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Trybulski R, Kawczyński A, Muracki J, Lovecchio N, Kużdżał A. Dry Needling and Acupuncture for Scars-A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3994. [PMID: 39064034 PMCID: PMC11277857 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13143994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This research aims to synthesize existing data on the evidence gap in scar treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and dry needling in treating scars and related symptoms. Methods: The article adhered to the PRISMA 2020 statement for recommended reporting elements in systematic reviews. The inclusion criteria followed the PICO methodology. The literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Semantic Scholar, Europe PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. Studies on acupuncture and dry needling for scar treatment were included. Because of the diversity of the studies' results and methodologies, a systematic review was conducted to organize and describe the findings without attempting a numerical synthesis. Results: Nineteen studies relevant to the article's theme were identified, with eleven selected for detailed review. The studies included two case reports on dry needling, one case series on dry needling, five case reports on acupuncture, two randomized controlled trials on acupuncture, and one case report on Fu's subcutaneous needling. A quality assessment was conducted using the JBI CAT and PEDro scales. Four case reports scored 7 points, one case scored 8 points, three cases were rated 6 points or lower, the case series was rated 6 points, and the randomized controlled trials scored 8 and 5 points. Most studies demonstrated a desired therapeutic effect in scar treatment with acupuncture and dry needling, but the level of evidence varied across studies. The analysis does not conclusively support the use of acupuncture and dry needling to improve scar conditions. Conclusions: Although dry-needling and acupuncture techniques are popular in physiotherapy, adequate scientific evidence is currently not available to support their effectiveness in scar treatment. There are gaps in the research methodology, a lack of randomized trials, and significant heterogeneity in the assessment of effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Trybulski
- Provita Żory Medical Center, 44-240 Żory, Poland;
- Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, 40-659 Katowice, Poland
| | - Adam Kawczyński
- Department of Paralympic Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jarosław Muracki
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Department of Physical Culture and Health, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Adrian Kużdżał
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
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Mi W, Meng M, Xu F, Sun L. Efficacy of acupuncture as adjunct therapy for sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2024; 82:103044. [PMID: 38679147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to summarize existing clinical studies through a systematic review to explore the efficacy of acupuncture in treating sleep disorders in PD patients. METHODS According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we retrieved the papers through 30 April 2023 from eight databases. The experimental group was treated with acupuncture plus conventional therapy, while the control group was treated with conventional therapy alone or combined with sham acupuncture. The sleep quality was the primary outcome. A team of researchers meticulously performed literature screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment following the Cochrane Handbook. A meta-analysis was synthesized using Review Manager Version 5.4 software if feasible. The quality of the evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) tool. RESULTS A total of 973 papers were identified, with 15 papers involving 957 patients were included in this systematic review. The results showed that acupuncture interventions included manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion and bleeding, with 1-7 times every week implemented during 2-12 weeks. Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy compared to conventional therapy alone showed better effect in sleep quality and overall symptoms of PD. Risk of bias assessment showed deficiencies in blinding and allocation concealment. All included studies were synthesized in a meta-analysis, as the result of which, acupuncture improved PDSS scores(MD =16.57; 95% CI, 7.24-25.90; I2 = 97%) and effective rate for sleep disorders (OR = 5.91; 95% CI, 1.71-20.39; I2 = 54%); meanwhile, acupuncture reduced UPDRS scores(MD = -4.29; 95% CI, -6.54 - -2.03; I2 = 77%) and improved effective rate for PD (OR = 3.22; 95% CI, 1.81-5.72; I2 = 0%). The quality of evidence ranged from low to moderate by GRADE. CONCLUSION This study provides initial evidence that acupuncture as an adjunct therapy might be associated with improvement of sleep disorders in PD. Due to the lack of high-quality studies, larger sample size studies with sham acupuncture groups should be conducted in future. REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022364249 (PROSPERO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Mi
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.16369 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Miaomiao Meng
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.16369 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Fenghua Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.16369 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
| | - Lingzhi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.16369 Jingshi Road, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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Porter M, Griswold D, Gargano F, Ickert E, Learman K. Immediate effects of superficial dry needling of the trigeminal nerve innervation field for participants with cervicogenic headache. A randomized controlled trial. Physiother Theory Pract 2024; 40:253-261. [PMID: 36047014 DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2022.2118560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a common condition with a neuroanatomical basis involving the trigeminal nerve. Dry needling (DN) is a safe and effective treatment for CGH but most studies involve deep DN to cervical musculature. