Acupuncture News and Research

Effect of electro-acupuncture on substance P, its receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats with irritable bowel syndrome.

World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Nov 7;15(41):5211-7

Authors: Ma XP, Tan LY, Yang Y, Wu HG, Jiang B, Liu HR, Yang L

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of electro-acupuncture (EA) at ST25 and ST37 on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of rats. METHODS: A total of 21 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and EA group. A rat model of IBS was established by constraining the limbs and distending the colorectum of rats. Rats in EA group received bilateral EA at ST25 and ST37 with a sparse and intense waveform at a frequency of 2/50 Hz for 15 min, once a day for 7 d as a course. Rats in normal and model groups were stimulated by distending colorectum (CR). An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scoring system was used to evaluate improvements in visceral hypersensitivity. Toluidine blue-improved method, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay were used to observe mucosal mast cells (MC), changes of substance P (SP) and substance P receptor (SPR) in colon and change of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in hypothalamus. RESULTS: The threshold of visceral sense was significantly lower in model group than in normal group, and significantly higher in EA group than in model group. The number of mucosal MC was greater in model group than in normal group and significantly smaller in EA group than in model group. The CRH level in hypothalamus of rats was significantly higher in model group than in normal group, which was remarkably decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. The SP and SPR expression in colon of rats in model group was decreased after electro-acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSION: EA at ST25 and ST37 can decrease the number of mucosal MC and down-regulate the expression of CRH in hypothalamus, and the expression of SP and SPR in colon of rats with IBS.

PMID: 19891022 [PubMed - in process]

Randomized clinical trial of acupuncture for myofascial pain of the jaw muscles.

J Orofac Pain. 2009;23(4):353-9

Authors: Shen YF, Younger J, Goddard G, Mackey S

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating symptoms associated with myofascial pain of the jaw muscles. Methods: Twenty-eight subjects over the age of 18 and diagnosed with chronic myofascial pain of the jaw muscles were randomized to receive real (n = 16) or sham (n = 12) acupuncture. Prior to treatment, each subject clenched his or her teeth for 2 minutes. Acupuncture or sham acupuncture was then administered at the Hegu large intestine 4 (LI4) acupoint for 15 minutes. Real acupuncture was given by penetrating the needle through a sticky foam pad at the acupoint. Sham acupuncture was conducted by pricking the skin, without penetration, with a shortened, blunted acupuncture needle through a foam pad placed away from the acupoint. General head and neck pain ratings were obtained before and after treatment on a numerical rating scale. A mechanical pain stimulus on the masseter muscle was given before and after treatment and rated on a visual analog scale to measure pain tolerance level. Paired t tests were performed to detect significant changes in pain levels. Results: Subjects receiving real acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in jaw pain (P = .04), jaw/face tightness (P = .04), and neck pain (P = .04), and a significant increase in pain tolerance of the masseter muscle (P = .001). Subjects were not able to determine whether they received real or sham acupuncture (P = .69). No significant pain reductions were observed in the sham acupuncture group. Conclusion: A single acupuncture session using one acupoint at Hegu large intestine 4 significantly reduced most myofascial pain endpoints when compared to sham acupuncture. J OROFAC PAIN 2009;23:353?-359.

PMID: 19888488 [PubMed - in process]

Multiple Myeloma, Painful Neuropathy, Acupuncture?

Am J Clin Oncol. 2009 Jun;32(3):319-325

Authors: Zhou Y, Garcia MK, Chang DZ, Chiang J, Lu J, Yi Q, Romaguera J, Delasalle K, Guo Y, Forman A, Fang W, Wang M

Thalidomide and bortezomib are remarkably efficacious in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Unfortunately, their use can cause sensory neuropathy, a common and serious adverse event that frequently limits dose and duration of treatment. Although the relationship between peripheral neuropathy and therapeutic dose is controversial, many authors have demonstrated a positive correlation between neuropathy and cumulative dose, dose intensity, and length of therapy. Peripheral neuropathic pain is the most troublesome symptom of neuropathy. Spontaneous pain, allodynia, hyperalgesia, and hyperpathia are often associated with decreased physical activity, increased fatigue, mood, and sleep problems. Symptoms are often difficult to manage, and available treatment options rarely provide total relief. Moreover, the adverse effects of these treatments often limit their use. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture, with fewer adverse effects than analgesic drugs, in the treatment of painful diabetic and human immunodeficiency virus-related neuropathy. However, the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating toxic neuropathy has not been assessed. Although its putative mechanisms remain elusive, acupuncture has strong potential as an adjunctive therapy in thalidomide- or bortezomib-induced painful neuropathy, and a better understanding might guide its use in the management of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Well-designed clinical trials with adequate sample size and power are warranted.

