JournalTOCs

Acupuncture in Medicine
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.702

Citation Impact (citeScore): 1
Number of Followers: 16

Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
ISSN (Print) 0964-5284 - ISSN (Online) 1759-9873
Published by BMJ Publishing Group

[62 journals]

Acupuncture modulates development of myopia by reducing NLRP3 inflammasome
activation via the dopamine-D1R signaling pathway
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  Authors: Chih-Sheng Chen, Chi-Fong Lin, Yung-Lan Chou, Der-Yen Lee, Peng-Tai Tien, Yao-Chien Wang, Ching-Yao Chang, En-Shyh Lin, Jamie Jiin Chen, Ming-Yen Wu, Hsiangyu Ku, Dekang Gan, Yung-Ming Chang, Hui-Ju Lin, Lei Wan
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Dopamine has been suggested to be a stop signal for eye growth and affects the development of myopia. Acupuncture is known to increase dopamine secretion and is widely used to treat myopia clinically.Objective:The aim of this study was to determine if acupuncture inhibits myopia progression in form deprived Syrian hamsters by inducing rises in dopamine content that in turn suppress inflammasome activation.Methods:Acupuncture was applied at LI4 and Taiyang every other day for 21 days. The levels of molecules associated with the dopamine signaling pathway, inflammatory signaling pathway and inflammasome activation were determined. A dopamine agonist (apomorphine) was used to evaluate if activation of the dopaminergic signaling pathway suppresses myopia progression by inhibiting inflammasome activation in primary retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. A dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) inhibitor (SCH39166) was also administered to the hamsters.Results:Acupuncture inhibited myopia development by increasing dopamine levels and activating the D1R signaling pathway. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-, leucine-rich repeat (LRR)- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation was inhibited by activation of the D1R signaling pathway.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that acupuncture inhibits myopia development by suppressing inflammation, which is initiated by activation of the dopamine—D1R signaling pathway.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-05-22T04:34:44Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284231170886
Effects of electroacupuncture at KI3 and ST36 on the hypothalamic
paraventricular nucleus in a rat model of chronic glomerulonephritis
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  Authors: Hang Su, Haosheng Wu, Shengbing Wu, Meiqi Zhou
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) acts as a critical integrating center of endocrine/autonomic responses and regulates visceral functional activities. However, its involvement in electroacupuncture (EA) treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) remains unclear.Methods:Over four experiments, we randomized 111 rats into: control, untreated model (CGN) or EA-treated model (CGN + EA) groups, a model group receiving EA after PVN damage (CGN + EA + Lesion) or untreated model groups injected with adeno-associated viral vectors encoding human M4 muscarinic receptor (CGN + hM4D) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (CGN + EGFP). CGN was modeled by intraperitoneal injection of bovine serum albumin for 2 weeks. Rats in the CGN + EA and CGN + EA + Lesion groups received EA at bilateral ST36 and KI3 for 14 days. Urine/serum samples were collected to evaluate inflammatory factors and changes in renal function.Results:EA inhibited the release of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β, and decreased urine protein (PRO), creatinine (Cre) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. PVN damage influenced the effect of EA on the levels of these parameters. EA appeared to inhibit the firing frequency and spectral energy of PVN neurons. In the viral vector experiment, levels of PRO, Cre, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in the CGN group were increased in CGN versus control groups (p
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-05-11T11:20:55Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284231166718
Electroacupuncture of the cymba concha alleviates
p-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia in mice
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  Authors: Fenyan Zhang, Xiaoming Zhang, Qi Peng, Ling Tang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and is often comorbid with mental and physical diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the hypnotic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of the cymba concha to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN).Methods:Mice were intraperitoneally injected with p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 300 mg/kg·d) for 2 days to induce insomnia and subsequently received EA or manual acupuncture (MA) of the cymba concha for 30 min once daily for 5 consecutive days, or no treatment. The phenobarbital-induced sleep test was used to analyze the hypnotic effects and the open field test was used to analyze the locomotor activities and anxiolytic effects of EA/MA of the cymba concha. In addition, the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) in the hypothalamus and peripheral blood were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:PCPA injection significantly decreased sleep duration, increased sleep latency and induced anxiety-like behaviors in mice. In PCPA-insulted mice, EA of the cymba concha improved the sleep disturbance by significantly prolonging sleep duration, while no change in sleep latency was observed. Moreover, EA of the cymba concha improved PCPA-induced anxiety-like behaviors without decreasing locomotor activities in the open field test. EA of the cymba concha increased the level of GABA in the hypothalamus and peripheral blood, while Glu concentrations remained unchanged.Conclusion:These findings indicate that EA of the region innervated by the ABVN upregulates GABA levels in the hypothalamus and ameliorates the symptoms of insomnia and anxiety, suggesting that EA of the cymba concha might have potential value as an intervention for insomnia.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-04-21T04:58:56Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284231160193