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate immediate effects of superficial DN of the trigeminal nerve innervation field on numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), flexion-rotation test (FRT), cervical range of motion (AROM), and pain-pressure threshold (PPT) of right (R) and left (L) supraorbital (SO), and right (R) and left (L) greater occipital (GO) nerves in participants with CGH. METHODS A parallel controlled randomized design involving 30 participants with CGH received either superficial DN (N = 17) or sham DN (N = 13). Participants and outcome assessors were blind to group assignment. Wilcoxon signed rank analyzed within-group effects and Mann-Whitney U analyzed between-group. RESULTS Statistically significant between-group differences were observed for NPRS (P < .001) and AROM (P < .006) favoring DN and were clinically meaningful. Right and left Flexion rotation tests (FRT) outcomes were non-significant (P = .137) but clinically meaningful. No differences were observed for PPT over: R SO (P = .187); L SO (P = .052); R GO (P = .187); or L GO (P = .052). Between-group effect sizes across variables were moderate to large (0.53-1.4) but confidence intervals were wide. CONCLUSION Superficial DN targeting the innervation field of the trigeminal nerve improves clinical outcomes in patients with CGH. Only the immediate effects were analyzed and the sample size was small. Larger, longer-term assessments are needed comparing superficial DN of the trigeminal innervation field and other conservative interventions for CGH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Porter
- Department of Graduate Studies in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH, USA
| | - David Griswold
- Department of Graduate Studies in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH, USA
| | | | - Edmund Ickert
- Department of Graduate Studies in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH, USA
| | - Ken Learman
- Department of Graduate Studies in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH, USA
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Cui X, Zhang Z, Xi H, Liu K, Zhu B, Gao X. Sympathetic-Sensory Coupling as a Potential Mechanism for Acupoints Sensitization. J Pain Res 2023; 16:2997-3004. [PMID: 37667684 PMCID: PMC10475306 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s424841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of studies have demonstrated acupoint sensitization, in which acupoints can be activated in combination with sensory hypersensitivity and functional plasticity during visceral disorders. However, the mechanisms of acupoint sensitization remain unclear. Neuroanatomy evidence showed nociceptors innervated in acupoints contribute to the mechanism of acupoint sensitization. Increasing studies suggested sympathetic nerve plays a key role in modulating sensory transmission by sprouting or coupling with sensory neuron/nociceptor in the peripheral, forming the functional structure of the sympathetic-sensory coupling. Notably, the sensory inputs of the disease-induced sensitized acupoint contribute to the homeostatic regulation and also involve in delivering therapeutic information under acupuncture, hence, the role of sprouted sympathetic in acupoint function should be given attention. We herein reviewed the current knowledge of sympathetic and its sprouting in pain modulation, then discussed and highlighted the potential value of sympathetic-sensory coupling in acupoint functional plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cui
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi Province, 712046, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanqing Xi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Liu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People’s Republic of China
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Bang SK, Chang S, Seo SY, Kang SY, Cho SJ, Choi KH, Juping X, Kim HY, Ryu Y. Attenuation of immobilization stress-induced hypertension by temperature-controllable warm needle acupuncture in rats and the peripheral neural mechanisms. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1168012. [PMID: 37384285 PMCID: PMC10294230 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1168012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We and others have shown that electrical stimulation of the PC-6 acupoint over the wrist relieves hypertension by stimulating afferent sensory nerve fibers and activating the central endogenous opioid system. Warm needle acupuncture has long been utilized to treat various diseases in clinics. Methods Here, we developed a temperature-controllable warm needle acupuncture instrument (WAI) and investigated the peripheral mechanism underlying the effect of warm needle acupuncture at PC-6 on hypertension in a rat model of immobilization stress-induced hypertension. Results Stimulation with our newly developed WAI and traditional warm needle acupuncture attenuated hypertension development. Such effects were reproduced by capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist) injection into PC-6 or WAI stimulation at 48°C. In contrast, PC-6 pretreatment with the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine blocked the antihypertensive effect of WAI stimulation at PC-6. WAI stimulation at PC-6 increased the number of dorsal root ganglia double-stained with TRPV1 and CGRP. QX-314 and capsaicin perineural injection into the median nerve for chemical ablation of small afferent nerve fibers (C-fibers) prevented the antihypertensive effect of WAI stimulation at PC-6. Additionally, PC-6 pretreatment with RTX ablated the antihypertensive effect of WAI stimulation. Conclusion These findings suggest that warm needle acupuncture at PC-6 activates C-fiber of median nerve and the peripheral TRPV1 receptors to attenuate the development of immobilization stress-induced hypertension in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Kyun Bang
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suchan Chang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Yeon Seo
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Yun Kang
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Ho Choi
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Xing Juping
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Young Kim
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonhee Ryu
- Department of Korean Medicine Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Korean convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Wang BG, Xu LL, Yang HY, Xie J, Xu G, Tang WC. Manual acupuncture for neuromusculoskeletal disorders: The selection of stimulation parameters and corresponding effects. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1096339. [PMID: 36793537 PMCID: PMC9922711 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1096339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
