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Razzaghi M, Akbari Z, Mokmeli S, Razzaghi Z, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Afzalimehr M, Kamani E. Laser Diode - GaAlAs Acupuncture in the Treatment of Central Obesity: a Randomized Clinical Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16:255-262. [PMID: 38115591 DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background : Obesity is a global health challenge. Traditional approaches, including increased physical activity, dietary interventions, and medical therapy, often yield limited success, propelling some patients toward costly and invasive procedures like bariatric surgery. Laser acupuncture has been suggested as a complementary therapeutic approach to overcome this challenge. The present study investigated the effectiveness of laser acupuncture treatment in weight loss and abdominal subcutaneous fat reduction. Methods : A randomized, blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted, with 30 subjects each in the intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group underwent 12 sessions of laser acupuncture treatment within a month (three sessions/week), whereas those in the control group received sham laser treatment on identical acupoints. The patients were instructed not to alter their physical activity levels or dietary regimens. All parameters were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results : Significant reductions in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were noted in both intervention and control groups. Further analysis revealed a more significant decrease in the laser acupuncture group. Abdominal sonography revealed a marked decrease in periumbilical fat thickness in the intervention group. Conversely, laboratory evaluations showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion : Laser acupuncture is an effective method for weight loss in patients with periumbilical abdominal fat. The observed impact on subcutaneous fat suggests its potential as a non-invasive intervention for individuals seeking weight management alternatives. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms of laser acupuncture in adipose tissue modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadreza Razzaghi
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Akbari
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Razzaghi
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rezaei-Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Afzalimehr
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Kamani
- Laser Application in Medical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Landgraaf RG, Bloem MN, Fumagalli M, Benninga MA, de Lorijn F, Nieuwdorp M. Acupuncture as multi-targeted therapy for the multifactorial disease obesity: a complex neuro-endocrine-immune interplay. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1236370. [PMID: 37795371 PMCID: PMC10545882 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1236370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity has reached pandemic dimensions. It is associated with multiple comorbidities and is becoming a clinical and public health threat. Obesity is a multifactorial disease with a complex pathophysiology and interplay of various systems. A strong interplay exists between the neuro-endocrine system, the immune system with systemic chronic low-grade inflammation, and microbiome dysbiosis that can lead to the development of obesity, which in turn can exacerbate each of these factors, hence creating a vicious cycle. The conventional treatment with lifestyle modifications such as diet, physical exercise, pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery does not always result in sufficient weight control thus paving the way for other strategies. As one such strategy, acupuncture is increasingly used worldwide to treat obesity. This narrative review outlines the evidence for this neuro-endocrine-immune interplay in the pathophysiology of obesity. Furthermore, the existing experimental and clinical evidence of acupuncture as a multi-targeted therapy for obesity is explained and future research perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Guy Landgraaf
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Sinomedica Gui Sheng Tang, Scientific Department, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Nicté Bloem
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Massimo Fumagalli
- Sinomedica Gui Sheng Tang, Scientific Department, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marc Alexander Benninga
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fleur de Lorijn
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Max Nieuwdorp
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Comparison of Chinese Acupressure with Traditional Iranian Medicine Along with Aerobic Exercise on Weight Loss and Serum Lipid Factors in Obese and Overweight Women. Asian J Sports Med 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/asjsm-121960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Overweightness and obesity were major health problems in the last century. Chinese acupressure, traditional Iranian medicine, and aerobic exercise are low-risk and low-cost methods for its prevention and treatment. Objectives: The purpose of this study was a comparison of six weeks of Chinese acupressure with traditional Iranian medicine along with aerobic exercise on body weight and serum lipid factors in obese and overweight women. Methods: In this applied study, 24 obese and overweight women with a BMI above 25 were randomly divided into two groups of 12: Chinese acupressure and Iranian traditional medicine with aerobic exercise. In the Chinese acupressure group, the ear acupressure method was used using herbal seed and in the traditional Iranian medicine group, the lunch elimination method was used. The aerobic exercise program of the two groups was performed for six weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasted 60 minutes with moderate intensity. Body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, lipid factors, blood sugar, blood pressure, and nutritional status of the subjects were measured before and after the study and were analyzed using independent and dependent t-tests. Results: The results of the present study showed that in the Chinese acupressure group, along with aerobic exercise, lipid factors improved, and body weight decreased. In the traditional Iranian medicine group, along with aerobic exercise, lipid factors improved, while blood pressure and blood sugar decreased significantly. In the intergroup results, there was a significant difference only in the blood sugar variable. Conclusions: Both Iranian and Chinese medicine, along with aerobic exercise, had a relatively similar effect on the variables.
