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Zhang J, Huang W, Chen Z, Jiang H, Su M, Wang C. Effect of auricular acupuncture on neuroplasticity of stroke patients with motor dysfunction: A fNIRS study. Neurosci Lett 2023; 812:137398. [PMID: 37468089 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral Stroke is an acute cerebrovascular disease, a disease of brain tissue damage caused by the sudden rupture or blockage of blood vessels in the brain that prevents blood flow to the brain. Acupuncture has become a popular treatment for stroke, with auricular acupuncture providing a new idea for stroke treatment. However, the neuromodulatory mechanism of auricular acupuncture in the brain is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of upper limb dysfunction and the activation of specific brain regions in stroke patients. Forty patients with stroke hemiplegia who met the nerf criteria were included in the experiment and randomly assigned into two groups (20 patients in each group): the auricular acupuncture group and the control group. Fugl-Meyer score (FMA) assessment of upper limb motor function, motor evoked potential (MEP) measurement, and functional near-infrared brain function imaging (fNIRS) data acquisition in the primary motor M1 area of the brain at rest were performed before and after treatment, respectively. It was found that: 1) after auricular acupuncture treatment, the patients in the auricular acupuncture group showed significantly greater peak MEP and significantly higher oxyhemoglobin content in the M1 region of the brain compared with the control group, with a significant activation effect (MEP: P-value = 0.032, t = -2.22; HbO2; f = 4.225, p = 0.046); 2) in the clinical efficacy assessment, the FMA score in the auricular acupuncture group after treatment (p = 0.0122, t = 2.769). The results suggest that auricular acupuncture has an ameliorative effect on upper limb motor deficits after stroke and that activation of the M1 region of the brain may be a key node in auricular acupuncture for treating upper limb dysfunction in stroke patients, a finding that emphasizes the potential for clinical application of auricular acupuncture therapy for stroke patients with potential mechanisms influencing the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhao Huang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihong Chen
- Nanhai District People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Haoxiang Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minzhi Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Center of Traditional Remedies, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, China.
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Li R, Hu H, Luo N, Fang J. Bibliometric analysis of publication trends and research hotspots in vagus nerve stimulation: A 20-year panorama. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1045763. [PMID: 36619909 PMCID: PMC9811144 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1045763] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a promising neuromodulation technique, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been utilized to treat diverse diseases and the number of VNS studies has grown prosperously. Nonetheless, publication trends and research hotspots in this field remain unknown. This study aimed to perform a bibliometric analysis to systematically identify publication trends and research hotspots in VNS research within a 20-year panorama. Methods The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database was retrieved to screen eligible VNS-related publications from 2002 to 2021. The online analytic tool of the WoSCC database was used to analyze various bibliometric parameters, such as the number of annual publications, the output of countries/regions, journals, total citations, citations per publication, and the Hirsch index. Bibliometrics (http://bibliometric.com/) and CiteSpace (version 5.6.R3) were used to identify research trends and hotspots. Results A total of 7,283 publications were included for analysis. The annual number of publications increased stably but it increased significantly in recent years. The top five prolific countries were the United States, China, Germany, England, and France. The top five productive institutions were the University of California (Los Angeles), Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, University College London, and the University of Texas at Dallas. Notably, there was a geographical imbalance in countries and institutions. In addition, Epilepsy & Behavior, Epilepsia, and Plos One were the top three journals with the largest number of VNS publications. Michael P Kilgard was the most prolific author. Moreover, evolving research hotspots mainly included the effectiveness and mechanism of VNS on epilepsy, the role of VNS as an anti-inflammatory regulator, the application of VNS for psychiatric disorders, and the neuromodulation effect of VNS in headache management. Conclusion This study has revealed the overall publication trends and evolving research trends at a global level over a 20-year panorama. The potential collaborators, institutions, hotspots, and future research trends are also identified in this field, which will help guide new research directions of VNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hantong Hu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ning Luo
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China,*Correspondence: Jianqiao Fang ✉