As a minimally invasive method of physical stimulation, manual acupuncture (MA) is used globally as a sort of therapy for neuromusculoskeletal disorders. In addition to selecting appropriate acupoints, acupuncturists should also determine the stimulation parameters of needling, such as the manipulation (lifting-thrusting or twirling), needling amplitude, velocity, and stimulation time. At present, most studies focus on acupoint combination and mechanism of MA, the relationship between stimulation parameters and their therapeutic effects, as well as the influence on mechanism of action are relatively scattered, and lack of systematic summary and analysis. This paper reviewed the three types of stimulation parameters of MA, their common options and values, corresponding effects and potential mechanisms of action. The purpose of such efforts is to provide a useful reference for the dose-effect relationship of MA and the quantification and standardization of its clinical treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders to further promote the application of acupuncture in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Gan Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu-Liu Xu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua-Yuan Yang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Yuhuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Chao Tang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Characteristics of Zusanli Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons in Rats and Their Receptor Mechanisms in Response to Adenosine. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1564-1580. [PMID: 35472520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neural systems play important roles in the functions of acupuncture. But the unclear structure and mechanism of acupoints hinder acupuncture standardization and cause the acupuncture effects to be varying or even paradoxical. It has been broadly assumed that the efficacy of acupuncture depends on the biological signals triggered at acupoints and passed up along neural systems. However, as the first station to transmit such signals, the characters of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons innervating acupoints are still not well elucidated. We adopted Zusanli (ST36) as a representative acupoint and found most DRG neurons innervating ST36 acupoint are middle-size neurons with a single spike firing pattern. This suggests that proprioceptive neurons take on greater possibility than small size nociceptive neurons do to mediate the acupuncture signals. Moreover, we found that adenosine injected into ST36 acupoints could dose- and acupoint-dependently mimic the analgesic effect of acupuncture. However, adenosine could not elicit action potentials in the acutely isolated ST36 DRG neurons, but it inhibited ID currents and increased the areas of overshoots. Further, we found that 4 types of adenosine receptors were all expressed by ST36 DRG neurons, and A1, A2b, and A3 receptors were the principal reactors to adenosine. PERSPECTIVE: This study provides the major characteristics of ST36 DRG neurons, which will help to analyze the neural pathway of acupuncture signals. At the same time, these findings could provide a new possible therapy for pain relief, such as injecting adenosine or corresponding agonists into acupoints.
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Wang J, Cui JJ, Xu DS, Su YX, Liao JY, Wu S, Zou L, Guo YT, Shen Y, Bai WZ. Sensory and autonomic innervation of the local tissues at traditional acupuncture point locations GB14, ST2 and ST6. Acupunct Med 2022; 40:546-555. [PMID: 35579008 DOI: 10.1177/09645284221085579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To visualize and compare the sensory and autonomic innervation of the local tissues at the sites of different traditional acupuncture points in the rat forehead and face by histochemical examination. METHODS GB14 (Yangbai), ST2 (Sibai) and ST6 (Jiache) were selected as the representative traditional acupuncture points in this study, and the local tissues at these sites were dissected in rats after perfusion followed by double or triple fluorescent histochemical staining. Here, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) were used to label the sensory, sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers, respectively. RESULTS The CGRP+ sensory, TH+ sympathetic and VAChT+ parasympathetic nerve fibers were simultaneously demonstrated in the local tissues at GB14, ST2 and ST6. Although the three kinds of nerve fibers ran in parallel or intermingled with each other, by the analysis from the view of three-dimensional reconstruction, it was clear that each of them distributed in an independent pattern to their corresponding target tissues including the blood vessels, hair follicles, arrector pili and subcutaneous muscles, as well as sebaceous glands. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated the sensory and autonomic innervation of the local tissues at GB14, ST2 and ST6, providing neurochemical evidence indicating that the CGRP+ sensory, TH+ sympathetic and VAChT+ parasympathetic nerve fibers form a neural network at these point locations that may respond to acupuncture stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Cui
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Xu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Xin Su
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie-Ying Liao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Zou
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Ting Guo
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Zhu Bai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Cui X, Liu K, Gao X, Zhu B. Advancing the Understanding of Acupoint Sensitization and Plasticity Through Cutaneous C-Nociceptors. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:822436. [PMID: 35620665 PMCID: PMC9127573 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.822436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupoint is the key area for needling treatment, but its physiology is not yet understood. Nociceptors, one of the responders in acupoints, are responsible for acupuncture manipulation and delivering acupuncture signals to the spinal or supraspinal level. Recent evidence has shown that various diseases led to sensory hypersensitivity and functional plasticity in sensitized acupoints, namely, acupoint sensitization. Neurogenic inflammation is the predominant pathological characteristic for sensitized acupoints; however, the underlying mechanism in acupoint sensitization remains unclear. Recent studies have reported that silent C-nociceptors (SNs), a subtype of C nociceptors, can be “awakened” by inflammatory substances released by sensory terminals and immune cells under tissue injury or visceral dysfunction. SNs can transform from mechano-insensitive nociceptors in a healthy state to mechanosensitive nociceptors. Activated SNs play a vital role in sensory and pain modulation and can amplify sensory inputs from the injured tissue and then mediate sensory hyperalgesia. Whether activated SNs is involved in the mechanism of acupoint sensitization and contributes to the delivery of mechanical signals from needling manipulation remains unclear? In this review, we discuss the known functions of cutaneous C nociceptors and SNs and focus on recent studies highlighting the role of activated SNs in acupoint functional plasticity.