Effect of acupuncture on brain functional networks in patients with mild
cognitive impairment: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis
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  Authors: Rui Xia, Jinxin Ren, Mengyang Wang, Yiwen Wan, Yalan Dai, Xingjie Li, Zhuguo Wu, Shangjie Chen
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Prior research has shown that acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medical therapy, may have a certain therapeutic effect in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Furthermore, some studies have explored the effects of acupuncture on the brain functional networks of MCI patients to investigate the mechanism of action. Different studies have analysed the brain regions involved in acupuncture-induced changes, but (to our knowledge) these have not been summarized by a systematic review.Methods:We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI and other databases in Chinese and English to identify neuroimaging studies of acupuncture interventions in MCI patients. After two stages of literature screening, bias risk assessment and data extraction, brain regions with significant differences were input into GingerALE software. Based on the activation likelihood estimation algorithm, coordinate-based meta-analyses were conducted.Results:The changes in functional activation of 95 different areas in 8 trials, including 212 MCI patients, were analysed. The three most commonly used traditional acupuncture point locations in acupuncture interventions for MCI were KI3 (Taixi), LR3 (Taichong) and LI4 (Hegu). The results of the ALE data analysis showed that, after acupuncture intervention, the degree of activation in the anterior cingulate, inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus and cerebellar tonsil of MCI patients increased significantly.Conclusions:Acupuncture intervention for MCI appears to change the plasticity of brain function and improve the cognitive function of patients. Due to the small number and low quality of the included studies, the conclusion of this meta-analysis should be treated with caution.Registration:PROSPERO reference CRD42022301056 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO).
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-02-15T12:01:55Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146199
Effect of trigger point acupuncture on pain and functional activity in
patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised controlled
trial
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  Authors: Hong Liu, Ya-Ping Li, Mei-Jin Hou, Wu-Jie Huang, Xiao-Lin Chen, Zhen Gao, Zheng Jiang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Trigger point (TrP) acupuncture is commonly used to treat chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Evidence for the efficacy of most TrP acupuncture modalities is weak or lacking.Objective:To assess the effect of TrP acupuncture on pain, disability, gait and muscle activation in patients with CNLBP.Methods:From May 2019 to February 2020, a randomised, single-blind clinical trial was carried out involving 33 participants with CNLBP, divided into one of two intervention groups or a control group (n = 11 per group). The intervention groups received TrP acupuncture or traditional acupuncture treatment three times a week for 4 weeks, and the control group remained on a waiting list and received no treatment. Pain, disability, gait and muscle activation were assessed at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks of follow-up.Results:At baseline, the three groups showed no significant differences in age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI) or disease course (p ⩾ 0.05). At 4 weeks, pain was relieved (measured by visual analogue scores, p = 0.036) and disability was improved (reflected by lower Oswestry disability index scores, p = 0.029) in TrP acupuncture versus waiting list groups. Moreover, lumbar extension range of motion was increased in TrP acupuncture versus both traditional acupuncture and waiting list groups (p = 0.029 and p = 0.027, respectively). At 8 weeks, there were no significant differences in any parameter between the three groups (p> 0.05).Conclusion:TrP acupuncture had a significant short-term effect on pain relief and disability in patients with CNLBP, but there was no evidence of a long-term influence (at 8 weeks following the intervention). Further high-quality randomised controlled trials are needed for verification in the future.Trial registration number: ChiCTR1900022838 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry)
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-02-10T06:30:25Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221107685
Effectiveness of acupuncture for fatigue in patients with
relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial
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  Authors: Faezeh Khodaie, Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi, Amir Hooman Kazemi, Baixiao Zhao
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Fatigue is experienced by more than 65% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Some studies have supported the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving the symptoms of MS.Objective:The present research was intended to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture plus amantadine compared with amantadine alone on fatigue in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in the remission stage of the disease.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 60 participants with RRMS suffering from fatigue were recruited and randomized equally to acupuncture (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The acupuncture group received treatment 2 to 3 times per week for 10 sessions over 4 weeks. Both the acupuncture and control groups received amantadine 100 mg daily and routine treatment with immuno-modulators. The primary outcome was the fatigue severity scale (FSS) score, which was evaluated at baseline, and after 2 and 4 weeks. The secondary outcome was the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life 54 (MSQOL-54) questionnaire score, measured at baseline and the end of the 4-week treatment period.Results:The severity of fatigue was reduced in both groups. However, after 4 weeks of treatment, the reduction of fatigue in the acupuncture group was more significant than in the control group (P