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Qin Z, Xiang K, Su DF, Sun Y, Liu X. Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 11:595342. [PMID: 33633726 PMCID: PMC7901247 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.595342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) underlined the urgent need for alleviating cytokine storm. We propose here that activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a potential therapeutic strategy. However, there is currently no approved drugs targeting the regulatory pathway. It is evident that nicotine, anisodamine and some herb medicine, activate the CAP and exert anti-inflammation action in vitro and in vivo. As the vagus nerve affects both inflammation and specific immune response, we propose that vagus nerve stimulation by invasive or non-invasive devices and acupuncture at ST36, PC6, or GV20, are also feasible approaches to activate the CAP and control COVID-19. It is worth to investigate the efficacy and safety of the strategy in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Qin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Kefa Xiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding-Feng Su
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Yap JYY, Keatch C, Lambert E, Woods W, Stoddart PR, Kameneva T. Critical Review of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Challenges for Translation to Clinical Practice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:284. [PMID: 32410932 PMCID: PMC7199464 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have illustrated that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) can elicit therapeutic effects that are similar to those produced by its invasive counterpart, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). VNS is an FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of both depression and epilepsy, but it is limited to the management of more severe, intervention-resistant cases as a second or third-line treatment option due to perioperative risks involved with device implantation. In contrast, tVNS is a non-invasive technique that involves the application of electrical currents through surface electrodes at select locations, most commonly targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) and the cervical branch of the vagus nerve in the neck. Although it has been shown that tVNS elicits hypo- and hyperactivation in various regions of the brain associated with anxiety and mood regulation, the mechanism of action and influence of stimulation parameters on clinical outcomes remains predominantly hypothetical. Suppositions are largely based on correlations between the neurobiology of the vagus nerve and its effects on neural activity. However, tVNS has also been investigated for several other disorders, including tinnitus, migraine and pain, by targeting the vagus nerve at sites in both the ear and the neck. As most of the described methods differ in the parameters and protocols applied, there is currently no firm evidence on the optimal location for tVNS or the stimulation parameters that provide the greatest therapeutic effects for a specific condition. This review presents the current status of tVNS with a focus on stimulation parameters, stimulation sites, and available devices. For tVNS to reach its full potential as a non-invasive and clinically relevant therapy, it is imperative that systematic studies be undertaken to reveal the mechanism of action and optimal stimulation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Y. Y. Yap
- ARC Training Centre in Biodevices, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Charlotte Keatch
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Lambert
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Will Woods
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul R. Stoddart
- ARC Training Centre in Biodevices, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Tatiana Kameneva
- Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Auricular Electroacupuncture for Late Posttraumatic Epilepsy after Severe Brain Injury: A Retrospective Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:5798912. [PMID: 31737082 PMCID: PMC6815526 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5798912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a common complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which seriously affects patients' survival and recovery. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a nonpharmacological therapy for epilepsy. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) is the only peripheral branch and has antiepileptic effects, but the efficacy of ABVN stimulation as treatment of late PTE is uncertain. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical efficacy of ABVN stimulation by auricular electroacupuncture for the treatment of late PTE, and investigated the influence of sodium valproate and edaravone on the anti-PTE effects of auricular electroacupuncture. Method Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the relationship of age, cause of PTE, use of auricular electroacupuncture, sodium valproate, and edaravone with the incidence of late PTE. To compare the curative effects of auricular electroacupuncture, 89 cases of late PTE were divided into an auricular electroacupuncture and a control group according to whether they were treated with auricular electroacupuncture. We further analyzed the influence of sodium valproate and edaravone on the effects of the treatment of PTE with auricular electroacupuncture. Results Among age, cause, use of auricular electroacupuncture, sodium valproate, and edaravone, the use of auricular electroacupuncture was associated with significantly reduced incidence of late PTE (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, there were more seizure-free cases in the auricular electroacupuncture group (P < 0.01). The total effective rate of the auricular electroacupuncture group was 90%. The seizure-free rate among patients treated with auricular electroacupuncture was significantly reduced, regardless of the use of sodium valproate or edaravone (P < 0.05). Conclusion Auricular electroacupuncture can reduce the incidence of late PTE and is a safe and economical therapy for late PTE.