PMID: 19887992 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The effects of electroacupuncture on TH1/TH2 cytokine mRNA expression and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the splenic T cells of traumatized rats.

Anesth Analg. 2009 Nov;109(5):1666-73

Authors: Wang K, Wu H, Wang G, Li M, Zhang Z, Gu G

BACKGROUND: Surgical trauma contributes to postoperative immune suppression, which is associated with an increased susceptibility to subsequent infections. Electroacupuncture (EA) can alleviate pain and exert immunoregulatory effects. However, the mechanism underlying the immnuomodulation effects of EA is not fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of EA on T helper (Th)1/Th2 cytokine production and mRNA expression and evaluated the signaling regulatory mechanism of EA effects. METHODS: Rats were divided into four groups (n = 24 each): control, trauma, trauma (T) + sham EA, and T + EA. EA was applied to Zusanli (ST36) and Lanwei (Extra37) acupoints at 20 min after surgery for 30 min, and then performed once a day on postoperative days 1-5. Splenic T cells were isolated and the production and mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-2, interferon-gamma, IL-4, and IL-10 were assayed. The activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and activator protein (AP)-1 were examined. RESULTS: Paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were significantly increased in the T + EA group compared with the trauma group from postoperative day 1 (paw withdrawal threshold: 5.8 +/- 0.7 vs 3.0 +/- 0.7 g; paw withdrawal latency: 7.0 +/- 0.8 vs 4.5 +/- 0.5 s; P < 0.001) to day 5 (9.0 +/- 0.6 vs 5.5 +/- 0.6 g; 12.0 +/- 1.3 vs 7.0 +/- 0.8 s; P < 0.001). Th1 cytokine (IL-2 and interferon-gamma) production and mRNA expression in splenic T cells of traumatized rats were significantly decreased on postoperative day 3 (P < 0.001, trauma group versus control group), whereas Th2 cytokine (IL-4 and IL-10) production and mRNA expression were increased (P < 0.001). This was accompanied with a significant depression in the activity of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2, p38, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 (P < 0.001, trauma group versus control group). EA administration increased Th1 cytokine protein and mRNA expression, suppressed Th2 cytokine protein and mRNA expression (P < 0.05, T + EA group versus trauma group), and increased the activity of ERK1/2, p38, NF-kappaB, and AP-1 (P < 0.001, T + EA group versus trauma group). CONCLUSIONS: EA regulates a balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines at protein and mRNA levels in splenic T cells, and, at least in part, involves the signaling pathways of ERK1/2, p38, NF-kappaB, and AP-1. The findings suggest that EA may improve immune suppression after surgical trauma.

PMID: 19843806 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cancer-related fatigue: the approach and treatment.

J Gen Intern Med. 2009 Nov;24 Suppl 2:S412-6

Authors: Escalante CP, Manzullo EF

As the volume of cancer survivors continues to increase, clinicians are being faced with a growing number of patients with cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Survivors with a variety of malignancies may experience fatigue. Many potential barriers to the identification of this symptom in a cancer survivor may exist, due in part to both the patient and the clinician. Assessment of patients for fatigue is important because it can profoundly effect their daily lives. Many factors contribute to CRF. Hence, the clinician may face a daunting challenge in attempting to alleviate CRF. Treatment modalities for CRF include nonpharmacologic interventions, such as psychosocial interventions, exercise, sleep therapy, and acupuncture. Pharmacologic interventions include stimulants, namely modafinil and methylphenidate. In some patients antidepressants may be beneficial. Clinicians should assess cancer survivors for the presence of fatigue and focus on its treatment in an attempt to ensure that these patients have the best possible symptom control.

