Articles
ONLINEARTICLES 1,103
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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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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
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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Case Report2024-10-31
Acupuncture for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia: a Case Report
Yuto Matsuura*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(5): 172-177 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.5.172AbstractImportance: This report details a case of effectively managing severe panic attacks in a panic disorder (PD) patient with agoraphobia by acupuncture treatment.Case presentation: A 38-year-old Japanese woman suffering from PD with agoraphobia presented at our acupuncture clinic with complaints of repeated panic attacks and anxiety. Initially starting to experience symptoms in her late teens, she avoided psychiatric consultation due to reluctance toward psychotropic medications. An unbiased psychiatrist used the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) to assess her PD severity. The PDSS score decreased from 21 on the first to 12 points on the sixth visit. The patient experienced reduced frequency and severity of panic attacks, with restored confidence to go into public despite agoraphobia.Conclusions and Relevance: This is the first report to demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture on PD with agoraphobia using PDSS, suggesting its potential as a nonpharmacological treatment for patients with PD and agoraphobia.
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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.