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Mamalyga ML, Mamalyga LM. [The effect of status epilepticus on autonomic regulation of the heart and its functional capabilities in different postictal periods]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:48-54. [PMID: 32207731 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911911248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIM To study the postictal changes in the autonomic regulation of the heart rhythm and its functional capabilities in different periods after epistatus and to assess the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted on Wistar rats after epileptic status (ES). Telemonitoring of EEG and ECG was performed in the online mode using the system of the company 'ADInstruments'. Functional stress test with dobutamine was used. RESULTS ES leads to a long-lasting disturbance of autonomic regulation (AR) of the heart and reduces its functional capabilities. The heart's AR balance is shifted towards sympathetic tonus 5 days after ES. This increases the predictors of life-threatening arrhythmias. The decrease in SWD activity increases the activity of parasympathetic tonus 10 days after ES. However, this is due to the tension of regulation mechanisms and the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. CONCLUSION The high degree of seizure activity of the brain in the ES predetermines prolonged postictal disorders of the AR heart, which reduce its functional capabilities and increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Mamalyga
- Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - L M Mamalyga
- Institute of biology and chemistry of Moscow Pedagogical State University, Moscow, Russia
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Sampaio-Filho H, Bussadori SK, Gonçalves MLL, da Silva DDFT, Borsatto MC, Tortamano IP, Longo PL, Pavani C, Fernandes KPS, Mesquita-Ferrari RA, Horliana ACRT. Low-level laser treatment applied at auriculotherapy points to reduce postoperative pain in third molar surgery: A randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197989. [PMID: 29920521 PMCID: PMC6007895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluate the effectiveness of LLL (Low level laser therapy) in auriculotherapy points for pain reduction following lower third molar extractions. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. METHODS Eighty-four bilateral, symmetrical third molar surgeries were performed in 42 healthy patients using a split-mouth design. In the immediate postoperative period, each side was randomly treated in a single-blind method with an LLL at the auriculotherapy points or simulation of its use (contralateral side) over a 21-day interval. This protocol was repeated 24 and 48 hours after surgery. All patients used the same analgesic (paracetamol) but only in case of pain. The primary variable was postoperative pain according to the visual analogue scale, and the secondary variables were mouth opening, edema, local temperature, dysphagia, and the presence of infection (systemic temperature, lymphadenopathy). These variables were evaluated at baseline and at 24 hours, 48 hours and seven days after surgery. Adverse effects were recorded and reported. RESULTS There was no difference between the groups in relation to any of the evaluated parameters (p>0.05). CONCLUSION For this experimental model, application of a low-intensity laser at auriculotherapy points did not prevent postoperative pain following lower third molar surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; the registration number is NCT02657174 and the Unique Protocol ID number is 1.100.869. (https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/EditRecord.vm?epmode=View&listmode=Edit&uid=U0002BEY&ts=11&sid=S0006026&cx=6g4wff).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio Sampaio-Filho
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sandra Kalil Bussadori
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Leticia Leal Gonçalves
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Christiane Pavani
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari
- Postgraduate Program in Biophotonics Applied to Health Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidade Nove de Julho, UNINOVE, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Murg K, Raith W, Urlesberger B. Use of Acupuncture in an Infant with Restlessness and Agitation. MEDICINES 2018; 5:medicines5020055. [PMID: 29899266 PMCID: PMC6023510 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Background: We are reporting here about a 3-month-old boy with a history of failure to thrive, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy and neurological misbehaviour including hypotension in body muscles, who was found to have screaming attacks, agitation and restlessness. Methods/Results: Body and ear acupuncture was used both as supporting and integrative therapy to reduce the phases of restlessness and screaming and, simultaneously, the use of hypnotic drugs, as well as to improve the baby’s thriving. Conclusions: Our case has proved that standardised ear and body acupuncture applied by trained acupuncturist paediatricians is a helpful non-pharmacological treatment tool. While acupuncture is typically used in the outpatient setting, it can equally be used in the inpatient setting, as exemplified by the positive outcome of the presented case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Murg
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Raith
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria.
- Research Group for Paediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Centre Graz, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria.
| | - Berndt Urlesberger
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria.
- Research Group for Paediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Centre Graz, Medical University of Graz, Graz 8036, Austria.