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-02-01T11:02:40Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221150824
Acupuncture for trigger finger: a case report
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  Authors: Kaiyong Zhang, Peng Liu, Zixiang Geng, Bimeng Zhang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-24T05:10:24Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146202
Billing for perioperative acupuncture: current practices and future
directions
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  Authors: Alexander B Stone, Roberta J Stack, Stephanie I Cheng
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-19T10:59:49Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146203
Effects of electroacupuncture on the ventral tegmental area- nucleus
accumbens dopamine pathway in rats with chronic sleep deprivation
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  Authors: Hanqing Xi, Wenzhong Wu, Shan Qin, Xiaoqiu Wang, Chengyong Liu
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Insomnia is a well-recognized clinical sleep disorder in the adult population. It has been established that acupuncture has a clinical effects in the treatment of insomnia; however, research on the underlying neural circuits involved in these effects is limited.Methods:The modified multiple platform method (MMPM) was used to establish a rat model of chronic sleep deprivation (CSD). Forty rats were randomly divided into a control (Con) group, (untreated) CSD group, electroacupuncture-treated CSD group (CSD + EA) and estazolam-treated CSD group (CSD + Estazolam group) with n = 10 per group. In the CSD + EA group, EA was delivered at Yintang and unilateral HT7 (left and right treated every other day) with continuous waves (2 Hz frequency) for 30 min/day over 7 consecutive days. In the CSD + Estazolam groups, estazolam was administered by oral gavage (0.1 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. The open field test (OFT) was used to observe behavioral changes. Immunofluorescence assays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to observe the effects of EA on the ventral tegmental area (VTA)-nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine (DA) pathway. We also assessed the effects of EA on the expression of dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) in the NAc, which are the downstream targets of the VTA-NAc DA pathway.Results:After CSD was established by MMPM, rats exhibited increased autonomous activity and increased excitability of the VTA-NAc DA pathway, with increased VTA and NAc DA content, increased D1R expression and decreased D2R expression in the NAc. EA appeared to reduce the autonomous ability of CSD rats, leading to lower DA content in the VTA and NAc, reduced expression of D1R in the NAc and increased expression of D2R. Most importantly, EA produced effects similar to estazolam with respect to the general condition of rats with CSD and regulation of the VTA-NAc DA pathway.Conclusions:The therapeutic effect of EA in chronic insomnia may be mediated by reduced excitability of the VTA-NAc DA pathway, with lower DA content in the VTA and NAc, downregulated expression of D1R in the NAc and increased expression of D2R.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-19T10:57:09Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146197
Effects of electroacupuncture at ST36 and BL20 on the diabetic rat testis
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  Authors: Gulnur Kizilay, Onur Ersoy, Cuneyt Bozer, Selim Demirtas, Selman Cikmaz, Ali Yılmaz
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:We aimed to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 and BL20 on the testicular tissues in a rat model of diabetes and to explore the mechanisms of action.Methods:A total of 34 male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to a control group (n = 10), diabetes (D) group (n = 12) or diabetes + acupuncture (DA) group (n = 12). To model diabetes, rats in groups D and DA received an intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH = 4.5; 0.1 M) after 2 weeks of high-fat diet administration. Under xylazine/ketamine anesthesia, stainless steel needles (30 mm × 0.25 mm) were inserted bilaterally at ST36 and BL20. The needles were connected to an EA device via cables, and EA was applied for 30 min (15 Hz frequency and 0.2–1 mA intensity) twice a week for 5 weeks.Results:The effects of EA at ST36 and BL20 on blood glucose levels and body weight, biochemical parameters, histopathological, morphometric and immunohistochemical findings, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis were evaluated. A significant decrease was detected in DA versus D groups in blood glucose levels, basement membrane thickness and apoptotic cell/tubule indices. In addition, there was a significant increase in the Johnsen scores, seminiferous tubule diameters, serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone, proliferation indices, and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) immunoreactivities.Conclusion:EA had multiple positive effects on blood glucose homeostasis and testicular structure/function in this rat model of diabetes. EA may be effective at preventing or eliminating histopathological damage in the diabetic testis.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-19T10:55:09Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146196
Evaluation of the effects of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture at
LI4 and LI11 on perception thresholds: a prospective crossover trial
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  Authors: Aiko Oyamaguchi, Hiroshi Hanamoto, Yoshiki Tanaka, Sayo Takahashi, Hitoshi Niwa
