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Brock Symons T, Park J, Kim JH, Kwon EH, Delacruz J, Lee J, Park Y, Chung E, Lee S. Attenuation of skeletal muscle atrophy via acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and electrical stimulation. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100949. [PMID: 37214317 PMCID: PMC10192920 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2023.100949] [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: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accelerated skeletal muscle wasting is a shared trait among many pathologies and aging. Acupuncture has been used as a therapeutic intervention to control pain; however, little is known about its effects on skeletal muscle atrophy and function. The study's purpose was to compare the effects of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, and electrical stimulation on cast-induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Methods Forty female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups: Control, casted (CAST), CAST+Acupuncture (CAST-A), 4) CAST+Electro-acupuncture (CAST-EA), and CAST+Electrical stimulation (CAST-ES) (n = 8). Plaster casting material was wrapped around the left hind limb. Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture (10 Hz, 6.4 mA) treatments were applied by needling acupoints (stomach-36 and gallbladder-34). Electrical stimulation (10 Hz, 6.4 mA) was conducted by needling the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles. Treatments were conducted for 15 min, three times/week for 14 days. Muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx), muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1), and contractile properties were assessed. Results Fourteen days of cast-immobilization decreased muscle fiber CSA by 56% in the CAST group (p = 0.00); whereas, all treatment groups demonstrated greater muscle fiber CSA than the CAST group (p = 0.00). Cast-immobilization increased MAFbx and MuRF1 protein expression in the CAST group (p<0.01) while the CAST-A, CAST-EA, and CAST-ES groups demonstrated lower levels of MAFbx and MuRF1 protein expression (p<0.02) compared to the CAST group. Following fourteen days of cast-immobilization, peak twitch tension did not differ between the CAST-A and CON groups (p = 0.12). Conclusion Skeletal muscle atrophy, induced by 14 days of cast-immobilization, was significantly attenuated by acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, or electrical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Brock Symons
- Department of Counselling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
| | - Jinho Park
- Department of Counselling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
| | - Joo Hyun Kim
- Department of Counselling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
| | - Eun Hye Kwon
- Department of Counselling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
| | - Jesse Delacruz
- Department of Counselling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
| | - Junghoon Lee
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Yoonjung Park
- Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Houston, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Eunhee Chung
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
| | - Sukho Lee
- Department of Counselling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, U.S.A
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Liu XX, Zhang LZ, Zhang HH, Lai LF, Wang YQ, Sun J, Xu NG, Li ZX. Low-frequency electroacupuncture improves disordered hepatic energy metabolism in insulin-resistant Zucker diabetic fatty rats via the AMPK/mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathway. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:360-368. [PMID: 35034504 DOI: 10.1177/09645284211070301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Disordered hepatic energy metabolism is found in obese rats with insulin resistance (IR). There are insufficient experimental studies of electroacupuncture (EA) for IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to probe the effect of EA on disordered hepatic energy metabolism and the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70-kDa (p70S6K) signaling pathway. METHODS Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were randomly divided into three groups: EA group receiving EA treatment; Pi group receiving pioglitazone gavage; and ZF group remaining untreated (n = 8 per group). Inbred non-insulin-resistant Zucker lean rats formed an (untreated) healthy control group (ZL, n = 8). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), C-peptide, C-reactive protein (CRP) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to investigate the liver morphologically. The mitochondrial structure of hepatocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blotting was adopted to determine protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), mTOR, mTORC1, AMPK, tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) and p70S6K, and their phosphorylation. RT-PCR was used to quantify IRS-1, mTOR, mTORC1, AMPK and p70S6K mRNA levels. RESULTS Compared with the ZF group, FPG, FINS, C-peptide, CRP and HOMA-IR levels were significantly reduced in the EA group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Evaluation of histopathology showed improvement in liver appearances following EA. Phosphorylation levels of AMPK, mTOR and TSC2 decreased, and IRS-1 and p70S6K increased, in hepatocytes of the ZF group, while these negative effects appeared to be alleviated by EA. CONCLUSIONS EA can effectively ameliorate IR and regulate energy metabolism in the ZDF rat model. AMPK/mTORC1/p70S6K and related molecules may represent a potential mechanism of action underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Liu
- Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China.,South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Zhi Zhang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Hua Zhang
- Department of Tuina, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lan-Feng Lai
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Qiao Wang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Traditional Therapy Department of Fangchun, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Neng-Gui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Li
- Department of Soft Tissue Traumatology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Ee C, Singleton AC, de Manincor M, Elder E, Davis N, Mitchell C, Dune T, MacMillan F, McBride K, Grant S. A Qualitative Study Exploring Feasibility and Acceptability of Acupuncture, Yoga, and Mindfulness Meditation for Managing Weight After Breast Cancer. Integr Cancer Ther 2022; 21:15347354221099540. [PMID: 35652533 PMCID: PMC9168877 DOI: 10.1177/15347354221099540] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Weight gain is common after breast cancer. Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and
acupuncture may assist with managing weight. However, evidence on
effectiveness is limited. This study assessed the feasibility and
acceptability of recruiting for and implementing a randomized controlled
trial (RCT) evaluating these interventions as adjuncts to lifestyle
interventions (diet and exercise) for weight management in women with breast
cancer. Methods: Qualitative study involving virtual focus groups or semi-structured
interviews. Participants were recruited via email invitation from a breast
cancer consumer organization and breast cancer center in Australia. Eligible
participants had received treatment for breast cancer, and were fluent in
English. A purposive sample of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
participants was also recruited. Focus groups and interviews were
audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis
with the constant comparison method. Results: Emails were sent to 1415 women of which 37 provided data in 5 focus groups
and 1 semi-structured interview, including 1 focus group (n = 6) with only
women from CALD backgrounds. Yoga and mindfulness meditation were perceived
as feasible and acceptable for weight management, but acupuncture was seen
to be too invasive to be acceptable. A focus on wellness rather than weight
reduction, flexible program delivery, trusted advice, consideration of
participant burden and benefit, and peer-support were key factors perceived
to increase feasibility and acceptability. Conclusions: Yoga and mindfulness meditation are acceptable and useful adjuncts to
lifestyle interventions for weight management after breast cancer. This
research places end-users at the forefront of trial design, and will inform
future trials using these interventions for weight management and improving
health and wellbeing after breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ee
- Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna C Singleton
- Engagement and Co-Design Research Hub, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Nikki Davis
- Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Tinashe Dune
- Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kate McBride
- Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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Alesi S, Ee C, Moran LJ, Rao V, Mousa A. Nutritional Supplements and Complementary Therapies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Adv Nutr 2021; 13:1243-1266. [PMID: 34970669 PMCID: PMC9340985 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 1 in 5 women of reproductive age, and is characterized by menstrual irregularities, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovary morphology. One of the recommended treatment strategies in the international evidence-based guidelines is lifestyle modification, which includes diet and exercise, with the aim of improving a range of health outcomes. The incurable nature of PCOS reinforces the importance of developing novel and innovative symptomatic relief strategies, which are currently the only available approaches for improving quality of life for these women. Women with PCOS tend to be nutrient deficient in many common vitamins and minerals, thought to be associated with the psychological (depression, anxiety, etc.) and physiological (insulin resistance, diabetes, infertility, etc.) sequelae of the condition. Nutrient supplementation and the integration of complementary medicine as adjuncts to traditional lifestyle-based therapies in PCOS could therefore provide additional benefits to these women. In this review, we synthesize the evidence regarding nutrient supplementation and complementary therapies in PCOS, predominantly from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, to provide an overview of the state of knowledge in this field. The evidence to date suggests that specific vitamins (B-12, inositols, folate, vitamins D, E, and K), vitamin-like nutrients (bioflavonoids and α-lipoic acid), minerals (calcium, zinc, selenium, and chromium picolinate), and other formulations (melatonin, ω-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and cinnamon), as well as some complementary approaches such as acupuncture and yoga may be beneficial in PCOS. However, there remain areas of uncertainty and key limitations in the literature that must be overcome before these therapies can be integrated into routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Alesi
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Carolyn Ee
- The National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa J Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vibhuti Rao
- The National Institute of Complementary Medicine, Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aya Mousa
- Address correspondence to AM (e-mail: )
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Electroacupuncture at Bilateral ST36 Acupoints: Inducing the Hypoglycemic Effect through Enhancing Insulin Signal Proteins in a Streptozotocin-Induced Rat Model during Isoflurane Anesthesia. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5852599. [PMID: 34659435 PMCID: PMC8514912 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5852599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In rats with 2-deoxy-2-(3-(methyl-3-nitrosoureido)-d-glucopyranose streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), continuous 15 Hz electrical stimulation at bilateral ST36 acupoints for 30 and 60 minutes has been shown to prevent hyperglycemia. We hypothesized that the mechanism of action in STZ-induced IDDM rats is that electrical stimulation at bilateral ST36 acupoints is effective in improving insulin receptor substrate type 1 (IRS-1) and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) protein expressions associated with counteracting both plasma glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) levels during isoflurane anesthesia. In this study, twenty-six healthy male Wistar rats, weighing 250–350 g and aged 8–10 weeks were tested. Rats in the experimental electroacupuncture (EA) group (n = 13) received 15 Hz electrical stimulation at bilateral ST 36 acupoints for 30 and 60 minutes. Rats in the control group (n = 13) were handled but not subjected to the stimulation treatment. In both IDDM and normal Wistar rats, we observed a negative change in plasma glucose levels when rats were given the EA treatment, but a positive change in plasma glucose without EA treatment relative to baseline. Within the IDDM group, a negative change in FFA levels was observed when rats were given the EA treatment, while a positive change in the FFA level was shown without the EA treatment. In the expressed protein signals, we found a significant elevation in both GLUT4 and IRS-1 proteins in the IDDM group treated by EA. Moreover, we found a significant mean difference between GLUT4 and IRS-1 protein expression levels relative to β-actin. Our findings suggested that EA at bilateral ST36 acupoints could serve as an effective strategy for lowering plasma glucose by decreasing free fatty acid levels and improving the expression of IRS-1 and GLUT4 proteins in a STZ-IDDM rat model during isoflurane anesthesia.