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Acute Effects of Different Electroacupuncture Point Combinations to Modulate the Gut-Brain Axis in the Minipig Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4384693. [PMID: 36310617 PMCID: PMC9613379 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4384693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the gut-brain axis responses to acute electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoint combinations in the minipig model. Four adult Yucatan minipigs were subjected twice to four acute EA treatments (25-minute acute sessions) including sham (false acupoints) and control (no EA), during anesthesia and according to a Latin-square design paradigm. Acupoint combinations (4 loci each) are head-abdomen (#70 Dafengmen, #35 Sanwan), back (bilateral #27 Pishu, #28 Weishu), leg (bilateral #79 Hangou, #63 Housanli), and sham (2 bilateral points that are not acupoints). Electrocardiograms were performed to explore heart rate variability (HRV). Infrared thermography was used to measure skin temperature at the stimulation points. Saliva (cortisol) and blood samples (leptin, total/active ghrelin, insulin, and glucose) were collected for further analyses before and after acute EA. All animals were also subjected to BOLD fMRI to investigate the brain responses to EA. Acute EA significantly modulated several physiological and metabolic parameters compared to basal, sham, and/or control conditions, with contrasting effects in terms of BOLD responses in brain regions involved in the hedonic and cognitive control of food intake. The head-abdomen combination appeared to be the most promising combination in terms of brain modulation of the corticostriatal circuit, with upregulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, dorsal striatum, and anterior cingulate cortex. It also induced significantly lower plasma ghrelin levels compared to sham, suggesting anorectic effects, as well as no temperature drop at the stimulation site. This study opens the way to a further preclinical trial aimed at investigating chronic EA in obese minipigs.
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Lee B, Kwon CY. Comparative Effectiveness of East Asian Traditional Medicine for Childhood Simple Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192012994. [PMID: 36293575 PMCID: PMC9602315 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192012994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Childhood obesity leads to various comorbidities and usually persists into adulthood, increasing socioeconomic burden. In the absence of a clearly effective treatment, East Asian traditional medicine (EATM) therapies have been widely used. We aimed to analyze the comparative effectiveness and safety of EATM techniques for children with simple obesity through network meta-analysis (NMA). Twelve databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of EATMs on childhood simple obesity. Individual EATMs were ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. The risk of bias in the individual studies and publication bias in the NMA were evaluated. Thirty-three RCTs were included. Acupuncture, chuna, chuna plus acupressure, cupping plus acupressure, herbal medicine (HM), and HM plus acupuncture significantly reduced BMI compared with lifestyle management. Based on the treatment ranking, cupping plus acupressure was optimal for BMI reduction compared with a non-medical management, followed by chuna and HM. The quality of evidence for individual findings was usually moderate to low, and no serious adverse events of EATM were reported. Cupping plus acupressure might have a large beneficial effect, and chuna or HM probably have a moderate beneficial effect on reducing BMI in children with simple obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-Eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan 47227, Korea
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Chen J, Shergis JL, Guo X, Zhang AL, Wang H, Lu C, Xue CC, Xie C. Acupuncture Therapies for Individuals with Overweight or Obesity: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2022; 15:1651-1666. [PMID: 35669360 PMCID: PMC9165609 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s356853] [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: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE An increasing number of people are affected by overweight or obesity, and the personal and social health burden is growing rapidly. Acupuncture is gaining popularity as an alternative treatment to manage weight. This research aims to update and synthesize the evidence of acupuncture therapies from systematic reviews for treating overweight and obesity. METHODS Nine databases were searched from their inception to March 2022. Overweight or obesity was classified using standard diagnostic criteria. Published systematic reviews that included randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized studies were eligible. Quality was assessed via the AMSTAR-2 scale and risk of bias using the ROBIS tool. RESULTS Thirty-eight systematic reviews were identified. Acupuncture therapies and auricular acupoint stimulation showed benefits in terms of reducing body weight and body mass index. Catgut embedding therapy and abdominal acupuncture are currently not in widespread use with insufficient evidence. Acupuncture therapies appear to be safe. Most of the reviews were assessed as having high risk of bias and low confidence in the findings. CONCLUSION There is a need for larger and more methodologically sound randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapies for individuals who are affected by overweight or obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine, and Immune Disease Research Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Johannah L Shergis
- The China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xinfeng Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine, and Immune Disease Research Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Anthony Lin Zhang
