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Wang S, Fang R, Huang L, Zhou L, Liu H, Cai M, Sha’aban A, Yu C, Akkaif MA. Acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Complementary Approach for Cardiovascular Health. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:3459-3473. [PMID: 39050695 PMCID: PMC11268752 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s476319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasingly prevalent in clinical settings. With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the gradual acceleration of the pace of life, and the deterioration of the living environment in recent years, the incidence of CVDs is increasing annually. The prevalence of CVDs among individuals aged 50 and above is notably elevated, posing a significant risk to patients' well-being and lives. At this juncture, numerous clinical treatment choices are available for managing CVDs, with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy standing out as a practical, safe, and reliable option. Over the recent years, there has been growing acknowledgement among both medical professionals and patients. With the expanding integration of TCM in the treatment of various clinical conditions, the use of TCM in managing CVDs has gained significant attention within the medical community, potentially emerging as an efficacious approach for addressing cardiovascular diseases. This article conducts a comprehensive review of the TCM approach, particularly acupuncture, as a supplementary treatment for CVDs, highlighting its ability to effectively lower blood pressure, decrease coronary artery events, mitigate arrhythmias, and enhance cardiac function when used alongside conventional medication. The review underscores the promise of acupuncture in enhancing cardiovascular health, although variations in research methodologies necessitate standardized applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Wang
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruxue Fang
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Huang
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Haibo Liu
- Department of Cardiology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiling Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingpu Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Abubakar Sha’aban
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chunxiang Yu
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mohammed Ahmed Akkaif
- Department of Cardiology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Yan-Qiu L, Jun-Peng Y, Xiang-Yun Y, Wen W, Yu-Peng Z, Lu Y, Yu-Jun H, Ying L. Advances in acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis via citespace. Complement Ther Med 2024; 80:103009. [PMID: 38081432 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.103009] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand research advances and frontiers of acupuncture regulation on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) over the past decade through a bibliometric analysis. METHODS Publications related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. CiteSpace software was used to analyze the datasets and generate knowledge maps. RESULTS A total of 445 relevant publications published between 2013 and 2022 were included in this bibliometric analysis. The number of annual publications fluctuated from 2013 to 2016 but increased gradually from 2016 to 2022. China produced the highest number of publications, while the USA established the most extensive cooperation relationships. China Academy of Chinese Medical Science was the most productive institution. Chen Jiande D.Z. was the most prolific author and Rong Peijing holds the most extensive cooperation network. Han Jisheng was the most co-cited author. Relevant research involved mechanism exploration and clinical efficacy research, and "anti-inflammatory effect" was the most active research topic, especially cholinergic anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The most cited references mainly focused on inflammation. Gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders were the most active medical conditions studied in this field. CONCLUSIONS Research related to acupuncture regulation on the ANS mainly focused on anti-inflammation, and regulating gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function over the past decade. However, the mechanisms of the autonomic effects of acupuncture need further investigation. High-quality clinical studies are required to determine the optimal parameters of acupuncture for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan-Qiu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yao Jun-Peng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Xiang-Yun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wang Wen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhang Yu-Peng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Lu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hou Yu-Jun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Ying
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Xia LL, Yang SY, Xu JY, Chen HQ, Fang ZY. Comprehensive effects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment on heart failure and changes in B-type natriuretic peptide levels: A meta-analysis. