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Zheng H, Xiao XJ, Shi YZ, Zhang LX, Cao W, Zheng QH, Zhong F, Hao PS, Huang Y, Chen ML, Zhang W, Zhou SY, Wang YJ, Wang C, Zhou L, Chen XQ, Yang ZQ, Zou ZH, Zhao L, Liang FR, Li Y. Efficacy of Acupuncture for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria : A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Intern Med 2023; 176:1617-1624. [PMID: 37956431 DOI: 10.7326/m23-1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of acupuncture for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), reported in a few small-scale studies, is not convincing. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether acupuncture leads to better effects on CSU than sham acupuncture or waitlist control. DESIGN A multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900022994). SETTING Three teaching hospitals in China from 27 May 2019 to 30 July 2022. PARTICIPANTS 330 participants diagnosed with CSU. INTERVENTION Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist control over an 8-week study period (4 weeks for treatment and another 4 weeks for follow-up). MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was the mean change from baseline in the Weekly Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) at week 4. Secondary outcomes included itch severity scores, self-rated improvement, and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. RESULTS The mean change in UAS7 (range, 0 to 42) for acupuncture from baseline (mean score, 23.5 [95% CI, 21.8 to 25.2]) to week 4 (mean score, 15.3 [CI, 13.6 to 16.9]) was -8.2 (CI, -9.9 to -6.6). The mean changes in UAS7 for sham acupuncture and waitlist control from baseline (mean scores, 21.9 [CI, 20.2 to 23.6] and 22.1 [CI, 20.4 to 23.8], respectively) to week 4 (mean scores, 17.8 [CI, 16.1 to 19.5] and 20.0 [CI, 18.3 to 21.6], respectively) were -4.1 (CI, -5.8 to -2.4) and -2.2 (CI, -3.8 to -0.5), respectively. The mean differences between acupuncture and sham acupuncture and waitlist control were -4.1 (CI, -6.5 to -1.8) and -6.1 (CI, -8.4 to -3.7), respectively, which did not meet the threshold for minimal clinically important difference. Fifteen participants (13.6%) in the acupuncture group and none in the other groups reported adverse events. Adverse events were mild or transient. LIMITATION Lack of complete blinding, self-reported outcomes, limited generalizability because antihistamine use was disallowed, and short follow-up period. CONCLUSION Compared with sham acupuncture and waitlist control, acupuncture produced a greater improvement in UAS7, although the difference from control was not clinically significant. Increased adverse events were mild or transient. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE The National Key R&D Program of China and the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Xian-Jun Xiao
- College of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (X.-J.X.)
| | - Yun-Zhou Shi
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Lei-Xiao Zhang
- Internal Medicine of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China (L.-X.Z.)
| | - Wei Cao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Qian-Hua Zheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Feng Zhong
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China (F.Z., W.Z.)
| | - Ping-Sheng Hao
- Dermatology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (P.-S.H., Y.H., M.-L.C.)
| | - Ying Huang
- Dermatology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (P.-S.H., Y.H., M.-L.C.)
| | - Ming-Ling Chen
- Dermatology Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (P.-S.H., Y.H., M.-L.C.)
| | - Wei Zhang
- The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China (F.Z., W.Z.)
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Yan-Jun Wang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China (Y.-J.W.)
| | - Chuan Wang
- Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China (C.W., L.Z.)
| | - Li Zhou
- Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, China (C.W., L.Z.)
| | - Xiao-Qin Chen
- No. 3 Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (West District), Chengdu Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (X.-Q.C., Z.-Q.Y.)
| | - Zuo-Qin Yang
- No. 3 Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (West District), Chengdu Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (X.-Q.C., Z.-Q.Y.)
| | - Zi-Hao Zou
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Ling Zhao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Fan-Rong Liang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
| | - Ying Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China (H.Z., Y.-Z.S., W.C., Q.-H.Z., S.-Y.Z., Z.-H.Z., L.Z., F.-R.L., Y.L.)