PMID: 19838841 [PubMed - in process]

Letter to the Editor - Future Goal Needs to be Plausible.

Am J Chin Med. 2009 2009;37(5):1011-1012

Authors: Kim KH, Choi SM

No abstract received.

PMID: 19885960 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The Effect on Serotonin and MDA Levels in Depressed Patients with Insomnia when Far-Infrared Rays are Applied to Acupoints.

Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(5):837-42

Authors: Chang Y, Liu YP, Liu CF

Little is known about the effect of far-infrared rays (FIR) on serotonin and malondialdehyde levels in depressed patients with insomnia. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of far-infrared rays on depressed people with insomnia. A randomized design was used to determine this effect. A total of 70 inpatients were recruited with the clinical diagnosis of depression with sleep disturbance. In the experimental group, FIR was applied to three chosen acupuncture points by a patch-like sticker for a period of 15 minutes twice a week. The three acupuncture points are Nei-Kuan (PC6), Shenmen (HT7) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). The total duration of experiment was four weeks. For both experimental and control groups, serum levels of serotonin (5HT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined before and after the introduction of FIR. The experimental group revealed disparate changes over different dependent variables, in which serotonin increased but MDA decreased after the introduction of FIR. These observations indicate that the serotonin pathway is involved in the pathophysiological mechanism responsible for the damaging effects of MDA on depressed patients with insomnia.

PMID: 19885944 [PubMed - in process]

[Points of attention in treatment of peripheral facial paralysis]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Jul;29(7):575-6

Authors: Zhang XY, Zhuo CP

It is generally believed that peripheral facial paralysis is mainly caused by vacancy of collaterals, invasion of pathogenic wind-cold and wind-heat to facial tendons and meridians, which lead to stagnation of qi and blood, loss of nourishment of tendons, and flaccidity of muscle. The authors belive that the main etiology and pathogenesis of facial paralysis could be deficiency of yin and blood, emptiness of Yangming and Shaoyang collaterals, lack of liver blood which all lead to loss of nourishment, which is combined with exogenous pathogenic wind-cold, that causes stagnation of meridian qi, loss of nourishment of tendons, and flaccidity of muscle. Thus, yin and yang of the Governor Vessel and the Conception Vessel should be regulated for treatment, Siguan (LR 3 and LI 4) should be always used in points selection, and moxibustion should be applied carefully.

PMID: 19835128 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of suspended moxibustion on temperature-sensitive acupoints plus medication for chronic prostatitis]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Jul;29(7):543-6

Authors: Liu HS, Ainiwan , Reheman , Fu Y, Kang MF

OBJECTIVE: Observe therapeutic effect of suspended moxibustion on temperature-sensitive acupoints for chronic prostatitis, to explore a new therapy. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group (n = 30 in each group). The suspended moxibustion on temperature-sensitive acupoints plus herbalenema were practiced in the observation group. The moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Shenshu (BL 23) combined with herbalenema were practiced in the control group. The score of syndromes, the score of symptom indexes (NIH-CPSI), and WBC in prostatic secretion (EPS-WBC) were used as observation index for chronic prostatitis. The therapeutic effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The markedly cured rate was 50.0% in the observation group, better than that of 26.7% in the control group (P < 0.05). The score of syndromes, NIH-CPSI and EPS-WBC in the observation group were lower than the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of suspended moxibustion on temperature-sensitive acupoints plus medication is better than moxibustion plus medication for chronic prostatitis in improvement of symptoms and EPS-WBC.

PMID: 19835121 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Observation on therapeutic effect of medicinal moxa stick moxibustion for treatment of tinea pedis]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Jul;29(7):537-40

Authors: Tian YS, Chen L, Ren ZW, Wang XY, Liang TY, Wang LS

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of using medicinal moxa stick moxibustion for treatment of tinea pedis. METHODS: One hundred and forty-four cases were randomly divided into a medicinal moxa stick group (MMS), a moxa stick group (MS) and a Nitramisole cream group (NC) (n = 48 in each group). The moxibustion method was applied in both MMS group and MS group. The Nitramisole cream was applied in NC group. The treatment course was lasted for 21 days. The symptoms of patients with tinea pedis were recorded and scored before and after the treatment course, the effectiveness was assessed. RESULTS: The total effective rates were 89.59% and 81.25% in the MMS group and the MS group, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, the total effective rate in these two groups were better than that of NC group (70.84%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effect of medicinal moxa stick moxibustion is better than that of moxa stick moxibustion or Nitramisole cream.