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Electric Stimulation of Ear Reduces the Effect of Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway on Kainic Acid-Induced Epileptic Seizures in Rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5407256. [PMID: 29682548 PMCID: PMC5846353 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5407256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common clinical syndrome with recurrent neuronal discharges in the temporal lobe, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. Clinical antiepileptic medicines are often ineffective or of little benefit in 30% of epileptic patients and usually cause severe side effects. Emerging evidence indicates the crucial role of inflammatory mediators in epilepsy. The current study investigates the role of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its underlying mechanisms in kainic acid- (KA-) induced epileptic seizures in rats. Experimental KA injection successfully initiated an epileptic seizure accompanied by increased expression of TLR4 in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and somatosensory cortex. In addition, calcium-sensitive phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKIIα) increased after the initiation of the epileptic seizure. Furthermore, downstream-phosphorylated signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase simultaneously increased in these brain areas. Moreover, the transcriptional factor phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB (pNF-κB) increased, suggesting that nucleus transcription was affected. Furthermore, the aforementioned molecules decreased by an electric stimulation (ES) of either 2 Hz or 15 Hz of the ear in the three brain areas. Accordingly, we suggest that ES of the ear can successfully control epileptic seizures by regulating the TLR4 signaling pathway and has a therapeutic benefit in reducing epileptic seizures.
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Aoyama N, Fujii O, Yamamoto T. Efficacy of Parietal Acupoint Therapy: Scalp Acupuncture for Neck/Shoulder Stiffness with Related Mood Disturbance. Med Acupunct 2017; 29:383-389. [PMID: 29279733 PMCID: PMC5733659 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2017.1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture is a quick and effective microsystem of acupuncture used for treating various symptoms for which the somatotopic area is the scalp. This article describes Parietal Acupoint Therapy (PAPT), which is another approach, using a different scalp somatotopy, and to evaluate PAPT's effect on neck/shoulder stiffness and related mood disturbances. Materials and Methods:Subjects: Forty-six volunteers suffering from chronic neck/shoulder stiffness with various symptoms (headache, dizziness, and related mood disturbance) participated in this study and were randomly divided into 2 groups: treatment (26 subjects) and control (20 subjects). Interventions: PAPT, PC points, and PL points were used. Outcome Measures: Immediately before and after treatment, to evaluate the patients' psychobiologic and mood states, salivary alpha amylase (sAA) levels were determined and the Profile of Mood States Second Edition (POMS 2)-Short Form scale was administered. Neck/shoulder stiffness was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) score immediately before and after, and at 3 and 7 days post-therapy. Results: sAA levels were not significantly different in either group after versus before the intervention. There were significant decreases in mean scores in the POMS 2 subscales Anger/Hostility (P < 0.001), Confusion/Bewilderment (P < 0.001), Depression/Dejection (P < 0.01), Fatigue/Inertia (P < 0.001), Tension/Anxiety (P < 0.001), and Total Mood Disturbance (P < 0.001) post-therapy in the treatment group, but not in the control group. The mean VAS score significantly improved in the treatment group post-therapy, which persisted during the observation period. Conclusions: PAPT treatment on PC points ameliorated neck/shoulder stiffness and related mood disturbance. PAPT has the potential to be as effective as other scalp acupuncture types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Aoyama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Japan Community Health Care Organization, Yokohama Central Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan
- Aoyama Medical Clinic, Fukushima, Japan
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11
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Liao ET, Tang NY, Lin YW, Liang Hsieh C. Long-term electrical stimulation at ear and electro-acupuncture at ST36-ST37 attenuated COX-2 in the CA1 of hippocampus in kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:472. [PMID: 28352122 PMCID: PMC5428861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures produce brain inflammation, which in turn enhances neuronal excitability. Therefore, anti-inflammation has become a therapeutic strategy for antiepileptic treatment. Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in postseizure brain inflammation and neuronal hyperexcitability. Our previous studies have shown that both electrical stimulation (ES) at the ear and electro-acupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli and Shangjuxu acupoints (ST36–ST37) for 6 weeks can reduce mossy fiber sprouting, spike population, and high-frequency hippocampal oscillations in kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizure rats. This study further investigated the effect of long-term ear ES and EA at ST36–ST37 on the inflammatory response in KA-induced epileptic seizure rats. Both the COX-2 levels in the hippocampus and the number of COX-2 immunoreactive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region were increased after KA-induced epileptic seizures, and these were reduced through the 6-week application of ear ES or EA at ST36–ST37. Thus, long-term ear ES or long-term EA at ST36–ST37 have an anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting that they are beneficial for the treatment of epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Tzu Liao
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ching Liang Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Research Center for Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan. .,Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40447, Taiwan.