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:766-776. [PMID: 38322686 PMCID: PMC10841132 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i4.766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF), a common cardiovascular condition, is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is often used as a complementary approach in HF management, systematic evaluations of its impact on clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are lacking. This study fills this gap through a comprehensive analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on TCM for HF treatment. It encompasses an assessment of methodological quality, a meta-analysis, and an evaluation of evidence quality based on established standards. The results offer crucial insights into the potential advantages and constraints of TCM in HF management. AIM To systematically analyze the effects of TCM on the clinical comprehensive outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels in patients with HF and evaluated the quality of evidence for these trials. METHODS RCTs on TCM for HF treatment published since the establishment of the database were searched in four Chinese and English databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Information Chinese Science and Technology Journal, and PubMed. Methodological quality was assessed for the included studies with the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool, and the meta-analysis and publication bias assessment was performed with the RevMan5.3 software. Finally, the quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE criteria. RESULTS A total of 1098 RCTs were initially retrieved. After screening, 16 RCTs were finally included in our study, which were published between 2020 and 2023. These RCTs involved 1660 HF patients, including 832 in the TCM group [TCM combined with conventional Western medicine (CMW) treatment] and 828 in the CWM group (CWM treatment). The course of treatments varied from 1 wk to 3 months. TCM syndrome differentiation was analyzed in 11 of the included RCTs. In all included RCTs, outcome indicators included comprehensive clinical outcomes, TCM syndrome scores, and BNP levels. The meta-analysis results showed significant differences between the TCM and CWM groups in terms of comprehensive clinical outcomes [risk ratio = -0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.61, -0.47; P < 0.00001], TCM syndrome scores [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001], and BNP levels (WMD = -142.07; 95%CI = -147.56, -136.57; P < 0.00001). According to the GRADE criteria, RCTs where "TCM improves clinical comprehensive outcomes" were rated as low-quality evidence, and RCTs where "TCM reduces TCM syndrome scores" or "TCM decreases BNP levels" were rated as medium-quality evidence. CONCLUSION TCM combined with CWM treatment effectively improves comprehensive clinical outcomes and diminishes TCM syndrome scores and BNP levels in HF patients. Given the low and medium quality of the included RCTs, the application of these results should be cautious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Xia
- Hypertension Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shu-Yun Yang
- Hypertension Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun-Yao Xu
- Hypertension Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Han-Qing Chen
- Department of General Practice, Southeast University Affiliated Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhu-Yuan Fang
- Hypertension Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210004, Jiangsu Province, China
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Park J, Bak S, Chu H, Kang S, Youn I, Jun H, Sim D, Leem J. Current Research Status and Implication for Further Study of Real-World Data on East Asian Traditional Medicine for Heart Failure: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:61. [PMID: 38200969 PMCID: PMC10779411 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This study used real-world data (RWD) to explore the long-term effects of East Asian traditional medicine (EATM) on heart failure (HF). A comprehensive search was conducted across five databases to identify relevant studies, which were then reviewed using the Arksey and O'Malley scoping review framework. The analysis focused on a descriptive examination of the long-term outcomes associated with EATM intervention. Methodologically, the study explored various aspects, including study subjects, interventions, applied clinical outcomes, and statistical methods. Out of 258 studies, 12 were selected. Eight studies involved patients with HF, while the others used HF as an outcome. Datasets from the National Health Insurance Research Database were used in Taiwan, while electronic medical record data were used in China and Japan. EATM interventions have been found to be associated with lower mortality and readmission rates. One study indicated that an increased dose of Fuzi, a botanical drug, or prompt use of Fuzi after diagnosis led to a decreased mortality hazard ratio. In two studies examining readmission rates, a significant increase was observed in the non-exposed group, with odds ratios of 1.28 and 1.18. Additionally, in patients with breast cancer, the subdistribution hazard ratio for the occurrence of doxorubicin-induced HF was reduced to 0.69. Although cohort studies with survival analysis were common, methodological flaws, such as issues with statistical methods and HF diagnosis, were identified. Despite these challenges, the study observed an association between EATM and improved clinical outcomes in patients with HF, emphasizing the potential of RWD studies to complement randomized controlled trials, especially for longer-term follow-ups. These results provide foundational data for future RWD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongsu Park
- Wonkwang University Gwangju Korean Medicine Hospital, Gwangju 61729, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seongjun Bak
- College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea; (S.B.); (H.C.)
| | - Hongmin Chu
- College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea; (S.B.); (H.C.)
- Wollong Public Health Subcenter, Paju Public Health Center, Paju 10924, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukjong Kang
- Department of Convergence Technology for Food Industry, Graduate School, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea;
| | - Inae Youn
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, National Medical Center, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyungsun Jun
- Department of Diagnostics, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeun Sim
- College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea; (S.B.); (H.C.)
