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Shen Q, Guo H, Yan Y. Photobiomodulation for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Scoping Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1625. [PMID: 38338901 PMCID: PMC10855709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031625] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases involve the progressive dysfunction and loss of neurons in the central nervous system and thus present a significant challenge due to the absence of effective therapies for halting or reversing their progression. Based on the characteristics of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), which have prolonged incubation periods and protracted courses, exploring non-invasive physical therapy methods is essential for alleviating such diseases and ensuring that patients have an improved quality of life. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses red and infrared light for therapeutic benefits and functions by stimulating, healing, regenerating, and protecting organizations at risk of injury, degradation, or death. Over the last two decades, PBM has gained widespread recognition as a non-invasive physical therapy method, showing efficacy in pain relief, anti-inflammatory responses, and tissue regeneration. Its application has expanded into the fields of neurology and psychiatry, where extensive research has been conducted. This paper presents a review and evaluation of studies investigating PBM in neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific emphasis on recent applications in AD and PD treatment for both animal and human subjects. Molecular mechanisms related to neuron damage and cognitive impairment are scrutinized, offering valuable insights into PBM's potential as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (H.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Haoyun Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (H.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yihua Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Institute of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China; (H.G.); (Y.Y.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, College of Biophotonics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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Bicknell B, Liebert A, Herkes G. Parkinson's Disease and Photobiomodulation: Potential for Treatment. J Pers Med 2024; 14:112. [PMID: 38276234 PMCID: PMC10819946 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010112] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and is increasing in incidence. The combination of motor and non-motor symptoms makes this a devastating disease for people with Parkinson's disease and their care givers. Parkinson's disease is characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death in the substantia nigra, a reduction in dopamine, accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates and neuroinflammation. The microbiome-gut-brain axis is also important in Parkinson's disease, involved in the spread of inflammation and aggregated α-synuclein. The mainstay of Parkinson's disease treatment is dopamine replacement therapy, which can reduce some of the motor signs. There is a need for additional treatment options to supplement available medications. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of light therapy that has been shown to have multiple clinical benefits due to its enhancement of the mitochondrial electron transport chain and the subsequent increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production. PBM also modulates cellular signalling and has been shown to reduce inflammation. Clinically, PBM has been used for decades to improve wound healing, treat pain, reduce swelling and heal deep tissues. Pre-clinical experiments have indicated that PBM has the potential to improve the clinical signs of Parkinson's disease and to provide neuroprotection. This effect is seen whether the PBM is directed to the head of the animal or to other parts of the body (remotely). A small number of clinical trials has given weight to the possibility that using PBM can improve both motor and non-motor clinical signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease and may potentially slow its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Bicknell
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia;
| | - Ann Liebert
- NICM Health Research Institute, University of Western Sydney, Westmead 2145, Australia;
- Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga 2076, Australia
- Faculty of medicine and Health, Sydney University, Camperdown 2050, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Herkes
- Neurologist, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga 2076, Australia;
- College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra 2600, Australia
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Lee S, Kim SN. The effects of acupuncture on sleep disorders and its underlying mechanism: a literature review of rodent studies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1243029. [PMID: 37614343 PMCID: PMC10442542 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1243029] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is a set of physiological processes mainly under neurobiological regulation that affect several physiological systems, and sleep disorders are a condition where normal sleep patterns are disturbed. Clinical studies have confirmed the effects of acupuncture on sleep duration and quality. Although many studies have explored the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on sleep disorders, the mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the mechanism of acupuncture efficacy in a rodent model of sleep disorders and evaluated the therapeutic effects of acupuncture treatment. According to our results, sleep disorders are associated with several brain regions and neurotransmitters. Furthermore, this review showed that neurological processes, such as catecholamine and BDNF signaling pathways, can be regulated by acupuncture, which is a crucial aspect of the acupuncture mechanism in sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Seung-Nam Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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Liu Y, Gong Y, Wu XL, Hao XM, Liu JP, Li YY, Yang KZ, Gao XY, Zhang J, Zhang L, Zhang XD, Wang J, Liu QG. Fire acupuncture for anti-LGI1 antibody autoimmune encephalitis: a case report. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1203915. [PMID: 37539383 PMCID: PMC10395828 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1203915] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune encephalitis, a class of encephalitis, is clinically characterized by multifocal or diffuse brain injury, including aberrant mental behavior, convulsions, and near-event memory impairment. In this article, we describe a female patient with autoimmune encephalitis who tested positive for leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 (LGI1) antibodies and had hippocampal inflammatory edema in the lesion area. During the first 3 months of her illness, the patient primarily experienced memory loss, the onset of rigid twitching in her extremities that lasted for 1 min while in remission, and incontinence. After gamma globulin administration, methylprednisolone shock, and other symptomatic therapies during hospitalization, the patient's psychiatric symptoms and seizures improved considerably; however, she did not fully recover her memory. After receiving fire acupuncture for 6 months, the patient's understanding, orientation, and calculation skills improved considerably. Her memory and mental state were also improved at the follow-up visit. In this case, the use of fire acupuncture for the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis resulted in favorable outcomes with important benefits for conditions affecting the central nervous system; however, more convincing data are required to support the effectiveness of this treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Gong
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-li Wu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-min Hao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-peng Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yin-yin Li
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ke-zhen Yang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-yu Gao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-dong Zhang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-guo Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Li X, Li JC, Lu QQ, Zhang F, Zhang SQ. Research status and prospects of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:942069. [PMID: 37304438 PMCID: PMC10248508 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.942069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and has a predilection for children. Its symptoms, such as lifelong social communication deficits and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors, put a huge burden on the patient's family and society. Currently, there is no cure for ASD, and some medications that can improve its symptoms are often accompanied by adverse effects. Among many complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, acupuncture has shown promising application potential, but after years of practice, it has not been recognized as the preferred CAM therapy for ASD. Therefore, we analyzed and discussed the clinical study reports of acupuncture in the treatment of ASD in the past 15 years from the aspects of study subjects, group setting, intervention modalities, acupoint selection, outcome evaluation, and safety. The data accumulated at present are not sufficient to support the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in ASD and to justify its use in clinical practice. They provide, however, initial evidence of possible effectiveness and encourage further investigation in order to reach firm conclusions. Based on a comprehensive analysis, we believed that following the Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) and Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), screening the optimal combination of acupoints applying a rigorous scientific study design, and performing the related functional experiments may be the effective way to convincingly test the hypothesis that acupuncture may be beneficial in ASD patients. The significance of this review is to provide a reference for researchers to carry out high-quality clinical trials of acupuncture in the treatment of ASD from the perspective of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Cheng Li
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Medical Research Center, Yuebei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
- Institute of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Qi Lu
- Medical Research Center, Yuebei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Yuebei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
| | - Shan-Qiang Zhang
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Medical Research Center, Yuebei People’s Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shaoguan, China
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Zhang Z, Chen L, Guo Y, Li D, Zhang J, Liu L, Fan W, Guo T, Qin S, Zhao Y, Xu Z, Chen Z. The neuroprotective and neural circuit mechanisms of acupoint stimulation for cognitive impairment. Chin Med 2023; 18:8. [PMID: 36670425 PMCID: PMC9863122 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00707-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a prevalent neurological disorder that burdens families and the healthcare system. Current conventional therapies for cognitive impairment, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists, are unable to completely stop or reverse the progression of the disease. Also, these medicines may cause serious problems with the digestive system, cardiovascular system, and sleep. Clinically, stimulation of acupoints has the potential to ameliorate the common symptoms of a variety of cognitive disorders, such as memory deficit, language dysfunction, executive dysfunction, reduced ability to live independently, etc. There are common acupoint stimulation mechanisms for treating various types of cognitive impairment, but few systematic analyses of the underlying mechanisms in this domain have been performed. This study comprehensively reviewed the basic research from the last 20 years and found that acupoint stimulation can effectively improve the spatial learning and memory of animals. The common mechanism may be that acupoint stimulation protects hippocampal neurons by preventing apoptosis and scavenging toxic proteins. Additionally, acupoint stimulation has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, promoting neural regeneration, regulating synaptic plasticity, and normalizing neural circuits by restoring brain functional activity and connectivity. Acupoint stimulation also inhibits the production of amyloid β-peptide and the phosphorylation of Tau protein, suggesting that it may protect neurons by promoting correct protein folding and regulating the degradation of toxic proteins via the autophagy-lysosomal pathway. However, the benefits of acupoint stimulation still need to be further explored in more high-quality studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Zhang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liuyi Chen