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:The objective of the study was to investigate and compare the effects of manual acupuncture (MA) and electroacupuncture (EA) on current perception thresholds (CPTs) using quantitative methods.Methods:Twenty-nine healthy volunteers participated in this prospective crossover trial, in which three acupuncture methods were compared: control, MA, and EA. Acupuncture needles were inserted to a depth of 15 mm at LI4 and LI11 on the left side and retained for 30 min with or without electrical stimulation at a frequency of 2 Hz (EA and MA, respectively). The needles were removed and participants rested for 30 min. CPT in the left mental region was measured at 2000, 250, and 5 Hz, corresponding to the activation of Aβ, Aδ, and C-fibers, respectively, at four time points: baseline, T0; 15 min after needle application, T1; immediately after needle removal, T2; and 30 min after needle removal, T3. In the control session, only a sensory test was performed (without acupuncture).Results:Significant effects of time course on CPT were observed (p
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-19T10:47:09Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221131339
Perforating globe injury after acupuncture treatment: two cases
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  Authors: Qimiao Wang, Yuanlong Zhang, Xin Wang, Yaju Pang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-19T10:05:42Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221131338
Acupuncture for neurodermatitis: a case report
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  Authors: Kai-huan Zeng, Dong-nan Chen, Gai-qin Yang, Yong-gang Yu, Ting-ting Li
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-18T09:33:12Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146201
Acupuncture for the treatment of constipation in Parkinson’s
disease: a case report
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  Authors: Wujun Wang, Lianyan Jiang, Xianrong Feng, Mao Li
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2023-01-14T06:02:45Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221146200
Acupuncture targeting the minor salivary glands for dry mouth: a case
report
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  Authors: Nobuari Takakura, Takahiro Yamada, Tomohiro Tanaka, Marina Yokouchi, Miho Takayama, Judith M Schlaeger, Hiroyoshi Yajima
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-12-13T08:35:34Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221131340
Electroacupuncture inhibits hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and improves
cognitive dysfunction in mice with vascular dementia via the JNK signaling
pathway
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  Authors: Yaru Liu, Zhenyang Yan, Yafei Ren, Woyu Wang, Yinze Ke, Yifan Wang, Rongming Qi
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to reduce cognitive impairment in vascular dementia (VaD) patients. However, the mechanism of action remains unknown.Objective:The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway plays an important role in apoptosis. Herein, we focused on whether EA can inhibit apoptosis and alleviate cognitive impairment by regulating the JNK signaling pathway using a mouse model of VaD induced by modified bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo).Methods:In experiment I, 60 mice were randomly divided into a Sham group, BCCAo group, BCCAo + EA group, BCCAo + Sham-EA group, BCCAo + SP group (receiving the selective JNK inhibitor SP600125) and BCCAo + SP + EA group. Morris water maze tests, TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effect of the EA intervention on VaD. In experiment II, 30 mice were randomly divided into a Sham group, BCCAo group, BCCAo + EA group, BCCAo + SP group and BCCAo + SP + EA group. Western blotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect protein and mRNA expression of key factors in the JNK signaling pathway in the hippocampus.Results:EA, SP600125 and EA + SP600125 significantly inhibited hippocampal apoptosis and improved cognitive impairment in VaD model mice. There were no significant differences between the BCCAo group and the BCCAo + Sham-EA group. EA, EA + SP600125 and SP600125 inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK and caspase-3. EA and EA + SP600125 promoted protein and mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in the hippocampus of VaD mice and inhibited protein and mRNA expression of activator protein (AP)-1, p53 and Bax.Conclusion:EA can reverse cognitive deficits and inhibit hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in VaD model mice, at least partially through inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway and regulation of apoptosis signals.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-12-09T08:23:38Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221136878
Electroacupuncture of muscle and tendon attachments in an athlete with
lateral epicondylitis of the humerus: a case report
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  Authors: Toshihiro Maemichi, Shigeru Meguriya, Atsuya Furusho, Toshiharu Tsutsui, Tsukasa Kumai
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-12-01T09:23:36Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221131335
Acupuncture treatment for persistent post-prostatectomy urinary
incontinence: a case series
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  Authors: Chaoran Wang, Wentao Li, Xiaojiang Li, Haojian Zhang, Huichuan Tian, Yingjie Jia
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-12-01T09:17:37Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221131332
Intra-oral acupuncture treatment for chronic aspiration after esophageal
cancer surgery: a case report
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  Authors: SunKyung Jin, WooJeong Lee, Hae Jeong Nam, Kyuseok Kim
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-11-26T09:07:42Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221125249
Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for oxaliplatin-induced
peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients: a single-blinded,
randomized, sham-controlled trial
