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Research Article2024-08-31
Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding at Yanglingquan (GB34) on the Bile Metabolism of Patients with Choledocholithiasis after Surgery
Lei Li1, Xiaofan Ji2, Xiaoyong Rao2, Dewei Luo2, Qiping Mao2, Hui Du2, Haihong Fang1,*, Hui Ouyang2,*, Yuan Zhang3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 133-140 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.133AbstractImportance: Choledocholithiasis, or bile duct gallstones, is effectively treated with surgery, which does not prevent relapse. A common adjuvant therapy is the stimulation of the Yanglingquan point (GB34). Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE), an acupoint stimulation therapy, may be a better treatment for choledocholithiasis.Objectives: To investigate the effect of ACE in stimulating GB34 on bile metabolism and its possible mechanism via metabonomics.Methods: In this study, we used ultrahigh performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the changes in bile metabolites, metabolic pathways, and liver function indicators in 16 patients with choledocholithiasis before and after ACE stimulation.Results: We identified 10 metabolites that exhibited significant differences in the bile before and after ACE, six of which significantly increased and four that significantly decreased. Moreover, six liver function indicators showed a downward trend. We identified related metabolic pathways as glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle).Conclusions and Relevance: This study shows that ACE stimulation of GB34 can effectively help treat choledocholithiasis, which may be clinically applicable to ACE.
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Research Article2024-10-31
Auriculotherapy for Labour Pain Management: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Velan Arumugam1, Arthi Balakrishnan2, V. Venugopal3, Poonguzhali S4, Gayathri Annamalai1, Prabu Narasimman5, S. T. Venkateswaran6, Maheshkumar Kuppusamy7,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(5): 158-164 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.5.158AbstractImportance: Labor pain presents significant challenges during childbirth, necessitating effective pain management strategies. Auriculotherapy, a non-pharmacological intervention targeting specific ear points, has been explored as a potential solution for alleviating labor pain.Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of auriculotherapy in reducing labor pain intensity and improving maternal satisfaction.Data Resources: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until December 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating auriculotherapy as an intervention for labor pain management.Study Selection: Two authors independently conducted literature selection based on predefined criteria (i.e., RCTs assessing auriculotherapy for labor pain management).Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data extraction was performed independently by two authors, and a random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. The pooled mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was calculated to estimate the effect size.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary outcome was labor pain intensity measured on the visual analog scale.Results: Meta-analysis of five RCTs involving 451 patients revealed a significant reduction in labor pain following auriculotherapy compared with no treatment (MD, –1.78; 95% CI, –2.62 to –0.93). However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2, 87%; p < 0.01).Conclusions and Relevance: Despite the observed heterogeneity, this meta-analysis suggests that auriculotherapy holds promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating labor pain. Further investigation is warranted to refine auriculotherapy protocols and assess its long-term effects, thereby enhancing its potential as a viable option for labor pain management.
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Research Article2024-10-31
Acupoint Autohemotherapy Alleviates Airway Inflammation in Asthmatic Rats via Upregulating Expression of Hemeoxygenase-1
Hao-lei Liu*, Tao Wu, Xiang Zeng, Wei-yun Cao, Shi-kui WuJ Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(5): 149-157 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.5.149AbstractImportance: Acupoint autohemotherapy (AA), a therapeutic technique involving the subcutaneous injection of autologous blood into acupoints, has been empirically validated as safe and effective for treating asthma by alleviating symptoms and decreasing acute attacks, though its mechanism is not well understood.Objective: The role of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in AA-induced suppression of asthmatic airway inflammation is examined.Methods: Twenty rats were assigned randomly to four groups, namely the Control, OVA, OVA + AA, and (OVA + Snpp) + AA. Rats in the OVA + AA and (OVA + Snpp) + AA received autologous blood injections into acupoints (BL13 and BL23) following OVA challenge. Rats in the (OVA + Snpp) + AA were concurrently subjected to intraperitoneal injections of Snpp, a inhibitor of HO-1. Airway inflammation was evaluated through HE staining, while the concentrations of cytokines in BALF were quantified using ELISA. The mRNA and protein levels of RORγt (Th17-specific transcription factor), Foxp3 (Treg-specific transcription factor), and HO-1 in lung tissue were assessed through qRT-PCR and WB.Results: HE staining indicated that airway inflammation was alleviated in the OVA + AA. The OVA + AA displayed significantly lower counts of total cells and eosinophils in the BALF compared to both the OVA and (OVA + Snpp) + AA. The ELISA demonstrated a significant decrease in levels of pro-inflamatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-17A), and an increase in levels of anti-inflamatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-10), in the OVA + AA when compared to both OVA and (OVA + Snpp) + AA. The qRT-PCR and WB analyses revealed an upregulation of HO-1 and Foxp3 expression, and a downregulation of RORγt expression, in the OVA + AA when compared to OVA and (OVA + Snpp) + AA.Conclusions and Relevance: The involvement of HO-1 in the underlying mechanism responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of AA is evident.