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Vencio S, Caiado-Vencio I, Caiado A, Morgental D, Dantas LS, Caiado-Vencio R. Acute Effect of Acupuncture on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Measured by Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Pilot Study. Med Acupunct 2021; 33:65-70. [PMID: 33613813 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2020.1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Acupuncture is a widely used technique for the treatment of diabetes in Asian countries. Nevertheless, there are few studies with appropriate methodological rigor evaluating its effectiveness and promoting a standardized procedure in the Western World. Objectives: Evaluate the short-term effect of acupuncture in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Methods: In a randomized controlled prospective open-label study, we assigned 20 insulin-independent DM2 patients to undergo acupuncture (group 1) or control group (group 2). Participants underwent CGM for 14 days. In group 1, all patients were submitted to acupuncture 4, 8, and 12 days after installation of the monitoring system. Diabetes-specific treatment points were used in all patients (bladder 38, large intestine 4, kidney 24, stomach 36, and spleen 9). This study was approved by the ethics committee (CAAE-60576616.6.0000.5572). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline characteristics. In group 1, mean glucose level obtained through 14 days monitoring after acupuncture treatment was 143 ± 28.8 mg/dL, whereas in group 2, who did not receive acupuncture, the mean level was 165.8 ± 30.2 mg/dL (P = 0.015). Conclusion: In this randomized pilot study, there was an improvement in global glycemic control during the 14-day monitoring in the acupuncture group. Further studies with larger cohorts over a more extended period of time are needed. Clinical Trials: RBR-3m45y3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sérgio Vencio
- Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Goiás, Aparecida de Goiânia, Brazil.,Hospital Municipal de Aparecida de Goiânia - HMAP, Aparecida de Goiânia, Brazil
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7
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Ee C, Smith CA, Costello M, Moran L, Steiner GZ, Stepto N, Cave A, Albrehee A, Teede H. Acupuncture or auricular electro-acupuncture as adjuncts to lifestyle interventions for weight management in PCOS: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:53. [PMID: 32346487 PMCID: PMC7183107 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00591-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent women's health condition with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological manifestations. Weight loss can improve these symptoms and is a key goal; however, many women find this difficult to achieve. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical treatment that involves insertion of very fine metal needles into specific areas of the body and has been shown to be efficacious for weight loss in non-PCOS populations. However, few studies have been conducted in women with PCOS. A variant of acupuncture, auricular electro-acupuncture (AEA), may have beneficial effects on sympathetic tone, which is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and PCOS. METHODS This prospective three-arm open label parallel randomised controlled trial will assess feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture and/or AEA for weight loss in women with PCOS. We will enrol 39 women from the community aged between 18 and 45 years, with physician diagnosis of PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria: body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 kg/m2. Women will be randomly allocated to receive one of three treatments for 12 weeks duration: body electro-acupuncture + lifestyle interventions, AEA + lifestyle interventions, or lifestyle interventions alone. The lifestyle intervention in this study is telephone-based health coaching (between 4 and 13 phone calls, depending on individual need), provided by the Get Healthy Service. Primary outcomes of the study are feasibility and acceptability of trial methods as determined by recruitment and retention rates, adherence, acceptability, credibility, and safety. Secondary outcomes include anthropometric (body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference), metabolic (glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity obtained from a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test with area under the curve insulin calculated using the trapezoid rule), reproductive (androgen levels, menstrual cyclicity, clinical hyperandrogenism using the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system), autonomic (heart rate variability, blood pressure), lifestyle (physical activity levels, diet quality, weight self-efficacy), quality of life, and psychological (depression and anxiety symptoms, internal health locus of control). DISCUSSION This study addresses the feasibility and acceptability of novel interventions to treat overweight/obesity in PCOS. Study findings have the potential to generate a new understanding of the role of acupuncture and auricular acupuncture in weight management. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, 8/6/18 ACTRN12618000975291.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Caroline A. Smith
- Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Michael Costello
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Level 1, Women’s Health Institute, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW 2031 Australia
| | - Lisa Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Locked Bag, Clayton, VIC 29 Australia
| | - Genevieve Z. Steiner
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Nigel Stepto
- Institute for Heath and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Adele Cave
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Atekah Albrehee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Locked Bag, Clayton, VIC 29 Australia
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Chung YC, Chen YI, Lin CM, Chang SW, Hsu TH, Ho WJ, Lin JG, Chang SL, Tzeng CY. Electroacupuncture combined with acarbose improves insulin sensitivity via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activation and produces a stronger glucose-lowering effect than acarbose alone in a rat model of steroid-induced insulin resistance. Acupunct Med 2020; 38:335-342. [PMID: 32297559 DOI: 10.1177/0964528419901135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported that electroacupuncture (EA) induces a glucose-lowering effect by improving insulin resistance (IR) and reduces plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels in rats with steroid-induced insulin resistance (SIIR). In addition, EA can activate cholinergic nerves and stimulate endogenous opioid peptides to lower plasma glucose in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the glucose-lowering effects of 15 Hz EA at bilateral ST36 in combination with acarbose (ACA). We hypothesized that EA combined with ACA would produce a stronger glucose-lowering effect than ACA alone. METHODS In this study, normal Wistar rats and SIIR rats were randomly divided into two groups: ACA and ACA + EA. To explore the potential mechanisms underlying the glucose-lowering effect, plasma FFA/insulin and insulin transduction signal pathway proteins were assayed. RESULTS Combined ACA + EA treatment had a greater glucose-lowering effect than ACA alone in normal Wistar rats (-45% ± 3% vs -19% ± 3%, p < 0.001) and SIIR model rats (-43% ± 2% vs -16% ± 6%, p < 0.001). A significant reduction in plasma FFA levels, improvement in homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) index (-48.9% ± 4.0%, p < 0.001) and insulin sensitivity index (102% ± 16.9%, p < 0.001), and significant increases in insulin receptor substrate 1, glucose transporter 4, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ protein expressions in skeletal muscle, were also observed in the ACA + EA group of SIIR rats. CONCLUSION Combined EA and ACA therapy had a greater glucose-lowering effect than ACA monotherapy; this combined therapy could be more effective at improving IR in SIIR rats, which may be related to a reduction in plasma FFA levels and an elevation of insulin signaling proteins. Whether this combined therapy has an effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients still needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chiang Chung
- Department of Surgery, Cheng Ching Hospital, Taichung City.,Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun
| | - Ying-I Chen
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun
| | - Chih-Ming Lin
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun.,Department of Neurology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua
| | - Su-Wei Chang
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun
| | - Tai-Hao Hsu
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Da-Yeh University, Dacun
| | - Wai-Jane Ho
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun
| | - Jaug-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City
| | - Shih-Liang Chang
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun.,School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City.,College of Biotechnology and Bioresource, Da-Yeh University, Changhua
| | - Chung-Yuh Tzeng
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Dacun.,Department of Orthopedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City
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9
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Huang X, Huang K, Li Z, Bai D, Hao Y, Wu Q, Yi W, Xu N, Pan Y, Zhang L. Electroacupuncture improves cognitive deficits and insulin resistance in an OLETF rat model of Al/D-gal induced aging model via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146834. [PMID: 32304687 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cognitive function and insulin resistance (IR) in an Al/D-gal-induced aging model for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using Ostuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. The Al/D-gal-OLETF rats for AD were randomly divided into the EA and non-EA groups. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM). The morphology of the hippocampal neurons was observed using hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. Aβ and total Tau in the hippocampus and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected using western blotting (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fasting blood glucose (FPG) was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Plasma fasting insulin (FINS), serum C-peptide (C-P), and CSF insulin were detected using ELISA. The expression of the genes and proteins in the PI3K signaling pathway was detected using quantitative real-time PCR and WB. After EA intervention, the hippocampal Aβ and total Tau protein levels, body weight, FPG, FINS, and C-P were significantly decreased. The MWM showed that the percentage of time in the target quadrant of the EA group was elevated in the probe test. The protein levels of p-IRS1, p-IRS2, IDE, and p-GSK3β were significantly increased, while p-PI3K-p85α and p-Akt were decreased. In conclusion, EA improves cognitive function and insulin resistance in rat models of AD. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is involved in those changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Huang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Kangbai Huang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Zhaowei Li
- College of Sport and Healthy, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Dongyan Bai
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yan Hao
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Qinglong Wu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Youcan Pan
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
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10
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Ee C, Cave AE, Naidoo D, Boyages J. Prevalence of and attitudes towards complementary therapy use for weight after breast cancer in Australia: a national survey. Altern Ther Health Med 2019; 19:332. [PMID: 31752830 PMCID: PMC6873562 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2747-6] [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: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weight gain is common after breast cancer (BC) treatment and may increase the risk of disease recurrence. Complementary medicine (CM) use is high amongst BC patients. This paper describes the use of CM from a cross-sectional self-administered survey on prevalence and management of weight after BC. METHODS Use of CM was assessed using a question modified from the I-CAM Questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate perceived effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages, and which CM they were willing to use for weight management if there was evidence for effectiveness. The survey was emailed to members of the Breast Cancer Network Australia Survey and Review Group, the largest consumer advocacy group in Australia for people with breast cancer. RESULTS There were a total of 309 responses. Three quarters had used CM in the past 12 months. One third had tried CM for weight loss. Yoga, meditation and pilates were perceived to be effective for weight loss. Perceived advantages of CMs for weight loss were the ability to improve general wellbeing, relaxation, and being non-pharmacological while disadvantages were financial cost, finding a reliable practitioner, and lack of research for effectiveness. Three quarters would be willing to try CM for weight loss if there was evidence for effectiveness, with the most popular CMs being acupuncture, relaxation, yoga, supplements, and meditation. CONCLUSIONS The high use of CM in this group is consistent with previous research. Our research suggests that BC survivors would use acupuncture, meditation, supplements and yoga for weight loss if supported by scientifically-credible evidence. Research into the effectiveness of these treatments on weight loss after BC is warranted.