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.257143.60000 0004 1772 1285First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Zhang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling Liu
- grid.257143.60000 0004 1772 1285First Clinical College, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Fan
- grid.412879.10000 0004 0374 1074Department of Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Course, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka City, 5100293 Japan
| | - Tao Guo
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Siru Qin
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yadan Zhao
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zelin Chen
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381 People’s Republic of China
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Chen S, Huang L, Liu G, Kang J, Qian Q, Wang J, Wang R, Zheng L, Wang H, Ou P. Acupuncture Ameliorated Behavioral Abnormalities in the Autism Rat Model via Pathways for Hippocampal Serotonin. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2023; 19:951-972. [PMID: 37096024 PMCID: PMC10122481 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s398321] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Acupuncture can improve symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the potential mechanisms remain undefined. So, we aimed to explore the behavioral improvement of autism rat model after acupuncture and to describe the potential molecular mechanism underlying these changes. Patients and Methods Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with VPA 12.5 days after conception, and their offspring were considered as good models of autism. Experimental rats were divided into three groups (wild-type (WT), n = 10; VPA, n = 10; and VPA_acupuncture, n = 10). VPA_acupuncture group rat received 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment (Shéntíng (GV24), and Bilateral Běnshén (GB13)) on the 23rd day after birth. All rats were subjected to behavioral tests, including social interaction, open field, and Morris water maze tests. Afterwards, hippocampal tissues (left side) were removed and subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis; ELISA was also used to detect the associated serotonin levels in the hippocampus. Results Behavioral tests showed that acupuncture treatment improved spontaneous activity, aberrant social interaction, and alleviated impaired learning and memory in the VPA-induced rat model. Differentially expressed genes (DGEs) analysis showed 142 significantly differentially expressed genes between WT and VPA groups, and 282 between VPA and VPA_acupuncture rats. Htr2c and Htr1a, 5-HT receptor genes, were up-regulated in the VPA group compared with WT group. Additionally, Tph1, a rate-limiting enzyme gene of 5-HT synthesis, was up-regulated after acupuncture. These genes were confirmed to have the same trend of expression obtained by RT-qPCR and RNA seq. Furthermore, the concentration of serotonin in the hippocampus in the VPA group was significantly lower than the WT and VPA_acupuncture groups. Conclusion Acupuncture improved abnormal behavioral symptoms in the VPA-induced rat model. Further experiments showed that the improvement of the serotonin system may be one of the main regulatory mechanisms of acupuncture for treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Chen
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People’s Republic of China
| | - Longsheng Huang
- Child Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guihua Liu
- Child Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Kang
- Department of TCM Syndrome Research Base, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qinfang Qian
- Child Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingrong Wang
- Child Health Center, Fujian Branch of Shanghai Children’s Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lizhen Zheng
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350108, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haijun Wang
- School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, 100089, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Ou
- Child Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ping Ou, Child Health Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350001, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13905916211, Email
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Acupuncture for Parkinson's Disease: Efficacy Evaluation and Mechanisms in the Dopaminergic Neural Circuit. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:9926445. [PMID: 34221005 PMCID: PMC8221898 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9926445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Existing pharmaceutical treatments offer alleviation of symptoms but cannot delay disease progression and are often associated with significant side effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that acupuncture may be beneficial for PD treatment, particularly in terms of ameliorating PD symptoms when combined with anti-PD medication, reducing the required dose of medication and associated side effects. During early stages of PD, acupuncture may even be used to replace medication. It has also been found that acupuncture can protect dopaminergic neurons from degeneration via antioxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic pathways as well as modulating the neurotransmitter balance in the basal ganglia circuit. Here, we review current studies and reflect on the potential of acupuncture as a novel and effective treatment strategy for PD. We found that particularly during the early stages, acupuncture may reduce neurodegeneration of dopaminergic neurons and regulate the balance of the dopaminergic circuit, thus delaying the progression of the disease. The benefits of acupuncture will need to be further verified through basic and clinical studies.