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Clinical Study Protocol2024-10-31
Electroacupuncture Protocol for Sensory and Motor Function Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Itana Lisane Spinato1, Taisi da Cunha Antunes2, Fabiano Politti2, Ruth Ellen Nogueira Izidio3, Daniela Aparecida Biasotto-Gonzalez2, Delane Viana Gondim1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(5): 178-186 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.5.178AbstractImportance: Orthognathic surgery is utilized to rectify facial deformities, but it can lead to neurosensory alterations. Electroacupuncture has been shown to enhance sensitivity and motor functions in patients post-surgery. However, its application in traumatic facial injuries remains inadequately researched.Objective: To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on sensitivity and orofacial function in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.Design, Setting, and Population: A randomized clinical trial involving patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and genioplasty who are randomly allocated to either a physiotherapy (PT) or physiotherapy plus electroacupuncture group (PTEA).Exposures: Participants will be allocated to their respective therapies for a duration of six weeks. The PT group will receive a 50-minute physical therapy session along with 30 minutes of simulated procedure. The PTEA group will receive 50 minutes of physical therapy followed by 30 minutes of electroacupuncture.Main Outcomes and Measures: Before treatment, sensitivity will be assessed using the SMILE Sensitivity Test-BAURU kit, edema will be evaluated using the MD Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema protocol, range of motion will be measured using a digital caliper, and muscle pain and fatigue will be gauged using numerical scales. The chewing function will be evaluated using the Chewing Quality Assessment Questionnaire.Results: All assessments will be repeated at three and six months following the initiation of treatment.Conclusions and Relevance: This study may provide reliable and high-quality clinical evidence regarding the impact of electroacupuncture on restoring altered sensation and motor function in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.
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Perspective Article2024-12-31
Acupuncture Points in Medieval European Medicine to Treat Pain and Inflammation
Alexandr Ivanov*, Ivan Dylevský, Aleš PříhodaJ Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(6): 187-195 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.6.187AbstractIn the previous article, the author demonstrated the close relationship between bloodletting practices in medieval Europe and acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study aimed to explore how acupuncture-based treatment was applied in medieval Europe. The author hypothesizes that the physical stimulation of acupuncture points associated with bloodletting was one of the main methods of pain management at that time. The study examined the indications for phlebotomy as depicted in the original illustration from Practica Medicinalis written by the 15th-century Archbishop of Prague, Sigismundus Albicus, supplemented by two other European medieval medical manuscripts. A total of 76 distinct symptoms (corresponding to 25 bloodletting acupuncture points) from the Practica Medicinalis illustration were assembled into four groups: 1) Pain and inflammation symptoms; 2) Symptoms commonly associated with pain and inflammation; 3) General symptoms affecting various organs and functions; and 4) Conditions unrelated to pain or inflammation. Among the 76 symptoms and 25 acupuncture points, only nine symptoms and a single bloodletting point were not associated with the treatment of pain or inflammation. This suggests that acupuncture-based therapy was an effective method for managing pain and inflammation in the Middle Ages and that such treatment could still be valuable from a modern clinical perspective.