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Lee S, Kim K, Lambrecht NJ, Hong J, Liao YH, Yoon A, Bernard JR. Interaction of Resistance Training, Electroacupuncture and Huang Qi supplementation on skeletal muscle function and GLUT4 protein concentration in rats. Acupunct Med 2018; 34:380-385. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-011028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the effects and potential synergy of resistance training (RT), Huang Qi (HQ) herbal supplementation, and electroacupuncture (EA) on skeletal muscle mass, contractile properties, and components of the insulin signalling pathway in healthy Sprague Dawley rats. Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of five groups (n=8 each): control (CON), RT only, RT with EA (RT-EA), RT with HQ (RT-HQ), and RT combined with both EA and HQ (RT-EA-HQ). RT was performed using ladder climbing every other day for 8 weeks. Sparse-wave EA was applied for 15 min/day, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. HQ supplementation was provided via oral gavage daily for 8 weeks. Results RT significantly increased the muscle mass of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) compared to CON. The isometric twitch and tetanic tension of the FHL in the RT-EA, RT-HQ, and RT-EA-HQ groups were significantly higher compared to CON and RT groups. RT-EA treatment (with or without HQ) significantly increased GLUT4 protein concentration but had no impact on Akt-2. Conclusions EA appears to be an effective treatment modality for increasing muscle mass and function when combined with RT. RT-EA may also be an effective method for improving glucose tolerance as a result of increases in GLUT4 protein concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukho Lee
- Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Kijeong Kim
- School of Exercise & Sport Science, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Nathalie J Lambrecht
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's College of California, Moraga, California, USA
| | - Junyoung Hong
- Department of Counseling, Health, and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Yi-Hung Liao
- Department of Exercise and Health Science, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aram Yoon
- Department of Nursing/Health & Human Performance, Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Bernard
- Department of Biology, Saint Mary's College of California, Moraga, California, USA
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, California, USA
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Ee C, Smith C, Costello M, MacMillan F, Moran L, Baylock B, Teede H. Feasibility and acceptability of a proposed trial of acupuncture as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions for weight loss in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a qualitative study. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 18:298. [PMID: 30409195 PMCID: PMC6225727 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-018-2358-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common female reproductive disorder with multiple manifestations. Weight management is a key therapeutic goal. Acupuncture is a potential adjunctive weight loss treatment in non-PCOS populations. We aimed to engage patients in co-design and assess the feasibility and acceptability of methods for a randomised controlled trial (RCT) on acupuncture and telephone-based health coaching for weight management in overweight or obese women with PCOS using qualitative methods. METHODS We recruited women who had PCOS and were aged 18-45 years and with a body mass index of 25 kg/m2 and over, using social media. Two face-to-face focus group meetings and three semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted (n = 10). We analysed data using thematic analysis and aimed to compare and contrast motivations for joining the trial between women who were actively trying to conceive (n = 7) and not trying to conceive (n = 3). Attitudes to, knowledge and experiences of acupuncture; perceptions and attitudes towards the interventions in the RCT (real acupuncture, sham acupuncture and telephone-based health coaching); the outcomes of importance; and barriers and facilitators to successful trial recruitment and retention were collected. RESULTS Women were both acupuncture-naive and acupuncture-experienced. Overall, attitudes towards acupuncture were positive, and the trial design was acceptable with appointment flexibility requested. Ideal enrolment time, if women were trying to conceive, was six months prior to conception. Women supported three-month intervention and the use of sham acupuncture as a control. Financial incentives were not believed to be necessary, and women spoke of altruistic intentions in enrolling for such a trial. Women who were trying to conceive voiced a need for support from their family, health coaches, and peers. The telephone-based health coaching offered welcome support and accountability, noted as possible facilitators of weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that acupuncture is a likely acceptable adjunct to lifestyle interventions for weight loss in PCOS, and that a sham-controlled trial is feasible and acceptable to PCOS women. Further research is required in order to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture together with lifestyle for weight management in PCOS.
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Electroacupuncture ameliorates poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemia through suppressing hepatic SREBP-2 expression in rats. Life Sci 2018; 203:20-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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14
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Lan D, Xu N, Sun J, Li Z, Liao R, Zhang H, Liang X, Yi W. Electroacupuncture mitigates endothelial dysfunction via effects on the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in high fat diet-induced insulin-resistant rats. Acupunct Med 2018; 36:162-169. [PMID: 29502072 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on endothelial dysfunction related to high fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. METHODS Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a regular diet (Control group, n=8) or a HFD (n=16) for 12 weeks to induce an insulin resistance model. HFD-fed rats were divided into two groups that remained untreated (HFD group, n=8) or received electroacupuncture (HFD+EA group, n=8). EA was applied at PC6, ST36, SP6 and BL23. At the end of the experiment, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin (FINS), serum C-peptide (C-P) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were determined. Pancreatic islet samples were subjected to histopathological examination. The thoracic aorta was immunostained with anti-rat insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) antibodies. mRNA and protein expression of IRS-1, PI3K, Akt2 and eNOS in the vascular endothelium were determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. RESULTS The bodyweight increase of the HFD+EA group was smaller than that of the untreated HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the levels of FBG, FINS, C-P and HOMA-IR in the HFD+EA group decreased significantly (P<0.01). Histopathological evaluation indicated that EA improved pancreatic islet inflammation. The expression of endothelial markers, such as IRS-1, PI3K, Akt2 and eNOS, decreased in the HFD group, while EA treatment appeared to ameliorate the negative impact of diet. CONCLUSION EA may improve insulin resistance and attenuate endothelial dysfunction, and therefore could play a potential role in the prevention or treatment of diabetic complications and cardiovascular disease through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danchun Lan
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Foshan Hospital of TCM, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Nenggui Xu
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of TCM, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Li
- Department of Soft Tissue Traumatology, Shenzhen Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rongzhen Liao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Zhang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Maliqueo M, Benrick A, Marcondes RR, Johansson J, Sun M, Stener-Victorin E. Acupuncture does not ameliorate metabolic disturbances in the P450 aromatase inhibitor-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Exp Physiol 2018; 102:113-127. [PMID: 27790765 DOI: 10.1113/ep085983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? The effectiveness of low-frequency electroacupuncture in the treatment of metabolic disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by an imbalance in sex steroid production, is controversial. What is the main finding and its importance? In a rat model of PCOS induced by the inhibition of P450 aromatase, low-frequency electroacupuncture increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol but did not improve the insulin resistance or the adipose tissue dysfunction, suggesting that a balance of sex steroids is needed to restore the metabolic function in this rat model of PCOS. Low-frequency electroacupuncture restores sex steroid synthesis and sympathetic activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which may ameliorate its metabolic disturbances, probably by modulating sympathetic nerve activity or sex steroid synthesis. We investigated whether low-frequency electroacupuncture regulates the metabolic function to the same extent as treatment with estradiol or β-adrenergic blocking in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome induced by a P450 aromatase inhibitor (letrozole). Letrozole (200 μg day-1 ) or placebo pellets were implanted in prepubertal Wistar rats. Six weeks thereafter, rats were treated for 5-6 weeks with the following: low-frequency electroacupuncture (5 days per week); a β-adrenergic blocker (propranolol hydrochloride, 0.1 mg kg-1 , 5 days per week); or 17β-estradiol (2.0 μg) every fourth day. Body weight development, body composition, locomotor activity, insulin sensitivity, tissue-specific glucose uptake, lipid profile, adipocyte size, serum concentrations of adiponectin and insulin, and gene expression in inguinal fat were measured. All treatments increased circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Estradiol treatment restored locomotor activity and increased insulin sensitivity but did not modify the glucose uptake in muscle and fat. An upregulation of genes related to insulin sensitivity and downregulation of genes related to adipogenesis were observed in subcutaneous adipose tissue from rats exposed to letrozole. Only estradiol treatment normalized the expression of these genes. In conclusion, low-frequency electroacupuncture increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol without affecting insulin sensitivity or adipose tissue function, which could suggest effects on hepatic lipid regulation, probably mediated by the action of estradiol or the β-adrenergic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Maliqueo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo, Departamento de Medicina Occidente, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anna Benrick
