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Ageing Research Reviews Jun 2024The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Governor vessel acupuncture (GV Ac) in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Governor vessel acupuncture (GV Ac) in treating post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).
METHODS
There was a total of seven databases examined. Four English databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Medline) and three Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Databases (VIP), and Wan Fang Database) contain all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Governor vessel acupuncture to other treatments or none acupuncture for PSCI. The exact dates for the search period are from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2023.Two researchers independently reviewed the literature, gathered RCT data, and performed statistical analysis. All data were analyzed using Review Manager software (Rev Man) 5.3.
RESULTS
This meta-analysis includes a total of 39 trials with 2044 patients. There were 1022 participants in each of the test and control groups. Following 12-120 days of acupuncture treatment, a meta-analysis revealed that the treatment groups (GV Ac combined with conventional treatment groups) significantly increased their scores on the Curative ratio (OR=3.00, 95%CI=2.37-3.79, P=0.98, I²=0%), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)(MD=1.82, 95%CI=1.60-2.03, P=0.11, I²=25%), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)(MD=2.18, 95%CI=1.64-2.72, P<0.005, I²=92%), and Activity of Daily Living (ADL)(MD=5.99, 95%CI=5.33-6.64, P=0.19, I²=26%).
CONCLUSION
The results suggested that acupuncture on points of the Governor vessel enhanced cognitive function in stroke survivors.
PubMed: 38942201
DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102355 -
Medicine Jun 2024To evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment regimen in improving clinical... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Clinical application and effect evaluation of acupoint thread embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine treatment based on menstrual cycle characteristics in the management of breast hyperplasia: An observational study.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment regimen in improving clinical symptoms, promoting tumor regression, controlling adverse reactions and complications, and enhancing patient satisfaction by comparing and analyzing the clinical data of 120 breast tumor patients. One hundred twenty patients with breast cancer were divided into a treatment group (60 cases) and a control group (60 cases) according to different treatment plans. Patients in the treatment group received a combination of acupoint embedding therapy and traditional Chinese medicine dialectical treatment based on different time points of the menstrual cycle. Including the proportion of reduction in the number of breast masses, the proportion of reduction in mass size, changes in pain severity scores, tumor regression rate, regression time, incidence of adverse reactions and complications, and patient satisfaction. Statistical software was used to analyze the data to evaluate differences between the 2 groups. In terms of clinical symptoms, the proportion of reduction in the number of breast masses in the treatment group averaged 50%, significantly higher than the 25% in the control group; the proportion of reduction in mass size averaged 40%, also higher than the 15% in the control group; and the improvement in pain severity scores was also superior to the control group. Regarding tumor regression, the tumor regression rate in the treatment group reached 85%, with an average regression time of 6.2 weeks, both significantly better than the 55% and 9.8 weeks in the control group. In terms of adverse reactions and complications, the incidence rate in the treatment group was relatively low, and no serious adverse events occurred. Patient satisfaction surveys showed that the treatment group had significantly higher satisfaction with treatment effectiveness, treatment process, and physician service attitude compared to the control group. Based on clinical data from 120 breast tumor patients, the results of this study indicate that breast tumor patients treated with a specific treatment regimen have significant advantages in improving clinical symptoms, tumor regression, controlling adverse reactions and complications, and patient satisfaction. This treatment regimen has high clinical application value and deserves further promotion.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Breast Neoplasms; Patient Satisfaction; Acupuncture Points; Menstrual Cycle; Hyperplasia; Acupuncture Therapy; Treatment Outcome; Breast; Combined Modality Therapy
PubMed: 38941407
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038502 -
Frontiers in Neurology 2024There is currently a lack of evidence in evidence-based medicine regarding acupuncture treatment for experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study...
OBJECTIVE
There is currently a lack of evidence in evidence-based medicine regarding acupuncture treatment for experimental intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for experimental ICH based on neurological function scores and brain water content (BWC).
METHODS
Eight mainstream Chinese and English databases were searched. Outcome measures included neurological function scores and BWC, and subgroup analysis was conducted based on study characteristics.