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Research Article2024-10-31
The Transformation of Acupuncture Practice Using Ultrasonography: Expert Opinions
Eunbyul Cho, Changsop Yang, Sungha Kim*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(5): 165-171 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.5.165AbstractImportance: The rapidly growing use of ultrasound in South Korea has revolutionized the real-world application of acupuncture, making it a safer, more accurate treatment. However, little is known about the challenges Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) encounter, as well as the procedures and resources necessary for hygienic, safe ultrasound-guided acupuncture.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the purpose, indications, and procedure for ultrasound-guided acupuncture in Korean medicine (KM) practice and the challenges KMDs encounter in using ultrasonography.Methods: Eleven KMDs with expertise in practicing or teaching ultrasonography were consulted in detail. The purpose of ultrasonography in real-world practice, the overall process, resources utilized in ultrasound-guided procedures, and the unaddressed needs of KMDs were investigated.Results: Ultrasound guidance, employed for various diseases in KM practice, is crucial for pharmacopuncture and acupotomy to increase accuracy and safety. Ultrasoundguided acupuncture involves covering the probe, putting on sterile gloves, and scanning with disinfectants, though the exact steps vary among experts. They also suggested that a lack of insurance coverage was a common obstacle for KMDs utilizing ultrasonography.Conclusions and Relevance: Acupuncture with ultrasound guidance has become a prevalent procedure in South Korea. Standard procedure guidelines and insurance coverage for ultrasonography used for acupuncture procedures are essential to ensure safe, accurate procedures.
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Research Article2024-12-31
Acupressure as an Effective Method for Improving Sexual Function in Depressant Women Treated with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Nazir Hashemi Mohammad-Abad1, Sahar Zafari2, Seyed-Abdolvahab Taghavi2,*, Fatemeh Zafari2, Elahe Karimi2, Arezoo Hosseini2, Fatemeh Rezaei2, Marcello Iriti3, Fatemeh Bazarganipour4,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(6): 196-205 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.6.196AbstractImportance: Sexual dysfunction in individuals suffering from depression may be both a symptom of the disorder and a side effect of antidepressants. To date, and to our knowledge, no randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupressure on sexual function in women of reproductive age who take antidepressants.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of acupressure on sexual function in women of reproductive age taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Methods: A randomized clinical trial with a control group. In total, 115 women taking antidepressants and suffering from sexual dysfunction were recruited from Shahid Rajaee Hospital in Yasuj, Iran. They were enrolled based on the inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to either the acupressure (intervention) or control group. Pressure was applied to subjects in the intervention group at the PC6 and SP6 acupoints, and at placebo points P1 and P2 in the control group. Treatments were administered in a sitting position, twice weekly, for two months. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index at baseline and after the eight-week intervention period.Results: The acupressure group showed significant improvements in desire, orgasm intensity, satisfaction, and total sexual function score compared with the control group (p< 0.05).Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides important evidence for supporting the use of acupressure at these specific points to improve sexual function in women taking SSRIs. Acupressure may be a practical and effective intervention for mitigating antidepressant-induced sexual function.
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Clinical Study Protocol2024-12-31
Effects of Face and Body Acupuncture on Glabellar Frown Lines in Women Aged 30-59: a Study Protocol for a Double-Arm Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial
Hossein Haghir1,2,3, Mohammad Javad Yazdanpanah4, Majid Khadem-Rezaiyan5, Farshid Bidouei1,6, Hoda Azizi1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(6): 221-228 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.6.221AbstractImportance: As average life expectancy increases, the role of beauty in quality of life (QOL) becomes more important. Invasive rejuvenation methods, such as cosmetic surgery and botulinum toxin injections, do not address the underlying causes of facial aging, are expensive, and carry inherent risks. Acupuncture, as a holistic alternative, may offer a safer method for facial rejuvenation by addressing the overall health of the body.Objective: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of facial and body acupuncture in reducing frown lines in women aged 30-59 in Mashhad, Iran.Design, Setting, and Population: A total of 72 participants will be randomly allocated to intervention and control groups.Exposures: The intervention group will receive 12 sessions of face and body acupuncture over six weeks, while the control group will receive no treatment.Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome will be the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) assessed using standardized photographs. Secondary outcomes include the Subject Satisfaction Scale (SSS) and the QOL scores.Results: Outcomes will be measured at three time points: baseline (week 0), posttreatment (week 7), and follow-up (week 12).Conclusions and Relevance: The results of this trial will provide robust evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in reducing frown lines.