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Health and Education, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues Marcondes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julia Johansson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, 150040, China
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Chung YC, Tzeng CY, Chen YI, Chang SW, Hsu TH, Ho WJ, Kuo YH, Hung PH, Chang SL. Improving insulin resistance with Antrodia cinnamomea mycelium powder to induce a hypoglycemic effect in dexamethasone‑induced insulin‑resistant rats. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:3260-3266. [PMID: 29257321 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.8259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance is a major factor in type II diabetes development, occurring when insulin levels are normal, but do not have normal interactions with adipose, muscle or liver tissue. The present study aimed to explore the hypoglycemic effect of Antrodia cinnamomea (AC) mycelium powder by evaluating its impact on insulin resistance and plasma free fatty acid (FFA) levels in steroid‑induced insulin‑resistant (SIIR) rats. Male Wistar rats were administered dexamethasone for 5 days to induce insulin resistance. The SIIR rats were subsequently randomly assigned into three experimental groups (EGs) and a control group (CG), where saline was orally administered. The EGs were orally administered different doses of AC (100, 200 or 500 mg/kg) and an optimal dose for further study was determined. Changes in plasma insulin and glucose levels were calculated to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of AC. To evaluate insulin resistance, the homeostasis model assessment‑estimated insulin resistance of the SIIR rats was determined. Changes in plasma FFA levels were detected and levels of insulin signal proteins (IRS‑1, GLUT‑4 and PI3K) were analyzed by western blot to elucidate AC's mechanism of action. The SIIR rats exhibited significantly decreased plasma glucose levels in the first 30 min, with plasma FFA levels displaying a marked downward trend (P<0.05) when they were administered the optimal dose of AC (200 mg/kg). The decrease in plasma glucose and FFA levels was significantly larger in the EG compared to the CG, and insulin signal protein levels were also significantly increased (P<0.05). The hypoglycemic effect observed may be due to decreased plasma FFA levels and increased expression of intracellular insulin signal proteins. Furthermore, insulin sensitivity was enhanced, indicating that AC acts as an insulin sensitizer in insulin resistant animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Chiang Chung
- Department of Surgery Chung-Kang Branch, Cheng‑Ching Hospital, Taichung 40764, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chung-Yuh Tzeng
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ying-I Chen
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shu-Wei Chang
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tai-Hao Hsu
- Department of Bioindustry Technology, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wai-Jane Ho
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yueh-Hsiung Kuo
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Pei-Hsiu Hung
- Division of Traditional Chinese, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia‑Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi 60002, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Liang Chang
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da‑Yeh University, Changhua 51591, Taiwan, R.O.C
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A Study of Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution Associated with Overweight, Obesity, and Underweight. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:7361896. [PMID: 29234426 PMCID: PMC5671717 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7361896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the associations among the nine types of body constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight. Method Participants aged 30 to 90 years were recruited from communities in Shanghai and assessed using a self-administered questionnaire pertaining to their demographics, lifestyles, and self-reported medical history. The data of 3748 participants with complete information was available for the analysis. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine the associations among the TCM constitution variables and the health outcomes. Results The standards of classification and determination of the constitution in TCM were used to gauge the patients' constitution type. MLR revealed independent and significant associations among the Qi_Deficient and Yang_Deficient groups with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight (P < 0.10 for all). MLR revealed independent and significant associations among the Qi_Deficient and Yang_Deficient groups with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusion Our study revealed significant negative correlations between the Qi_Deficient and Yang_Deficient groups with the outcomes of overweight, obesity, and underweight. On the other hand, positive correlations were found between Phlegm_Dampness and the outcomes of overweight and obesity.
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Catalogna M, Doenyas-Barak K, Sagi R, Abu-Hamad R, Nevo U, Ben-Jacob E, Efrati S. Effect of Peripheral Electrical Stimulation (PES) on Nocturnal Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168805. [PMID: 27997608 PMCID: PMC5173375 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulation of hepatic glucose production has been a target for antidiabetic drug development, due to its major contribution to glucose homeostasis. Previous pre-clinical study demonstrated that peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) may stimulate glucose utilization and improve hepatic insulin sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate safety, tolerability, and the glucose-lowering effect of this approach in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS Twelve patients with T2DM were recruited for an open label, interventional, randomized trial. Eleven patients underwent, in a crossover design, an active, and a no-intervention control periods, separated with a two-week washout phase. During the active period, the patients received a daily lower extremity PES treatment (1.33Hz/16Hz burst mode), for 14 days. Study endpoints included changes in glucose levels, number of hypoglycemic episodes, and other potential side effects. Endpoints were analyzed based on continuous glucose meter readings, and laboratory evaluation. RESULTS We found that during the active period, the most significant effect was on nocturnal glucose control (P < 0.0004), as well as on pre-meal mean glucose levels (P < 0.02). The mean daily glucose levels were also decreased although it did not reach clinical significance (P = 0.07). A reduction in serum cortisol (P < 0.01) but not in insulin was also detected after 2 weeks of treatment. No adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that repeated PES treatment, even for a very short duration, can improve blood glucose control, possibly by suppressing hepatic glucose production. This effect may be mediated via hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis modulation. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02727790.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merav Catalogna
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Doenyas-Barak
- Research and Development Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roi Sagi
- Research and Development Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ramzia Abu-Hamad
- Research and Development Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Nevo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eshel Ben-Jacob
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shai Efrati
- Research and Development Unit, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel, affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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PI3K-GLUT4 Signal Pathway Associated with Effects of EX-B3 Electroacupuncture on Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance of T2DM Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 2016:7914387. [PMID: 27656242 PMCID: PMC5021857 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7914387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To explore electroacupuncture's (EA's) effects on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin resistance of type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) model rats and give a possible explanation for the effects. Method. It takes high fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 30 mg/kg) for model preparation. Model rats were randomly divided into T2DM Model group, EA weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) group, and sham EA group (n = 12/group). EA (2 Hz continuous wave, 2 mA, 20 min/day, 6 days/week, 4 weeks) was applied as intervention. FBG, area under curve (AUC) of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), pancreatic B cell function index (HOMA-B), skeletal muscle phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and membrane GLUT4 protein expression were measured. Results. EA weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) can greatly upregulate model rat's significantly reduced skeletal muscle PI3K (Y607) and membrane GLUT4 protein expression (P < 0.01), effectively reducing model rats' FBG and AUC of OGTT (P < 0.01). The effects are far superior to sham EA group. Conclusion. EA weiwanxiashu (EX-B3) can upregulate skeletal muscle phosphorylated PI3K protein expression, to stimulate membrane translocation of GLUT4 and thereby increase skeletal muscle glucose intake to treat T2DM.