RESULTS
A total of 32 studies were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that compared to the control group, the acupuncture group showed significant reductions in mNSS (MD = -3.16, < 0.00001), Bederson score (MD = -0.99, < 0.00001), Longa score (MD = -0.54, < 0.0001), and brain water content (MD = -5.39, < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis revealed that for mNSS, the autologous blood model (MD = -3.36) yielded better results than the collagenase model (MD = -0.92, < 0.00001), and simple fixation (MD = -3.38) or no fixation (MD = -3.39) was superior to sham acupuncture (MD = -0.92, < 0.00001). For BWC, the autologous blood model (MD = -7.73) outperformed the collagenase model (MD = -2.76, < 0.00001), and GV20-GB7 (MD = -7.27) was more effective than other acupuncture points (MD = -2.92, = 0.0006).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture significantly improves neurological deficits and brain edema in experimental ICH. Acupuncture at GV20 - GB7 is more effective than at other points. These findings support further studies to translate acupuncture into clinical treatment for human ICH.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023435584.
PubMed: 38938782
DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1402129 -
Voprosy Kurortologii, Fizioterapii, I... 2024Functional gastrointestinal disorders, which had an impact on the dentofacial system (pain, loose teeth and falling out of them) in patients who have had COVID-19, drew...
UNLABELLED
Functional gastrointestinal disorders, which had an impact on the dentofacial system (pain, loose teeth and falling out of them) in patients who have had COVID-19, drew the close attention of specialists of different profiles. The pathogenesis of worsening post-COVID edentulism is insufficiently studied, as many issues of adequate therapy remain unsolved, in which the role of non-drug technologies in the treatment of dental patients who have suffered from COVID-19 is extremely high.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the mechanism of action and clinical effectiveness of the developed combined physiotherapy method, including the induced technique of piracetam iontophoresis on the frontooccipital technic and acupuncture laser therapy in dental patients with complaints of edentulism progression after COVID-19 on the basis of the analysis of single studies on the post-COVID loss of teeth treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A number of patients equal 120 who complained of tooth loss after COVID-19 during the past 6 months were examined. The following initial and end points were considered: dental bleeding and inflammation scores, vascular and endothelial dysfunction markers - levels of intercellular adhesion molecules and their receptors (SlCAM-1, SVCAM-1, VEGF-A, ET-1) before and after treatment.
RESULTS
Negative correlation between VEGF-A (pg/ml) concentration in peripheral blood serum and sVCAM-1 (ng/ml) level in the examined patients (=0.4830, <0.05) and strong inverse correlation between slCAM-1 (ng/ml) level and sVCAM-1 (=0.7696, <0.01) have been established. More significant effects after application of the combined induced method on the head's structures and laser acupuncture have been noted than after acupuncture laser exposure and after inducing technique separately, namely in the form of dental inflammation score correction by 1.76 times (<0.001), decrease of bleeding score by 2.6 (<0.05), decrease of concentration of SVCAM-1 by 1.7 times and SlCAM-1 by 2 times (<0.001), increase of endothelin level by 1.7 times as well as the initial low VEGF-A (pg/ml) by 1.5 times (<0.01).
CONCLUSION
The developed physiotherapeutic complex, which includes laser acupuncture physiotherapy and induced technique of 5% piracetam iontophoresis, can potentially be considered as a physioprophylactic and therapeutic model of post-COVID edentulism.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Physical Therapy Modalities; Iontophoresis; SARS-CoV-2; Adult; Acupuncture Therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Aged
PubMed: 38934954
DOI: 10.17116/kurort202410103118 -
Cancer Jun 2024Hot flashes are a common side effect of endocrine therapy (ET) that contribute to poor quality of life and decreased treatment adherence.
BACKGROUND
Hot flashes are a common side effect of endocrine therapy (ET) that contribute to poor quality of life and decreased treatment adherence.
METHODS
Patients with breast cancer wo were receiving ET and experiencing hot flashes were enrolled through three parallel, randomized trials conducted in the United States, China, and South Korea. Participants were randomized to either immediate acupuncture (IA) or delayed acupuncture control (DAC). IA participants received 20 acupuncture sessions over 10 weeks, whereas DAC participants received usual care, then crossed over to acupuncture with a reduced intensity. The primary end point was a change in score on the endocrine symptom subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT)-Endocrine Symptoms between baseline and week 10. Secondary end points included the hot flash score and the FACT-Breast score. A planned pooled analysis of individual patient data was performed using longitudinal mixed models.