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Clinical Study Protocol2024-12-31
Effectiveness and Safety of Polydioxanone Thread Embedding Acupuncture Compared with Acupuncture Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: a Protocol for a Pilot, Assessor-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Hyun Jin Jang1,†, Chang-Hyun Han2,3,†, Ju Hyun Jeon1, Jeong Kyo Jeong1, HuiYan Zhao2,3, Changsop Yang2, Bok-Nam Seo4, Ojin Kwon2, WenShan Sun5, JinChuan Ran5, Hong Xu6, Young Il Kim1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(6): 210-220 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.6.210AbstractImportance: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease in aging populations. Knee OA is difficult to cure and requires ongoing management. Thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) is a popular Korean medical treatment for knee OA. However, clinical evidence of its effectiveness and safety is insufficient.Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TEA compared with acupuncture for knee OA.Design, Setting, and Population: A two-group, two-arm, parallel, single-center, randomized, controlled, and assessor-blinded pilot trial will be conducted. A total of sixty patients aged between 40 and 85 years old will be recruited.Exposures: The TEA group will receive four sessions of TEA treatment over 4 weeks. The acupuncture group will receive eight sessions of acupuncture treatment over 4 weeks. A follow-up assessment will be conducted in week 8 for both groups.Main Outcomes and Measures: Assessments will be performed at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The primary outcome will be the mean change in the visual analog scale between the two groups at 4 weeks. The secondary outcomes will be the mean change in the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, knee range of motion, EuroQol 5-Dimension, patient global impression of change, and dosage of rescue medication. Statistical analysis will be conducted and the level of significance will be achieved in each variables.Results: The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides a rationale for the effectiveness and safety of TEA for knee OA by comparing TEA treatment with acupuncture.
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Case Report2024-12-31
Auricular Acupuncture Effect on Facial Contraction via Middle Ear Muscles Reflexes
Didem ŞAHİN CEYLAN*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(6): 206-209 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.6.206AbstractImportance: Auricular acupuncture (AA) regulates the function of systems or organs by stimulating specific regions of the body via efferent pathways in the central areas through the auricle. This case aims to investigate the causes of facial contractions observed during AA.Case presentation: A female patient, diagnosed with depression and refusing medication, was referred for AA. She presented to our clinic with a complaint of right-sided facial contraction triggered by high-intensity sound during AA.Conclusions and Relevance: After evaluation, a decrease in acoustic reflex thresholds of 0.5 and 1 kHz, along with right-sided facial contractions at the same sound frequencies, were detected. This case offers a new perspective on the neural pathways and connections through the auricle.
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Conference Abstracts2023-10-31
20th International Congress of Oriental Medicine
J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(5): 203-238 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.5.A001 -
Research Article2023-12-31
Improving Upper Limb Spasticity in Patients with Stroke by Electroacupuncture Therapy: a Pre- and Post-Treatment Study
Sung Min Lim1, Eunji Go1, Jungsup Lee2, Go Eun Lee3, Eun Joo Kim4, Chihyoung Son3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(6): 248-254 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.248AbstractBackground: Post-stroke upper limb spasticity (PS-ULS) causes a decline in the quality of life of patients by reducing their ability to perform normal daily activities.Objectives: We performed pre- and post-treatment analyses of the changes in stroke patients with ULS following constant electroacupuncture therapy (EAT). Methods: Thirty patients with PS-ULS underwent 12 sessions of EAT over 4 weeks. After performing acupuncture therapy at four acupoints on the affected arm (LI11, LI10, LI4, and TE5), electrostimulation (60 Hz) was performed for 20 min. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and the Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) were measured as the outcome variables. Results: Following EAT, there was a significant decrease in the elbow MAS score (p < 0.001), a significant decrease in the wrist MAS score (p < 0.01), and a significant increase in the FMA-UE score (p < 0.001). Adverse events related to EAT were not reported. Conclusion: EAT decreased upper limb spasticity and improved functional recovery at the elbow and wrist. Large-scale and rigorous clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy of EAT.
