Recommended Article2011-12-01

Dose- dependent Effects of Jungsongouhyul Pharmacopuncture on Low Back Pain

Man-Jin Jeong, O-Gon Kwon, Chang-Hoon Woo, Hee-Duk An

2011; 4(4): 270-270 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2011.10.011

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(10) Journal of Pharmacopuncture, Vol 14, No. 2, pp. 45-52, 2011 Objectives: The object of this study was to analyze the intensity of low back pain for various dosages of the Jungsongouhyul pharmacopuncture. Methods: Three groups were made with 15 patients each at Po-Hang Oriental Hospital, which is affiliated with Daegu Haany University. The patients were observed from August 1, 2010 to September 30 2010. Group 1 was treated with acupuncture groups with herb and other therapy and with differential dosage of Jungsongouhyul pharmacopuncture 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 cc. We measured the pain threshold and the visual analog scale(vns) during the first week of admission. The statistical analysis was performed by using the oneway ANOVA and the Tukey test. Results: The change in the VAS was not statistically significant, but the change in the pain threshold was statistically significant. Multiple comparisons of the pain threshold between the two groups showed statistically significant differences. Multiple comparisons of the pain threshold between groups1and 3 and groups 2 and 3 showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Jungsongouhyul Pharmacopuncture 1.2cc was more effective than 0.4 and 0.8cc.

Research Article2020-06-01

Electroacupuncture Promotes Neural Proliferation in Hippocampus of Perimenopausal Depression Rats via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Qin Jing ^†, Lu Ren^{*, †}, Xue Deng, Nan Zhang, Martin Fu, Ge Wang, Xi-Rong Jiang, Shu-Ru Lin, Cai-Rong Ming

2020; 13(3): 94-103 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2020.03.065

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Background and Objective: Perimenopausal depression is caused by the impaired function of the ovarium before menopause and with a series of symptoms. Electroacupuncture (EA) therapy has been demonstrated to improve clinically depression. However, the mechanism underlying its therapeutic activity remains unknown. This study aimed to investigat the effects of EA treatment on the hippocampal neural proliferation through Wnt signaling pathway. Methods: Chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) were used to establish a rat model of perimenopausal depression. The open field test (OFT) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were used to assess depression-like behaviors in rats. ELISAs were used to measure estrogen (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) levels in the serum. RT-PCR and Western blot assay were utilized for measuring the mRNA expressions and protein expressions of GSK-3β/β-catenin. Results: Four-week EA treatment at three points including “Shenshu” (BL23), “Baihui” (GV20) and “Sanyinjiao” (SP6) simultaneously ameliorated depression-like behaviors in rats with CUMS and OVX, whereas rescued the decreased serum level of E2 and prevented the increased serum levels of GnRH and LH. EA treatment ameliorated CUMS and OVX-induced alterations of glycogen synthase kinase-3b (GSK3b) and β-catenin mRNA levels, β-catenin and phosphorylated β-catenin (p-β-catenin) protein levels. Conclusions: The results showed that EA treatment promoted hippocampal neural proliferation in perimenopausal depression rats via activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, indicating that EA may represent an efficacious therapy for perimenopausal depression.

Research Article2021-02-28

Lipid Profile Response to Electroacupuncture in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients with Hyperlipidemia

Mona Mohamed Taha^1,2, Abdelrhman Ismail Abdelghany³, Ramy Salama Draz^2,*

2021; 14(1): 21-26 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.1.21

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Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be one of the most common diseases affecting the liver because of its high prevalence worldwide. Abnormal lipid profile between NAFLD patients has been reported in several studies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile response to electroacupuncture in NAFLD patients. Methods: A total of 60 female patients with NAFLD were included in the study with ages ranged from (30-55) years old. They were divided equally into two groups, group A received electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at points of; LR14, LR3, ST36, and GB34. And group B received sham acupuncture application in non-acupuncture points. The demographic data and lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), serum triglycerides (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were recorded before and after the study. Results: The study results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of LDL, TC, TG after 6 weeks of non-interrupted treatment sessions in group A, However HDL showed no significant improvement (p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between posttreatment values of LDL, TC, and TG between both groups. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture can be an effective, simple, and applicable method for the improvement of elevated lipid profiles in NAFLD patients.