RESULTS
In total, 158 women with stage 0-III breast cancer were randomized (United States, n = 78; China, n = 40; South Korea, n = 40). At week 10, IA participants reported statistically significant improvements in the endocrine symptom subscale score (mean change ± standard error: 5.1 ± 0.9 vs. 0.2 ± 1.0; p = .0003), the hot flash score (-5.3 ± 0.9 vs. -1.4 ± 0.9; p < .003), and the FACT-Breast total score (8.0 ± 1.6 vs. -0.01 ± 1.6; p = .0005) compared with DAC participants. The effect of the acupuncture intervention differed by site (p = .005).
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture led to statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in hot flashes, endocrine symptoms, and breast cancer-specific quality of life in women undergoing ET for breast cancer in the United States, China, and South Korea.
PubMed: 38924035
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35374 -
Heliyon Jun 2024To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture-related therapy in the Bayesian setting by means of a network Meta-analysis. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture-related therapy in the Bayesian setting by means of a network Meta-analysis.
METHODS
Relevant clinical randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of acupuncture-related therapy for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy(CSR) were searched in the Chinese and English databases from the inception to November 13, 2023. Two researchers reviewed the literature, extracted the data, assessed the risk of bias of the included studies independently, and then used Stata14.0 and WinBUGs14 to analyze.
RESULTS
There are 28 RCTs in total, of which 2593 patients and 14 acupuncture interventions. Network Meta-analysis revealed that, regarding the VAS scores, Acupoint catgut-embedding, Fu's Subcutaneous Needling and Needle Knife are better than Conventional acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture, Sham needle, Western Medicine, and Electrotherapy; Conventional acupuncture is better than Electrotherapy and Sham needle; Qihuang needle is superior to Sham needle and Electrotherapy; besides, Acupoint catgut-embedding is better than Tuina (Message), Chinese Medicine, Warm needle as well. Regarding the NDI scores, Needle Knife, Warm needle, Fire needle, Long round needle, Acupoint catgut-embedding are better than Conventional acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture, and Cervical traction; Conventional acupuncture is superior to Electro-acupuncture, Cervical traction, Needle Knife and Warm needle; whereas we found Qihuang needle is superior to Acupoint catgut-embedding, besides, Need Knife is superior to Qihuang needle, Long round needle and Acupoint catgut-embedding. In terms of improving the Tanaka Yasuhiro 20-point scale scores(TY), Needle Knife and Qihuang needle are superior to Conventional acupuncture, Warm needle and Electro-acupuncture; moreover, Conventional acupuncture is better than Warm needle.
CONCLUSION
In general, Acupoint catgut-embedding shows the best effect at relieving neck pain, then followed by Fu's Subcutaneous Needling and Needle Knife. Needle Knife is the best intervention in improving the functionality of the cervical spine. Like improving overall clinical performance, Needle Knife is the best treatment. Furthermore, our conclusion still needs to be confirmed by higher-quality documentation. In order to choose the best treatment for patients, clinicians are expected to take into account different clinical features and practical clinical settings with caution while choosing an acupuncture-related therapy in CSR.
KEY MESSAGE
This article aims at selecting the best acupuncture-related treatment for clinicians to help patients in CSR, and the results of this study indicated that Acupoint catgut-embedding shows the best effect in relieving neck pain, Needle Knife shows the best effect in improving the functionality of cervical spine, Needle Knife shows the best effect in treating overall clinical performance.
PubMed: 38912448
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31793 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024Scalp acupuncture is a unique acupuncture method developed based on brain functional and pathophysiological knowledge. In past decades, there has been significant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Scalp acupuncture is a unique acupuncture method developed based on brain functional and pathophysiological knowledge. In past decades, there has been significant development in the understanding of the brain pathology of many neurological disorders through cutting-edge brain imaging techniques. Yet, these findings have not been incorporated into scalp acupuncture. In the present paper, we aimed to initiate an attempt to develop/identify scalp acupuncture targets based on neuroimaging findings.
METHODS
Based on the meta-analysis of neuroimaging studies in the Neurosynth database platform (http://neurosynth.org/), the brain clusters related to neurological disorders were automatically identified according to the search terms "Parkinson's disease"(PD), "chronic pain"(CP), "aphasia"(APH), "dyslexia"(DYS), "mild cognitive impairment", "Alzheimer's disease" and "dementia". Subsequently, the discovered brain region clusters projected onto the brain surface and scalp surface were listed, and the peak points of the clusters projected to the scalp surface were proposed as the potential stimulation targets for the corresponding diseases. Further, by combining the traditional scalp acupoints (including the scalp acupuncture lines) with 10-20 EEG system sites, we made localization suggestions for scalp stimulation targets and made acupuncture operation suggestions by combining with the shape of the brain region clusters. The literature search was conducted on July 30, 2022.