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Research Article2023-04-30
Abdominal Acupuncture for Non-Responding TMD Patients: a Retrospective Observational Study in General Practice
Emanuela Serritella*, Gabriella Galluccio, Carlo Di PaoloJ Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(2): 56-64 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.2.56AbstractBackground: Pain related to Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) is severe, negatively affecting patients' quality of life, and often resistant to conventional treatments. Abdominal Acupuncture (AA) is known to be particularly effective for pain, especially chronic and musculoskeletal pain, but it is still poorly studied and never investigated in TMD patients.Objectives: To analyze the efficacy of AA for the treatment of patients with subacute and chronic pain related to TMD and non-responding to previous conventional therapies (occlusal splint, medications, physical therapy).Methods: Twenty-eight patients, 24 F and four M (mean age 49.36 years), were recruited from January 2019-February 2021. All patients underwent AA treatment: two sessions per week for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions. At the beginning of therapy (T0) and at the end of the cycle (T1) the following data were evaluated: maximum mouth opening (MMO); cranio-facial pain related to TMD (verbal numeric scale, VNS); pain interference with normal activities and quality of life of patients (Brief Pain Inventory, BPI); oral functioning (Oral Behavior Checklist, OBC); impression of treatment effectiveness (Patients' Global Impression of Improvement, PGI-I Scale). Statistical comparison of data before and after the AA treatment was performed by Wilcoxon's signed-rank test (significance level p < 0.05).Results: The MMO values were significantly improved after one cycle of AA (p = 0.0002). In addition, TMD-related pain had a statistically significant decline following AA treatment (all p < 0.001). Patients’ general activity and quality of life (BPI) were described as improved following a course of AA, with statistically significant values for all aspects considered (all p < 0.05).Conclusion: Abdominal acupuncture resulted in effective treatment of subacute/chronic-resistant pain related to TMD, capable of improving mandibular function and facial pain, and reduced the interference of pain affecting patients' quality of life.

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Research Article2023-06-30
Application of Biophysical Properties of Meridians in the Visualization of Pericardium Meridian
Feng Xiong1, Ruimin Xu2, Tongju Li3, Jinyu Wang1,4, Qingchuan Hu3, Xiaojing Song1, Guangjun Wang1, Huanhuan Su3, Shuyong Jia1, Shuyou Wang1, Zongxiang Zhu2,5, Weibo Zhang1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(3): 101-108 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.3.101AbstractBackground: The biophysical properties of the meridian system, an important concept of traditional Chinese medicine, include low impedance, resounding voice, and high acoustic conductance, all of which are helpful for elucidating the essence of meridians.Objectives: To visualize the human pericardium meridian (PC) based on the resounding voice property of meridians.Methods: Visualization of the PC was performed by injection of fluorescein sodium at the PC6 acupoint (Neiguan) on the PC. Before injection, percussion active points (PAPs) were identified by the virtue of their resounding voice properties. After injection, the trajectories of fluorescein migration throughout the body surface were recorded and analyzed. The distribution of fluorescein in the tissue was further studied using cross-sections of hind limbs of mini-pigs, in which fluorescein was injected into low impedance points.Results: The identified PAP lines were colocalized with PC. Following intradermal fluorescein injection, 1-3 fluorescent lines, which were unrelated to the arm veins, were observed in 7 of 10 participants; 85.4% of fluorescent signals were coincident with PAPs and their intensity had a negative correlation with the body mass index (r = –0.56, p = 0.045). Cross-sections showed a Y-shaped fluorescence pattern where the two migration lines on the surface were the two vertices of the “Y.”Conclusion: The trajectories of fluorescein in the body are suggestive of the anatomical structure of meridians. The PC is related to the deep horizontal interstitial channels that connect to the body surface through vertical interstitial spaces. These biophysical properties and techniques for meridian visualization are valuable for revealing the anatomical structure of meridians.
