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Zhang J, Li Z, Li Z, Li J, Hu Q, Xu J, Yu H. Progress of Acupuncture Therapy in Diseases Based on Magnetic Resonance Image Studies: A Literature Review. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:694919. [PMID: 34489662 PMCID: PMC8417610 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.694919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural mechanisms of acupuncture are not well-understood. Over the past decades, an increasing number of studies have used MRI to investigate the response of the brain to acupuncture. The current review aims to provide an update on acupuncture therapy in disease. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to January 31, 2021. Article selection and data extraction were conducted by two review authors. A total of 107 publications about MRI in acupuncture were included, the collective findings of which were as follows: (1) stroke and GB34 (Yanglingquan) are the most studied disease and acupoint. Related studies suggested that the mechanism of acupuncture treatment for stroke may associate with structural and functional plasticity, left and right hemispheres balance, and activation of brain areas related to movement and cognition. GB34 is mainly used in stroke and Parkinson's disease, which mainly activates brain response in the premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area, and the supramarginal gyrus; (2) resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and functional connectivity (FC) analysis are the most frequently used approaches; (3) estimates of efficacy and brain response to acupuncture depend on the type of sham acupuncture (SA) used for comparison. Brain processing after acupuncture differs between patients and health controls (HC) and occurs mainly in disorder-related areas. Factors that influence the effect of acupuncture include depth of needling, number and locations of acupoints, and deqi and expectation effect, each contributing to the brain response. While studies using MRI have increased understanding of the mechanism underlying the effects of acupuncture, there is scope for development in this field. Due to the small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and analytical methods, the results were inconsistent. Further studies with larger sample sizes, careful experimental design, multimodal neuroimaging techniques, and standardized methods should be conducted to better explain the efficacy and specificity of acupuncture, and to prepare for accurate efficacy prediction in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhuan Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zihan Li
- Department of Acupuncture, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhixian Li
- Department of Acupuncture, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingmao Hu
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Human-Machine Intelligence-Synergy Systems, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Xu
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haibo Yu
- Department of Acupuncture, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Jiang Y, Hu H, Li X, Lou J, Zhang Y, He X, Wu Y, Shao X, Fang J. Difference in Moxibustion-Induced Microcirculatory Responses between the Heart and Lung Meridians Assessed by Laser Doppler Flowmetry. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6644625. [PMID: 33868440 PMCID: PMC8032512 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6644625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE By comparing the differences in microcirculatory responses of the heart and lung meridians induced by moxibustion on these two meridians, respectively, this study aimed to investigate the specificity for site-to-site association on body surface between different meridians. METHODS Eighty healthy adults were enrolled and divided into the lung meridian intervention group and heart meridian intervention group in a ratio of 1 : 1. Three-channel laser Doppler flowmetry was used to monitor microcirculatory responses for the heart and lung meridians. Primary outcome was change of blood perfusion units (PU) of three measurement sites along the two meridians. RESULTS In the lung meridian intervention group, following moxibustion performed at LU5 of the lung meridian, PU in the distal site of the lung meridian increased significantly. By contrast, the PU of HT3 in the heart meridian, which was nearest to the moxibustion site, did not change significantly. PU in the distal site of the heart meridian declined. Meanwhile, significant difference in PU change was detected between the distal site of the lung meridian and the other two control sites of the heart meridians during moxibustion and postmoxibustion. Alternatively, similar to the results of the lung meridian intervention group, the specificity of microcirculatory response between the heart and lung meridians was observed in the heart meridian intervention group. CONCLUSIONS For the heart and lung meridians, the effect of moxibustion-induced microcirculatory response may be more related to meridian routes than the specific distance between two sites located at different meridians, thereby supporting possible specificity for site-to-site association on the body surface between these two meridians. Nevertheless, given that only two meridians and limited measurement sites were compared, all current findings are not sufficiently robust. Further research should be conducted to investigate more meridians and measurement sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Jiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Hantong Hu
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiali Lou
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yajun Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaofen He
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wu
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