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Tzeng CY, Lee YC, Chung JJ, Tsai JC, Chen YI, Hsu TH, Lin JG, Lee KR, Chang SL. 15 hz Electroacupuncture at St36 Improves Insulin Sensitivity and Reduces Free Fatty Acid Levels in Rats with Chronic Dexamethasone-Induced Insulin Resistance. Acupunct Med 2016; 34:296-301. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2015-010956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) in a rat model of chronic steroid-induced insulin resistance (SIIR). Methods An SIIR rat model was created using daily intraperitoneal injections of clinically relevant doses of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) for 5 days to induce chronic insulin resistance. Thirty-six SIIR rats were randomly divided into the SIIR+EA group (n=18), which received 15 Hz EA at ST36 for 60 min, and the SIIR group (n=18), which remained untreated. Plasma glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were measured in serial blood samples taken without further manipulation (n=6 per group) and during insulin challenge test (ICT, n=6 per group) and intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT, n=6 per group). Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 and glucose transporter (GLUT)-4 were measured using Western blotting and expressed relative to β-actin. Results Following EA, area-under-the-curve (AUC) for glucose was reduced (7340±291 vs 10 705±1474 mg/dL/min, p=0.049) and FFA levels significantly lower at 30/60 min in the SIIR+EA versus SIIR groups. Similar effects on glucose AUC were seen during the ICT (5568±275 vs 7136±594 mg/dL/min, p<0.05) and igVTT (11 498±1398 vs 16 652±1217 mg/dL/min, p<0.01). FFA levels were lower at 30 and/or 60 min in SIIR+EA versus SIIR groups (p<0.01). Relative expression of IRS-1 and GLUT4 were significantly increased by EA (p<0.01). Conclusions EA decreased the FFA level and increased insulin sensitivity in SIIR rats. Further clinical studies are needed to determine whether EA is an effective alternative treatment for the reduction of insulin resistance in patients requiring chronic use of dexamethasone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yuh Tzeng
- Department of Orthopedics, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Hung-Kuang University, Taichung city, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lee
- Department of Acupuncture, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Jung Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, Cheng-Ching Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Ying-I Chen
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Hao Hsu
- Department of BioIndustry Technology, Da-Yeh University, Changhua County, Taiwan
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Rong Lee
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Liang Chang
- Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua County, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
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Martinez B, Peplow PV. Treatment of insulin resistance by acupuncture: a review of human and animal studies. Acupunct Med 2016; 34:310-9. [PMID: 27256547 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can correct various metabolic disorders such as hyperglycaemia, overweight, hyperphagia, hyperlipidaemia, inflammation, altered activity of the sympathetic nervous system, and insulin signalling defects, all of which contribute to the development of insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE To review human and animal studies investigating acupuncture as a treatment for insulin resistance, and to evaluate its potential to increase insulin sensitivity. METHODS PubMed was searched for relevant articles published between January 2008 and October 2015. Search terms used were 'acupuncture', 'insulin resistance', 'insulin sensitivity', and 'blood glucose'. Additional secondary sources of information included reference lists from retrieved papers and pertinent papers identified by hand searches of relevant journals not found in the database. RESULTS In total, 31 articles were included in this review and comprised studies of the following insulin resistant conditions: obesity (n=9); diabetes mellitus (n=12); polycystic ovarian syndrome (n=7); skeletal muscle atrophy (n=1); ischaemic heart disease (n=1); and fatty liver disease (n=1). Of these articles, seven were human trials and 24 animal experiments. Collectively, the studies suggest that electroacupuncture (EA) at low intensity and low frequency can reduce insulin resistance and increase insulin sensitivity in a range of different insulin-resistant conditions. CONCLUSIONS EA, used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as Chinese herbs or diet-exercise interventions, has the potential to be an effective treatment for insulin resistance. Additional controlled clinical studies of acupuncture are needed in subjects with diabetes mellitus, ischaemic heart disease, muscle atrophy, and fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Merced, USA
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Catalogna M, Fishman S, Halpern Z, Ben-Shlomo S, Nevo U, Ben-Jacob E. Regulation of glucose dynamics by noninvasive peripheral electrical stimulation in normal and insulin-resistant rats. Metabolism 2016; 65:863-73. [PMID: 27173465 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemic nature of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), along with the downsides of current treatments, has raised the need for therapeutic alternatives. METHODS We studied normo-glycemic and high-fat diet (HFD), induced insulin-resistant Wistar Han rats for 2 to 3weeks. Rats received peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) treatment (2Hz/16Hz bursts, 10mA) in their hind limbs for 3min, 3 times per week. Glucose tolerance was evaluated by using a glucose tolerance test at the beginning and again at the end of the study. The effect of an acute PES treatment on metabolic rates of glucose appearance and turnover was measured by using the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (HEGC) test. RESULTS Repeated PES treatment significantly inhibited the progression of glucose intolerance in normal and insulin-resistant rats and prevented HFD-induced gains in body weight and fat mass. Acute treatment induced a prolonged effect on glucose turnover, as evaluated by the HEGC test. Increased hepatic glucose output was observed during the basal state (P<0.005). Under hyperinsulinemic conditions, PES improved tissue sensitivity to insulin (41.1%, P<0.01), improved suppression of hepatic glucose production (58.9±4.4% vs. 87.1±4.4%, P<0.02) and significantly elevated the rate of glycogenesis (P<0.01), compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that a noninvasive PES treatment of very short duration is sufficiently potent to stimulate glucose utilization and improve hepatic insulin sensitivity in rats. Repeated PES treatment may have a beneficial effect on HFD-induced adiposity and control of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merav Catalogna
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Sigal Fishman
- Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zamir Halpern
- Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shani Ben-Shlomo
- Research Center for Digestive Tract and Liver Diseases, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel, Affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Nevo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Eshel Ben-Jacob
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Raymond & Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
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Liaw JJT, Peplow PV. Differential Effect of Electroacupuncture on Inflammatory Adipokines in Two Rat Models of Obesity. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2016; 9:183-90. [PMID: 27555223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is known to be associated with visceral obesity and insulin resistance which are characterized by altered levels of production of pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokines. The dysregulation of the production of inflammatory adipokines and their functions in obese individuals leads to a state of chronic low-grade inflammation and may promote obesity-linked metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis. Electroacupuncture (EA) was tested to see if there was a difference in its effect on pro- and anti-inflammatory adipokine levels in the blood serum and the white adipose tissue of obese Zucker fatty rats and high-fat diet-induced obese Long Evans rats. In the two rat models of obesity, on Day 12 of treatment, repeated applications of EA were seen to have had a significant differential effect for serum tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, the adiponectin:leptin ratio, and blood glucose. For the adipose tissue, there was a differential effect for adiponectin that was on the borderline of significance. To explore these changes further and how they might affect insulin resistance would require a modification to the research design to use larger group sizes for the two models or to give a greater number of EA treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Shen W, Li Y, Zhang Y, Wu T, Hung Yu Ng E, Wu X. Acupuncture for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hippokratia 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010491.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Shen
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; No.26 Heping Road, Xiangfang District Harbin Heilongjiang China 150040
| | - Yan Li
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; No.26 Heping Road, Xiangfang District Harbin Heilongjiang China 150040
| | - Yang Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; Department of Internal Medicine; Heping Road 26, Xiangfang District Harbin Heilongjiang China 150040
| | - Taixiang Wu
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University; Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Chinese Ethics Committee of Registering Clinical Trials; No. 37, Guo Xue Xiang Chengdu Sichuan China 610041
| | - Ernest Hung Yu Ng
- University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Pokfulam Road Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - XiaoKe Wu
- National Key Discipline and Clinical Base, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Harbin China 150040
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Liao HY, Sun MF, Lin JG, Chang SL, Lee YC. Electroacupuncture plus metformin lowers glucose levels and facilitates insulin sensitivity by activating MAPK in steroid-induced insulin-resistant rats. Acupunct Med 2015; 33:388-94. [PMID: 26025384 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the predominant form of diabetes. Although metformin is the preferred first-line drug for treatment of the disease, it is associated with a risk of secondary failure. Electroacupuncture (EA) can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels. OBJECTIVES To examine, in an animal study, whether EA combined with metformin (EA-metformin) results in a better glucose-lowering effect and greater insulin sensitivity than metformin alone in steroid-induced insulin-resistant rats. METHODS Adult Wistar rats were injected with dexamethasone to induce diabetes and subsequently treated with EA plus metformin or metformin alone. Variations in plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma free fatty acid levels were studied at the midpoint and end of the experimental course. Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), which are associated with glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) translocation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which is related to GLUT4 activation, were measured after EA treatment. RESULTS We found that EA-metformin resulted in a better glucose-lowering effect, greater insulin sensitivity, lower plasma free fatty acid levels and higher levels of MAPK than metformin alone (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between treatment groups in expression of IRS-1 or PPAR-γ. CONCLUSIONS The glucose-lowering effect and increased insulin sensitivity associated with EA-metformin administration is governed, at least in part, by its ability to stimulate the activation of GLUT4 via upregulation of MAPK expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Yin Liao
- Department of Acupuncture, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Feng Sun
- Department of Acupuncture, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jaung-Geng Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Liang Chang
- School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Department of Medicinal Botanicals and Health Applications, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Lee
- Department of Acupuncture, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Chen YI, Tzeng CY, Cheng YW, Hsu TH, Ho WJ, Liang ZC, Hsieh CW, Tzen JTC, Chang SL. The Involvement of Serotonin in the Hypoglycemic Effects Produced by Administration of the Aqueous Extract of Xylaria nigripes with Steroid-Induced Insulin-Resistant Rats. Phytother Res 2015; 29:770-6. [PMID: 25712886 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Xylaria nigripes (XN) is a medicinal fungus with a high-economic value. The aim of this study was to explore the hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms of the XN aqueous extract in steroid-induced insulin-resistant (SIIR) rats. Significant hypoglycemic effects were observed 60 min after administration of XN aqueous extract. In normal Wistar, hypoglycemic effects were 21% (the plasma glucose level decreased from 128.6 ± 12.5 to 100.9 ± 10.7 mg/dL). In SIIR, hypoglycemic effects were 26% (the plasma glucose level decreased from 177.6 ± 12.5 to 133.3 ± 29.7 mg/dL) rats refer to their baseline. The signaling proteins for insulin-receptor substrate-1 and glucose transporter-4 increased 0.51-fold and 1.12-fold, respectively, as determined by Western blotting; the increase in the proteins was 13% and 9%, respectively, as determined by immunohistochemistry. The serotonin antagonist, α-p-chlorophenylalanine, effectively blocked the hypoglycemic effects and increased the signaling protein levels. After XN administration, none of the animals showed significant changes in plasma-free fatty acids in 60 min. In summary, the XN extract may have hypoglycemic effects in normal Wistar and SIIR rats that may have a serotonin-related hypoglycemic effect and enhance insulin sensitivity in the SIIR rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-I Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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27
