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Effective-Component Compatibility of Bufei Yishen Formula III Combined with Electroacupuncture Suppresses Inflammatory Response in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via Regulating SIRT1/NF- κB Signaling. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3360771. [PMID: 35586807 PMCID: PMC9110177 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3360771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore more efficient treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), effective-component compatibility of Bufei Yishen formula III (ECC-BYF III) and electroacupuncture were tested on rats with COPD, and silent information regulator transcript-1 (SIRT1)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling was further investigated to interpret the therapy. Methods In total, 70 rats were randomly divided into control (Control), model (Model), aminophylline (APL), ECC-BYF III, electroacupuncture (EA), ECC-BYF III+EA, and sham electroacupuncture (SA) groups. Cigarette smoke exposure combined with repeated bacterial infections was used to establish COPD models in 1-12 weeks. From 13 to 20 weeks, the ECC-BYF III and APL groups received corresponding drugs; the EA group received electroacupuncture therapy, wherein Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), and Shenshu (BL 23) points were selected; the ECC-BYF III+EA group received ECC-BYF III intragastrically combined with electroacupuncture; and the SA group received simulated electroacupuncture (nonacupoint). Pulmonary function, pulmonary histopathology, the expressions of SIRT1/NF-κB signaling, and inflammation-related mRNA and protein were detected. Results Significant deterioration was observed in pulmonary function and pulmonary histopathology in rats with COPD (P < 0.01), and inflammatory state was illustrated by increased levels of interleukin- (IL-) 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and decreased levels of IL-10 (P < 0.01). After the intervention of APL, ECC-BYF III, EA, and ECC-BYF III+EA, both pulmonary function and pulmonary histopathology were improved (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), whereas the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased and IL-10 was increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB, and acetylated NF-κBp65 (Ac-NF-κB) were noted to decrease, and SIRT1 and IL-10 were increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01); the protein expression of SIRT1 was upregulated, and NF-κBp65 and Ac-NF-κB were downregulated (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). The effect of ECC-BYF III+EA was better in terms of improving pulmonary function and alleviating inflammation than that of the other treatment groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05). Conclusions ECC-BYF III, electroacupuncture, and their combination can suppress inflammation, among which the combination therapy has been proven to be the most effective treatment, and the mechanism may be involved in activating SIRT1/NF-κB signaling.
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Zhang L, Tian Y, Zhao P, Jin F, Miao Y, Liu Y, Li J. Electroacupuncture attenuates pulmonary vascular remodeling in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via the VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:389-400. [PMID: 35216533 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221078873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Pulmonary vascular remodeling is the main pathological feature of COPD. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), the key regulator of angiogenesis, mediates activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway, which regulates the proliferation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and plays important roles in pulmonary angiogenesis and remodeling in COPD. Here, the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) with respect to regulation of microvascular remodeling induced by VEGF/PI3K/Akt was evaluated in a rat model of COPD. METHODS Rats were randomly assigned to blank, COPD model, EA and sham acupuncture (SA) groups. Rats in the EA group received EA at GV14, BL13 and BL23 three times per week, while those in the SA group, as a control, received shallow and minimal electrostimulation at sites 5-10 mm away from the traditional acupuncture point locations. After 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the optimal treatment duration was determined according to the results of lung function, lung pathology and inflammatory factor levels. Then, microvessel density, protein levels and mRNA expression of selected VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway intermediates were determined by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, and mRNA qRT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS EA improved lung function and lung tissue histopathology, with the best effect after 8 weeks of treatment, as noted by reduced density of lung microvessels and expression of angiogenesis-related factors (VEGF and endothelin (ET)-1). EA-treated COPD rats exhibited reduced VEGF, VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), ET-1 mRNA and VEGF, VEGFR2, phosphorylated (p)-VEGFR2, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p-mTOR at the protein level in comparison with untreated and SA-treated COPD model rats. CONCLUSION EA had beneficial effects on COPD in this animal model including reduced pulmonary vascular remodeling via mechanisms possibly related to the VEGF/PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxi Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yange Tian
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fanli Jin
