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Zhong Z, Yao L, Liu YZ, Wang Y, He M, Sun MM, Huang HP, Ma SQ, Zheng HZ, Li MY, Zhang XY, Cong DY, Wang HF. Objectivization study of acupuncture Deqi and brain modulation mechanisms: a review. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1386108. [PMID: 38765671 PMCID: PMC11099230 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1386108] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Deqi is an important prerequisite for acupuncture to achieve optimal efficacy. Chinese medicine has long been concerned with the relationship between Deqi and the clinical efficacy of acupuncture. However, the underlying mechanisms of Deqi are complex and there is a lack of systematic summaries of objective quantitative studies of Deqi. Acupuncture Deqi can achieve the purpose of treating diseases by regulating the interaction of local and neighboring acupoints, brain centers, and target organs. At local and neighboring acupoints, Deqi can change their tissue structure, temperature, blood perfusion, energy metabolism, and electrophysiological indicators. At the central brain level, Deqi can activate the brain regions of the thalamus, parahippocampal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, insular, middle temporal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, etc. It also has extensive effects on the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical-network and default mode network. The brain mechanisms of Deqi vary depending on the acupuncture techniques and points chosen. In addition, Deqi 's mechanism of action involves correcting abnormalities in target organs. The mechanisms of acupuncture Deqi are multi-targeted and multi-layered. The biological mechanisms of Deqi are closely related to brain centers. This study will help to explore the mechanism of Deqi from a local-central-target-organ perspective and provide information for future clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhong
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lin Yao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Massage, Northeast Asian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan-Ze Liu
- Acupuncture and Tuina Center, The 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Min He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Massage, Northeast Asian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meng-Meng Sun
- Institute of Acupuncture and Massage, Northeast Asian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hai-Peng Huang
- Northeast Asian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Shi-Qi Ma
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hai-Zhu Zheng
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Massage, Northeast Asian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xin-Yu Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - De-Yu Cong
- Department of Tuina, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Hong-Feng Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Massage, Northeast Asian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Ma S. Stimuli-induced NOergic Molecules and Neuropeptides Mediated Axon Reflexes Contribute to Tracers along Meridian Pathways. Curr Top Med Chem 2024; 24:393-400. [PMID: 38243932 PMCID: PMC11111350 DOI: 10.2174/0115680266260220240108114337] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
An abundance of studies from different international groups have demonstrated tracers along linear pathways resembling meridians over the body surface of humans. All experiments of the studies have been conducted by injection of a radiotracer solution or tracer dyes in a volume of solution into acupuncture points (acupoints). The solution injected into acupoints produces much stronger mechanical stimuli than acupuncture, which causes axon reflex. Anatomical studies have demonstrated that acupoints/meridians exist higher number of small nerve fibers and blood vessels with rich nitric oxide (NO) and neuropeptides in the cutaneous tissues as structures for the biomolecules mediated axon reflexes. Recent advances have determined that NO and calcitonin generelated peptides play crucial roles in the comprehension of the axon reflex. The stimuli-evoked axon reflex and NOergic biomolecules/neuropeptides increase local blood flow with higher levels in acupoints/meridians, which move radioactive substances or tracer dyes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue under a linear path resembling acupoints and meridians, the important phenomena of meridians induced by the stimuli. The evidence and understanding of the biomolecular processes of the tracers along linear pathways resembling meridians have been summarized with an emphasis on recent developments of NO and neuropeptides mediating stimuli-evoked axon reflexes to increase local blood flow with higher levels in acupoints/meridians, which move radioactive substances or tracer dyes in the skin and subcutaneous tissue contributing to tracers along linear pathways resembling meridians in this mini-review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxing Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, United States
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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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Promoting self‐healing power and balancing immune response: a holistic, effective strategy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating COVID‐19. PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH. MODERN CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 5:100199. [PMCID: PMC9674391 DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious challenge to human medicines. Modern medicine (MM) has been excellent in identifying the virus, sequencing its mutants, and monitoring the pandemic progress. However, due to lack of effective antivirals in the first two years of the pandemic, MM treated COVID-19 mainly by conventional supportive care with limited efficacy. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been actively participating the control of COVID-19, and the combination of TCM and conventional supportive care has shown better efficacies than the conventional care alone. Purpose: Clinical studies have shown that TCM treats COVID-19 through a holistic action, such as repairing organ injuries, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation and antiviral activities, etc. However, it is not clear how TCM is able to achieve these effects, and the scientific interpretation of TCM theories is lacking. This review aims to elucidate the scientific basis underlying TCM theories in the context of host-pathogen interaction and provide a working model for TCM in treating infectious diseases. Procedure: This review focuses on the essential components of host-pathogen interaction and performs an in-depth analysis of current literatures, including TCM theories and clinical studies as well as the most recent findings of tolerance (self-healing) mechanism in biomedical sciences. Conclusion: TCM treats COVID-19 through a holistic regulation of host responses, particularly by promoting patients’ self-healing power and balancing immune responses. Compared to the pathogen-centered MM, the host-centered TCM doesn't require specific antivirals and has less side-effects and drug resistance. This review provides a scientific insight into the mechanism of TCM and sheds a light on the prospective integration of TCM and MM for future challenges.
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Luo J, Shen S, Xia J, Wang J, Gu Z. Mitochondria as the Essence of Yang Qi in the Human Body. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:336-348. [PMID: 36939762 PMCID: PMC9590506 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The concept of Yang Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has many similarities with mitochondria in modern medicine. Both are indispensable to human beings and closely related to life and death. This article discusses the similarities in various aspects between mitochondria and Yang Qi, including body temperature, aging, newborns, circadian rhythm, immunity, and meridian. It is well-known that Yang Qi is vital for human health. Interestingly, decreased mitochondrial function is thought to be key to the development of various diseases. Here, we further explain diseases induced by Yang Qi deficiency, such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder, senile dementia, and metabolic diseases, from the perspective of mitochondrial function. We aim to establish similarities and connections between two important concepts, and hope our essay can stimulate further discussion and investigation on unifying important concepts in western medicine and alternative medicine, especially TCM, and provide unique holistic insights into understanding human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Luo
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Shiwei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Zhenglong Gu
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, 511458 China
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