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Yang NN, Tan CX, Lin LL, Su XT, Li YJ, Qi LY, Wang Y, Yang JW, Liu CZ. Potential Mechanisms of Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia Based on Pathophysiology. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:781215. [PMID: 35145373 PMCID: PMC8822151 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.781215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional dyspepsia (FD), a common disorder of gastrointestinal function, originated from the gastroduodenum. Although the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been investigated by various high-quality randomized controlled trials, the potential mechanisms showed obvious heterogeneity. This review summarized the potential mechanisms of acupuncture on FD in order to guide for future laboratory and clinical studies. Here, we argued that the primary cause of FD was gastroduodenal low-grade inflammation and acid exposure, which impaired mucosal integrity, caused brain-gut axis dysfunction, and impaired brain network connectivity, all of which generated various symptom patterns. Overall the clinical studies indicated that acupuncture was a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms in FD patients, whose efficacy was influenced by acupoints and individual variance. Mechanistically, studies with animal models of FD and patients have shown that acupuncture, a non-invasive strategy for nerve stimulation, may have the potential to control intestinal inflammation and suppress acid-secretion via different somatic autonomic reflex pathways, regulate the brain-gut axis through intestinal microbiota, and has the potential to ameliorate FD-symptoms. The cumulative evidence demonstrated that acupuncture is a promising treatment to alleviate symptoms of FD patients.
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Needling Interventions for Sciatica: Choosing Methods Based on Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms-A Scoping Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102189. [PMID: 34069357 PMCID: PMC8158699 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sciatica is a condition often accompanied by neuropathic pain (NP). Acupuncture and dry needling are common treatments for pain, and the current literature supports acupuncture as an effective treatment for sciatica. However, it is unknown if the mechanisms of NP are considered in the delivery of needling interventions for sciatica. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and the effectiveness of needling therapies, to identify common needling practices and to investigate if NP mechanisms are considered in the treatment of sciatica. A scoping review of the literature on needling interventions for sciatica and a review of the literature on mechanisms related to NP and needling interventions were performed. Electronic literature searches were conducted on PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to August, 2020 to identify relevant papers. Reference lists of included papers were also manually screened and a related-articles search through PubMed was performed on all included articles. Mapping of the results included description of included studies, summary of results, and identification of gaps in the existing literature. Ten articles were included. All studies used acupuncture for the treatment of sciatica, no studies on dry needling were identified. Current evidence supports the efficacy and effectiveness of acupuncture for sciatica, however, no studies considered underlying NP mechanisms in the acupuncture approach for sciatica and the rationale for using acupuncture was inconsistent among trials. This review reveals that neuropathic pain mechanisms are not routinely considered in needling approaches for patients with sciatica. Studies showed acupuncture to be an effective treatment for sciatic pain, however, further research is warranted to explore if needling interventions for sciatica and NP would be more effective if NP mechanisms are considered.