- The China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hanlin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine, and Immune Disease Research Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanjian Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine, and Immune Disease Research Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Charlie C Xue
- The China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Changcai Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine, and Immune Disease Research Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Changcai Xie, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13650997551, Email
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Dai L, Wang M, Zhang KP, Wang L, Zheng HM, Li CB, Zhou WJ, Zhou SG, Ji G. Modified acupuncture therapy, long-term acupoint stimulation versus sham control for weight control: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:952373. [PMID: 35966092 PMCID: PMC9365970 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.952373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Long-term acupoint stimulation (LAS), also called embedding acupuncture, is a modified acupuncture technique. The preliminary results have demonstrated its efficacy in body-weight control. However, the low quality of available trials limited its application. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LAS in body-weight control by using a randomized, parallel, sham-controlled clinical trial design. METHODS This was a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial including 84 adult participants (18-60 years) with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 24 kg/m2 conducted in three general hospitals in Shanghai, China. Participants were equally assigned to receive LAS or sham LAS (SLAS) once per 10 days, eight times in total. After completion, an additional intervention with a 3-month follow-up period was set to examine the continued effect of LAS. The primary outcome was the change in body weight from baseline to treatment endpoint within the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Secondary outcomes contained changes in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), lipid metabolism, and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues. RESULTS From 14 May 2018 to 03 November 2019, 84 participants out of 201 screened individuals met the eligibility criteria, were randomized, and were analyzed (42 participants in each group). From baseline to treatment endpoint, the body-weight reduction in the LAS group was significantly larger than in the sham control (net difference: 1.57 kg, 95% CI: 0.29-2.86, p = 0.012). The superior weight reduction effect persisted in the follow-up period (net difference: 3.20 kg, 95% CI: 1.17-5.21, p = 0.001). LAS therapy also showed improvement in triglyceride and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) compared with sham control. One participant in the LAS group reported a slightly uncomfortable and tingling sensation after the additional intervention. No other adverse events (AEs) were documented. CONCLUSION LAS, a modified acupuncture technique, is safe and effective in body-weight control. It could be used as an alternative choice to classical acupuncture for obesity management. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION [www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR1800015498].
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Dai
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Academy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke-Pei Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Pudong New Area Peoples’ Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-Min Zheng
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun-Bo Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Gao Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Guang Ji,
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Obesity Animal Models for Acupuncture and Related Therapy Research Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6663397. [PMID: 34630614 PMCID: PMC8497105 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6663397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and related diseases are considered as pandemic representing a worldwide threat for health. Animal models are critical to validate the effects and understand the mechanisms related to classical or innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies. It is, therefore, important to identify the best animal models for translational research, using different evaluation criteria such as the face, construct, and predictive validity. Because the pharmacological treatments and surgical interventions currently used for treating obesity often present many undesirable side effects, relatively high relapse probabilities, acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), and related therapies have gained more popularity and attention. Many kinds of experimental animal models have been used for obesity research studies, but in the context of acupuncture, most of the studies were performed in rodent obesity models. Though, are these obesity rodent models really the best for acupuncture or related therapies research studies? In this study, we review different obesity animal models that have been used over the past 10 years for acupuncture and EA research studies. We present their respective advantages, disadvantages, and specific constraints. With the development of research on acupuncture and EA and the increasing interest regarding these approaches, proper animal models are critical for preclinical studies aiming at developing future clinical trials in the human. The aim of the present study is to provide researchers with information and guidance related to the preclinical models that are currently available to investigate the outcomes of acupuncture and related therapies.