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Positive Effects of Laser Acupuncture in Methamphetamine Users Undergoing Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Pilot Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5514873. [PMID: 34122593 PMCID: PMC8166487 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5514873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Methamphetamine (MA) addiction has become a crucial public health concern because of its adverse consequences to individuals and the society. Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of laser acupuncture combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy for MA addiction treatment. Materials and Methods MA users who participated in group cognitive behavioral therapy and met the inclusion criteria were referred from psychiatrists to participate. The participants received laser acupuncture treatment once a week for 2 months (total eight treatments) on selected acupoints (PC6, HT7, LI4, ST36, SP6, and LR3). Laboratory assessment included urinalysis for MA and liver function tests aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyltransferase (AST, ALT, and γ-GT), whereas the objective assessment included visual analog scale (VAS) for MA craving and refusal and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) questionnaires. All data were collected before and at 1 and 2 months after treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy completion rate and rate of relapse to MA use were also determined. Result Fifteen participants were enrolled, of whom seven completed the trial. Urinalysis for MA revealed a decrease in drug use from 57.1% to 28.6%. Compared with those before treatment, PSQI scores were significantly lower at 1 and 2 months after treatment (−3.73 and −4.10, respectively; both p < 0.001), and so were BDI scores (−5.64 and −8.17, respectively; p=0.01 and 0.001, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed in the liver function test, VAS of craving and refusal, and BAI results. A slight improvement in the motivation for drug abstinence and anxiety was observed during the treatment course. Participants reported no adverse events. Conclusion Laser acupuncture combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy may improve sleep quality, alleviate depression, and reduce MA use. Additional large-scale studies confirming the effectiveness of this modality are warranted.
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Effects of Acupuncture on Oxidative Stress Amelioration via Nrf2/ARE-Related Pathways in Alzheimer and Parkinson Diseases. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6624976. [PMID: 33995547 PMCID: PMC8096560 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6624976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is responsible for the pathogeneses of various diseases. Mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair, and cellular damage followed by oxidative stress contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD). Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that has been practiced for >3000 years in Asia. Many studies have demonstrated that acupuncture has notable antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) is crucial in regulating the redox equilibrium. Activated Nfr2 translocates into the nucleus, binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE), and initiates antioxidative enzyme transcription. In this review, we demonstrated the effects of acupuncture on oxidative stress amelioration in AD and PD animal models through Nrf2/ARE pathway activation and Nrf2/ARE-related pathway regulation. Thus, acupuncture could be a therapeutic option for AD and PD.
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The Application of Laser Acupuncture in Animal Experiments: A Narrative Review of Biological Aspects. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6646237. [PMID: 33680056 PMCID: PMC7929682 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6646237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Experimental studies on animals are conducted in almost all areas of medical research. The experiments offer insights into diseases and expand biomedical knowledge. Animal experiments are also imperative for studying acupuncture treatment mechanisms and the exploration of innovative acupuncture techniques. Laser acupuncture (LA), as a promising alternative to traditional manual acupuncture (MA), has the characteristics of painless and controllable stimulation. Today, society is more aware of animal welfare than previous generations. The use of noninvasive LA as a substitute for invasive MA in basic experimental research of acupuncture should be encouraged. Thus, we conducted an overview of animal experiments in the research field of LA from January 1978 to April 2020. After careful research, 52 studies were included in the work. Among these studies, both single-point and multipoint LA studies have been reported. To make noninvasive LA better in replacing invasive MA in experimental animal research of acupuncture, further experiments should focus on exploring uniform criteria for selecting laser parameters and revealing the extent to which the curative effect of LA depends on the property of acupuncture points rather than the characteristics of photobiomodulation.
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Surapaty IA, Simadibrata C, Rejeki ES, Mangunatmadja I. Laser Acupuncture Effects on Speech and Social Interaction in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Med Acupunct 2020; 32:300-309. [PMID: 33101575 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2020.1417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Disorders of speech ability and social interaction are the most-common symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acupuncture, as an adjunctive therapy, is known to help improve speech ability and social interaction in children with this condition. One of the acupuncture modalities with minimal side-effects, and that is safe for children, is laser acupuncture or laserpuncture. This study's aim was to determine laserpuncture's effects on speech ability and social interactions in patients with ASD. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blinded clinical trial involved 46 patients in 2 groups. All respondents qualified, and none dropped out. The treatment group (n = 23) received sensory-occupational integrative therapy and verum laserpuncture therapy and the control group (n = 23) received sensory-occupational integrative therapy and placebo laserpuncture. The groups' speech ability and social interaction were evaluated with a WeeFIM® questionnaire; parental reports were collected, using sensory profiles before and after treatment. Results: There were improvements in speech ability and social interaction in the verum laserpuncture group more than in the placebo group after treatment. Perception score was P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR): 18.8; 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.09-87.17. Expression score was P < 0.001; OR: 50.2; 95% CI: 5.61-450.2. Social interaction score was P = 0.005; OR:7.2; 95% CI: 1.68-31.42. Parental report score was P = 0.765. Conclusions: Verum laserpuncture in this clinical trial improved speech ability and social interaction scores more effectively than placebo laserpuncture did in patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imtiaz Amrinusantara Surapaty
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Central Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Christina Simadibrata
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Central Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Irawan Mangunatmadja
- Divison of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Central Jakarta, Indonesia
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Photobiomodulation for Parkinson's Disease in Animal Models: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040610. [PMID: 32326425 PMCID: PMC7225948 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photobiomodulation (PBM) might be an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) in human patients. PBM of the brain uses red or near infrared light delivered from a laser or an LED at relatively low power densities, onto the head (or other body parts) to stimulate the brain and prevent degeneration of neurons. PD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra deep within the brain. PD is a movement disorder that also shows various other symptoms affecting the brain and other organs. Treatment involves dopamine replacement therapy or electrical deep brain stimulation. The present systematic review covers reports describing the use of PBM to treat laboratory animal models of PD, in an attempt to draw conclusions about the best choice of parameters and irradiation techniques. There have already been clinical trials of PBM reported in patients, and more are expected in the coming years. PBM is particularly attractive as it is a non-pharmacological treatment, without any major adverse effects (and very few minor ones).