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Research Article2024-02-29
Warm Acupuncture Reduces Pain and Inflammation in Rats with Lumbar Disc Herniation Induced by Autologous Nucleus Pulposus Transplantation via Regulating p38MAPK/NF-κB Pathway
Feng Pan1,2, Feng Zeng1, Yanbei Chen2, Yongren Zheng3, Zhihong Chen2, Xiaoju Zhu2, Mei Fang Yin2, Yiran Huang4,*, Zheng Liu2,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(1): 28-37 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.28AbstractBackground: Warm acupuncture (WA) has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the underlying mechanism of these effects remain unclear. Objectives: To explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of WA and the potential underlying mechanism in male Sprague-Dawley rats with non-compressive lumbar disk herniation (LDH) caused by autologous nucleus pulposus (NP) transplantation. Methods: We used low-frequency (2 Hz) electrical stimulation and WA (40℃) to treat GB30 and BL54 acupoints in rats for 30 mins per day. We monitored the paw withdrawal threshold of rats during the experiment and measured serum cytokine levels using commercial kits. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissue pathology was analyzed via H&E staining. We used qRT-PCR to measure the mRNA expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α genes in DRG. Western blot was used to analyze the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, P-p38MAPK, p38MAPK, P-IκBα, IκB α, and NF-κB p65 proteins. Results: WA treatment significantly increased the pain threshold of rats, reduced serum IL-6, PEG2, NO, SP, NP-Y, and MMP-3 levels, and effected histopathological improvements in the DRG in rats. Moreover, WA treatment significantly downregulated the expression levels of inflammation-associated genes (Il-1β, Il-6, and Tnf-α) and proteins (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, P-p38MAPK, P-IκBα, and NF-κB p65) in the DRG of non-compressive LDH rats. Conclusion: WA can alleviate pain and inhibit inflammatory response in rats with non-compressive LDH caused by autologous NP transplantation, and these effects are likely associated with the inhibition of the p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
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Research Article2023-08-31
Investigation of the Effects of Acupuncture on Post-Operative Chest Pain after Open Heart Surgery
Sharareh Roshanzamir1, Yas Haririan1, Rezvan Ghaderpanah2, Leila Sadat Mohamadi Jahromi1,*, Alireza Dabbaghmanesh3J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(4): 133-138 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.4.133AbstractBackground: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) accounts for more than half of all adult cardiac surgeries worldwide. Post-operative chest pain is a common CABG complication and can cause significant discomfort.Objectives: Because taking large amounts of analgesics can have many side effects, we evaluated whether acupuncture effectively reduces pain and the use of analgesics by CABG patients.Methods: In this clinical trial, 30 patients who had recently undergone CABG were randomly allocated to two groups. For both groups, exercise therapy and routine analgesics were recommended. The intervention group underwent bilateral acupuncture in distinct acupoints, including the HT3, HT4, HT5, HT6, HT7, PC3, PC5, PC6, and PC7 for 10 daily sessions constantly. Visual analog scale (VAS) and analgesic use were evaluated in both groups at baseline and after completing the 10-day treatment.Results: Our analysis revealed significant decreases in the mean VAS scores in both the intervention and the control group, and that the reduction was more significant in the acupuncture group (p < 0.001). Moreover, analgesic use was significantly lower in the acupuncture group when compared with the control group (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Our findings highlight acupuncture as an alternative method of controlling CABG-associated post-operative chest pain and reducing the use of analgesics, which might have many side effects.