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Electric stimulation of the ears ameliorated learning and memory impairment in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20381. [PMID: 26847826 PMCID: PMC4742903 DOI: 10.1038/srep20381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ear acupuncture enhances the secretion of acetylcholine, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Here we want to investigate the effect of electric stimulation (ES) of the ears on learning and memory impairment in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. At 24 h after reperfusion, 2-Hz ES was applied to the ears for 20 min/day (10 min for each ear) for 7 days continuously. The step-through time of the passive avoidance test was greater in the ES group than in the control group (300.0 ± 0.0 s vs 45.0 ± 26.7 s, p < 0.05). Our results showed that neither neurological deficit score nor motor functions were improved after 2-Hz ES (4.0 ± 0 vs 4.5 ± 0.8, p > 0.05). The numbers of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α4 positively stained cells in the CA2 and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus were 19.0 ± 11.5 and 269.2 ± 79.3, respectively, in the ES group, which were greater than those in the control group (7.0 ± 5.9 and 165.5 ± 30.8, respectively) (both p < 0.05). These results suggested that 2-Hz ES of the ears ameliorated learning and memory impairment in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury. ES of the ears has neuroprotective effects, which are related to acetylcholine release.
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Yi PL, Lu CY, Jou SB, Chang FC. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses focal epilepsy and improves epilepsy-induced sleep disruptions. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:49. [PMID: 26150021 PMCID: PMC4491875 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0145-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The positive effects of acupuncture at Feng-Chi acupoints on treating epilepsy and insomnia have been well-documented in ancient Chinese literature. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to elucidate the underlying mechanisms behind these effects. Our previous study demonstrated that high-frequency (100 Hz) electroacupuncture (EA) at Feng-Chi acupoints deteriorates both pilocarpine-induced focal epilepsy and sleep disruptions. This study investigated the effects of low-frequency (10 Hz) EA on epileptic activities and epilepsy-induced sleep disruptions. Results In rats, the Feng-Chi acupoint is located 3 mm away from the center of a line between the two ears. Rats received 30 min of 10 Hz EA stimuli per day before each day’s dark period for three consecutive days. Our results indicated that administration of pilocarpine into the left CeA at the beginning of the dark period induced focal epilepsy and decreased both rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM (NREM) sleep during the consequent light period. Low-frequency (10 Hz) EA at Feng-Chi acupoints suppressed pilocarpine-induced epileptiform EEGs, and this effect was in turn blocked by naloxone (a broad-spectrum opioid receptor antagonist), but not by naloxonazine (a μ-receptor antagonist), naltrindole (a δ-receptor antagonist) and nor-binaltorphimine (a κ-receptor antagonist). Ten Hz EA enhanced NREM sleep during the dark period, and this enhancement was blocked by all of the opioid receptor antagonists. On the other hand, 10 Hz EA reversed pilocarpine-induced NREM suppression during the light period, and the EA’s effect on the sleep disruption was only blocked by naloxonazine. Conclusions These results indicate that low-frequency EA stimulation of Feng-Chi acupoints is beneficial in improving epilepsy and epilepsy-induced sleep disruptions, and that opioid receptors in the CeA mediate EA’s therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Lu Yi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4., Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan. .,Department of Sports, Health & Leisure, College of Tourism, Leisure and Sports, Aletheia University, Tainan Campus, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Yu Lu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4., Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Shuo-Bin Jou
- Department of Neurology, Mackay Memorial Hospital and Mackay Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Fang-Chia Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4., Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Brain & Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Raith W, Urlesberger B. Laser Acupuncture as An Adjuvant Therapy for a Neonate with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Nas) Due to Maternal Substitution Therapy: Additional Value of Acupuncture. Acupunct Med 2014; 32:523-4. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Raith
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Research Group for Paediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Centre Graz (Acupuncture Research), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Berndt Urlesberger
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Research Group for Paediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Centre Graz (Acupuncture Research), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Therapeutic effect of vagus nerve stimulation on depressive-like behavior, hyperglycemia and insulin receptor expression in Zucker fatty rats. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112066. [PMID: 25365428 PMCID: PMC4218831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are common comorbid diseases and highly prevalent in the clinical setting with an unclarified mechanism. Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF, fa/fa) rats natively develop T2D with hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Here we studied whether ZDF rats also innately develop depression, what a correlation is between depression and T2D, whether insulin receptor (IR) expression is involved in, and whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) would be beneficial in amelioration of the comorbidity. Six week old male ZDF and Zucker lean (ZL, fa/+) littermates were randomly divided into naïve (ZDF, n = 6; ZL, n = 7) and taVNS (ZDF-taVNS, n = 8; ZL-taVNS, n = 6) groups. Once daily 30 min-taVNS sessions were administrated under anesthesia for 34 consecutive days in taVNS groups. Blood glucose levels were tested weekly, and plasma glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) level and immobility time in forced swimming test were determined on day 35 in all groups. The expression of insulin receptor (IR) in various tissues was also detected by immunostaining and Western blot. We found that naïve ZDF rats developed hyperglycemia steadily. These ZDF rats showed a strong positive correlation between longer immobility time and higher plasma HbAlC level. Long term taVNS treatment simultaneously prevented the development of depression-like behavior and progression of hyperglycemia in ZDF rats. The expression of IR in various tissues of naïve ZDF rats is lower than in naïve ZL and long-term taVNS treated ZDF rats. Collectively, our results indicate that in ZDF rats, i) depression and T2D develop simultaneously, ii) immobility time and HbAlc concentrations are highly and positively correlated, iii) a low expression of IR may be involved in the comorbidity of depression and T2D, and iv) taVNS is antidiabetic and antidepressive possibly through IR expression upregulation.