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Zhao L, Li D, Zheng H, Chang X, Cui J, Wang R, Shi J, Fan H, Li Y, Sun X, Zhang F, Wu X, Liang F. Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy for Chronic Stable Angina: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2019; 179:1388-1397. [PMID: 31355870 PMCID: PMC6664382 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2019.2407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The effects of acupuncture as adjunctive treatment to antianginal therapies for patients with chronic stable angina are uncertain. OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to antianginal therapies in reducing frequency of angina attacks in patients with chronic stable angina. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this 20-week randomized clinical trial conducted in outpatient and inpatient settings at 5 clinical centers in China from October 10, 2012, to September 19, 2015, 404 participants were randomly assigned to receive acupuncture on the acupoints on the disease-affected meridian (DAM), receive acupuncture on the acupoints on the nonaffected meridian (NAM), receive sham acupuncture (SA), and receive no acupuncture (wait list [WL] group). Participants were 35 to 80 years of age with chronic stable angina based on the criteria of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, with angina occurring at least twice weekly. Statistical analysis was conducted from December 1, 2015, to July 30, 2016. INTERVENTIONS All participants in the 4 groups received antianginal therapies as recommended by the guidelines. Participants in the DAM, NAM, and SA groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times weekly for 4 weeks for a total of 12 sessions. Participants in the WL group did not receive acupuncture during the 16-week study period. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Participants used diaries to record angina attacks. The primary outcome was the change in frequency of angina attacks every 4 weeks from baseline to week 16. RESULTS A total of 398 participants (253 women and 145 men; mean [SD] age, 62.6 [9.7] years) were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Baseline characteristics were comparable across the 4 groups. Mean changes in frequency of angina attacks differed significantly among the 4 groups at 16 weeks: a greater reduction of angina attacks was observed in the DAM group vs the NAM group (difference, 4.07; 95% CI, 2.43-5.71; P < .001), in the DAM group vs the SA group (difference, 5.18; 95% CI, 3.54-6.81; P < .001), and in the DAM group vs the WL group (difference, 5.63 attacks; 95% CI, 3.99-7.27; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Compared with acupuncture on the NAM, SA, or no acupuncture (WL), acupuncture on the DAM as adjunctive treatment to antianginal therapy showed superior benefits in alleviating angina. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01686230.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dehua Li
- Department of Acupuncture, the Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaorong Chang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jin Cui
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Guiyang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ruihui Wang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Shi
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hailong Fan
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuwen Zhang
- School of Ophthalmology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanrong Liang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Effect of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints on the Expression of NMDA Receptors in ACC and Colon in IBS Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:4213928. [PMID: 30854008 PMCID: PMC6377955 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4213928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA receptor ) and behaviors in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rats. Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control group (blank group, n=10) and model preparation group (n=50); experimental rat model of IBS was established by the “neonatal maternal separation and acetic acid enema” combined with “colorectal distension stimulation” method. A total of 50 IBS rats were randomly assigned to five groups of 10 each: model group, Yintang (GV29) group, Neiguan (PC6) group, Tianshu (ST25) group, and Zusanli (ST36) group. Rats in four treatment groups, aged 9 weeks old, were treated with EA by HANS with a sparse-dense wave with a frequency of 2/100 Hz, current of 0.1-0.3mA, and 20 min/stimulation, every other day for a total of 5 sessions. After treatment, the abdominal visceral sensitivity was evaluated by abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR), and the psychological and emotional behavior of rats were evaluated by the open-field test (OFT). The expression of NMDA receptors in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) was detected by Quantitative Real-time PCR, and the positive expression of NMDA receptors in colon was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The IBS rat's abdomen is more sensitive and irritable; NR1, NR2A, and NR2B in ACC and NR1 and NR2B in colon of rats significantly increased in the model group versus the normal group (P<0.01) and were inhibited in all treatment groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). Additionally, NR2A and NR2B in ACC reduced more in GV29 group (P<0.01) than in other treatment groups (P all<0.05) compared with the model group. The expression of NR2B in colon was significantly inhibited in ST36 group (P<0.01) and inhibited in GV29 group and ST25 group (P all <0.05) compared with the model group. And the expression of NR2B in colon was more inhibited in ST36 group than in PC6 group (P<0.01). Conclusions EA at different acupoints could obviously relieve abdominal pain and abnormal behaviors in IBS rats in different degrees of effects. The effect of abdominal pain-relief, from greatest to least, is ST25, ST36, GV29, and PC6, while the effect of relieving abnormal behaviors caused by IBS, from greatest to least, is GV29, PC6, ST36, and ST25. There are significant differences in the expressions of NMDA receptors in ACC and colon among different acupoints. This difference should be related to the location distribution and indications of acupoints.