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  Authors: Kaiyin Chan, Louisa Lui, Yukting Lam, Kaling Yu, Kwongwai Lau, Manchi Lai, Waiwai Lau, Lokyin Tai, Chunkin Mak, Zhaoxing Bian, Linda LD Zhong
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy is a major first-line conventional therapy for advanced and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, oxaliplatin causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Acupuncture has long been used to alleviate limb numbness in Chinese medicine practice.Aim:The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) for the alleviation of CIPN in CRC patients.Design:This was a pilot single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial.Setting/participants:Sixty eligible patients, who had been diagnosed with CRC and were undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy, were randomized in a ratio of 1:1 to the EA intervention group or sham acupuncture (SA) control group. During a 12-week treatment period, patients in the EA group received EA once a week, while patients in the SA group received SA; both groups were followed up for 12 weeks.Results:Compared with the SA group, the EA group exhibited significant alleviation of CIPN severity during chemotherapy. Moreover, EA also improved the physical function, role function, and social function of CRC patients. However, there were no significant differences in tests of vibration or light touch sensation. In addition, EA appeared to be a safe treatment for CIPN and was both feasible and acceptable to CRC patients during chemotherapy.Conclusion:This study showed preliminary evidence for the efficacy and safety of EA in acute CIPN among CRC patients, although further studies are needed to verify these effects and to further explore the potential role of EA in chronic CIPN (effects on which remain unclear).Trial registration number:NCT03582423 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-11-03T07:15:28Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221125421
Effects of electroacupuncture on liver function in mice with chronic
alcoholic liver injury: visual display by in vivo fluorescence imaging
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  Authors: Xiao-jing Song, Shu-you Wang, Shu-yong Jia, Guang-jun Wang, Wei-bo Zhang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:Acupuncture can improve the symptoms of alcohol-induced bodily injury and has been accepted by the World Health Organization. In this study, in vivo fluorescence imaging (IVFI) was applied to display and evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on liver function (LF) in mice with chronic alcoholic liver injury (cALI).Methods:IVFI of the Cy5.5-galactosylated polylysine (Cy5.5-GP) probe targeting the liver asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) and liver indocyanine green (ICG) clearance was performed to visually evaluate the effect of EA at ST36 and BL18 on liver reserve function and hepatic metabolism in mice with cALI. In addition, changes in ASGPR expression, serum indexes of LF, and hepatic morphology were observed.Results:After EA at ST36 and BL18, the ASGPR-targeted fluorescence signals (FS) in the liver increased significantly in cALI mice (p
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-10-20T08:10:39Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221125248
Electroacupuncture alleviates cognitive dysfunction and neuronal
pyroptosis in septic mice
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  Authors: Yan Li, Zhaoying Li, Fujuan He, Chenguang Qin, Rui Fan, Fangxiang Zhang, Bin Wang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Sepsis is defined as organ dysfunction caused by an uncontrolled response to infection and is followed by a high incidence of cognitive dysfunction, which can severely affect patients’ quality of life. Previous studies have suggested that electroacupuncture (EA) is protective against sepsis-associated cognitive dysfunction and that pyroptosis plays a vital role in cognitive function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of EA on cognition and neuronal pyroptosis in a mouse model of sepsis.Methods:Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. Mice were randomly divided into three groups (control, CLP and CLP + EA). EA was performed at bilateral ST36 for three consecutive days after the surgery. The 7-day survival rate of each group was observed on the seventh day after the surgery. The Morris water maze (MWM) was used to test cognitive function from the 8th to 12th day after the surgery. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining to determine the structural integrity of hippocampal neuronal membranes and the number of surviving neurons in the hippocampal tissues, respectively. Expression of nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1), caspase-1 and gasdermin-D (GSDM D) in hippocampal CA1 neurons was detected by Western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and caspase-1 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Compared with the CLP group, 7-day survival rates and cognitive function were significantly improved in the CLP + EA group. After EA treatment, the integrity of the hippocampal CA1 neuronal membrane and mortality of hippocampal neurons were significantly decreased, and expression of NLRP1, caspase-1 and GSDM D was downregulated.Conclusion:EA can alleviate cognitive dysfunction and neuronal pyroptosis in septic mice.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-10-18T02:15:52Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221117847
Effects of acupuncture on microglial polarization and the TLR4/TRIF/MyD88
pathway in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
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  Authors: Lu-Xi Cao, Shu-Jun Lin, Si-Si Zhao, Shi-Qi Wang, Hai Zeng, Wen-An Chen, Zhuo-Wen Lin, Jia-Xu Chen, Ming-Min Zhu, Yi-Min Zhang