PMID: 19835120 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Effect of electroacupuncture on the level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in patients with osteoarthritis]

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009 Jul;29(7):529-31

Authors: Xu FY, Gan JH, Li WP, Yang M, Liu X

OBJECTIVE: To study the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on patients with osteoarthritis, and to observe the effect of electroacupuncture on the level of IL-1beta and TNFalpha. METHODS: Forty-three subjects received electroacupuncture treatment at Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), etc. The intensity of pain, the ability of the movement of legs, the level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in patients were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: According to VAS, the intensity of pain was (64.22 +/- 14.55) and (32.50 +/- 10.79) before and after treatment, respectively. The score of movement ability of affected legs was (7.38 +/- 2.01) and (9.05 +/- 1.89) before and after treatment, respectively. Thus, the intensity of pain and the ability of movement were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.01). The level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in patients were significantly decreased (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The short term therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on patients with osteoarthritis is better, it may result from that the electroacupuncture inhibit the activity of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.

PMID: 19835118 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

An fMRI study of neuronal specificity of an acupoint: electroacupuncture stimulation of Yanglingquan (GB34) and its sham point.

Neurosci Lett. 2009 Oct 16;464(1):1-5

Authors: Na BJ, Jahng GH, Park SU, Jung WS, Moon SK, Park JM, Bae HS

The neuronal specificity of acupoints has not been entirely supported by the results of fMRI studies. The objective of this study was to investigate the neuronal specificity of an acupoint with electroacupuncture stimulation (EAS) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Functional MR imaging of the entire brain was performed in 12 normal healthy subjects during EAS of GB34 (Yanglingquan) and its sham point over the left leg in counter-balanced order. Anatomically, both GB34 and its sham point belong to the L5 spinal segment. EAS at the left GB34 specifically activated the right putamen, caudate body, claustrum, thalamus, cerebellum, as well as the left caudate body, ventral lateral thalamus, and cerebellum, all related to motor function. EAS at the sham point of the left GB34 specifically activated the right BA6, BA8, BA40, BA44, thalamus, as well as the left thalamus and cerebellum. Taken together, these findings suggest that EAS at an acupoint and its sham point, in the same spinal segment, induced specific cerebral response patterns. These findings support neuronal specificity of the acupoint studied. EAS at GB34 appears to be more related to motor function than EAS at its sham point, suggesting specificity of the GB34 acupoint. The results of this study provide neurobiological evidence for the existence of acupoint specificity, although further studies are necessary to better understand this phenomenon.

PMID: 19666085 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Electroacupuncture downregulates TLR2/4 and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression after surgical trauma stress without adrenal glands involvement.

Brain Res Bull. 2009 Aug 28;80(1-2):89-94

Authors: Wang J, Zhao H, Mao-Ying QL, Cao XD, Wang YQ, Wu GC

Cumulative evidences suggest that electroacupuncture (EA) can modulate immune function, but the mechanism needs further study. In the present study, the contribution of EA on toll-like receptors 2 and 4 (TLR2/TLR4) and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression after surgical trauma stress were investigated. The mRNA level of both TLR2/4 and pro-inflammatory cytokine was measured by quantitative real-time PCR. ELISA and Western blot assay were chosen for TLR2/TLR4 protein expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, respectively. The results showed that surgical trauma stress increased TLR2 mRNA and TLR2/4 proteins in the spleen and augmented pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1beta) mRNA and protein expression in the spleen and plasma. These effects could be deteriorated by adrenalectomy (ADX). EA at "Zusanli" acupoint significantly inhibited surgical trauma-induced TLR2 mRNA and TLR2/4 protein expression in spleen and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in the spleen and plasma. ADX, however, could not block the effect of EA. These results suggested that surgical trauma stress primes the innate immune system for enhanced TLR2 expression and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. EA inhibits TLR2/4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines to produce an anti-inflammatory effect in a surgical trauma stress model, without adrenal gland involvement.

PMID: 19508885 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]