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Belivani M, Lundeberg T, Cummings M, Dimitroula C, Belivani N, Vasilakos D, Hatzitolios A. Immediate effect of three different electroacupuncture protocols on fasting blood glucose in obese patients: a pilot study. Acupunct Med 2014; 33:110-4. [PMID: 25522743 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is an increasing global health problem, and current methods of management are limited. Preliminary research data suggest that acupuncture may have an influence on metabolic parameters related to obesity. OBJECTIVE To determine the electroacupuncture (EA) protocol to be used in a future clinical trial examining the effect of acupuncture on metabolic parameters related to obesity and to examine whether a single EA treatment can change fasting blood glucose in obese subjects. METHODS 16 obese women aged 30-52 years with body mass index >30 kg/m(2) were assigned consecutively into three groups and their fasting blood glucose was measured before and after administering a single session, lasting 30 min, of one of three EA treatment protocols. The Dorsal group received EA to dorsal segmental acupuncture points BL18-23 bilaterally (corresponding to the segmental levels innervating the pancreas); the Ear group received EA to ear points in the cavum conchae; and the Limb group received EA to points in the arms and legs (LI10-LI11, ST36-Zongping). RESULTS After a single session of EA there was a statistically significant decrease in fasting blood glucose in the Dorsal and Limb groups, but there was no change and even a trend towards an increase in the glucose level in the Ear group. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this small pilot study suggest that EA to either dorsal segmental points corresponding to the pancreas or to muscle points in all four limbs may exert a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism in obese women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Belivani
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Thomas Lundeberg
- Foundation for Acupuncture and Biological Treatment Methods, Sabbatsbergs Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mike Cummings
- British Medical Acupuncture Society, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Charikleia Dimitroula
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nicole Belivani
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitris Vasilakos
- Anaesthesiology and ICU Department, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Hatzitolios
- First Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Benrick A, Maliqueo M, Johansson J, Sun M, Wu X, Mannerås-Holm L, Stener-Victorin E. Enhanced insulin sensitivity and acute regulation of metabolic genes and signaling pathways after a single electrical or manual acupuncture session in female insulin-resistant rats. Acta Diabetol 2014; 51:963-72. [PMID: 25218925 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-014-0645-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM To compare the effect of a single session of acupuncture with either low-frequency electrical or manual stimulation on insulin sensitivity and molecular pathways in the insulin-resistant dihydrotestosterone-induced rat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model. Both stimulations cause activation of afferent nerve fibers. In addition, electrical stimulation causes muscle contractions, enabling us to differentiate changes induced by activation of sensory afferents from contraction-induced changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Control and PCOS rats were divided into no-stimulation, manual-, and electrical stimulation groups and insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Manually stimulated needles were rotated 180° ten times every 5 min, or low-frequency electrical stimulation was applied to evoke muscle twitches for 45 min. Gene and protein expression were analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS The glucose infusion rate (GIR) was lower in PCOS rats than in controls. Electrical stimulation was superior to manual stimulation during treatment but both methods increased GIR to the same extent in the post-stimulation period. Electrical stimulation decreased mRNA expression of Adipor2, Adrb1, Fndc5, Erk2, and Tfam in soleus muscle and increased ovarian Adrb2 and Pdf. Manual stimulation decreased ovarian mRNA expression of Erk2 and Sdnd. Electrical stimulation increased phosphorylated ERK levels in soleus muscle. CONCLUSIONS One acupuncture session with electrical stimulation improves insulin sensitivity and modulates skeletal muscle gene and protein expression more than manual stimulation. Although electrical stimulation is superior to manual in enhancing insulin sensitivity during stimulation, they are equally effective after stimulation indicating that it is activation of sensory afferents rather than muscle contraction per se leading to the observed changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Benrick
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 434, 405 30, Göteborg, Sweden
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Chung JY, Yoo DY, Im W, Choi JH, Yi SS, Youn HY, Hwang IK, Seong JK, Yoon YS. Electroacupuncture at the Zusanli and Baihui acupoints ameliorates type-2 diabetes-induced reductions in proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts in the hippocampal dentate gyrus with increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 77:167-73. [PMID: 25342636 PMCID: PMC4363018 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current study, we investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) can inhibit pathological reductions in neurogenesis. Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats at 7 weeks of age were anesthetized with zoletil, and sham-acupuncture or EA at the Zusanli (ST36) and Baihui (GV20) acupoints was administered once a day for 5 weeks. In the ZDF group that received sham-EA (ZDF-Sham group), the blood glucose level was significantly increased together with age as compared to the control littermates [Zucker lean control (ZLC) rat]. In contrast, proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts were significantly decreased in the ZDF-Sham group compared to the ZLC group. Although EA treatment decreased blood glucose levels, this was not statistically significant when compared to blood glucose levels changes in the ZDF-Sham group. However, proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts were significantly increased with EA in ZDF rats as compared to those in the ZDF-Sham group.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were significantly decreased in hippocampal homogenates of ZDF-Sham group compared to those in the ZLC group. The EA treatment significantly increased the BDNF levels compared to those in the ZDF-Sham group, and BDNF levels in this group were similar to those in the ZLC group. These results suggest that EA at ST36 and GV20 can ameliorate the reductions in proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts in the dentate gyrus induced by type-2 diabetes without significantly reducing blood glucose levels with increasing BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Young Chung
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 200-701, Republic of Korea
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Tsai CI, Su YC, Lin SY, Lee IT, Lee CH, Li TC. Reduced health-related quality of life in body constitutions of yin-xu, and yang-xu, stasis in patients with type 2 diabetes: taichung diabetic body constitution study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2014; 2014:309403. [PMID: 25093025 PMCID: PMC4100449 DOI: 10.1155/2014/309403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim. To evaluate how health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutions of Yin-Xu, Yang-Xu, and Stasis are related in type 2 diabetes patients. Method. Seven hundred and five subjects were recruited in 2010 for this study from a Diabetes Shared Care Network in Taiwan. Generic and disease-specific HRQOL were assessed by the short form 36 (SF-36) and the diabetes impact measurement scale (DIMS). Constitutions of Yin-Xu, Yang-Xu, and Stasis were then assessed by the body constitution questionnaire (BCQ), a questionnaire consisting of 44 items that evaluate the physiological state based on subjective symptoms and signs. Results. Estimated effects of the Ying-Xu and Stasis on all scales of the SF-36 were significantly negative, while estimated effects of the Yang-Xu on all scales (except for SF, RE, MH, and MCS) were significantly negative. For DIMS, the estimated effects of the Ying-Xu and Stasis on all scales were significantly negative except for Stasis on well-being, while Yang-Xu has a significantly negative effect only on symptoms. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that TCM constitutions of Yin-Xu, Yang-Xu, and Stasis are closely related to a reduction in HRQOL. These findings support the need for further research into the impact of intervention for TCM constitutions on HRQOL in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-I Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Su
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Lin
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
| | - I-Te Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hung Lee
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Chung Li
- Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, College of Management, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Healthcare Administration, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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Acupoint-specific, frequency-dependent, and improved insulin sensitivity hypoglycemic effect of electroacupuncture applied to drug-combined therapy studied by a randomized control clinical trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:371475. [PMID: 25024728 PMCID: PMC4082841 DOI: 10.1155/2014/371475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The application of electroacupuncture (EA) to specific acupoints can induce a hypoglycemic effect in streptozotocin-induced rats, normal rats, and rats with steroid-induced insulin resistance. EA combined with the oral insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone improved insulin sensitivity in rats and humans with type II diabetes mellitus (DM). There are different hypoglycemic mechanisms between Zhongwan and Zusanli acupoints by EA stimulation. On low-frequency (2 Hz) stimulation at bilateral Zusanli acupoints, serotonin was involved in the hypoglycemic effect in normal rats. Moreover, after 15 Hz EA stimulation at the bilateral Zusanli acupoints, although enhanced insulin activity mainly acts on the insulin-sensitive target organs, the muscles must be considered. In addition, 15 Hz EA stimulation at the bilateral Zusanli acupoints has the combined effect of enhancing cholinergic nerve activity and increasing nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity to enhance insulin activity. Despite the well-documented effect of pain control by EA in many systemic diseases, there are few high-quality long-term clinical trials on the hypoglycemic effect of EA in DM. Combination treatment with EA and other medications seems to be an alternative treatment to achieve better therapeutic goals that merit future investigation.
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Yin J, Kuang J, Chandalia M, Tuvdendorj D, Tumurbaatar B, Abate N, Chen JDZ. Hypoglycemic effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture on insulin resistance. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 307:R332-9. [PMID: 24848362 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00465.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) on blood glucose and insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Both wild-type (WT) and adipose ectonucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase (ENPP1) transgenic (TG) mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 wk; for each mouse, an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed with or without EA at abdomen or auricular areas. A high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in both WT and TG mice. In the WT mice, EA at 3 Hz and 15 Hz, but not at 1 Hz or 100 Hz, via CV4+CV12 significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels; EA at 3 Hz was most potent. The glucose level was reduced by 61.7% at 60 min and 74.5% at 120 min with EA at 3 Hz (all P < 0.001 vs. control). Similar hypoglycemic effect was noted in the TG mice. On the contrary, EA at auricular points increased postprandial glucose level (P < 0.03). 4). EA at 3 Hz via CV4+CV12 significantly enhanced the decrease of blood glucose after insulin injection, suggesting improvement of insulin sensitivity. Plasma free fatty acid was significantly suppressed by 42.5% at 15 min and 50.8% at 30 min with EA (P < 0.01) in both WT and TG mice. EA improves glucose tolerance in both WT and TG mice fed a high-fat diet, and the effect is associated with stimulation parameters and acupoints and is probably attributed to the reduction of free fatty acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieyun Yin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jian Kuang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Division of Endocrinology, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Manisha Chandalia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Demidmaa Tuvdendorj
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Batbayar Tumurbaatar
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Nicola Abate
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jiande D Z Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas; Ningbo Pace Translational Medical Research Center, Ningbo, China
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Electroacupuncture and rosiglitazone combined therapy as a means of treating insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:969824. [PMID: 23983807 PMCID: PMC3745852 DOI: 10.1155/2013/969824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aims. To evaluate the efficacy of rosiglitazone (TZD) and electroacupuncture (EA) combined therapy as a treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients by randomized single-blind placebo controlled clinical trial.
