst Pain (BPI-WP) score. The secondary outcome measures will include response rate, Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BFI-SF), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptom (FACT-ES), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B), bone marrow density (BMD), blood markers of bone metabolite, Morisky medication adherence scale-8 (MMAS-8), credibility and expectancy, and survival outcomes. DISCUSSION This trial may provide clinical evidence that ATE combined with Wenshen Bugu Decoction can be beneficial for treating AIMSS among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors. Our findings will be helpful to enhance the quality of life and reduce the occurrence of AIs withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zou
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Yi Chen
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Han Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Qiao
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu-Jin He
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Li Chen
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Yue Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yu Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan-Yan Sha
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Hao Hu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Yin Zhang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Ju Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Huan-Gan Wu
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Shi
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xue
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Jie Ji
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, China
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Liu F, Zhan TY, Xu YQ, Lu XF, Zhou YM, Huang XX, Zhuo YY, Yang ZX. Practitioners' perspectives on acupuncture treatment for postpartum depression: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282661. [PMID: 36867647 PMCID: PMC9983845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture may become a treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). Currently, little is known about the use of acupuncture in the treatment of PPD from the point of view of practitioners. The aim of this study was to explore practitioners' perspectives on the treatment of PPD with acupuncture and provide suggestions for future improvement. METHODS This study employed a qualitative descriptive method. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 14 acupuncture practitioners from 7 hospitals via face-to-face or telephone interviews. The data were collected using interview outline from March to May 2022 and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS In general, the use of acupuncture for treating PPD was positively regarded by practitioners. They claimed that acupuncture is both safe and helpful for breastfeeding women who are experiencing emotional discomfort and that it can alleviate a variety of somatic symptoms. The following three themes were extracted: (a) patient acceptance and compliance; (b) acupuncture as a treatment for PPD; and (c) the advantages and drawbacks of acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION Practitioners' optimistic outlooks demonstrated that acupuncture is a promising treatment option for PPD. However, the time cost was the most significant barrier to compliance. Future development will focus mostly on improving acupuncture equipment and the style of service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Liu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tian-yu Zhan
- Community Health Service Management Centre, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-qin Xu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-fei Lu
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu-mei Zhou
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xing-xian Huang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Zhuo
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhuo-xin Yang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
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Zhong G, Yin X, Li J, Li X, Zhang Q. Acupoint catgut embedding for chronic low back pain: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32409. [PMID: 36595995 PMCID: PMC9803487 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032409] [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] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) effective and safe for patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) is not yet known. This systematic review will objectively and systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACE in CLBP according to the existing evidence. METHODS The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analyses has been registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42019142256. The following electronic databases from inception to November 29, 2022 will be searched: PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Data and Chinese Science Journal Database. Randomised controlled clinical(RCTs) using ACE to treat CLBP will be included. Outcomes will include pain intensity, instrument with assessment function and disability, quality-of-life, and costs. Adverse events will be reported for safety assessment. By screening the titles, abstracts, and full texts, two independent reviewers will select studies, extract data, and assess study quality. Data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis and risk of bias assessment will be conducted using RevmanV.5.3 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system will be used to assess the quality ofthe evidence. RESULTS The efficacy and safety of ACE in the treatment of CLBP has not yet been determined. CONCLUSION This systematic review will objectively and systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of ACE in CLBP according to the existing evidence, which can give high level clinical recommendations to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofu Zhong
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuju Yin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohui Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
- * Correspondence: Qiang Zhang, Department of Respiratory, Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China. (e-mail: )
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Luo H, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Shao J, Ren X, Zang W, Cao J, Xu B. Glucocorticoid Receptor Contributes to Electroacupuncture-Induced Analgesia by Inhibiting Nav1.7 Expression in Rats With Inflammatory Pain Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:1393-1402. [PMID: 34337820 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While electroacupuncture (EA) has been used traditionally for the treatment of chronic pain, its analgesic mechanisms have not been fully clarified. We observed in an earlier study that EA could reverse inflammatory pain and suppress high Nav1.7 expression. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Nav1.7 expression regulation is unclear. In this study, we studied the relationship between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and Nav1.7 and the role of these molecules in EA analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we established an inflammatory pain model by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats. EA stimulation was applied to the ipsilateral "Huantiao" (GB30) and "Zusanli" (ST36) acupoints in the rat model. Western blotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunostaining, intrathecal injection, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were performed to determine whether the sodium channel protein Nav1.7 plays a role in CFA-induced pain and whether GR regulates Nav1.7 expression during analgesia following EA stimulation. RESULTS EA application significantly decreased the paw withdrawal threshold thresholds and thermal paw withdrawal latency and suppressed GR and Nav1.7 expression in the dorsal root ganglion. Moreover, treatment with a GR sense oligonucleotide (OND) markedly reversed these alterations. In contrast, treatment with a GR antisense OND along with EA application exerted a better analgesic effect, which was accompanied by the suppression of Nav1.7 and GR protein expression. The ChIP assay showed that the binding activity of GR to the Nav1.7 promoter was enhanced in CFA injected rats and suppressed in EA-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that EA exerted anti-hyperalgesic effects by inhibiting GR expression, which led to Nav1.7 expression modulation in the rat model of CFA-induced inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinping Shao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiuhua Ren
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weidong Zang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Zhengzhou University Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command of PLA, Guangzhou, China.