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Lua PL, Roslim NA, Ahmad A, Mansor M, Aung MMT, Hamzah F. Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Weight Loss: A Narrative Review. J Evid Based Integr Med 2021; 26:2515690X211043738. [PMID: 34496677 PMCID: PMC8436299 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x211043738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite various strategies, overweight and obesity problems are still increasingly prevalent worldwide with serious health outcomes. Consequently, the continuous demand for more effective, safe and acceptable therapies for reducing body weight is also escalating—including complementary and alternative therapies (CATs). The aim of this review is to provide a summary of the most commonly- and recently-used CATs, with evaluation of their safety and efficacy for weight loss. Electronic scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed and EBSCO Host were explored for articles that reported CATs for overweight and obesity treatment from 2015 to December 2019. Only systematic reviews, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English were included. Studies whereby CATs were not utilized for reducing body weight were excluded. Eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses and 11 additional RCTs with 765 participants (50.2% overweight and 49.8% obese) related to hypnotherapy, acupuncture and dietary supplements met the inclusion criteria. Their results suggested that spirulina, chitosan, probiotic, EPA + DHA, vitamin D, fiber, and herbal extract supplementation may all provide small reductions in body weight (ranging from 1-10 kg). Interestingly, hypnotherapy and acupuncture reported significantly greater reduction in body weight compared with placebo (p < 0.001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Nonetheless, the evidence is still relatively limited and not encouraging to provide a definitive conclusion due to the methodological shortcomings and the presence of adverse events in chitosan and fiber supplementation. Hence, studies of this nature need to be further replicated and improved to corroborate the efficacy and safety of the CATs to combat weight issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Lin Lua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Afiedia Roslim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Aryati Ahmad
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mardiana Mansor
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Myat Moe Thwe Aung
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Farrahdilla Hamzah
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Terengganu, Malaysia
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Electroacupuncture enhances resting-state functional connectivity between dorsal caudate and precuneus and decreases associated leptin levels in overweight/obese subjects. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 16:445-454. [PMID: 34415492 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00519-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is a safe and effective method for treating obesity. However, how it modulates reward-related brain activity/functional connectivity and gut hormones remains unclear. We employed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) to investigate EA induced changes in resting-state activity and RSFC in reward-related regions and its association with gut hormones in overweight/obese subjects who received real (n = 20) and Sham (n = 15) stimulation. Results showed reduced leptin levels was positively correlated with reduced body mass index (BMI) and negatively correlated with increased cognitive-control as measured with Three-Factor-Eating-Questionnaire (TFEQ). Significant time effects on RSFC between dorsal caudate (DC) and precuneus were due to significant increased RSFC strength in both EA and Sham groups. In addition, increased RSFC of DC-precuneus was negatively correlated with reduced BMI and leptin levels in the EA group. Mediation analysis showed that the relationship between increased DC-precuneus RSFC strength and reduced BMI was mediated by reduced leptin levels. These findings reflect the association between EA-induced brain reward-related RSFC and leptin levels, and decreased leptin levels mediated altered DC-precuneus RSFC strength and consequent weight-loss, suggesting the potential role of EA in reducing weight and appetite.