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:Neuroinflammation caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to neurological deficits. Acupuncture can inhibit neuroinflammation and promote nerve repair; however, the specific mechanism is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore whether acupuncture could modulate the M1 and M2 phenotypic polarization of microglia in a rat model of TBI via the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/intracellular toll-interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon-β (TRIF)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) pathway.Methods:A total of 90 adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, SPF grade, were randomly divided into a normal group, model group and acupuncture group. Each group was further divided into three subgroups (first, third, and fifth day groups) according to the treatment time (n = 10 rats/subgroup). We used the modified neurological severity score (mNSS) method to quantify neurological deficits before and after modeling. We used Nissl staining to observe the pathological changes in brain tissue, flow cytometry to detect the proportion of M1 and M2 polarized microglia in the injured area on the first, third and fifth day, and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) to examine TLR4/TRIF/MyD88 expression in microglia on the first, third and fifth day, as well as expression of the amount of binding of TLR4 with TRIF and MyD88.Results:Compared to the model group, mNSS in the acupuncture group gradually decreased and pathological morphology improved. The proportion of CD11b/CD86 positive cells was decreased, while that of CD11b/CD206 was increased in the acupuncture group. Expression of IP TLR4, IP TRIF and IP MyD88 also decreased in the acupuncture group.Conclusion:The results of this study demonstrate that one of the mechanisms through which acupuncture mitigates neuroinflammation and promotes nerve repair in TBI rats may be inhibition of M1 phenotypic polarization and promotion of M2 phenotypic polarization through inhibition of the TLR4/TRIF/MyD88 signaling pathway.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-09-01T06:51:18Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221108214
Electroacupuncture pretreatment protects septic rats from acute lung
injury by relieving inflammation and regulating macrophage polarization
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  Authors: Jun Zhou, Lan Li, Mengjian Qu, Jinqu Tan, Guanghua Sun, Fu Luo, Peirui Zhong, Chengqi He
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype may attenuate inflammation and have a therapeutic effect in acute lung injury (ALI).Objective:To investigate the role of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on the inflammatory response and macrophage polarization in a septic rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI.Methods:Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24) were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 each): control (Ctrl), ALI (LPS) and pre-EA (LPS + EA pretreatment). ALI and pre-EA rats were injected with LPS via the caudal vein. Pulmonary edema was assessed by left upper pulmonary lobe wet-to-dry (W/D) ratios. Lung injury scores were obtained from paraffin-embedded and hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the left lower pulmonary lobe. Inflammatory activation was quantified using serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and IL-10 levels measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Macrophage phenotype was determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting.Results:Mean lung W/D ratio was significantly lower and serum IL-1β levels were decreased in pre-EA rats compared to ALI rats (P
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-08-30T10:45:18Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221118588
Core outcomes were rarely reported overall in systematic reviews on
acupuncture for osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional meta-epidemiological
study
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  Authors: Tengyue Hu, Youlin Long, Rui Chen, Zixin Yang, Liqin Liu, Litao Huang, Jin Huang, Ga Liao, Liang Du
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:To identify a comprehensive list of outcomes and explore the reporting rate of core outcome sets (COS) and related factors in systematic reviews (SRs) of acupuncture for osteoarthritis (OA).Study design and setting:Databases were searched for the relative SRs. Descriptive statistics were calculated as frequencies and percentages. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the factors affecting the reporting rate of COS.Results:We included 59 SRs. Outcome measures reported in the SRs were classified into 11 domains and 67 unique outcomes. No SR completely reported COS. In COS released in 2016, 75% of outcomes (6/8) were only reported by ⩽5% SRs. In COS released in 2019, the reporting rate was very low (from 0% to 17%) for 73.3% of outcomes (11/15). SRs published in the most recent 5 years had a significantly greater possibility of reporting COS (odds ratio (OR) = 4.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33 to 16.88, p = 0.016).Conclusion:Core outcomes were rarely reported in systematic reviews of acupuncture for OA, with considerable heterogeneity in the use of outcomes. The publication of COS in the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) database may help promote the reporting of COS. We encourage systematic reviewers to use relevant COS.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-08-19T09:17:43Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221108215
Electroacupuncture relieves visceral hypersensitivity through modulation
of the endogenous cannabinoid system
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  Authors: Ning Ma, Xiaojing Li, Qiuhua Li, Diqi Yang, Shen Zhuang, Sha Nan, Ai Liu, Mingxing Ding, Yi Ding