| | - Jungtae Leem
- Department of Diagnostics, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Republic of Korea
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WANG W, LI Q, MA Q, XIA R, GAO B, WANG Y, WANG J. Effects of moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) combined with benazepril on myocardial cells apoptosis index and apoptosis-related proteins cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor in rats with chronic heart failure. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2022; 42:227-233. [PMID: 35473343 PMCID: PMC9924675 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20220126.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) combined with benazepril on myocardial cells apoptosis index, the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins cytochrome c (Cyt-C) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats. METHODS Sixty-five rats were randomly divided into normal group () and model-I group (). After modeling, CHF rats in model-I group were divided into model group, moxibustion group, benazepril group, moxibustion plus benazepril group (abbreviated as aibei group, the same below), 10 rats in each group. Echocardiogram index was examined by echocardiography. Hemodynamic indices were measured by rat cardiac function meter. Serum B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Myocardial cells apoptosis index was detected by terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling staining. Pathological changes of myocardial tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF in myocardial tissues were detected by Western blot. RESULTS Compared with normal group, ejection fraction and left ventricular diameter shortening rate in model-Ⅰ group were significantly reduced, myocardial cells of rats in model group exhibited unclear transverse striations, cells swellings and vacuoles, cardiac functions were deteriorated, serum BNP level, myocardial cells apoptosis index, and the expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF were significantly increased. Compared with model group, myocardial cells of rats in moxibustion group, benazepril group, and aibei group were dyed more evenly, muscle fibers were arranged relatively neatly, cardiac functions were improved, serum BNP level, myocardial cells apoptosis index, and the expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF were significantly decreased. Compared with aibei group, cardiac functions were worsened, myocardial cells apoptosis index, and the expression levels of Cyt-C and AIF were increased. CONCLUSION Moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) combined with benazepril could improve CHF better than moxibustion at bilateral Feishu (BL13) and Xinshu (BL15) or benazepril alone. The mechanisms might be that they can inhibit the expressions of Cyt-C and AIF, and inhibit the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei WANG
- 1 College of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Qingling LI
- 1 College of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Qiang MA
- 2 Graduate school, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Ran XIA
- 2 Graduate school, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Bing GAO
- 2 Graduate school, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yi WANG
- 3 College of Acupuncture and Massage, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jing WANG
- 4 Xin’an Medical Key Laboratory; Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Prof. WANG Jing, Xin’an Medical Key Laboratory; Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China. , Telephone: +86-13955189703
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Xia R, Wang W, Gao B, Ma Q, Wang J, Dai X, Li Q. Moxibustion alleviates chronic heart failure by regulating mitochondrial dynamics and inhibiting autophagy. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:359. [PMID: 35493422 PMCID: PMC9019604 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xia
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, P.R. China
| | - Bing Gao
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Graduate School, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230038, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Dai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, P.R. China
| | - Qingling Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, P.R. China
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Brain-heart communication in health and diseases. Brain Res Bull 2022; 183:27-37. [PMID: 35217133 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Tight connections between the brain and heart have attracted a considerable amount of attention. This review focuses on the anatomical (extrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system and intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system) and functional (neuroendocrine-heart axis and neuroimmune-heart axis) connections between the brain and heart, the linkage between central nervous system diseases and cardiovascular diseases, the harm of sympathetic hyperactivity to the heart, and current neuromodulation therapies. Depression is a comorbidity of cardiovascular diseases, and the two are causally related. This review summarizes the mechanisms and treatment of depression and cardiovascular diseases, providing theoretical evidence for basic research and clinical studies to improve treatment options.