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Liu Y, Meng HY, Khurwolah MR, Liu JB, Tang H, Aa N, Yang ZJ. Acupuncture therapy for the treatment of stable angina pectoris: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2018; 34:247-253. [PMID: 30712735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stable angina pectoris is a common symptom imperiling patients' life quality. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture alone or acupuncture plus medicine for the treatment of stable angina pectoris. METHODS Seven databases were searched ranging from 1959 to February 2018. Quantitative analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed by RevMan 5.3 software and STATA 12.0 program, and Cochrane criteria for risk-of-bias was used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. RESULTS A total of 12 RCTs involving 974 patients were enrolled in this study. The pooled results showed that both acupuncture group (RR: 0.35, P < 0.00001; RR: 0.49, P < 0.00001) and acupuncture plus medicine group (RR: 0.26, P < 0.00001; RR: 0.52, P = 0.03) were associated with a higher percentage of improved anginal symptoms as well as electrocardiographic (ECG) results compared to medicine group. The acupuncture plus medicine group also had a lower intake rate of nitroglycerin than medicine group (Non-event RR: 0.79, P = 0.03). However, there was no significant difference in the reduction or discontinuation of nitroglycerin intake between acupuncture group and medicine group. No acupuncture-related adverse effects were observed or reported in the included trials. CONCLUSION Acupuncture therapy may improve anginal symptoms and ECG results in patients with stable angina pectoris, and can serve as an adjunctive treatment for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao-Yu Meng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mohammad Reeaze Khurwolah
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Bao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Tang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nan Aa
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medicine University, Nanjing, China.
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Yang M, Du T, Sun M, Long H, Li D, Shen Z, Wu Q, Lao L, Liang F. Acupuncture for stable angina pectoris: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019798. [PMID: 29622575 PMCID: PMC5892774 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous reviews indicate that the effect of acupuncture on stable angina pectoris (SAP) remains controversial. The results of trials published in the past 5 years may possibly change this situation, but an updated systematic review is not available. We therefore designed this study to systematically assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for treating SAP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Nine online databases will be searched without language or publication status restrictions from their inception to September 2017. Randomised controlled trials that include patients with stable angina receiving acupuncture therapy versus a control group will be deemed eligible. The selection of studies, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be carried out by two independent reviewers. Data synthesis will be performed using RevMan V.5.3 software with either a fixed effects model or random effects model, depending on the heterogeneity test. Evidence quality will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. The efficacy-effectiveness spectrum for each included trial will be rated using the Rating of Included Trials on the Efficacy-effectiveness Spectrum tool. Outcomes of interest include the improvement of weekly angina attacks and reduction of nitroglycerin medication use after receiving acupuncture treatment, the incidence of cardiovascular events, heart rate variability, pain intensity measured on a visual analogue scale, total workload and exercise duration at peak exercise, safety and adverse events. A meta-analysis will be conducted if no considerable heterogeneity is detected. The results will be presented as risk ratios with 95% CIs for dichotomous data and weighted mean differences or standardised mean differences with 95% CIs for continuous data. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This systematic review will not involve private information from individuals or endanger their rights, and therefore does not necessarily require ethical approval. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42015016201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxiao Yang
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ting Du
- Department of Rehabilitation, Xishan People's Hospital of Wuxi Municipality, Wuxi, China
| | - Mingsheng Sun
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Hulin Long
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Dehua Li
- Department of Acupuncture and Rehabilitation, Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhifu Shen
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaofeng Wu
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Fanrong Liang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
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Leem J. Does acupuncture reduce the risk of acute myocardial infarction? Integr Med Res 2017; 5:165-168. [PMID: 28462112 PMCID: PMC5381414 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jungtae Leem
- Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University, Korean Medicine Hospital, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Clinical Research of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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Wang N, Lu SF, Chen H, Wang JF, Fu SP, Hu CJ, Yang Y, Liang FR, Zhu BM. A protocol of histone modification-based mechanistic study of acupuncture in patients with stable angina pectoris. Altern Ther Health Med 2015; 15:139. [PMID: 25925670 PMCID: PMC4465012 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0653-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Angina pectoris (Angina) is a medical condition related to myocardial ischemia. Although acupuncture has been widely accepted as a clinical approach for angina, there is no sufficient evidence of its effectiveness against this syndrome, and its mechanisms have not yet been well elucidated. We develop this protocol to confirm the clinical efficacy of electro-acupuncture on stable angina pectoris by needling on acupoint Neiguan (PC6). Furthermore, we employ high-throughput sequencing technology to investigate the gene expression profiling and determine involvement of histone modifications in the regulation of genes after electro-acupuncture treatment. Methods/Design A randomized, controlled, double-blinded (assessor and patients) trial will be carried out. Sixty participants will be randomly assigned to two acupuncture treatment groups and one control group in a 1:1:1 ratio. Participants in acupuncture groups will receive 12 sessions of electro-acupuncture treatment across 4 weeks, followed by a 12-week randomization period. The acupuncture groups are divided into Neiguan (PC6) on Pericardium Meridian of Hand-jueyin or a non-acupoint. The primary clinical measure of effect is the frequency of angina attacks between these groups for four weeks after randomization. RNAs are extracted from peripheral neutrophils collected from all participants on day 0, day 30, and week 16, and are processed to RNA-Seq. We then investigate profiles of histone modifications by ChIP-Seq, for H3 Lysine 4 (H3K4me) and acetylation of H3 Lysine 27 (H3K27ac), in the presence or absence of acupuncture treatment. Discussion This study determines the efficacy and mechanisms of electro-acupuncture on stable angina pectoris. We focus on effectiveness of acupuncture on alleviating symptoms of myocardial ischemia and the gene regulation and the chromatin remodeling marks, including H3K4me1, H3K4me2, and H3K27ac, which could be key factors for regulating gene expressions caused by electro-acupuncture treatment at Neiguan. This is the first genome-wide study of electro-acupuncture treatment in angina patients, and will provide valuable information for future studies in the fields of acupuncture and its underlying mechanisms. Fourteen patients have been recruited since recruitment opened in November of 2012. This study is scheduled to end in November of 2014. Trials registration ChiCTR-TRC-12002668