Methods. A total of 31 newly diagnostic T2DM patients, who fulfilled the study's eligibility criteria, were recruited. The individuals were randomly assigned into two groups, the control group (TZD, N = 15) and the experimental group (TZD + EA, N = 16). Changes in their plasma free fatty acid (FFA), glucose, and insulin levels, together with their homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) indices, were statistically compared before and after treatment. Hypoglycemic activity (%) was also compared between these two groups.
Results. There was no significant difference in hypoglycemic activity between the TZD and TZD + EA group. The effectiveness of the combined therapy seems to derive from an improvement in insulin resistance and a significant lowering of the secreted insulin rather than the effect of TZD alone on T2DM. The combined treatment had no significant adverse effects. A lower plasma FFA concentration is likely to be the mechanism that causes this effect. Conclusion. This combined therapy seems to suppress endogenous insulin secretion by improving insulin resistance via a mechanism involving a reduction in plasma FFA. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01577095.
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Stener-Victorin E. Hypothetical physiological and molecular basis for the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 373:83-90. [PMID: 23416841 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental evidence indicates that acupuncture may be a safe alternative or complement in the treatment of endocrine and reproductive function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This review describes potential etiological factors of PCOS with the aim to support potential mechanism of action of acupuncture to relieve PCOS related symptoms. The theory that increased sympathetic activity contributes to the development and maintenance of PCOS is presented, and that the effects of acupuncture are, at least in part, mediated by modulation of sympathetic outflow. While there are no relevant randomized controlled studies on the use of acupuncture to treat metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS, a number of experimental studies indicate that acupuncture may improve metabolic dysfunction. For each aspect of PCOS, it is important to pursue new treatment strategies that have fewer negative side effects than drug treatments, as women with PCOS often require prolonged treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Stener-Victorin
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Belivani M, Dimitroula C, Katsiki N, Apostolopoulou M, Cummings M, Hatzitolios AI. Acupuncture in the treatment of obesity: a narrative review of the literature. Acupunct Med 2012; 31:88-97. [PMID: 23153472 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the leading health risk factors worldwide and is associated with several other risk factors and health problems including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and malignancies. Current conventional therapeutic strategies for obesity cannot achieve adequate weight control in all patients, so complementary types of treatment are also performed. Acupuncture, one of the oldest healing practices, represents the most rapidly growing complementary therapy which is recognised by both the National Institutes of Health and the WHO. A previous review concluded that acupuncture was superior to lifestyle advice, to sham acupuncture and to conventional medication. In this narrative review, the possible mechanisms of actions and the results of recent experimental and clinical studies with different forms of acupuncture (eg, body, auricular, manual and electroacupuncture) are presented. In particular, the effects of acupuncture on anorexigenic and orexigenic peptides, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism and inflammatory markers are discussed. Both experimental and clinical current data suggest that acupuncture exerts beneficial effects on the mechanisms of obesity. Some data suggest that electroacupuncture may be more effective than manual acupuncture; however, the most effective frequency remains controversial. Combination of different forms of acupuncture with diet and exercise seems to be necessary for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Further prospective clinical trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of this complementary method for obesity treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Belivani
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, 1 Stilponos Kyriakidi Street, 54646, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chen WL, Hsieh CL. Acupuncture research in Taiwan. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 51:179-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2012.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Silva ML, Silva JR, Prado WA. The antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture at different depths of acupoints and under the needling surface. Chin Med 2012; 7:3. [PMID: 22369266 PMCID: PMC3305550 DOI: 10.1186/1749-8546-7-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The stimulation of acupoints along the meridians, but not the non-acupoints outside of the meridians, produces analgesia. Although the acupoint is defined at the body surface, the exact location of the acupoints is not known. This study aims to examine whether the intensity and duration of the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli (ST36) and Sanynjiao acupoints (SP6) change according to the depth of the stimulation. Methods Ninety-six male Wistar rats classified as responders were arbitrarily allocated into 16 groups of six rats each. Six groups received EA with uninsulated acupuncture needles (type I) or needles that were immersed in varnish and had the varnish circularly peeled 0.2 mm from the tip (type II), 0.2 mm at 3 mm (type III) or 5 mm (type IV) from the tip, or 0.2 mm at 5 and 1 mm from the tip (type V), or EA sham for 20 min. Five groups received injection of formalin into the acupoint bilaterally at 5 mm or 1 mm deep into ST36, 5 mm below ST36 but inserting the needle at 45° to the skin surface, or 5 mm deep into non-acupoints. The remaining groups received intraplantar injection of saline, 1% or 2.5% formalin. The analgesic effects were measured by the rat tail-flick test. Results The bilateral stimulation of ST36 and SP6 by uninsulated or insulated needles produced analgesia in the rat tail-flick test. The stronger and longer lasting effects occurred after EA with the types I and V needles, or injection of formalin 5 mm deep into ST36. The remaining needles produced weaker and shorter lasting effects. Slow analgesic effect also occurred after formalin injection at 1 mm or 5 mm below ST36 by inserting the needle at 45° to the skin surface. Conclusion The experimental results suggest that the efficacy of the EA stimulation depends on the spatial distribution of the current density under the needling surface rather than only the acupoint or the depth of needling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo L Silva
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto-USP, Avenue Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Bargiota A, Diamanti-Kandarakis E. The effects of old, new and emerging medicines on metabolic aberrations in PCOS. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2012; 3:27-47. [PMID: 23148192 PMCID: PMC3474645 DOI: 10.1177/2042018812437355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age that is associated with significant adverse short- and long-term health consequences. Multiple metabolic aberrations, such as insulin resistance (IR) and hyperinsulinaemia, high incidence of impaired glucose tolerance, visceral obesity, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and dyslipidemia are associated with the syndrome. Assessing the metabolic aberrations and their long term health impact in women with PCOS is challenging and becomes more important as therapeutic interventions currently available for the management of PCOS are not fully able to deal with all these consequences. Current therapeutic management of PCOS has incorporated new treatments resulting from the better understanding of the pathophysiology of the syndrome. The aim of this review is to summarize the effect of old, new and emerging therapies used in the management of PCOS, on the metabolic aberrations of PCOS.
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Peplow PV, Baxter GD. Electroacupuncture for control of blood glucose in diabetes: literature review. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2012; 5:1-10. [PMID: 22309901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2011.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical stimulation at acupuncture points (acupoints) has been investigated for its utility in lowering blood glucose in hyperglycemic humans and animal models. Only two studies were found using electroacupuncture in human subjects, and in both of these, the participants were normal (nondiabetic) and electrical stimulation was carried out at several acupoints. It had a hypoglycemic effect in obese women with calorific restriction diet using electrical stimulation of 2 Hz for 30 minutes/day for 20 days, but no change occurred in blood glucose of fasted patients in the other study using 1 Hz for 15 minutes. Fourteen animal studies were found, of which, 11 were performed in diabetic and normal rats. A hypoglycemic effect was observed in fasted type 1 diabetic rats using the Zusanli (ST36) leg acupoint with electrical stimulation of 15 Hz for 30 minutes and 60 minutes. In fasted type 2 diabetic rats, blood glucose was lowered using the Zusanli acupoint with electrical stimulation parameters of 15 Hz and 10 mA for 30 minutes. Also, using the Zhongwan (CV12) abdomen acupoint with electrical stimulation parameters of 15 Hz and 10 mA for 90 minutes had a hypoglycemic effect in fasted type 2 diabetic rats. In fasted normal rats, electrical stimulation of 2 Hz or 15 Hz for 30 minutes at the Zusanli or Zhongwan acupoint caused a decrease in blood glucose. Future studies are required in fasted diabetic rats to determine the effect of electroacupuncture on blood levels of insulin, lipids, fatty acids and β-endorphin, and blood flow and nerve conduction velocity. Studies with fasted normal and diabetic human subjects treated by electroacupuncture are warranted using data from animal experiments to inform such studies.
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Tominaga A, Ishizaki N, Naruse Y, Kitakoji H, Yamamura Y. Repeated Application of Low-Frequency Electroacupuncture Improves High-Fructose Diet-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rats. Acupunct Med 2011; 29:276-83. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2011-010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Insulin resistance is frequently present in obesity and during the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on high-fructose diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance. Methods Male Wistar rats were fed HFD for 4 weeks and developed insulin resistance. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by clamp. The number of animals was seven, eight and seven in the control, HFD and HFD+EA groups, respectively. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle were measured by Western blotting analysis (n=7 in each group). EA stimulation was carried out 12 times over 4 weeks at an intensity of 1–3 mA and a frequency of 2/15 Hz in a conscious state without restraint. Results There was no significant difference in mean body weight and fasting blood glucose concentration between groups at the end of the experiment. The mean glucose infusion rate during the clamp was significantly lower in the HFD group than in controls (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in expression of GLUT4 in skeletal muscle in the control and each group. Phosphorylated AMPKα (Thr172) in skeletal muscle showed a significant increase immediately after the final EA stimulation when compared with the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion Repeated application of EA is capable of improving diet-induced insulin resistance, probably through activation of AMPK signalling pathways in skeletal muscle. These results suggest that repeated application of EA may have beneficial effects on diet-induced insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tominaga
- Department of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Naoto Ishizaki
- Department of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Naruse
- Department of Anatomy, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kitakoji
- Department of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Yamamura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Raja-Khan N, Stener-Victorin E, Wu X, Legro RS. The physiological basis of complementary and alternative medicines for polycystic ovary syndrome. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 301:E1-E10. [PMID: 21487075 PMCID: PMC4459923 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00667.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that is characterized by chronic hyperandrogenic anovulation leading to symptoms of hirsutism, acne, irregular menses, and infertility. Multiple metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors are associated with PCOS, including insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, inflammation, and subclinical atherosclerosis. However, current treatments for PCOS are only moderately effective at controlling symptoms and preventing complications. This article describes how the physiological effects of major complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments could reduce the severity of PCOS and its complications. Acupuncture reduces hyperandrogenism and improves menstrual frequency in PCOS. Acupuncture's clinical effects are mediated via activation of somatic afferent nerves innervating the skin and muscle, which, via modulation of the activity in the somatic and autonomic nervous system, may modulate endocrine and metabolic functions in PCOS. Chinese herbal medicines and dietary supplements may also exert beneficial physiological effects in PCOS, but there is minimal evidence that these CAM treatments are safe and effective. Mindfulness has not been investigated in PCOS, but it has been shown to reduce psychological distress and exert positive effects on the central and autonomic nervous systems, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and immune system, leading to reductions in blood pressure, glucose, and inflammation. In conclusion, CAM treatments may have beneficial endocrine, cardiometabolic, and reproductive effects in PCOS. However, most studies of CAM treatments for PCOS are small, nonrandomized, or uncontrolled. Future well-designed studies are needed to further evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and mechanisms of CAM treatments for PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazia Raja-Khan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, MS Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, USA.
