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Brain Research Jan 2024Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is a modern neuromodulation technique that integrates traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy with contemporary electrical... (Review)
Review
Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation is a modern neuromodulation technique that integrates traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy with contemporary electrical stimulation. It involves the application of electrical currents to specific acupoints on the body following acupuncture. EA has been widely used in the treatment of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Recent research suggests that EA stimulation may modulate neural oscillations, correcting abnormal brain electrical activity, therefore promoting brain function and aiding in neurological rehabilitation. This paper conducted a comprehensive search in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI using keywords like "electroacupuncture," "neural oscillations," and "neurorehabilitation", covering the period from year 1980 to 2023. We provide a detailed overview of how electroacupuncture stimulation modulates neural oscillations, including maintaining neural activity homeostasis, influencing neurotransmitter release, improving cerebral hemodynamics, and enhancing specific neural functional networks. The paper also discusses the current state of research, limitations of electroacupuncture-induced neural oscillation techniques, and explores prospects for their combined application, aiming to offer broader insights for both basic and clinical research.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Acupuncture Therapy; Epilepsy; Stroke; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 37884179
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148642 -
Brain Research Oct 2023Ischemic stroke is a permanent neurological impairment resulting from the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the brain. The effectiveness of "Lifting Yang to...
BACKGROUND
Ischemic stroke is a permanent neurological impairment resulting from the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the brain. The effectiveness of "Lifting Yang to Dredging Du Meridian Manipulation" (LYDD) acupuncture in clinical treatment of ischemic stroke patients has been well-established. Nevertheless, its mechanism is still uncertain.
METHODS
MCAO/R rat models at different time points of reperfusion (24, 36, 48 and 72 h) were constructed, and LYDD acupuncture treatment was performed. Zea-Longa score and TTC staining were used for assessing neurological impairment and cerebral infarct in rats, respectively. The pathological changes of cerebral tissue in each group were observed by HE and Nissl's staining. Cerebral tissue from each group was subjected to RNA-seq, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and hub gene was identified based on the String database and MCODE algorithm.
RESULTS
LYDD acupuncture treatment significantly reduced Zea-Longa score, dry-wet weight ratio, infarct area, inflammatory factor levels (IL-1β and TNF-α), cerebral lesions, number of Nissl body and neuronal apoptosis in the MCAO/R model at different time points of reperfusion. A total of 3518 DEGs were identified in the MCAO/R model compared to the control group, and 3461 DEGs were present in the treatment group compared to the MCAO/R model, and they may be implicated in neurotransmitter transmission, synaptic membrane potential, cell junctions, inflammatory response, immune response, cell cycle, and ECM. The expression trends of BIRC3, LTBR, PLCG2, TLR4 and TRADD mRNAs in the Hub gene were consistent with the RNA-seq results, and LYDD acupuncture treatment significantly inhibited MCAO/R-induced p65 nuclear translocation.
CONCLUSIONS
LYDD acupuncture ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting NF-κB pathway activity.
Topics: Rats; Animals; NF-kappa B; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Meridians; Brain Ischemia; Lifting; Reperfusion Injury; Acupuncture Therapy; Ischemic Stroke; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery
PubMed: 37414270
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148477 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Aug 2023To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion combined with western medication on ureteral stent-related symptoms after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL). (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To observe the clinical efficacy of moxibustion combined with western medication on ureteral stent-related symptoms after ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URL).
METHODS
One hundred and fifty patients with upper urinary tract calculus implanted with ureteral stents after URL were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out), a placebo moxibustion group (50 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a blank control group (50 cases). No intervention was performed in the blank control group. On the basis of oral administration with tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained release capsule (starting from the first day after surgery, once a day, 0.2 mg each time, continuously for 4 weeks), in the moxibustion group, moxibustion was operated at Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Shenshu (BL 23); the sham-moxibustion was delivered at the same acupoints in the placebo moxibustion group, once daily, 6 times a week, for 15 min in each treatment. The duration of treatment was 4 weeks. Before treatment, and after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the scores of lower urinary tract symptoms, body pain, general health, work performance and satisfaction of sexual matters were compared among the 3 groups. The tract calculus clearance rate, urinary infection and the oral administration of painkillers were compared after 4 weeks of treatment in the 3 groups.