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively relieve visceral hypersensitivity (VH). However, its mechanisms are still unclear.Objective:To investigate the impact of EA on VH caused by ileitis, and whether EA relieves VH by modulating the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS).Methods:Thirty male native goats were randomly divided into a saline-treated control group (Saline, n = 9) and three 2,4,6-trinitro-benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-treated VH model groups that underwent injection of TNBS into the ileal wall to induce VH and remained untreated (TNBS, n = 9) or received six sessions of EA (for 30 min every 3 days) (TNBS + EA, n = 6) or sham acupuncture (TNBS + Sham, n = 6). The visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention (CRD) was measured after each EA treatment. Three goats in the Saline/TNBS groups were euthanized after 7 days for histopathological examination; the remaining 24 (n = 6/group) underwent sampling of the ileal wall, T11 spinal cord and brain nuclei/areas related to visceral regulation and ascending pain modulation system on day 22. Expression of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R), fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:VMR to CRD was greater in TNBS-treated goats than in saline-treated goats (p < 0.01) from day 7 to 22. After day 7, EA-treated goats showed a decreased (p < 0.05) VMR compared with untreated TNBS-exposed goats. TNBS treatment decreased CB1R and increased FAAH and MAGL expression in the ileum and related nuclei/areas; this was reversed by EA.Conclusion:EA ameliorates VH, probably by regulating the ECS in the intestine and nuclei/areas related to visceral regulation and descending pain modulation systems.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-08-12T05:14:26Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221107699
Electroacupuncture improves follicular development and metabolism and
regulates the expression of adiponectin, AMPK and ACC in an obese rat
model of polycystic ovary syndrome
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  Authors: Jing Zhou, Ping Yin, Qingyi Zhao, Zhihai Hu, Yi Wang, Guizhi Ma, Xinyi Wu, Lu Lu, Yin Shi
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to be effective at improving hyperandrogenism and follicular arrest in PCOS; however, its mechanism of action remains to be deciphered.Objective:In this study, we investigated whether EA improved follicular development in an obese rat model of PCOS and regulated the expression of adiponectin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC).Methods:EA was administered at CV3, CV4 and ST40. Changes in body weight, paraovarian fat, estrus cycle, ovarian morphology, levels of related hormones, and glucose and lipid metabolism were evaluated. In addition, protein and mRNA expression of adiponectin, AMPK and ACC was measured.Results:The body weight and paraovarian fat of rats in the EA group were reduced, while estrus cyclicity and ovarian morphology improved. Levels of free fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly reduced in the EA group, as well as blood glucose levels. Furthermore, levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone were reduced in the EA group, while estradiol levels were increased. Protein and mRNA expression of adiponectin, AMPKα1 and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) was found to be increased in the EA group, while protein and mRNA expression of ACC were significantly reduced.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that EA improved follicular development and metabolism and regulated expression levels of adiponectin, AMPKα1, LKB1 and ACC in our obese rat model of PCOS.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-07-14T05:00:16Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221107690
Dopamine relieves inflammatory responses through the D2 receptor after
electroacupuncture at ST36 in a mouse model of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
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  Authors: Xuemei Liu, Tao Fan, Jinshuai Guan, Ai Luo, Yan Yu, Daohong Chen, Bing Mao, Hongli Jiang, Wei Liu
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:To detect the role of dopamine in the anti-inflammatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:Twenty-eight male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the control group, model group, sham EA (sham) group or ST36 EA (ST36) group in a 1:1:1:1 ratio (n = 7 each). The COPD mouse model was established through cigarette smoke (CS) exposure for 12 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, EA was applied at a sham point location or ST36 before CS exposure. Lung function, histopathological changes, inflammatory cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), inflammatory cytokines in BALF, plasma, lung tissue homogenate (LTH), and plasma dopamine levels were detected in the different groups. Furthermore, the role of different dopamine receptors was explored through intraperitoneal injections of non-specific dopamine receptor antagonist chlorpromazine, specific dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 and specific dopamine D2 receptor antagonist eticlopride hydrochloride prior to ST36 EA and CS exposure.Results:EA at ST36 improved lung function, alleviated lung and systemic inflammatory responses by reducing inflammatory cells and cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1β in BALF, plasma and lung tissue in this COPD mouse model. Plasma dopamine was greatly increased after EA at ST36, negatively correlated with lung histological lesions and inflammatory cytokine levels, and positively correlated with mice body weight and lung function indicators. Chlorpromazine and eticlopride hydrochloride inhibited the anti-inflammatory effect of EA at ST36, while SCH 23390 showed no neutralizing effect.Conclusion:EA at ST36 could alleviate inflammation in this mouse model of COPD through the dopamine D2 receptor pathway.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-07-01T10:13:01Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221107684
Changes in stiffness at active myofascial trigger points of the upper
trapezius after dry needling in patients with chronic neck pain: a
randomized controlled trial
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  Authors: Juan Antonio Valera-Calero, Sandra Sánchez-Jorge, Jorge Buffet-García, Umut Varol, César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Javier Álvarez-González