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Zhao YX, Yu XC, Gao JH, Yao MJ, Zhu B. Acupuncture for Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review of Clinical and Basic Studies. J Pain Res 2021; 14:993-1005. [PMID: 33883931 PMCID: PMC8055287 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s296150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a common and intractable side effect of the conventional chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel. Acupuncture has been reported as an effective alternative therapy in treatment of PIPN in both basic studies and clinical trials. However, there is a lack of comprehensive surveys to summarize the action of acupuncture in management of PIPN. In this review, we briefly demonstrate the basic pathology of PIPN, which includes the activation of ion channels, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of axonal transport and also neuro-inflammatory involvement. Meanwhile, we review both the clinical and basic studies as an emphasis to give a general overview of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture against PIPN. Finally, we summarize the current known mechanisms underlying the action of acupuncture against PIPN mainly at peripheral and spinal levels, which include various neurotransmitters, multiple receptors, different types of enzymes and molecules. In conclusion, acupuncture could be considered as a potential alternative therapy in treatment of PIPN, and further clinical and experimental studies are called for in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xue Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Chun Yu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hong Gao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Jiang Yao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing, 100091, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, People's Republic of China
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Mechanisms of action of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block: a narrative review. Can J Anaesth 2021; 68:387-408. [DOI: 10.1007/s12630-020-01875-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Chen T, Zhang WW, Chu YX, Wang YQ. Acupuncture for Pain Management: Molecular Mechanisms of Action. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 48:793-811. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x20500408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture reduces pain by activating specific areas called acupoints on the patient’s body. When these acupoints are fully activated, sensations of soreness, numbness, fullness, or heaviness called De qi or Te qi are felt by clinicians and patients. There are two kinds of acupuncture, manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA). Compared with non-acupoints, acupoints are easily activated on the basis of their special composition of blood vessels, mast cells, and nerve fibers that mediate the acupuncture signals. In the spinal cord, EA can inhibit glial cell activation by down-regulating the chemokine CX3CL1 and increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10. This inhibits P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways, which are associated with microglial activation of the C-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway and subsequent astrocyte activation. The inactivation of spinal microglia and astrocytes mediates the immediate and long-term analgesic effects of EA, respectively. A variety of pain-related substances released by glial cells such as the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor [Formula: see text], interleukin-1[Formula: see text], interleukin-6, and prostaglandins such as prostaglandins E2 can also be reduced. The descending pain modulation system in the brain, including the anterior cingulated cortex, the periaqueductal gray, and the rostral ventromedial medulla, plays an important role in EA analgesia. Multiple transmitters and modulators, including endogenous opioids, cholecystokinin octapeptide, 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, noradrenalin, dopamine, [Formula: see text]-aminobutyric acid, acetylcholine, and orexin A, are involved in acupuncture analgesia. Finally, the “Acupuncture [Formula: see text]” strategy is introduced to help clinicians achieve better analgesic effects, and a newly reported acupuncture method called acupoint catgut embedding, which injects sutures made of absorbable materials at acupoints to achieve long-term effects, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wen Wen Zhang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Xia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University Shanghai, P. R. China
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Wang-Price S, Zafereo J, Couch Z, Brizzolara K, Heins T, Smith L. Short-term effects of two deep dry needling techniques on pressure pain thresholds and electromyographic amplitude of the lumbosacral multifidus in patients with low back pain - a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther 2020; 28:254-265. [PMID: 31960773 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2020.1714165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of deep dry needling (DN) with and without needle manipulation on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the lumbosacral multifidus (LM) in adults with low back pain (LBP). Methods: Participants were randomized into two treatment groups: with needle manipulation (n = 21) and without needle manipulation (n = 21). All participants received a single session of the assigned DN intervention. PPTs and EMG amplitude of the LM muscle were collected three times: before DN, immediately after DN, and one week after DN. Results: The needle manipulation group had a significantly greater increase in PPT immediately after the intervention and at the one-week follow-up as compared to the no needle manipulation group. The increase of PPT in the needle manipulation group was significant immediately after the intervention, and the increase remained significant at the one-week follow-up. However, there was no significant difference in EMG amplitude of the LM muscle between groups across the three time points. Discussion: Deep DN with needle manipulation appeared to reduce mechanical pressure sensitivity more than DN without manipulation for patients with LBP. Although a single session of DN could reduce pressure pain sensitivity, it may not be sufficient to improve LM muscle function. Level of Evidence: 1b. Trial registration numbers: NCT03970486.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Wang-Price
- School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University , Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jason Zafereo
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zach Couch
- School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University , Dallas, TX, USA.,Texas Physical Therapy Specialists, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kelli Brizzolara
- School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University , Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Taylor Heins
- School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University , Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lindsey Smith
- School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University , Dallas, TX, USA
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Ely S, Barlas P. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain: an exploratory review. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10833196.2019.1648728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ely
- Physiotherapy Department, The Shrewsbury & Telford Hospitals NHS Trust, Telford, UK
| | - Panos Barlas
- School of Health & Rehabilitation, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
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