RESULTS
The scores of lower urinary tract symptoms, body pain and general health after 1 week of treatment, and the scores of lower urinary tract symptoms, body pain, general health and work performance after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment were lower than those before treatment in the 3 groups (0.01). The scores of lower urinary tract symptoms and body pain in the moxibustion group after 1, 2 and 4 weeks of treatment were lower than those in the blank control group and the placebo moxibustion group (0.01, <0.05) respectively. The score of general health in the moxibustion group was lower than that in the blank control group after 1 week of treatment (<0.01), and lower than those of the blank control group and the placebo moxibustion group after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment (<0.01, 0.05). Regarding the score of work performance, it was lower in the moxibustion group after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment compared with those in the blank control group (<0.05, 0.01), and lower than those of the blank control group and the placebo moxibustion group after 4 weeks of treatment (0.01, 0.05). The tract calculus clearance rate in the moxibustion group was 95.9% (47/49), higher than that in the blank control group (80.0%, 40/50, <0.05). The proportion of oral administration of painkillers in the moxibustion group (28.6%, 14/49) and the placebo moxibustion group (40.4%, 19/47) was lower than that in the blank control group (76.0%, 38/50, 0.01) respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Moxibustion combined with western medication relieves lower urinary tract symptoms and body pain, and accelerate the recovery of general health and work performance in the patients after URL.
Topics: Humans; Ureteroscopy; Moxibustion; Lithotripsy; Pain; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms; Calculi; Stents; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 37984921
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230422-k0001 -
Alternative Therapies in Health and... Oct 2023Facet joint disorder is a series of clinical syndromes that lumbar trauma or degenerative disease can cause, and it can result in lumbar pain and restricted movement.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
CONTEXT
Facet joint disorder is a series of clinical syndromes that lumbar trauma or degenerative disease can cause, and it can result in lumbar pain and restricted movement. Despite use of conventional Western and traditional Chinese treatments, patients can still experience many clinical symptoms, with no effective improvements in lumbar-spine movement or quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
The study intended to investigate the effects of spinal, fixed-point, rotating reduction on the pain levels and daily living abilities of patients with facet joint disorders.
DESIGN
The research team performed a prospective, randomized controlled study.
SETTING
The study took place at Wuhan Central Hospital, Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China.
PARTICIPANTS
Participants were 88 patients with facet joint disorders who had been admitted to the hospital between June 2021 and August 2022.
INTERVENTION
The research team randomly divided participants into two groups, with 44 participants in each group, using the numerical table method: (1) the intervention group, who received treatment using the spinal, fixed-point, rotating reduction method, and (2) the control group, treated who received treatment using conventional tui-na, acupuncture, and traction.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The research team measured changes: (1) in pain, (2) in lumbar mobility, (3) in lumbar-spine function, and (4) in daily living abilities.
RESULTS
In the comparisons between the groups at baseline, no significant differences existed: (1) in pain levels (P = .656); (2) in forward flexion (P = .982), extension (P = .887), lateral flexion (P = .408), or rotation (P = .888); (3) in the scores for clinical symptoms (P = .982), subjective symptoms (P = .887), or limitations in daily activities (P = .408); or (4) in the scores for daily living abilities (P = .427). In the comparisons between the groups at two weeks postintervention, the intervention group's: (1) pain levels were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < .001); (2) forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation were significantly higher than those of the control group (all P < .001); (3) scores for clinical symptoms, subjective symptoms, and limitations in daily activities were significantly better than those of the control group (all P < .001); and (4) scores for daily living abilities were subjective higher than those of the control group (P < .001).
CONCLUSION
Spinal, fixed-point, rotating reduction can significantly relieve the pain of patients with facet joint disorders restore their lumbar spine mobility, improve their lumbar spine function, increase their ADL abilities, and facilitate patients' recovery. Practitioners can promote it in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Zygapophyseal Joint; Quality of Life; Prospective Studies; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Vertebrae
PubMed: 37499146
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Nov 2023Acupuncture therapy is believed to have therapeutic potential for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This umbrella review aims to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Acupuncture therapy is believed to have therapeutic potential for patients suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This umbrella review aims to summarize and evaluate the evidence from current systematic reviews/meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for CIPN.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search in eight electronic databases for SRs/MAs that included RCTs on acupuncture treatment for CIPN. Two separate researchers independently evaluated the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the SRs/MAs that were included in the study. Additionally, we examined the extent of overlap among the included RCTs by calculating the corrected covered area (CCA). Furthermore, we assessed the dependability of the effect sizes by conducting excess significance tests. We conducted a quantitative synthesis of all RCTs included in the SRs/MAs to obtain objective and updated conclusions. Furthermore, we also conducted an analysis of the acupuncture points used in RCTs.