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Electroacupuncture at ST36-ST37 and at ear ameliorates hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting in kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure rats. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:756019. [PMID: 25045697 PMCID: PMC4090572 DOI: 10.1155/2014/756019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study showed that mossy fiber sprouting can occur in the hippocampus region in rats 6 wk after kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure, and this mossy fiber sprouting can facilitate epileptogenesis. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), which is similar to cervical VNS, can reduce the occurrence of epileptic seizure in intractable epilepsy patients. Greater parasympathetic nerve activity can be caused by 2 Hz electroacupuncture (EA). Therefore, we investigated the effect of 2 Hz EA at ST-36-ST37 and at the ear on mossy fiber sprouting in kainic-treated Sprague-Dawley rats. The results indicated that applying 2 Hz EA at ST36-ST37 and at the ear for 3 d per week over 6 consecutive weeks can ameliorate mossy fiber sprouting in the hippocampus region of rats. These results indicated that applying 2 Hz EA at ST36-ST37 and at the ear might be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of epilepsy in humans.
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Yi PL, Lu CY, Cheng CH, Tsai YF, Lin CT, Chang FC. Activation of amygdala opioid receptors by electroacupuncture of Feng-Chi (GB20) acupoints exacerbates focal epilepsy. Altern Ther Health Med 2013; 13:290. [PMID: 24165229 PMCID: PMC3816151 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-13-290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of seizure suppression by acupuncture of Feng-Chi (GB20) acupoints has been documented in the ancient Chinese literature, Lingshu Jing (Classic of the Miraculous Pivot), however, there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove it. This current study was designed to elucidate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi (GB20) acupoints on the epileptic activity by employing an animal model of focal epilepsy. METHODS Administration of pilocarpine into the left central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) induced the focal epilepsy in rats. Rats received a 30-min 100 Hz EA stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi acupoints per day, beginning at 30 minutes before the dark period and performing in three consecutive days. The broad-spectrum opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone), μ-receptor antagonist (naloxonazine), δ-receptor antagonist (naltrindole) and κ-receptor antagonist (nor-binaltorphimine) were administered directly into the CeA to elucidate the involvement of CeA opioid receptors in the EA effect. RESULTS High-frequency (100 Hz) EA stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi acupoints did not suppress the pilocarpine-induced epileptiform electroencephalograms (EEGs), whereas it further increased the duration of epileptiform EEGs. We also observed that epilepsy occurred while 100 Hz EA stimulation of Feng-Chi acupoints was delivered into naïve rats. EA-induced augmentation of epileptic activity was blocked by microinjection of naloxone, μ- (naloxonazine), κ- (nor-binaltorphimine) or δ-receptor antagonists (natrindole) into the CeA, suggesting that activation of opioid receptors in the CeA mediates EA-exacerbated epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that high-frequency (100 Hz) EA stimulation of bilateral Feng-Chi acupoints has no effect to protect against pilocarpine-induced focal epilepsy; in contrast, EA further exacerbated focal epilepsy induced by pilocarpine. Opioid receptors in the CeA mediated EA-induced exacerbation of focal epilepsy.