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Electroacupuncture-induced cholinergic nerve activation enhances the hypoglycemic effect of exogenous insulin in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. EXPERIMENTAL DIABETES RESEARCH 2011; 2011:947138. [PMID: 21754922 PMCID: PMC3132475 DOI: 10.1155/2011/947138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2011] [Revised: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the mechanisms by which electroacupuncture (EA) enhances the hypoglycemic effect of exogenous insulin in a streptozotocin- (STZ-) diabetic rats. Animals in the EA group were anesthetized and subjected to the insulin challenge test (ICT) and EA for 60 minutes. In the control group, rats were subjected to the same treatment with the exception of EA stimulation. Blood samples were drawn to measure changes in plasma glucose, free fatty acids (FFA), and insulin levels. Western blot was used to assay proteins involved in insulin signaling. Furthermore, atropine, hemicholinium-3 (HC-3), and Eserine were used to explore the relationship between EA and cholinergic nerve activation during ICT. EA augmented the blood glucose-lowering effects of EA by activating the cholinergic nerves in STZ rats that had been exposed to exogenous insulin. This phenomenon may be related to enhancement of insulin signaling rather than to changes in FFA concentration.
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Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on ST36 and SP6 acupoints prevents hyperglycaemic response during anaesthesia: a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2011; 28:420-6. [DOI: 10.1097/eja.0b013e32833fad52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Chen Y, Liu S. Progress in treatment of gastrointestinal functional disorders by electroacupuncture at Zusanli. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:705-709. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i7.705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture at human acupuncture points has an important impact on gastrointestinal motility. Zusanli, the He-sea point of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, is one of the most common points for electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture at Zusanli at a specific frequency can improve gastrointestinal functional diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux, functional dyspepsia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Although there is still controversy over the efficacy of electroacupuncture at Zusanli for gastrointestinal functional diseases, many studies support the notion that electroacupuncture at Zusanli plays an important role in modulating gastrointestinal functional diseases. In this paper we review the recent progress in the treatment of gastrointestinal functional diseases by electroacupuncture at Zusanli.
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Electroacupuncture improves glucose tolerance through cholinergic nerve and nitric oxide synthase effects in rats. Neurosci Lett 2011; 494:114-8. [PMID: 21376780 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.02.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2010] [Revised: 02/19/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at the bilateral Zusanli acupoints (ST-36) on glucose tolerance in normal rats. Intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was performed to examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on glucose tolerance in rats. The EA group underwent EA at the ST-36, with settings of 15 Hz, 10 mA, and 60 min; the control group underwent the same treatments, but without EA. Atropine, hemicholinium-3 (HC-3) or NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were injected into the rats alone or simultaneously and EA was performed to investigate differences in plasma glucose levels compared to the control group. Plasma samples were obtained for assaying plasma glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Western blot was done to determine the insulin signal protein and nNOS to exam the correlation between EA and improvement in glucose tolerance. The EA group had significantly lower plasma glucose levels compared to the control group. Plasma glucose levels differed significantly between the EA and control groups after the administration of L-NAME, atropine, or HC-3 treatments alone, but there were no significant differences in plasma glucose with combined treatment of L-NAME and atropine or L-NAME and HC-3. EA decreased FFA levels and enhanced insulin signal protein (IRS1) and nNOS activities in skeletal muscle during IVGTT. In summary, EA stimulated cholinergic nerves and nitric oxide synthase for lowering plasma FFA levels to improve glucose tolerance.
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Lee YC, Li TM, Tzeng CY, Chen YI, Ho WJ, Lin JG, Chang SL. Electroacupuncture at the Zusanli (ST-36) Acupoint Induces a Hypoglycemic Effect by Stimulating the Cholinergic Nerve in a Rat Model of Streptozotocine-Induced Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:650263. [PMID: 21799686 PMCID: PMC3136799 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neq068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST-36) and Zhongwan (CV-12) acupoints reduces plasma glucose concentrations in rats with type II diabetes. However, whether EA reduces plasma glucose levels in type I diabetes is still unknown. In this study, we explore the various non-insulin-dependent pathways involved in EA-induced lowering of plasma glucose. Streptozotocin (STZ) (60 mg kg−1, i.v.) was administered via the femoral vein to induce insulin-dependent diabetes in non-adrenalectomized and in adrenalectomomized rats. EA (15 Hz) was applied for 30 min to bilateral ST-36 acupoints after administration of Atropine (0.1 mg kg−1 i.p.), Eserine (0.01 mg kg−1 i.p.), or Hemicholinium-3 (5 μg kg−1 i.p.) in non-adrenalectomized rats. Rats administered acetylcholine (0.01 mg kg−1 i.v.) did not undergo EA. Adrenalectomized rats underwent EA at bilateral ST-36 acupoints without further treatment. Blood samples were drawn from all rats before and after EA to measure changes in plasma glucose levels. Expression of insulin signaling proteins (IRS1, AKT2) in atropine-exposed rats before and after EA was measured by western blot. Atropine and hemicholinium-3 completely blocked the plasma glucose lowering effects of EA, whereas eserine led to a significant hypoglycemic response. In addition, plasma glucose levels after administration of acetylcholine were significantly lower than the fasting glucose levels. In STZ-adrenalectomized rats, EA did not induce a hypoglycemic response. EA stimulated the expression of IRS1 and AKT2 and atropine treatment blocked the EA-induced expression of those insulin signaling proteins. Taken together, EA at the ST-36 acupoint reduces plasma glucose concentrations by stimulating the cholinergic nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Lee
- Department of Acupuncture, China Medical University Hospital, Taiwan
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Johansson J, Feng Y, Shao R, Lönn M, Billig H, Stener-Victorin E. Intense electroacupuncture normalizes insulin sensitivity, increases muscle GLUT4 content, and improves lipid profile in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010; 299:E551-9. [PMID: 20663984 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00323.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance, possibly reflecting defects in skeletal muscle and adipocyte insulin signaling. Low-frequency (2 Hz) electroacupuncture (EA) increases insulin sensitivity in female rats with dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS, but the mechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that low-frequency EA regulates mediators involved in skeletal muscle glucose uptake and metabolism and alters the lipid profile in rats with DHT-induced PCOS. To test this hypothesis, we implanted in prepubescent female rats 90-day continuous-release pellets containing DHT (PCOS). At 70 days of age, the rats were randomly subdivided into two groups: one received low-frequency EA (evoking muscle twitches) for 20-25 min five times/wk for 4-5 wk; the other did not. Controls were implanted with pellets containing vehicle only. All three groups were otherwise handled similarly. Lipid profile was measured in fasting blood samples. Insulin sensitivity was determined by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, soleus muscle protein expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated Akt, and Akt substrate of 160 kDa was determined by Western blot analysis and GLUT4 location by immunofluorescence staining. PCOS EA rats had normalized insulin sensitivity, lower levels of total high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased expression of GLUT4 in different compartments of skeletal muscle compared with PCOS rats. Total weight and body composition did not differ in the groups. Thus, in rats with DHT-induced PCOS, low-frequency EA has systemic and local effects involving intracellular signaling pathways in muscle that may, at least in part, account for the marked improved insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Johansson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is closely associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), non-alcohol fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome and is also a risk factor for serious diseases such as cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacological treatments available for IR are limited by drug adverse effects. Because acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in China, it has been increasingly used worldwide for IR-related diseases. This review analyses 234 English publications listed on the PubMed database between 1979 and 2009 on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for IR. These publications provide clinical evidence, although limited, in support of the effectiveness of acupuncture in IR. At this stage, well-designed, evidence-based clinical randomized controlled trial studies are therefore needed to confirm the effects of acupuncture on IR. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can correct various metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, overweight, hyperphagia, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, altered activity of the sympathetic nervous system and insulin signal defect, all of which contribute to the development of IR. In addition, acupuncture has the potential to improve insulin sensitivity. The evidence has revealed the mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of acupuncture, though further investigations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Liang
- Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
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