RESULTS
This umbrella review includes 9 SRs/MAs, and their methodological quality, risk of bias, reporting quality, and evidence quality were all deemed unsatisfactory. Out of the 9 SRs/MAs, 28 RCTs were included, with a total CCA of 25.4%, indicating a high degree of overlap. The test of super-significance did not yield any significant results. Our updated meta-analysis suggests that CIPN patients can benefit from acupuncture therapy, as indicated by effectiveness in measures including BPI-SF, VAS, FACT-NTX, NRS, SCV, and NCI-CTCAE. Egger's test and sensitivity analysis demonstrate the reliability and stability of this conclusion. The commonly used acupuncture points in the current RCTs include ST36, LI11, LI4, LR3, and SP6.
CONCLUSION
Based on the existing evidence, acupuncture is effective and safe for patients with CIPN, as it can significantly improve effective rate, pain symptoms, quality of life, and nerve conduction velocity. However, given the low quality of current evidence, we should be cautious in interpreting this conclusion.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Reproducibility of Results; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Acupuncture Therapy; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 37676268
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05369-8 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Feb 2024: Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is a chronic degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that strongly affects the elderly population and decreases their quality of life.... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
BACKGROUND
: Osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK) is a chronic degenerative musculoskeletal disorder that strongly affects the elderly population and decreases their quality of life. Pain, stiffness, and restricted knee movements are the major characteristic features of OAK. There are no studies available on the effect of the liver 7 (LR 7) acupuncture point on pain and range of motion.
OBJECTIVES
: To study the effectiveness of the LR 7 acupuncture point on pain and range of motion in chronic OAK patients.
METHODS
: Thirty-five subjects aged between 40 and 65 years were recruited from Government Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College, Chennai. Participants were included in the study after they fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The duration of acupuncture was 20 minutes (5 days/week) for 2 weeks. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were performed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the degree of knee flexion and extension was measured using a goniometer.
RESULTS
: Pre- and post-trial outcomes were compared using paired t-tests. LR 7 acupuncture reduced the WOMAC score from 49 to 30 ( < 0.001), indicating that pain was alleviated. Treatment increased the range of knee flexion from 110 to 115 degrees and reduced knee extension ( < 0.01) from 16 to 9 degrees ( < 0.001). These findings indicate that acupuncture treatment improved the range of knee movement.
CONCLUSION
: The present study showed that 10 sessions of LR 7 acupuncture for people with OAK significantly reduced pain and increased range of motion. We conclude that LR 7 acupuncture is an adjuvant therapy for alleviating pain and managing OAK.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; India; Liver; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain; Quality of Life; Range of Motion, Articular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38409813
DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.38 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy (ELMT) and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy compared to conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome.
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an electroacupuncture-like magnetic therapy (ELMT) and conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A prospective randomized controlled trial in single-centre was conducted. Thirty-four CTS patients confirmed by electrodiagnostic study were randomized into TENS or ELMT group and completed a six-week treatment program. TENS or ELMT treatment was applied on acupuncture point PC-6 (Neiguan) and one selected hand acupoint. Therapeutic exercises were also included after the electrophysical modality. Their physical signs, motor and sensory performances, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores, and results of electrodiagnostic study were evaluated. After treatments, both groups demonstrated significantly decreased BCTQ scores and positive rate of Tinel's sign in the major symptomatic side, which indicated improvements in the symptom severity and physical functions. Significant increases in distal sensory amplitude and nerve conduction velocity of the median nerve were only found in the ELMT group. Our study found either conventional TENS or ELMT plus therapeutic exercises could improve the symptomatology and physical provocation sign of CTS. The ELMT has additional improvement in the nerve conduction in patients with CTS.
Topics: Humans; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Electroacupuncture; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Prospective Studies; Median Nerve; Treatment Outcome; Magnetic Phenomena
PubMed: 37978314
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46916-0 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Aug 2023It has the important enlightenment and reference significance for the inheritance and innovation of (sinew/fascia) diseases and its theoretic basis, (muscle region of...