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Guo X, Ma T. Effects of Acupuncture on Neurological Disease in Clinical- and Animal-Based Research. Front Integr Neurosci 2019; 13:47. [PMID: 31543763 PMCID: PMC6729102 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2019.00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disease, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), which were caused by abnormalities in the nervous system involves the accumulation of false proteins, neurotransmitter abnormalities, neuronal apoptosis, etc. As an alternative supplementary medicine (ASM), acupuncture plays an important role in the treatment of neurological diseases. In this review article, we summarized the current evidence for the treatment efficacy of acupuncture in AD and PD from the perspective of clinical trials and animal model. Acupuncture can inhibit the accumulation of toxic proteins in neurological diseases, modulate energy supply based on glucose metabolism, depress neuronal apoptosis, etc., and exert a wide range of neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Guo
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Baihui Point Laser Acupuncture Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment, Motor Deficit, and Neuronal Loss Partly via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in an Animal Model of Focal Ischemic Stroke. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:1204709. [PMID: 30915140 PMCID: PMC6409074 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1204709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is recognized as one of the most dangerous killer diseases in Thailand and other countries worldwide. The development of a novel strategy for treating stroke patients is therefore urgently required. The present study investigated the effect of laser acupuncture at the Baihui point on cognitive and functional recovery, neuronal loss, antioxidant enzyme activities, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity in the hippocampus in an animal model of focal ischemic stroke. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation; permanent occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (Rt.MCAO); Rt.MCAO with sham laser acupuncture; and Rt.MCAO with Baihui point laser acupuncture. Laser acupuncture at the Baihui point and sham acupuncture at a nonacupoint were performed once daily (10 min at each point) for 14 days after Rt.MCAO. Half of the rats in each group were examined to determine neuron density by Cresyl violet staining, while the other half were examined by biochemical assays to measure glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the hippocampus, superoxide dismutase (SOD) in mitochondria and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activity in the hippocampus. Laser acupuncture treatment was found to significantly enhance memory and neuron density in CA1 and CA3. Improved neurological score, improved GSH-Px and SOD activities, and decreased density ratio of IL-6 to β-actin were also observed in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Baihui point laser acupuncture alleviates cognitive impairment and motor deficits via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in focal ischemic rats. Further study is warranted to investigate other possible mechanisms of action.
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Sexual Enhancing Effect of Anacardium occidentale in Stress-Exposed Rats by Improving Dopaminergic and Testicular Functions. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:6452965. [PMID: 30498760 PMCID: PMC6222230 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6452965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to assess the effect and possible underlying mechanism of Anacardium occidentale leaves extract on male sexual behaviors in stress-exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were orally given A. occidentale extract at doses of 25, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW before 12-hour-immobilization exposure for 14 days. Sexual behaviors, serum testosterone and corticosterone levels, TH-positive cells density in nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA), MAO-B activity in NAc and medial preoptic area (MPOA), testis histology together with phosphodiesterase type-5 ( PDE-5) activity, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression in penis were evaluated after treatment. All doses of extract improved male sexual behaviors, suppressed MAO-B in NAc, enhanced TH-positive cells density in NAc, suppressed PDE-5 in penis, and enhanced interstitial cell of Leydig. The increase of serum testosterone, TH-positive cells density in VTA, eNOS expression in penis, and the decreased serum corticosterone were observed at some doses. Therefore, the sexual enhancing effect of extract occurred mainly via the improved dopaminergic and testicular functions. PDE-5 suppression in penis also played the role especially in the increased intromission behavior. Therefore, A. occidentale leaves extract is the potential protective agent against sexual dysfunction. However, further researches are necessary.