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Zhang SQ, Wang YJ, Zhang JP, Chen JQ, Wu CX, Li ZP, Chen JR, Ouyang HL, Huang Y, Tang CZ. Brain activation and inhibition after acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi: resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:292-7. [PMID: 25883630 PMCID: PMC4392679 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.152385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture can induce changes in the brain. However, the majority of studies to date have focused on a single acupoint at a time. In the present study, we observed activity changes in the brains of healthy volunteers before and after acupuncture at Taichong (LR3) and Taixi (KI3) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain 15 minutes before acupuncture, then received acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi using the nail-pressing needle insertion method, after which the needle was retained in place for 30 minutes. Fifteen minutes after withdrawal of the needle, the volunteers underwent a further session of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed that the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, a measure of spontaneous neuronal activity, increased mainly in the cerebral occipital lobe and middle occipital gyrus (Brodmann area 18/19), inferior occipital gyrus (Brodmann area 18) and cuneus (Brodmann area 18), but decreased mainly in the gyrus rectus of the frontal lobe (Brodmann area 11), inferior frontal gyrus (Brodmann area 44) and the center of the posterior lobe of the cerebellum. The present findings indicate that acupuncture at Taichong and Taixi specifically promote blood flow and activation in the brain areas related to vision, emotion and cognition, and inhibit brain areas related to emotion, attention, phonological and semantic processing, and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Qun Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan-Jie Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ji-Ping Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jun-Qi Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Xiao Wu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Li
- First Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Rong Chen
- First Clinical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huai-Liang Ouyang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yong Huang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Chun-Zhi Tang
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Wang JY, Li H, Ma CM, Wang JL, Lai XS, Zhou SF. MicroRNA Profiling Response to Acupuncture Therapy in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:204367. [PMID: 25861353 PMCID: PMC4377461 DOI: 10.1155/2015/204367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of endogenous noncoding RNAs that play important roles in many biological processes. This study aimed to check if miRNAs were involved in the response to acupuncture in rats. Microarray analysis was performed to compare the miRNA expression profiles of medulla in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) treated with or without acupuncture. Our microarray analysis identified 222 differentially expressed miRNAs in the medulla of SHRs treated with acupuncture at taichong acupoint. Among these miRNAs, 23 miRNAs with a significant difference were found in acupuncture-treated SHRs compared to untreated rats. These 23 miRNAs could regulate 2963 target genes which were enriched in at least 14 pathways based on our bioinformatic analysis. miRNA-339, miR-223, and miR-145 were downregulated in the medulla of SHRs compared to normotensive rats. Notably, these miRNAs were upregulated to basal levels in the medulla of SHRs treated with acupuncture at taichong in comparison with SHRs receiving acupuncture at nonacupoint group or SHRs without any treatment. Our findings have revealed significant changes of a panel of selective miRNAs in hypertensive rats treated at taichong acupoint. These data provide insights into how acupuncture elicits beneficial effects on hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-You Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Fundamental Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 30, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 30, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Chun-Mei Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Fundamental Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jia-Lu Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xin-Sheng Lai
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Shu-Feng Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, MDC 30, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Center & Sino-US Joint Laboratory for Medical Sciences, Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, China
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11
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Acupuncture and depth: future direction for acupuncture research. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:871217. [PMID: 25114707 PMCID: PMC4119644 DOI: 10.1155/2014/871217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The research on acupuncture has increased steadily over the years and regular review and revision of the direction of future acupuncture research are necessary. This paper aims to review and explore the significance of acupuncture depth in modern acupuncture research. Searches conducted in Science Direct and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases reflected a lack of focus on depth of acupuncture. We propose that the research trends of acupuncture should progress to the depth of insertion. It is suggested that future acupuncture research, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs), should take into consideration the depth of insertion. Comparison between databases using different language of medium suggests the need for international collaboration of researchers from the same field. It is also crucial to inherit and innovate traditional medicine (TM) through modern technology. The use of bibliometric method is also suitable for development of TM research trends. Acupuncture and depth should be considered as one of the future directions of acupuncture research.
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