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Sezgin Y, Kaplan AK. Impact of Aerobic Exercise and Acupuncture Treatment on Obese Patients; A Retrospective Case-Controlled Study. J Pharmacopuncture 2021; 24:54-58. [PMID: 34249395 PMCID: PMC8220504 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2021.24.2.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise and acupuncture treatment in obese patients. Methods The effects of exercise in obese patients receiving acupuncture therapy were investigated in this retrospective, case-controlled study in which subjects complying with exercise were enrolled in the case and non-compliers were enrolled in the control group. Results There was a statically significant weight loss in both the study case group (94.39 ± 20.36; 88.91 ± 19.00; n = 22; p = 0.001) and the control group (103.18 ± 21.92; 99.56 ± 21.92; n = 34; p = 0.001) after 3 months. Weight loss occurred in all 22 patients in the case group. In the control group, while weight loss occurred in 27 of the 34 patients, weight gain occurred in three patients. Conclusion In conclusion, the addition of modalities such as acupuncture, exercise and diet may provide effective improvement in weight control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yılmaz Sezgin
- Department of Family Medicine, Istanbul Training Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Zhang X, Chen H, Val-Laillet D. Hypothesis paper: electroacupuncture targeting the gut-brain axis to modulate neurocognitive determinants of eating behavior-toward a proof of concept in the obese minipig model. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:61-74. [PMID: 32100220 PMCID: PMC7895779 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00864-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture has thousands of years of history and perspective for the treatment of many health problems and disorders. Beneficial effects of acupuncture on obesity have been demonstrated at various levels in animals and clinical trials, with almost no adverse effect, even when combined with local electrical stimulation, i.e., electroacupuncture (EA), a way to potentiate the effects of acupuncture. However, there is still scattered evidence about the impact of EA on brain functions related to the control of eating behavior, and notably on the gut-brain axis mechanisms involved in these putative central modulations. During the past 10 years, we have described a convincing diet-induced obese minipig model, and successfully implemented brain imaging and neurocognitive approaches to challenge mechanistic hypotheses and innovative therapeutic strategies. In the present article, we propose to confront the current literature on the acupuncture and EA effects on the gut-brain axis and obesity with the latest developments in nutrition and neuroscience research using the minipig model. Our aims are to (a) elaborate functional hypotheses on the gut-brain mechanisms underlying EA effects on obesity, and especially on the role of the vagus nerve, and (b) present the rational for testing these hypotheses in the minipig model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuwen Zhang
- Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, China.,Guanzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - David Val-Laillet
- INRAE, INSERM, Univ Rennes, Nutrition Metabolisms and Cancer, NuMeCan, 16 Le Clos, St Gilles, 35590, Rennes, France.
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Zhong YM, Luo XC, Chen Y, Lai DL, Lu WT, Shang YN, Zhang LL, Zhou HY. Acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for simple obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Postgrad Med J 2020; 96:221-227. [PMID: 32015189 PMCID: PMC7146934 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2019-137221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a growing chronic health problem worldwide. Studies about acupuncture for obesity treatment are many. But there are some doubts about the effectiveness of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture in treating obesity due to its lack of medical evidence. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of acupuncture for obesity treatment and provide clinic evidence. Four English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and four Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese BioMedical Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database and Wan-Fang Data) were searched from their receptions to August 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using the comparison between acupuncture and sham acupuncture to treat simple obesity were included. The primary outcome of body mass index (BMI) would be used to measure the effect of acupuncture on obesity. According to the trial data extraction form based on the Cochrane Handbook, two reviewers separately extracted the data. Risk of bias of the RCTs was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. The study included 8 RCTs with 403 patients. When compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture showed obviously effect in BMI reduction (MD=1.0kg/m2, 95% CI=0.6 to 1.4, P<0.001). There was also significant reduction in body weight (MD=1.85kg, 95%CI=0.82 to 2.88, p<0.001), WC (MD=0.97cm, 95%CI=0.24 to 1.71, p=0.01) and body fat mass percentage (MD=1.01, 95%CI=0.25 to 1.77, p<0.05). However, WHR (MD=0.01, 95%CI=0 to 0.03, p>0.05) was not statistically and significantly different between the acupuncture and control groups. Adverse effects were reported in 3 studies. The review suggests that acupuncture is an effective therapy for simple obesity rather than a placebo effect. This potential benefit needs to be further evaluated by longer-term and more rigorous RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mei Zhong
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Chao Luo
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - De-Li Lai