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17
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Effects of Acupuncture on Alzheimer's Disease in Animal-Based Research. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:6512520. [PMID: 29234418 PMCID: PMC5635287 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6512520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and severe functional deficits in the brain. The pathogenesis and treatment of AD remain topics of investigation and significant global socioeconomic issues. The effect of complementary medicine has been investigated in managing AD. Acupuncture, a form of therapy practiced for more than 3000 years, has shown positive effects on several neurological disorders including AD. Animal studies have evaluated the specific utility and neuropathological mechanisms addressed by acupoint manipulation; however, no study has summarized the relationships among different acupoints and their therapeutic effects in the context of AD. Therefore, we reviewed the effects of acupuncture at different acupoints in animal models of AD. In general, acupuncture produced therapeutic benefits in rodent models of AD. Studies demonstrate the utility of GV20 as a valuable acupoint for electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture. GV20 stimulation suppresses Aβ generation, improves glucose metabolism, and attenuates neuropathological features in various disease models. However, a lack of sufficient evidence in preclinical and clinical studies makes these results controversial. Additional studies are required to confirm the exact utility of specific acupoints in clinically managing AD.
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Khongrum J, Wattanathorn J. Laser Acupuncture at HT7 Improves the Cerebellar Disorders in Valproic Acid-Rat Model of Autism. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2017; 10:231-239. [PMID: 28889839 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel therapeutic strategy against autism is essential due to the limited therapeutic efficacy. Based on the benefit of laser acupuncture at HT7 acupoint on the neurological disorders related with oxidative stress and inflammation, its benefit on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic/glutamatergic imbalance in cerebellum of autism have been considered. To elucidate this issue, male rat pups were induced autistic-like conditions by valproic acid (VPA) and treated with laser acupuncture at HT7 acupoint once daily between postnatal Day 14 and Day 40. At the end of study, the changes of oxidative stress markers, the expressions of cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) proteins (65 kDa and 67 kDa) together with gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) activity and density of Purkinje cell in the cerebellum were assessed. The results showed that laser acupuncture HT7 decreased oxidative stress, IL-6 expression, and GABA-T activity but increased the expressions of GAD 65 kDa together with the density of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum. Therefore, laser acupuncture at HT7 is the potential strategy to improve the cerebellar disorders in VPA-rat model of autism. The mechanism may occur partly via the decrease of oxidative stress status, inflammation, and the improved GABAergic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurairat Khongrum
- Department of Physiology (Neuroscience Program), Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Jintanaporn Wattanathorn
- Integrative Complementary Alternative Medicine Research and Development Center, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
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20
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Adly AS, Adly AS, Adly MS, Serry ZMH. Laser acupuncture versus reflexology therapy in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis. Lasers Med Sci 2017; 32:1097-1103. [PMID: 28451815 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-017-2213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The purposes of this study are to determine and compare efficacy of laser acupuncture versus reflexology in elderly with rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis aged between 60 and 70 years were classified into two groups, 15 patients each. Group A received laser acupuncture therapy (904 nm, beam area of 1cm2, power 100 mW, power density 100 mW/cm2, energy dosage 4 J, energy density 4 J/cm2, irradiation time 40 s, and frequency 100,000 Hz). The acupuncture points that were exposed to laser radiation are LR3, ST25, ST36, SI3, SI4, LI4, LI11, SP6, SP9, GB25, GB34, and HT7. While group B received reflexology therapy, both offered 12 sessions over 4 weeks. The changes in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, MDA, ATP, and ROM at wrist and ankle joints were measured at the beginning and end of treatment. There was significant decrease in RAQoL, HAQ, IL-6, and MDA pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ATP pre/posttreatment for both groups (p < 0.05); significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, extension, and ulnar deviation ROM pre/posttreatment in group A (p < 0.05); and significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion and ankle plantar-flexion ROM pre/posttreatment in group B (p < 0.05). Comparison between both groups showed a statistical significant decrease in MDA and a statistical significant increase in ATP in group A than group B. Percent of changes in MDA was 41.82%↓ in group A versus 21.68%↓ in group B; changes in ATP was 226.97%↑ in group A versus 67.02%↑ in group B. Moreover, there was a statistical significant increase in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation in group A than group B. Laser therapy is associated with significant improvement in MDA and ATP greater than reflexology. In addition, it is associated with significant improvement in ankle dorsi-flexion, ankle plantar-flexion, wrist flexion, wrist extension, and radial deviation greater than reflexology in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afnan Sedky Adly