RESULTS
The localization and manipulation suggestions of neuroimage-based scalp acupuncture targets were introduced in two parts. This part (part 1) includes PD, CP, APH, and DYS. Here are 3 target examples of each of these 4 diseases simply introduced due to word limitation. 1) PD. Based on the 175 articles retrieved from Neurosynth, we identified 7 potential scalp acupuncture targets for PD, the locations of the acupuncture stimulation and the recommended acupuncture needle operation (RANO) as well as the corresponding brain regions (CBRs) respectively are as below. PD1:about 0.5 (1 ≈33.3 mm) superior-posterior to the left Xuanlu (GB5);puncturing subcutaneously and forward-upward;the left premotor area, subfrontal cortex of the island, inferior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus. PD2:about 1 lateral-inferior to the left Chengling (GB18);puncturing subcutaneously and backward-upward;the inferior parietal lobule and postcentral gyrus. PD3:about 0.5 lateral-anterior to the left GB18;puncturing subcutaneously and inward-backward;left anterior central gyrus and posterior central gyrus. 2) CP. Based on the retrieved 92 articles, we identified 8 potential scalp acupuncture targets, the location of the acupuncture stimulation and the RANO, and CBRs respectively are as below. CP1:about 1 anterior-inferior to the left Xuanli (GB8);puncturing subcutaneously and backward-inwards;the left inferior frontal gyrus orbitalis and pars triangularis. CP2:about 0.5 posterior-superior to the left GB5;puncturing subcutaneously and forward-upward;the left anterior central gyrus and premotor area. CP3:about 0.5 posterior-superior to the left GB8;puncturing subcutaneously and forward;left inferior central area/central sulci operculum (second somatosensory area). 3) APH. Based on the retrieved 82 papers, we identified 7 potential scalp acupuncture targets for APH, their locations, RANO, and CBRs respectively are as below. APH1:close to the left GB5;puncturing subcutaneously and forward-downward;left subfrontal gyrus operculi/triangularis. APH2:about 0.5 posterior to the left Hanyan (GB4);puncturing subcutaneously and backward-upward;the left anterior central gyrus and posterior central gyrus. APH3:about 0.5 anterior-inferior to the left Qubin (GB7);puncturing subcutaneously and backward-downward;left medial/superior temporal gyrus. 4) DYS. Based on the retrieved 76 researches, we identified 8 potential scalp acupuncture targets for DYS, their locations, RANO and CBRs respectively are as below. DYS1:about 1 anterior-inferior to the left GB5;puncturing subcutaneously and forward-upward;the pars triangularis of the left inferior frontal gyrus. DYS2:about 0.5 posterior-superior to the left GB5;puncturing subcutaneously and forward-downward;the left subfrontal gyrus operculum, pars triangularis and anterior central gyrus. DYS3:the midpoint between the left GB5 and GB18;puncturing subcutaneously and forward;the left anterior central gyrus and posterior central gyrus.
CONCLUSIONS
We identified scalp acupuncture targets for several common neurological disorders based on neuroimaging evidence for clinical application and research. The proposed targets may also be used for treating these disorders using brain stimulation methods.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Nervous System Diseases; Neuroimaging; Scalp; Acupuncture Points; Brain; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 38897810
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230020 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024Acupuncture is an effective measure for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Many studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce blood glucose in patients with... (Review)
Review
Acupuncture is an effective measure for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Many studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce blood glucose in patients with T2DM, but its mechanism is still unclear. This review summarized the mechanism of acupuncture on T2DM, the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating T2DM is related to improving insulin resistance, regulating inflammation, promoting insulin secretion, improving lipid metabolism disorders, resisting oxidative stress, improving obesity, controlling intestinal flora, and regulating the nervous system. At the same time, this review also points out the lack of current relevant research and the future research directions to provide a reference for further exploring the mechanism of acupuncture hypoglycemic action.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Acupuncture Therapy; Animals; Insulin Resistance; Blood Glucose; Insulin; Oxidative Stress
PubMed: 38897809
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230372 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture intervention at different time for patients with sudden hearing loss.