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,The Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, UESTC, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen-Ting Lu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Nan Shang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin-Lin Zhang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Yan Zhou
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Chen LS, Li YY, Chen H, Liu BW, Wang DW, Zhao YH. Polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints for treatment of simple obesity in adults: a randomized control trial. Chin Med 2019; 14:32. [PMID: 31548850 PMCID: PMC6749682 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-019-0258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acupoint catgut embedding therapy characterized by acupoint, needle and catgut are superior to traditional acupuncture, due to exerting more comprehensive therapeutic efficacy. However, it is still deficient in clinical evidence for polyglycolic acid sutures, a novel biodegradable material instead of catgut, embedded for the treatment of simple obesity. In our study, we investigate the efficacy and related mechanism of polyglycolic acid sutures embedded in abdominal acupoints on simple obese persons by a randomized control trial. Methods A total of 51 eligible participators were randomly allocated to a polyglycolic acid sutures embedding therapy (PASET) group (n = 28) or control group (n = 23). Participators in PASET group received polyglycolic acid sutures alternatively embedded in abdominal I group and II group acupoints in odd and even number therapeutic courses, and participators in control group were required to perform lifestyle modification. The duration of the study was 10 weeks. Results It suggested that PASET significantly reduced weight, body mass index, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio and thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat tissue compared with those before treatment (p < 0.01), but lifestyle modification only illustrated downward trend of weight (p < 0.05). Moreover, PASET group also improved the evaluated scores in aspects of physical function, self-esteem, public distress and sexual life, as well as decreased blood pressure, glycemia, low density lipoprotein, uric acid and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1β, and increased high density lipoprotein in comparison with those before treatment (p < 0.05), whose efficacies are superior to control group. Additionally, our results also indicate PASET is relative safe and its pain and discomfort can be tolerable. Conclusions PASET distinctly ameliorates anthropometric data and quality of life in obese population, which associates with improvements of metabolic profile and inflammatory response. Based on the advantageous actions, we think PASET is an effective therapeutic approach to simple obesity treatment. Trial registration ChiCTR, ChiCTR1800015591. Registered 10 April 2018, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=23258
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shu Chen
- 1Ningbo College of Health Sciences, Ningbo, 315100 China
| | - Yue-Ying Li
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060 China
| | - Hao Chen
- 3Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046 China
| | - Bo-Wen Liu
- 4Department of Neurology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008 China
| | - Da-Wei Wang
- Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shunde, 528333 China
| | - Yong-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, 999078 Macao SAR China
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Lu SF, Tang YX, Zhang T, Fu SP, Hong H, Cheng Y, Xu HX, Jing XY, Yu ML, Zhu BM. Electroacupuncture Reduces Body Weight by Regulating Fat Browning-Related Proteins of Adipose Tissue in HFD-Induced Obese Mice. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:353. [PMID: 31244685 PMCID: PMC6580183 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) and its potential underlying mechanisms on adipose tissue in obese mice. Methods: Three-week-old male C56BL/6 mice were randomly divided to feed or not to feed high-fat diet (HFD), named HFD group and chow diet (CD) group, respectively. After 12 weeks, CD and HFD mice were randomly divided into two groups, respectively, to receive or not receive EA for 4 weeks. Body weight (BW) was monitored. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and metabolic chamber recordings were performed. Blood samples and adipose tissue were collected for the analysis of leptin, triglyceride levels, and fat browning-related proteins. Results: EA significantly reduced food intake, BW, and white adipose tissue (WAT)/BW ratio; decreased the adipocyte size and serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol; and increased oxygen consumption in HFD mice. Compared with the CD mice, the HFD mice had elevated fasting serum glucose level and impaired glucose tolerance; however, these parameters were decreased by EA treatment. Meanwhile, EA promoted the protein and mRNA expressions of UCP1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α in adipose tissue, and activated sympathetic nerves via p-TH, A2AR, and β3AR in white adipose tissue. Conclusions: EA reduced food intake, BW, TG, and cholesterol, and improved glucose tolerance in HFD mice. This ameliorative effect of EA on obesity-related symptoms associated with its promoted adipose tissue plasticity via activating sympathetic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Feng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue-Xia Tang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Huai'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huaian, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Ping Fu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Hong
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hou-Xi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Yue Jing
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mei-Ling Yu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bing-Mei Zhu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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