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He J, Jiao L, Xu M, Gong R, Guo Z. A randomized controlled protocol on the effect of moxibustion on the cardiac function and quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e26860. [PMID: 34397896 PMCID: PMC8360420 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000026860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure (CHF) is the final result of various cardiovascular diseases, with high morbidity and high mortality, which seriously threaten people's health and quality of life. It has become a public health problem in the world. There is currently no specific treatment. Moxibustion, as a complementary and replacement therapy, has advantages in the treatment of chronic heart failure, but it lacks standard clinical studies to verify it. Therefore, the purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the effect of moxibustion on the heart function and quality of life of patients with CHF. METHODS This is a prospective randomized controlled trial to study the effect of moxibustion on the heart function and quality of life of patients with CHF. This is approved by the clinical research ethics committee of our hospital. Patients were randomly divided into observation group (moxibustion combined with Western medicine treatment group) or control group (conventional Western medicine treatment group). There is a follow-up for 3 months after 6 weeks of treatment. Observation indicators include total effective rate of cardiac function improvement, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire , left ventricular ejection fraction , N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide , 6-minute walk test , adverse reactions, etc. Data were analyzed using the statistical software package SPSS version 18.0 (Chicago, IL). DISCUSSION This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of CHF. The results of this study will provide a reliable reference for the clinical choice of moxibustion as an adjuvant treatment for chronic heart failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION OSF Registration number: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/29XE7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jierong He
- Deyang Vocational College of Technology and Trade, Deyang, Sichuan province, China
| | - Lihong Jiao
- Deyang Vocational College of Technology and Trade, Deyang, Sichuan province, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Gong
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhengyv Guo
- pixianNO.4 Middle School, Chengdu, Sichuan province, China
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Moxibustion Improves Chronic Heart Failure by Inhibiting Autophagy and Inflammation via Upregulation of mTOR Expression. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6635876. [PMID: 33603819 PMCID: PMC7872756 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6635876] [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: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
How moxibustion improves chronic heart failure is extremely complex and still unclear. This study aimed to explore whether moxibustion inhibits autophagy and reduces inflammation by regulating mTOR expression to induce myocardial protective effects and alleviate symptoms associated with chronic heart failure. Echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function and cardiac structure of rats, including heart rate (HR), left atrium diameter (LA), left ventricular diameter (LV), left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), interventricular septum (IVS), ejection fraction (EF), and fractional shortening (FS). BNP and NT-pro BNP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Autophagy-associated protein (ATG) genes and mTOR were detected by PCR. The expression of mTOR and phosphorylated-mTOR was detected through western blotting of proteins from myocardial tissue samples. The left ventricular inflammatory response was detected by immunohistochemistry and included ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 expression. The relationship between autophagy and inflammation was analyzed by correlation analysis. The results from echocardiography and ELISA showed that moxibustion could significantly improve heart function and structure. Western blot and PCR results showed that moxibustion treatment elevated mTOR expression. Further, moxibustion could inhibit autophagy and regulate the expression of key autophagy-related genes, including Vps34, ATG3, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, and ATG13. By contrast, rapamycin could partially reduce the effects of moxibustion. Immunohistochemistry results indicated that moxibustion could reduce myocardial inflammation. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between autophagy and inflammation. Moxibustion can protect cardiac function in rats with heart failure, possibly inhibiting excessive autophagy of cardiomyocytes and reducing inflammatory reactions through the elevation of mTOR expression.
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Ye Y, Birnbaum Y, Widen SG, Zhang Z, Zhu S, Bajaj M, Chen H. Acupuncture Reduces Hypertrophy and Cardiac Fibrosis, and Improves Heart Function in Mice with Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2020; 34:835-848. [PMID: 32767170 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-020-07043-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) on glycemic control, myocardial inflammation, and the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice with type 2 diabetes. METHODS Db/Db mice received EA at PC6+ST36 (DM-Acu), non-acupoint simulation (DM-Sham), or no treatment (DM). EA was applied for 30 min per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. Myocardium was assessed by RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and histology. Serum TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were measured. RESULTS DM-Acu, but not DM-Sham, reduced fasting blood glucose without affecting body weight. DM decreased systolic function. DM-Acu, but not DM-Sham, attenuated the decrease in systolic function. Heart weight was significantly smaller in the DM-Acu than in the DM and DM-Sham groups. Percent fibrosis and apoptosis were reduced in the DM-Acu, but not the DM-Sham, group. Serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, ICAM-1, MCP-1, and TNF-α were significantly lower in the DM-Acu than in the DM or DM-Sham groups. Protein levels of P-Akt and P-AMPK and mRNA levels of phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 6 (PIK3r6) were significantly higher in the DM-Acu group. Myocardial mRNA and protein levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) were significantly lower in the DM and DM-Sham groups compared with the DM-Acu group. CONCLUSIONS EA reduced serum glucose; prevented DM-induced hypertrophy and deterioration of systolic function, inflammation, and fibrosis; and restored IGF1R, P-Akt, and P-AMPK levels in mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Ye
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yochai Birnbaum
- The Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza MS, BCM620, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Steven G Widen
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shipeng Zhu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mandeep Bajaj
- Section of Endocrinology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huan Chen
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA. .,Department of Acupuncture, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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