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Kim S, Lee YS, Yeo J, Lee D, Ko DK, Ha IH. Healthcare utilization for atopic dermatitis: An analysis of the 2010-2018 health insurance review and assessment service national patient sample data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286449. [PMID: 37363912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional, retrospective, observational study aimed to analyze the distribution and healthcare usage patterns of patients with atopic dermatitis using the 2010-2018 Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data. Patients diagnosed with atopic dermatitis in Korea between January 2010 and December 2018 and registered in the Health Insurance Review and Assessment national database were identified, and 270,008 patients who used healthcare services at least once during this period were evaluated to ascertain the healthcare usage patterns and treatment methods for atopic dermatitis. The number of patients with atopic dermatitis plateaued during the study period, while the number of claims and total expenses increased by a small margin. Atopic dermatitis prevalence was the highest among patients aged <5 years (31.4%), followed by those aged 5-14 years (23.53%) and 15-24 years (15.33%). However, the prevalence in these age groups showed a decreasing trend over time. The most used Western medicine treatments were injections and oral medications involving topical corticosteroids, antihistamine agents, and oral steroids, while it was acupuncture therapy in Korean medicine. The frequency of the most frequently prescribed medication, topical corticosteroid, showed a decreasing trend over time. The findings in this study will inform healthcare policy makers and clinicians across different countries on the usage trends of Western medicine and Korean medicine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sowon Kim
- Jaseng Hospital of Korean Medicine, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Seul Lee
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoon Yeo
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyo Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, and Dermatology, College of Korean Medicine, Woo-Suk University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Dong Kun Ko
- Jayeonsaeng Korean Medicine Clinic, Yongin, Korea
| | - In-Hyuk Ha
- Jaseng Spine and Joint Research Institute, Jaseng Medical Foundation, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Yeom M, Ahn S, Jang SY, Jang JH, Lee Y, Hahm DH, Park HJ. Acupuncture attenuates comorbid anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of atopic dermatitis through modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice. Biol Res 2022; 55:28. [PMID: 36088447 PMCID: PMC9463810 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-022-00396-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is highly comorbid with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Although acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in AD, its influence on comorbid anxiety and depression remains unclear. We sought to explore the impact and mechanisms of action of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression of AD. AD-like skin lesions were induced by the topical application of MC903 to the mouse cheek. Acupuncture was performed at Gok-Ji (LI11) acupoints. AD-like phenotypes were quantified by lesion scores, scratching behavior, and histopathological changes. The effects of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression-like behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus-maze (EPM), open-field tests (OFT), and tail-suspension test (TST). In addition, biochemical changes in the brain reward regions were investigated by immunoblotting for the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), phospho-dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 kDa (pDARPP-32), phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), ΔFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the nucleus accumbens, dorsolateral striatum, and ventral tegmental area. Acupuncture effectively improved the chronic itching and robust AD-like skin lesions with epidermal thickening. Additionally, it considerably reduced comorbid anxiety- and depression-like symptoms, as indicated by more time spent in the open arms of the EPM and in the center of the open field and less time spent immobile in the TST. Higher pCREB, ΔFosB, BDNF, and pDARPP-32 levels, and reduced TH and D1R protein expression in the brain reward regions of AD mice were reversed by acupuncture treatment. The beneficial effects of acupuncture on clinical symptoms (scratching behavior) and comorbid psychological distress in AD strongly correlated with dorsal striatal ΔFosB levels. Collectively, these data indicate that acupuncture had a significant, positive impact on comorbid anxiety- and depression-like behaviors by modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice with AD, providing a novel perspective for the non-pharmacological management of psychiatric comorbidities of AD.
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Effect of Acupuncture on Gut-Brain Axis Parameters in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis: A Study Protocol for a Randomized, Participant- and Assessor-Blind, Sham-Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5584247. [PMID: 34527063 PMCID: PMC8437622 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5584247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing and remitting chronic inflammatory skin disease for which a variety of etiological factors are involved. Treatment strategies should be multifaceted and have few side effects. In this respect, acupuncture has become increasingly popular as a safe, consistently effective, and drug-free therapy that treats multiple AD symptoms. We aim to not only verify the effectiveness of acupuncture but also suggest patient-specific response determinants and a new underlying mechanism implicating the gut-brain axis. We have designed a randomized, participant-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial for 60 mild to moderate AD patients. In a previous study, we observed that the clinical skin symptoms of AD were closely associated with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. From these findings, we developed an intervention with six acupuncture points: three for AD symptoms and three for GI symptoms. Also, since high responders and low responders to the acupuncture treatment could be identified in the previous study, we now aim to explore response-determining factors, with a particular focus on GI symptoms. Therefore, we will precisely evaluate not only AD symptoms using the SCORAD, EASI, and DLQI tools, but also GI symptoms using the GSRS, TDS, BSFS, and AR tools and abdominal examination. AD develops in association with complicated pathophysiological factors, such as skin barrier function, genetic susceptibility, and immunological factors. Moreover, the underlying mechanism by which acupuncture treatment works has not been clearly elucidated. We, therefore, will conduct a simultaneous cross-sectional study with a sample of 40 healthy individuals, wherein potential indicators, such as fMRI, gut microbiota, and serum TARC and ATX, will be investigated to determine the gut-brain axis-associated mechanism of acupuncture. We expect that the results of this study could provide important clinical evidence for the effects of acupuncture and help elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms that underlie acupuncture's efficacy in AD treatment. This trial is registered with https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/KCT0005422 (Trial registration: Korean Clinical Trial Registry (http://cris.nih.go.kr; registration number: KCT0005422); date of registration: September 23, 2020).
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