OBJECTIVES
To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture intervention at different time for patients with sudden hearing loss.
METHODS
According to the timing of acupuncture intervention, 86 patients were divided into early exposure group (=43) and late exposure group (=43) . The early exposure group was given acupuncture treatment within 14 days of onset, and the late exposure group was given acupuncture treatment after 14 days of onset. After propensity score matching (PSM, a statistical matching technique for observational data) processing by using SPSS26.0 software, outcomes of 30 cases in the early exposure group and 30 cases in the late exposure group were analyzed. In addition to receiving basic treatment with drugs for vascular dilatation, thrombolysis, nourishing nerve, etc., all patients of the two groups were treated with neck acupuncture ("Neck Seven Meridian Lines" acupuncture), once every other day except Sundays, for a total of 12 time. Before, after the treatment and 3 months after the treatment, the total score of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI, 0, 2 and 4 points for each of the 25 items, total scores = 100 points) scale was used to evaluate the improvement of tinnitus symptoms caused by hearing loss. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the efficacy grading criteria in the (2015) and the changes of pure tone audiometry curve. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of factors that might influence efficacy before propensity score matching.
RESULTS
The THI scores of patients in both groups decreased strikingly after the treatment and 3 months' follow-up (<0.05). Compared with the same time-points of the late exposure group, the total THI scores of post-treatment and 3 months' follow-up were evidently lower in the early exposure group (<0.05). The effective rate of the early exposure group (22/30, 80.00%) was significantly higher (<0.05) than that of the late exposure group (16/30, 53.33%). The classification of sudden deafness and the application of traditional Chinese medicine in this study were not independent factors affecting the total effective rate.
CONCLUSIONS
The time point of acupuncture intervention is an important factor affecting the effect on hearing and tinnitus disability of patients with sudden deafness. The earlier acupuncture treatment is accepted, the better the therapeutic effect is.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Time Factors; Acupuncture Points; Young Adult; Tinnitus
PubMed: 38897806
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230299 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on arterial elasticity in patients with early carotid atherosclerosis. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on arterial elasticity in patients with early carotid atherosclerosis.
METHODS
A total of 62 patients with early carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into a blank group (12 cases, 1 cases dropped-off), a sham-acupuncture group (25 cases, 5 cases dropped-off) and an acupuncture group (25 cases, 3 cases dropped-off). Patients in the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment, including ①acupuncture:Baihui (GV20), Yintang (GV24), Renying (ST9), Neiguan (PC6), Yanglingquan (GB34);②moxibustion:Yinqiguiyuan (Zhongwan [CV12], Xiawan [CV10], Qihai [CV6], Guanyuan [CV4]), Sihua (Geshu [BL17], Danshu [BL19]);③Intradermal needle:Xinshu (BL15), Danshu (BL19). Patients in the sham acupuncture group received placebo acupuncture, moxibustion, an intradermal needle, and the acupoints were the same as the acupuncture group. The above treatments were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. No intervention was given to the patients in the blank group. Diet and lifestyle education was given to the three groups. The ultrafast pulse wave velocity, including beginning-systolic pulse wave velocity (BS) and end-systolic pulse wave velocity (ES), was observed before treatment and 1, 2, 3 months after treatment in the three groups. The blood lipid level and platelet count (PLT) at each time point were observed. The safety of the treatments was also evaluated.
RESULTS
Compared with those before treatment, the BS and ES values of both sides in the acupuncture group decreased at 2 and 3 months after treatment (<0.05). Compared with the blank group, the bilateral ES of the acupuncture group were decreased at 2 months after treatment (<0.05), and the bilateral BS and ES were decreased at 3 months (<0.05). Compared with the sham-acupuncture group, the acupuncture group showed a decrease in left BS and left ES after 3 months of treatment (<0.05), and the overall decrease on the left side of the acupuncture group was better than that on the right side. There were no significant differences between three groups in the levels of blood lipid and PLT at each time point. No serious adverse safety events occurred in the three groups during the treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy can improve arterial elasticity in patients with early carotid atherosclerosis, and it is safe and effective.
Topics: Humans; Moxibustion; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Acupuncture Therapy; Aged; Acupuncture Points; Carotid Artery Diseases; Elasticity; Adult; Carotid Arteries
PubMed: 38897805
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230354