- Medical Applications of Laser in Physical Medicine, Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular-Respiratory Disorders and Geriatrics, Cairo University Kasr El Aini Medical School, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya Sedky Adly
- Computer Science, Biomedical Informatics, Helwan University Faculty of Computers and Information, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mahmoud Sedky Adly
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Medical Applications of Laser, Cairo University Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zahra M H Serry
- Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular-Respiratory Disorders and Geriatrics, Cairo University Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo, Egypt
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Laser Acupuncture Exerts Neuroprotective Effects via Regulation of Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax Gene Expressions in the Hippocampus. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:7181637. [PMID: 28408940 PMCID: PMC5376935 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7181637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has a positive effect on cognitive deficits. However, the effects of laser acupuncture (LA) on cognitive function and its mechanisms of action are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of LA on middle cerebral artery occlusion- (MCAO-) induced cognitive impairment and its mechanisms of action. Transient focal cerebral ischemia was modeled in adult Sprague-Dawley rats by MCAO. After LA or manual-acupuncture (MA) treatment at the GV20 and HT7 for 2 weeks, hippocampal-dependent memory was evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. The hippocampus was dissected to analyze choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity and Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax gene expressions. MWM test demonstrated a significant improvement in hippocampal-dependent memory in the MCAO rats after LA treatment. LA treatment significantly reversed the postischemic decrease in ChAT immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA1 region. LA treatment significantly normalized gene expression in the hippocampus which had been altered by MCAO, especially upregulating gene expression of Creb, Bdnf, and Bcl-2 and downregulating gene expression of Bax. This study suggests that LA treatment could improve cognitive impairment in MCAO rats to enhance the cholinergic system in the hippocampal CA1 region and to exert a neuroprotective effect by regulating Creb, Bdnf, Bcl-2, and Bax gene expressions.
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The Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation for Brain Activation and Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy: Functional MRI Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:2850124. [PMID: 28280514 PMCID: PMC5322448 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2850124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We attempted to investigate whether acupuncture stimulation at HT7 can have an effect on brain activation patterns and alcohol abstinence self-efficacy. Thirty-four right-handed healthy subjects were recruited for this study. They were randomly assigned into two groups: the HT7 (Shenmen) group and the LI5 (Yangxi) group. Acupuncture stimulation was performed using a block paradigm during fMRI scanning. Additionally, the Korean version of Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale (AASES) was used to determine the effect of acupuncture stimulation on self-efficacy to abstain from alcohol use. According to the result of fMRI group analysis, the activation induced by HT7 stimulation was found on the bilateral postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, inferior frontal gyrus, claustrum, insula, and anterior lobe of the cerebellum, as well as on the left posterior lobe of the cerebellum (p < 0.001, uncorrected). According to the AASES analysis, the interaction effect for gender and treatment was marginally significant (F(1, 30) = 4.152, p = 0.050). For female group, the simple main effect of treatment was significant (F(1, 11) = 8.040, p = 0.016), indicating that the mean change score was higher in the HT7 stimulation than in the LI5 stimulation. Therefore, our study has provided evidence to support that HT7 stimulation has a positive therapeutic effect on the alcohol-related diseases.
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Acupuncture Improved Neurological Recovery after Traumatic Brain Injury by Activating BDNF/TrkB Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:8460145. [PMID: 28243312 PMCID: PMC5294361 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8460145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
How to promote neural repair following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has long been an intractable problem. Although acupuncture has been demonstrated to facilitate the neurological recovery, the underlying mechanism is elusive. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts substantial protective effects for neurological disorders. In this study, we found that the level of BDNF and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) was elevated spontaneously after TBI and reached up to the peak at 12 h. Nevertheless, this enhancement is quickly declined to the normal at 48 h. After combined stimulation at the acupoints of Baihui, Renzhong, Hegu, and Zusanli, we found that BDNF and TrkB were still significantly elevated at 168 h. We also observed that the downstream molecular p-Akt and p-Erk1/2 were significantly increased, suggesting that acupuncture could persistently activate the BDNF/TrkB pathway. To further verify that acupuncture improved recovery through activating BDNF/TrkB pathway, K252a (specific inhibitor of TrkB) was treated by injection stereotaxically into lateral ventricle. We observed that K252a could significantly prevent the acupuncture-induced amelioration of motor, sensation, cognition, and synaptic plasticity. These data indicated that acupuncture promoted the recovery of neurological impairment after TBI by activating BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, providing new molecular mechanism for understanding traditional therapy of acupuncture.
