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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 -
Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology.Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Jun 2024Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points.
METHODS
In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at < 0.001.
RESULTS
TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls.
CONCLUSIONS
and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Male; Female; Adult; Water; Electric Impedance; Young Adult; Acupuncture Therapy; Healthy Volunteers; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38898645
DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.86 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Jun 2024There is no clear evidence that acupuncture points and meridians are separate organs or specific tissues. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, the mechanism of... (Review)
Review
There is no clear evidence that acupuncture points and meridians are separate organs or specific tissues. However, in traditional Chinese medicine, the mechanism of acupuncture action is associated with the vital energy concept. To identify the body's energy source and the material basis of its transmission, transformation, and use, it is necessary to consider it as an energy-generating object, with all its components. By abstracting from the body's usual structural view, we found that it is an autonomous energy-generating object. The human body generates energy through the lungs and digestive tract, which are electrochemical generator organs. Because the generated energy must be transferred to the consumer, the body has wire and transformer analogs. It bears an obvious resemblance with an electronic circuit, where cellular structures, tissues, and their combinations act as electrical and radioelements. The heart, brain, and muscles, which have well-known electrical parameters, as well as acupuncture points, offer information about the state of these electronic circuits. This article describes an extra-organ approach for systematizing body structures. It also attempts to represent the meridians and acupuncture points system as integral electro-radioelements, as well as the local circuit components of the whole body's electronic scheme.
Topics: Humans; Meridians; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Human Body
PubMed: 38898644
DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.83 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy
PubMed: 38898643
DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.81 -
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 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in adjuvant treatment of residual symptoms after percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVES
To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided acupotomy in adjuvant treatment of residual symptoms after percutaneous cervical disc nucleoplasty (PCDN) for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).
METHODS
A total of 70 CSR patients were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table, with 35 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received PCDN, while patients in the treatment group further received ultrasound-guided acupotomy, which was performed once every 5 to 7 days for a total of 4 to 6 times (adjusted according to the condition of patients). The visual analog score (VAS), neck dysfunction index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association cervical spondylosis scale (JOA score), and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point scale were adopted in the assessment before PCDN and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months after PCDN. The clinical efficacy, postoperative adverse reactions and complications of the 2 groups were evaluated.
RESULTS
Compared with those before PCDN, the VAS score and NDI score of the 2 groups were decreased (<0.05), JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (<0.05) at 1 day and 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with same group 1 day after surgery, the VAS score and NDI score of the treatment group were decreased (<0.05), while JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (<0.05) at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Compared with the control group at the same time points, the VAS score and NDI score of the treatment group were decreased (<0.05), while JOA score and Tanaka Yasuhisa 20-point score were increased (<0.05) at 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. The effective rate and excellent rate of the treatment group 1, 3 and 6 months after PCDN were higher than those of the control group (<0.05). Follow-up to 1 year after surgery, no significant postoperative adverse reactions and complications were found in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided acupotomy can significantly improve the residual symptoms after PCDN for CSR patients, and the clinical efficacy is significantly better than that of PCDN alone, and this therapy is safe and reliable.
Topics: Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Spondylosis; Adult; Radiculopathy; Acupuncture Therapy; Cervical Vertebrae; Treatment Outcome; Aged; Diskectomy, Percutaneous; Ultrasonography, Interventional
PubMed: 38897804
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230255 -
Zhen Ci Yan Jiu = Acupuncture Research Jun 2024To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavior and hippocampal protein phosphorylation in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), so as to explore its...
OBJECTIVES
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on behavior and hippocampal protein phosphorylation in rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of CFS.
METHODS
Male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and EA groups (=12 rats in each group). The CFS model was established by chronic multifactor combined with stress stimulation (treadmill training + restraint stress + sleep disturbance + crowded environment). For rats of the EA group, EA (1 mA, frequency of 10 Hz) was applied to "Shenting" (GV24) (with an acupuncture needle penetrated from GV24 to "Baihui" [GV20]) and "Dazhui" (GV14) for 15 min, once daily for 28 days. After treatment, the body weight, food intake and water intake of rats in each group were observed. The fatigue degree of rats was evaluated by Semi-quantitative score observation table of the general condition of experimental rats.The open field test (OFT) was used to assess the rats'anxiety severity by detecting the total number of grid-crossing and the times of the central area entered in 5 min, and Morris water maze test was employed to assess the rats' learning-memory ability by detecting the escape latency in 1 min, and the times of the original platform quadrant crossing in 1 min. The hippocampaus was taken for phosphorylated Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis by using Maxquant technology based on full scan mode to calculate the integral of each peptide signal of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS). The differentially-expressed proteins (>1.5 folds for up-regulation or <0.67 folds for down-regulation) were evaluated by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, the body weight, food intake, and the times of original-platform quadrant crossing of spatial exploring of Morris water maze test were significantly decreased (<0.01, <0.05) , and the score of general conditions, times of grid-crossing and center area-entering of OFT, and the escape latency of navigation task were apparently increased (<0.01) in rats of the model group. After EA intervention, the decreased original-platform quadrant crossing, and the increased score of general conditions, times of grid-crossing and the escape latency of navigation task were all reversed (<0.01, <0.05). Outcomes of proteomics analysis indicated that compared with the model group, there were 297 differentially expressed peptide (48 up-regulated and 249 down-regulated) segments in the control group, and there were 245 differentially expressed peptide (185 up-regulated and 60 down-regulated) segments in the EA group, in which, 25 overlapping peptide segments were reversed after EA treatment, corresponding to 24 proteins, mainly involving cytoskeletal structure. GO function annotation analysis showed that the top three differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins involved in the effect of EA intervention were the actin filament polymerization, protein depolymerization and cytoskeletal tissue in the biological process, the actin binding, structural molecular activity and cytoskeletal protein binding in the molecular function, and the cytoskeleton, dendrites and dendritic trees in the cellular component, respectively. The KEGG pathway annotation analysis for differentially expressed phosphorylated proteins showed that theinsulin secretion, axon guidance, phosphatidylinositol signaling system and lysine biosynthesis, etc. were involved in the effect of EA intervention.
CONCLUSIONS
EA of GV24-GV20 and GV14 can improve the general state, anxiety and learning-memory ability of CFS model rats, which may be related to its functions in regulating the hippocampal protein phosphorylation level, and repairing the structure and function of synapses in hippocampus.
Topics: Animals; Electroacupuncture; Male; Rats; Hippocampus; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Phosphorylation; Humans; Acupuncture Points; Disease Models, Animal
PubMed: 38897803
DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20230180