Research Article2021-12-31

Mechanisms of Electroacupuncture Pretreatment in Alleviating Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury: Interactions between the Cerebellar Fastigial Nucleus and Lateral Hypothalamic Area

Qing Yu^1,2, Li-bin Wu¹, Fan Zhang¹, Xiao-tong Wei¹, Pian-pian Chen¹, Shuai-ya Wang¹, Mei-yi Cai¹, Qi Shu¹, Liao-yuan Li¹, Zi-jian Wu^2,3, Rong-lin Cai^2,3,*, Ling Hu^2,3,*

J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14(6): 207-218 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.6.207

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Background: Myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury (MIRI) is an important mechanism of post-myocardial infarction injury and a main cause of death in patients with ischemic heart disease. Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment is effective for the prevention and treatment of MIRI, but mechanisms mediating the effects of cardiovascular disease EA treatments remain unclear.Objectives: To determine whether the lateral hypothalamus (LHA) and the cerebellar fastigial nucleus (FN) are involved in the protective effects of EA stimulation on MIRI. Methods: EA pretreatment was performed for 7 days before the establishment of the MIRI model. ST-segment changes on electrocardiograms were recorded and the Curtis–Walker arrhythmia score was used to evaluate changes in reperfusion injury. Hematoxylin–eosin staining was applied to evaluate the pathological and morphological changes in myocardial tissue. c-fos expression in the LHA and FN was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Glutamic (Glu) and γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were measured using a high-performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical method. Results: EA pretreatment reduced ST-segment elevation, arrhythmia scores, and morphological changes in MIRI myocardial cells in rats, and decreased the c-fos protein expression in LHA/FN nuclei. MIRI was associated with an imbalance between GABA and Glu levels, whereas EA pretreatment increased GABA levels and decreased Glu levels in the LHA/FN. Conclusion: FN and LHA are involved in the EA-mediated attenuation of MIRI. Pretreatment with EA plays a protective role in the myocardium by regulating Glu and GABA release in the LHA and FN.

Research Article2022-12-31

Effect of Acupuncture on Physical Symptoms and Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder: a Single-Arm Longitudinal Study

Yuto Matsuura^1,*, Seiji Hongo², Hiroshi Taniguchi¹, Fumiko Yasuno¹, Tomomi Sakai¹

J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(6): 336-346 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.6.336

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Background: Acupuncture is a non-pharmacological therapy used clinically for mood disorders. Relief of physical symptoms with acupuncture treatment may lead to relief of depressive symptoms and improvement of quality of life (QoL). Few studies have examined the effect of acupuncture on the physical symptoms and QoL of patients with mood disorders.Objectives: To examine the effect of acupuncture on physical symptoms and QoL of patients with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD).Methods: This prospective, single-arm, longitudinal study included patients with MDD and BD from an outpatient psychiatric clinic. Acupuncture was performed weekly for 12 weeks in combination with regular treatment, with fixed acupoints and individualized treatment for each patient. Psychiatric symptoms were evaluated using the Himorogi Self-Rating Depression Scale (HSDS) and Himorogi Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (HSAS). Physical symptoms such as physical pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sleep disorders were evaluated using the Japanese version of the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 (SSS-8) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). QoL was evaluated using the 8-item Short-Form (SF-8) Health Survey.Results: A total of 36 patients (15 MDD and 21 BD patients) were analyzed. After 12 weeks of acupuncture, HSDS and HSAS scores significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Physical symptoms evaluated using SSS-8 and VAS scores also significantly improved (p < 0.05). In particular, neck pain and insomnia improved at an early stage. Among the SF-8 subscales, scores of bodily pain, general health perception, role limitations due to emotional problems, and mental health significantly increased (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Acupuncture may improve not only psychiatric symptoms but also physical symptoms and QoL in patients with treatment-resistant mood disorders. Further studies are required for confirmation of the preliminary data collected thus far.

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 Son^3,*

J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(6): 248-254 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.248

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Background: 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.

Research Article2024-02-29

Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation on Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis

Ting Li^†, Meng Wu^†, Junjian Tian , Yitong Li , Zhigang Li^*

J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(1): 1-11 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.1

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Background: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a unique thermogenic tissue in mammals mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The energy generated by glucose and triglyceride metabolism is released and transmitted throughout the body as heat. Understanding the factors influencing BAT function is crucial to determine its metabolic significance and effects on overall health. Although studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at specific acupoints (e.g., ST36) can stimulate BAT, its effects at other acupoints are not well understood. Further research is needed to investigate the potential effects of EA at these acupoints and their association with BAT activation.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA at the GV20 and EX-HN3 acupoints. Specifically, the effects of EA on BAT thermogenesis were analyzed by infrared thermography, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A total of 12 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the EA and control groups. The EA group received EA at GV20 and EX-HN3 for 20 min once daily for 14 days. The control group underwent the same procedure but without EA. The core body temperature was monitored. Infrared thermal images of the back of each mouse in both groups were captured. BAT samples were collected after euthanasia to analyze UCP1 protein and UCP1 mRNA. Results: The average skin temperature in the scapular region of the EA group was increased by 1.1℃ compared with that of the C group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average temperature along the governor vessel in the EA group was increased by 1.6℃ (p = 0.045). EA significantly increased the expression of UCP1 protein (p = 0.001) and UCP1 mRNA (p = 0.002) in BAT, suggesting a potential link between EA and BAT thermogenesis. Conclusion: EA induced BAT thermogenesis, suggesting GV20 and EX-HN3 as potential acupoints for BAT stimulation. The experimental results also highlighted unique meridian characteristics as demonstrated by elevated skin temperature along the governor vessel in mice.