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He W, Jing X, Wang X, Rong P, Li L, Shi H, Shang H, Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhu B. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a complementary therapy for pediatric epilepsy: a pilot trial. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 28:343-6. [PMID: 23820114 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) for the treatment of pediatric epilepsy. METHODS Fourteen pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy were treated by ta-VNS of the bilateral auricular concha using an ear vagus nerve stimulator. The baseline seizure frequency was compared with that after 8weeks, from week 9 to 16 and from week 17 to the end of week 24, according to the seizure diaries of the patients. RESULTS One patient dropped out after 8weeks of treatment due to lack of efficacy, while the remaining 13 patients completed the 24-week study without any change in medication regimen. The mean reduction in seizure frequency relative to baseline was 31.83% after week 8, 54.13% from week 9 to 16 and 54.21% from week 17 to the end of week 24. The responder rate was 28.57% after 8weeks, 53.85% from week 9 to 16 and 53.85% from week 17 to the end of week 24. No severe adverse events were reported during treatment. CONCLUSION Transcutaneous auricular VNS may be a complementary treatment option for reducing seizure frequency in pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy and should be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China
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Wang X, Fang J, Zhao Q, Fan Y, Liu J, Hong Y, Wang H, Ma Y, Xu C, Shi S, Kong J, Rong P. Deqi sensations of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on auricular points. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:371543. [PMID: 23935663 PMCID: PMC3722844 DOI: 10.1155/2013/371543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Deqi sensation, a psychophysical response characterized by a spectrum of different needling sensations, is essential for Chinese acupuncture clinical efficacy. Previous research works have investigated the component of Deqi response upon acupuncture on acupoints on the trunk and limbs. However, the characteristics of Deqi sensations of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on auricular points are seldom reported. In this study, we investigated the individual components of Deqi during TENS on auricular concha area and the superior scapha using quantitative measurements in the healthy subjects and depression patients. The most striking characteristics of Deqi sensations upon TENS on auricular points were tingling, numbness, and fullness. The frequencies of pressure, warmness, heaviness, and soreness were relatively lower. The dull pain and coolness are rare. The characteristics of Deqi were similar for the TENS on concha and on the superior scapha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Wang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yangyang Fan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yang Hong
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Honghong Wang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yunyao Ma
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Chunhua Xu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Shan Shi
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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Round R, Litscher G, Bahr F. Auricular acupuncture with laser. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:984763. [PMID: 23935695 PMCID: PMC3710613 DOI: 10.1155/2013/984763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Auricular acupuncture is a method which has been successfully used in various fields of medicine especially in the treatment of pain relief. The introduction of lasers especially low-level lasers into medicine brought besides the already existing stimulation with needles and electricity an additional technique to auricular acupuncture. This literature research looks at the historical background, the development and the anatomical and neurological aspects of auricular acupuncture in general and auricular laser acupuncture in detail. Preliminary scientific findings on auricular acupuncture with laser have been described in detail and discussed critically in this review article. The results of the studies have shown evidence of the effect of auricular laser acupuncture. However, a comparison of these studies was impossible due to their different study designs. The most important technical as well as study parameters were described in detail in order to give more sufficient evidence and to improve the quality of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Round
- Frank Bahr Research Group “Auriculomedicine and Pharmacopuncture”, Stronach Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, and the TCM Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerhard Litscher
- Frank Bahr Research Group “Auriculomedicine and Pharmacopuncture”, Stronach Research Unit for Complementary and Integrative Laser Medicine, Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering, Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, and the TCM Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Frank Bahr
- European Academy for TCM, 81245 Munich, Germany
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Auricular acupuncture at the "shenmen" and "point zero" points induced parasympathetic activation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:945063. [PMID: 23861718 PMCID: PMC3687596 DOI: 10.1155/2013/945063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. Since auricular acupuncture is a diagnostic and treatment system based on normalizing the body's dysfunction, auricular acupuncture has been applied for pain relief, relaxation, and so on. These techniques would modulate the autonomic nerve system, thereby inducing the above-mentioned effects. The aim was to see the effect of auricular acupuncture applied to the “Shenmen” and “Point Zero” points on the postoperative heart rate variability (HRV). Methods. Twenty-six patients who underwent hemicolectomy under general anesthesia were randomized into the control or the acupuncture group. After the operation and before emergence, the acupuncture group received auricular acupuncture. An electrocardiographic unit was placed for recording the autonomic nervous activities. Results. The low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratio of HRV increased (P = 0.0007) in the control, but the ratio in the acupuncture did not change. There were significant differences between the ratios of the two groups at 3 : 00, 4 : 00, and 5 : 00. HF of the acupuncture group tended to be higher. HFs of the acupuncture group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 3 : 00, 4 : 00, and 5 : 00. Conclusion. Auricular acupuncture kept the LF/HF ratio at lower levels and HF at higher levels during postoperative period in the patients who had undergone hemicolectomy.