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yufang Miao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine and Respiratory Diseases co-constructed by Henan province & Education Ministry of P.R. China, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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Wei QB, Ding N, Wang JJ, Wang W, Gao WP. Acupoint selection for the treatment of dry eye: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:2851-2860. [PMID: 32256769 PMCID: PMC7086192 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of dry eye has been confirmed, but the association between acupoint selection and therapeutic effect has remained to be elucidated. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of periocular acupoints and periocular acupoints plus body acupoints compared with AT for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED). The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chonqing VIP Information, Co., Ltd. databases were searched with entries until 10 July 2018 considered. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Meta-analyses were performed to compare the effects of acupuncture with those of conventional treatment (including AT or other non-acupuncture therapies). The primary outcomes, including tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer's I test (SIT) result and Symptom scores were analyzed. Subgroup analysis was performed for periocular acupoints only and periocular acupoints plus body acupoints. A total of 12 studies comprising 900 participants were included. In the primary meta-analysis, a significant improvement in the BUT [n=1,209, weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.01, 95% CI: 0.56-1.84, P<0.00001], SIT result (n=1,107, WMD=1.98, 95% CI: 0.44-3.34, P<0.00001) and Symptom scores (n=402, WMD=-1.02, 95% CI: -1.33 to -0.72, P<0.00001) was obtained to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and AT. Furthermore, periocular acupoints plus body acupoints were more effective in the treatment of DED. However, the total sample size of subjects with only periocular acupoints in the treatment of DED was too small to get any firm conclusions. Further large RCTs are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Bo Wei
- Ophthalmology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China.,Ophthalmology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Ning Ding
- Ophthalmology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China.,Ophthalmology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Wang
- Ophthalmology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China.,Ophthalmology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Wei-Ping Gao
- Ophthalmology Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, P.R. China.,Ophthalmology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
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Ma J, Tian Y, Li J, Zhang L, Wu M, Zhu L, Liu S. Effect of Bufei Yishen Granules Combined with Electroacupuncture in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via the Regulation of TLR-4/NF- κB Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:6708645. [PMID: 31275415 PMCID: PMC6560336 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6708645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combined therapy of Bufei Yishen granules (BY) and electroacupuncture (EA) has shown good effects clinically in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study aimed to observe the effects of the BY + EA combination in a COPD rat model and dissect the potential mechanisms via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. METHODS The COPD rats were treated with normal saline, aminophylline, Bufei Yishen granules, electroacupuncture, or Bufei Yishen granules combined with electroacupuncture. The pulmonary function; lung tissue histology; levels of inflammatory factors; expression levels of TLR-4, inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (IκB), and NF-κB; and activation of NF-κB in the lung tissues were evaluated. RESULTS Pulmonary function was markedly decreased in the COPD rats, and the lung tissue histology of the COPD rats showed severe pathological changes. The pulmonary function and lung tissue morphology in the treatment groups (APL, BY, EA, and BY + EA) were improved. The increased levels of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 indicated a chronic inflammatory state in the COPD rats. In the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were decreased, especially in the BY + EA group. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of TLR-4, IκB, and NF-κB were obviously downregulated in the BY and BY + EA groups; and the NF-κB p65 activation was significantly decreased in the BY, EA, and BY + EA groups. CONCLUSIONS Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture have curative effects in COPD rats, and the combination therapy of Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture is superior. The TLR-4/NF-κB pathway may be involved in the potential mechanisms by which Bufei Yishen granules and electroacupuncture reduce inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindi Ma
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Yange Tian
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Lanxi Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Mingming Wu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan 450046, China
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Li NC, Li MY, Chen B, Guo Y. A New Perspective of Acupuncture: The Interaction among Three Networks Leads to Neutralization. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019; 2019:2326867. [PMID: 30915143 PMCID: PMC6409053 DOI: 10.1155/2019/2326867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been used to treat multiple medical conditions, but whether the diverse effects of acupuncture are intrinsically linked and how they might be connected have yet to be determined. More and more researches have shown that acupuncture is a kind of nociceptive stimulus, which can cause inflammatory reaction in the sites of acupuncture and then further activate the nerve-endocrine-immune systems to cause the cascade amplification of the acupuncture effect. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing literature concerning the role of "acupoint-meridian-disease network" in various effects of acupuncture and suggest a novel notion that acupuncture may restore homeostasis under different pathological conditions by regulating this network, resulting in the activation of different reaction cascades in response to pathological injury. We think that acupuncture acts on acupoints, first activating the small network of acupoints (Acupoint Network). The information of acupuncture is amplified by cascade, and the nerve endocrine immune system (NEI) is activated through the large network of meridians (Meridian Network) of the body itself. The nerve-endocrine-immune system (NEI) further outputs the effect information to the target organ through multilevel and multisystems and finally acts on the disease network (Disease Network) to produce acupuncture effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-cen Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Acupuncture Research Center of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming-yue Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Acupuncture Research Center of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Acupuncture Research Center of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Chinese Medicine College of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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Topical Application of TAT-Superoxide Dismutase in Acupoints LI 20 on Allergic Rhinitis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2016:3830273. [PMID: 28119757 PMCID: PMC5227158 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3830273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species are products of cellular metabolism and assigned important roles in biomedical science as deleterious factors in pathologies. In fact, some studies have shown that the therapeutic benefits of taking antioxidants were limited and the potential for therapeutic intervention remains unclear. New evidences showed that ROS have some ability of intercellular transportation. For treating allergic rhinitis, as a novel intracellular superoxide quencher, TAT-SOD applied to acupoints LI 20 instead of directly to nasal cavity can be used to test that. TTA group apply TAT-SOD cream prepared by adding purified TAT-SOD to the vehicle cream to acupoints LI 20, while placebo group used the vehicle cream instead. TTN group applied the same TAT-SOD cream directly to nasal cavity three times daily. Symptom scores were recorded at baseline and days 8 and 15. For the overall efficacy rate, TTA group was 81.0%, while placebo group was 5.9% and TTN was 0%. Malondialdehyde levels decreased observably in TTA group, and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels remained basically unaffected. Enzymatic scavenging of the intracellular superoxide at acupoints LI 20 proved to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis, while no improvement was observed with the placebo group and TTN group.
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Chen B, Li MY, Guo Y, Zhao X, Lim HMC. Mast cell-derived exosomes at the stimulated acupoints activating the neuro-immune regulation. Chin J Integr Med 2016; 23:878-880. [PMID: 27650095 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-016-2269-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes are cell-derived vesicles that take part in intercellular signaling. Research has shown that acupuncture is closely related to affecting the functions of the mast cells in the local region of the acupoint, and stimulating the afferent nerve. Mast cells have a connection with the conduction within the meridians, and play an important role in immuno-regulation. The 'synapse-like' connection between the mast cells and nerve endings is the basis for the exchange of information between these two tissues. Exosome mediates mast exchange of information between mast cells and the nerves, starting the process of neuro-immuno regulation. Therefore, we propose that mast cell-derived exosomes mediate the neuro-immuno regulation at the local site of acupuncture, and this is one of the key factors resulting in the effectiveness of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chen
- Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Ming-Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Practice Teaching, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China.
| | - Yi Guo
- Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Hui-Min Calista Lim
- Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300193, China
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Li F, He T, Xu Q, Lin LT, Li H, Liu Y, Shi GX, Liu CZ. What is the Acupoint? A preliminary review of Acupoints. PAIN MEDICINE 2015; 16:1905-15. [PMID: 25975413 DOI: 10.1111/pme.12761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, acupoints are specifically chosen sites of acupuncture manipulation, and also the basis for studying the mechanism of acupuncture. Stimulating different acupoints on the body surface could provide various therapeutic benefits. However, what is the acupoint? This question is not clear. REVIEW SUMMARY We focuse on examining the function of acupoints from different perspectives, including the local and the systemic effects of stimulating acupoints. For example, acupoints may release certain substances or incur some changes, which could adjust the function of organs, maintain homeostasis. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects of verum acupoints versus sham acupoints were discussed. However, due to insufficience in evidence and in current methodologies, research into mechanisms of acupuncture is still incomplete. CONCLUSION This review might explain, to some extent, what an acupoint is. Further research into the identity of acupoints is warranted, and multidisciplinary methods using novel technologies may yield significant advances over existing knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China.,Graduate school, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 312, Anshan West Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Tian He
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Li-Ting Lin
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China.,Graduate school, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 312, Anshan West Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Hui Li
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China.,Graduate school, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 312, Anshan West Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China.,Graduate school, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 312, Anshan West Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300193, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100010, China
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