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Lu KW, Yang J, Hsieh CL, Hsu YC, Lin YW. Electroacupuncture restores spatial learning and downregulates phosphorylated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Acupunct Med 2016; 35:133-141. [PMID: 27531695 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-011041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. PD can be classified as idiopathic, acquired or hereditary and may be caused by various factors such as oxidative stress, loss of mitochondrial function, neuronal excitotoxicity or calcium imbalance. METHODS We hypothesised that electroacupuncture (EA) at KI3 would reduce neuronal excitotoxicity by regulating N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function and may represent a novel therapeutic approach for PD. RESULTS Our results showed that deficits in spatial learning (reflected by the escape latency time in the Morris water maze task) and long-term potentiation (LTP) caused by systemic 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) administration (that damages dopaminergic neurons) could be rescued by EA on day 3. In PD mice, phosphorylated NMDA receptor subunits NR1 and NR2B were elevated (134.03±10.17% and 123.46±3.47% of baseline levels, respectively) but total NR1 and NR2B was unaffected (101.37±3.87% and 102.61±4.22% of baseline, respectively). Elevated levels of pNR1 and pNR2B, and phosphorylated forms of protein kinase A, protein kinase C, α Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase extracellular signal-regulated kinases (pERK), and cAMP response element-binding protein were also reduced following EA. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings suggest that EA can rescue learning and LTP deficits in a rodent model of PD. The results point to a possible role for EA-based approaches in the clinical treatment of learning deficits associated with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kung-Wen Lu
- College of Chinese Medicine, School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Integrative Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chan Hsu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Darbandi S, Darbandi M, Mokarram P, Sadeghi MR, Owji AA, Khorram Khorshid HR, Zhao B, Heidari M. CME Article:The Acupuncture-Affected Gene Expressions and Epigenetic Modifications in Oxidative Stress–Associated Diseases. Med Acupunct 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2015.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Darbandi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Darbandi
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooneh Mokarram
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
- Reproductive Immunology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Owji
- Department of Biochemistry, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Baxiao Zhao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Mahnaz Heidari
- Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
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Lv E, Deng J, Yu Y, Wang Y, Gong X, Jia J, Wang X. Nrf2-ARE signals mediated the anti-oxidative action of electroacupuncture in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Free Radic Res 2015; 49:1296-307. [PMID: 26118717 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2015.1067696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are early events associated with dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies indicated that electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is effective in protecting dopaminergic neurons from degeneration in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. In this study, we further characterized the effect of EA on MPTP-induced oxidative responses in the mouse dopamine system. We found that subacute administration of MPTP enhanced lipid and protein oxidation and reduced expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase and catalase) in the striatum. MPTP also reduced expression of an antioxidant transcription factor, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and Nrf2-regulated antioxidant enzymes (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinone oxidoreductase-1 and heme oxygenase-1) in the striatum and/or midbrain. Using human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPAP) as a reporter of Nrf2-regulated gene expression in hPAP transgenic mice, we found that MPTP suppressed hPAP expression in the striatum and midbrain. Application of EA at an effective frequency (100 Hz) was sufficient to reverse these changes induced by MPTP. In addition, EA reduced microglia activation and astrogliosis in the striatum and midbrain, increased tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the striatum, and improved vertical movement in MPTP mice. These results provide further evidence supporting that EA produces a series of anti-oxidative effects that effectively counteract with the oxidative stress in the nigrostriatal dopamine system induced by MPTP in a mouse model of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Lv
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
| | - J Deng
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
| | - Y Yu
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
| | - Y Wang
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
| | - X Gong
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
| | - J Jia
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
| | - X Wang
- a Departments of Neurobiology and Physiology , Key Laboratory for Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Key Laboratory for Parkinson's Disease, Capital Medical University; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders , Beijing , 100069 , China
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Affiliation(s)
- Narda G Robinson
- CSU Center for Comparative and Integrative Medicine, Colorado State University , Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, Colorado
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