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Yang J, Wang Y, Xu J, Ou Z, Yue T, Mao Z, Lin Y, Wang T, Shen Z, Dong W. Acupuncture for low back and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056878. [PMID: 36410790 PMCID: PMC9723856 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acupuncture is emerging as a potential therapy for relieving pain, but the effectiveness of acupuncture for relieving low back and/or pelvic pain (LBPP) during the pregnancy remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of acupuncture on pain, functional status and quality of life for women with LBPP pain during the pregnancy. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES The PubMed, EMBASE databases, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 15 January 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES RCTs evaluating the effects of acupuncture on LBPP during the pregnancy were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The data extraction and study quality assessment were independently performed by three reviewers. The mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs for pooled data were calculated. We assessed the confidence in the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcomes were pain, functional status and quality of life. The secondary outcomes were overall effects (a questionnaire at a post-treatment visit within a week after the last treatment to determine the number of people who received good or excellent help), analgesic consumption, Apgar scores >7 at 5 min, adverse events, gestational age at birth, induction of labour and mode of birth. RESULTS This meta-analysis included 10 studies, reporting on a total of 1040 women. Overall, acupuncture significantly relieved pain during pregnancy (MD=1.70, 95% CI: (0.95 to 2.45), p<0.00001, I2=90%) and improved functional status (MD=12.44, 95% CI: (3.32 to 21.55), p=0.007, I2=94%) and quality of life (MD=-8.89, 95% CI: (-11.90 to -5.88), p<0.00001, I2 = 57%). There was a significant difference for overall effects (OR=0.13, 95% CI: (0.07 to 0.23), p<0.00001, I2 = 7%). However, there was no significant difference for analgesic consumption during the study period (OR=2.49, 95% CI: (0.08 to 80.25), p=0.61, I2=61%) and Apgar scores of newborns (OR=1.02, 95% CI: (0.37 to 2.83), p=0.97, I2 = 0%). Preterm birth from acupuncture during he study period was reported in two studies. Although preterm contractions were reported in two studies, all infants were in good health at birth. In terms of gestational age at birth, induction of labour and mode of birth, only one study reported the gestational age at birth (mean gestation 40 weeks). Thus, prospective randomised clinical studies or clinical follow-up studies were hence desirable to further evaluate these outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture significantly improved pain, functional status and quality of life in women with LBPP during the pregnancy. Additionally, acupuncture had no observable severe adverse influences on the newborns. More large-scale and well-designed RCTs are still needed to further confirm these results. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021241771.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaman Yang
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianmei Xu
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwen Ou
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Yue
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhitao Mao
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Zhen Shen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Orthopaedics, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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Multidimensional Pain Modulation by Acupuncture Analgesia: The Reward Effect of Acupuncture on Pain Relief. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3759181. [PMID: 36408345 PMCID: PMC9671730 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3759181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Pain is an intrinsically unpleasant experience with features that protect an organism by promoting motivation and learning. Pain relief, a negative reinforcement of pain, is considered a reward and activates the brain's reward system. The reward circuit in the brain involves reward and pain. Acupuncture has a multidimensional and comprehensive regulating effect on chronic pain. However, the reward effect of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain and the mechanism of the brain reward circuit involved in acupuncture analgesia are not thoroughly studied. In this article, we have reviewed the definition of pain abnormalities and negative emotions in patients with chronic pain, the conceptual characteristics of analgesic reward, and the new progress in studying brain reward circuits and functions. Moreover, we have expounded on the critical clinical and scientific significance of studying the reward effect of acupuncture analgesia and related brain reward circuits, the pain mechanism obtained from human neuroimaging studies, and the survey results on the effects of acupuncture on reward/motivation circuits. Some viewpoints and suggestions on the reward effect of acupuncture analgesia and related reward circuits have been put forward to clarify the multidimensional characteristics and benign regulation of acupuncture analgesia. Studies on the reward effect of acupuncture in relieving chronic pain and the regulating effect of the brain reward loop on acupuncture analgesia help to deepen the clinical understanding of acupuncture analgesia, innovate the research concept of acupuncture analgesia, and provide help for further studies on the central mechanism of acupuncture in improving chronic pain in the future.
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Feng J, He H, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhang T, Zhu M, Wu X, Zhang Y. The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A literature review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1009537. [PMID: 36329891 PMCID: PMC9624472 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1009537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility, a social, cultural, and medical issue, has aroused public attention because of its potential to predict future health. In recent years, the incidence of male infertility has increased significantly, and various risk factors, such as congenital factors, acquired factors, and idiopathic factors, have led to this situation. Male infertility causes substantial psychological and social distress in patients. With the implementation of the two-child policy, male infertility has brought enormous psychological and social pressure and huge economic burden to patients and the healthcare system. This has attracted the attention of not only men of childbearing age but also many male experts. The conventional therapeutic approaches for treating male infertility, including drugs, varicocele surgery, intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection, can restore fertility to a certain extent, but their efficacy is far from satisfactory, not to mention some adverse events. Therefore, acupuncture has been chosen by many men to treat their infertility and produced significant effects. In the present paper, the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility were analyzed from different perspectives such as regulating hormone secretion, reducing inflammation, and improving semen parameters. The existing literature shows that acupuncture can effectively treat male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Feng
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Hui He
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mengyi Zhu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoke Wu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Yuehui Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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