It has the important enlightenment and reference significance for the inheritance and innovation of (sinew/fascia) diseases and its theoretic basis, (muscle region of meridian) doctrine by sorting out the origin of the acupuncture techniques for diseases and exploring the root of its rise and fall. Using context analysis, overall investigation and practice test, the paper elaborates the basic concepts, e.g. needling techniques for , , (muscular contracture) and (knotted tendon), and doctrine. In particular, the three key concepts, i.e. (heating after needling), (feelings from patients and acupuncture operators) and (the worst painful sites of muscle spasm) are deeply investigated. These three concepts, involved in the treatment of disorders, treatment principles and methods, are of a great controversy in the current academic circle. The author clarified the category of needling for disease and main needling techniques, investigated specially the origin of and (repeated needling directly on the foci), and explored the evolution of the needling methods that had been controversial or neglected for a long time, i.e. (technique for inducing heat inside for cold obstruction), , (inserting the needles around the foci), (intramuscular needling) and (deep puncturing to the peritoneum or on front- points). Finally, from the relationship between and (meridian), and the differences between dry needling and acupuncture technique for diseases, the author explored the crucial problems and countermeasures urgently required in the future development of doctrine so as to provide the references for the theoretical innovation of acupuncture- moxibustion science.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Meridians; Moxibustion; Medicine, Chinese Traditional
PubMed: 37577879
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230316-k0002 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Nov 2023To evaluate the report quality, methodological quality and evidence quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of acupuncture for in vitro... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the report quality, methodological quality and evidence quality of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) of acupuncture for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).
METHODS
The SRs/MAs of acupuncture for IVF-ET were searched electronically from databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, from inception of each database to September 27th, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted the data. Using PRISMA statement, the AMSTAR 2 scale and the GRADE system, the report quality, methodological quality and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs were assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 28 SRs/MAs were included, with PRISMA scores ranging from 8.5 points to 27 points. The problems of report quality focused on protocol and registration, retrieval, risk of bias in studies, additional analysis, limitations and funding. The methodological quality of included studies was generally low, reflecting on items 2, 3, 7, 10, 12 and 16. A total of 85 outcome indexes were included in the GRADE system for evidence grade evaluation. Most of the evidences were low or very low in quality. The reasons for the downgrade were related to study limitations, inconsistency, imprecision and publication bias.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture therapy improves the outcomes of IVF-ET, but the methodological quality and evidence quality of related SRs/MAs are low. It is recommended to conduct more high-quality studies in the future to provide more reliable evidences.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Databases, Factual; Embryo Transfer; Fertilization in Vitro; Publication Bias; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 37986257
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20221124-k0006 -
Journal of Pain Research 2024The aim of this study is to explore and illustrate the focal points concerning acupuncture's impact on microcirculation and hemorheology over the past 26 years, and to...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to explore and illustrate the focal points concerning acupuncture's impact on microcirculation and hemorheology over the past 26 years, and to identify future directions in this field.
METHODS
Data in this area were gathered from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Employing CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Scimago Graphica, and Microsoft Excel software, we analyzed authors, institutions, and countries to evaluate scientific collaboration. Moreover, we carried out an analysis of keyword clustering, references, and burst detection to examine the prominent research areas and emerging trends in this domain.
RESULTS
The study analyzed 706 documents, 471 institutions, 632 journals, 40 countries, 581 keywords, and 3289 authors related to acupuncture for microcirculation and hemorheology. Data revealed a consistent increase in research output over 26 years. China, with the most publications and citations, significantly contributed to the field, often collaborating with the United States. Elisabet Stener-Victorin and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences were the most productive author and institution, respectively. The journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine held the most influence. Common keywords included "vasoactive substances", "neurotransmitters", "signaling pathways", and "oxidative stress", among others. Research topics focused on female infertility, ischemic stroke, and pain syndromes, with treatment approaches such as electroacupuncture, manual acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, and cupping therapy.
CONCLUSION
Women's infertility, ischemic stroke, and pain syndromes have emerged as hotspots in research. Future directions may include comparative studies of traditional and modern acupuncture techniques to evaluate their respective therapeutic effects. There is potential for in-depth research in these areas and the discovery of new intervention strategies as well as mechanisms.
PubMed: 38223661
DOI: 10.2147/JPR.S441512