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Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation protects endotoxemic rat from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:627023. [PMID: 23346208 PMCID: PMC3544369 DOI: 10.1155/2012/627023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) could evoke parasympathetic activities via activating the brainstem autonomic nuclei, similar to the effects that are produced after vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). VNS modulates immune function through activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Methods. VNS, ta-VNS, or transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on ST36 was performed to modulate the inflammatory response. The concentration of serum proinflammatory cytokines and tissue NF-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) were detected in endotoxaemia affected anesthetized rats. Results. Similar to the effect of VNS, ta-VNS suppressed the serum proinflammatory cytokines levels, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as NF-kappa B p65 expressions of lung tissues. ST36 stimulation also decreases LPS-induced high TNF-α level and NF-κB signal, but it did not restrain proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β and IL-6. Neither ta-VNS nor ST36 stimulation could suppress LPS-induced TNF-α and NF-κB after vagotomy or with α7nAChR antagonist injection. Conclusions. The present paper demonstrated that ta-VNS could be utilized to suppress LPS-induced inflammatory responses via α7nAChR-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
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Auricular acupuncture and vagal regulation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:786839. [PMID: 23304215 PMCID: PMC3523683 DOI: 10.1155/2012/786839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Auricular acupuncture has been utilized in the treatment of diseases for thousands of years. Dr. Paul Nogier firstly originated the concept of an inverted fetus map on the external ear. In the present study, the relationship between the auricular acupuncture and the vagal regulation has been reviewed. It has been shown that auricular acupuncture plays a role in vagal activity of autonomic functions of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Mechanism studies suggested that afferent projections from especially the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) form the anatomical basis for the vagal regulation of auricular acupuncture. Therefore, we proposed the “auriculovagal afferent pathway” (AVAP): both the autonomic and the central nervous system could be modified by auricular vagal stimulation via projections from the ABVN to the NTS. Auricular acupuncture is also proposed to prevent neurodegenerative diseases via vagal regulation. There is a controversy on the specificity and the efficacy of auricular acupoints for treating diseases. More clinical RCT trials on auricular acupuncture and experimental studies on the mechanism of auricular acupuncture should be further investigated.
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Robinson NG. One Medicine, One Acupuncture. Animals (Basel) 2012; 2:395-414. [PMID: 26487029 PMCID: PMC4494296 DOI: 10.3390/ani2030395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary “One Acupuncture”, modeled after “One Medicine”, embodies a system of translational acupuncture built upon science and hypothesis-driven research. Forging a synthesis between human and veterinary acupuncture requires consistency in point location across species so that meaningful comparisons can be made. The human acupuncture network provides a template of well-studied neurovascular sites that have changed little over the years, in comparison to their veterinary counterparts. This paper identifies disparities that remain. Reconciling inconsistencies will bolster the ability for researchers and clinicians to better understand and interpret findings from acupuncture studies on various species so that more can benefit from these insights. Abstract “One Acupuncture”, like “One Medicine”, has the potential to improve research quality and clinical outcomes. However, while human acupuncture point locations have remained largely consistent over time, the veterinary versions remain imprecise and variable. Establishing anatomical criteria for veterinary acupuncture atlases in keeping with the human template will create congruence across species, benefiting both research and practice. Anatomic criteria for points based on objectively verifiable structures will facilitate translational research. Functionally comparative innervation, in particular, should be similar between species, as the nerves initiate and mediate physiologic changes that result from point stimulation. If researchers choose points that activate different nerves in one species than in another, unpredictable outcomes may occur. Variability in point placement will impede progress and hamper the ability of researchers and clinicians to make meaningful comparisons across species. This paper reveals incongruities that remain between human and veterinary acupuncture points, illustrating the need to analyze anatomical characteristics of each point to assure accuracy in selecting transpositional acupuncture locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narda G Robinson
- CSU Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 300 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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