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background/objective:Since, to our knowledge, the effects of dry needling (DN) on active myofascial trigger point (MTrP) stiffness have not been analyzed previously with shear wave elastography (SWE), our aim was to compare the effects of a single session of DN and sham DN applied to the most active MTrP located in the upper trapezius muscle on clinical outcomes.Methods:A randomized, double-blinded sham-controlled trial was conducted; 60 patients were randomized into an experimental (DN) or sham (sham DN) group. Baseline data including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. SWE and pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) at the MTrP and a control point located 3 cm laterally were the main outcomes assessed before and 10 min after the interventions.Results:Patients receiving DN interventions experienced greater increases in the control point PPTs immediately after receiving the intervention compared with sham DN (p < 0.05), but no differences were found for the MTrP (p> 0.05). Post-intervention PPT improvements were found at both locations for both groups (p < 0.01). No significant changes for either MTrP or control locations were found for SWE outcomes in either group (all ps> 0.05). No significant within-group SWE differences were found in the DN or sham DN groups (p> 0.05).Conclusion:A single session of DN or sham DN applied to active MTrPs located in the upper trapezius muscle produced no detectable changes in stiffness at the MTrP or control locations. Real DN induced an immediate analgesic response at both MTrP and control locations, while sham DN induced an immediate MTrP response.Trial registration number:NCT04832074 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-06-29T06:57:20Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221104831
The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture/electroacupuncture for
chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and
meta-analysis
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  Authors: Li-Xia Pei, Yue Yi, Jing Guo, Lu Chen, Jin-Yong Zhou, Xiao-Liang Wu, Jian-Hua Sun, Hao Chen
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a dose-limiting adverse eﬀect of anticancer agents with virtually no effective treatment. Safe and effective therapies are needed urgently. Acupuncture shows therapeutic possibilities in this regard but needs to be further evaluated.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in seven databases from their inception to April 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on acupuncture/electroacupuncture (EA) for the treatment of CIPN were included. Revman 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis if there was no significant heterogeneity. Otherwise, qualitative analysis was utilized.Results:Nine studies involving 582 patients were included in this review. Most of the studies exhibited unclear risk of bias because some details were not mentioned. As the clinical heterogeneity was significant, qualitative analysis was performed to describe nerve conduction velocity, effective rate for motor neuropathy, pain scores, quality of life and adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed on four studies to analyze the effective rate for sensory neuropathy due to inconspicuous heterogeneity. The results indicated that acupuncture may generate a better effect on sensory neuropathy than vitamin B (risk ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.31–1.95, I2 = 0%, p < 0.00001). The efficacy of EA plus glutathione (GSH) appeared to be better than that of GSH alone in alleviating sensory neurotoxicity and in improving nerve conduction velocity. Acupuncture plus methylcobalamin showed more favorable effects than methylcobalamin alone in relieving neuralgia, restoring nerve conduction velocity and improving quality of life. In terms of pain relief and improved CIPN-specific quality of life, acupuncture plus standard care was better than standard care alone. In terms of pain relief, EA was more effective than usual care.Conclusion:Acupuncture may be effective and safe in the treatment of CIPN according to the analyzed studies. However, more studies with higher methodological quality are warranted in order to be able to draw firmer conclusions. Future rigorous RCTs will be necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for CIPN.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-06-13T05:17:02Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221076512
Motor function and fALFF modulation in convalescent-period ischemic stroke
patients after scalp acupuncture therapy: a multi-centre randomized
controlled trial
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  Authors: Yijun Zhan, Jian Pei, Jun Wang, Qinhui Fu, Jia Xu, Minghang Yan, Yiwen Cai, Xiao Cui, Wencheng Ye, Mingxia Fan, Qiurong Yu, Jie Jia
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Background:Scalp acupuncture has been found to be effective at improving motor function after ischemic stroke, but few studies examining its central mechanisms of action have been carried out. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of scalp acupuncture on motor dysfunction and changes in spontaneous brain activity in patients with ischemic stroke.Methods:This was an evaluator- and analyst-blinded, multi-center randomized controlled trial. A total of 108 convalescent-stage ischemic stroke patients with motor dysfunction were allocated to receive either scalp acupuncture combined with rehabilitation treatment (SR group) or rehabilitation treatment alone (RE group). Patients in both groups received treatment 5 times per week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA). Secondary outcome measures included the modified Barthel index (mBI), modified Rankin scale (mRS) and values of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) acquired using a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) technique.Results:Both groups showed significant improvements in motor function, daily life ability and degree of disability, as measured by FMA, mRS and mBI (p < 0.05), and the SR group showed a significantly greater improvement (p < 0.05). Compared with the RE group, the areas where the fALFF values increased in the SR group were located in the cerebellum, praecuneus, precentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus and parietal lobe. The improvement in FMA scores had the strongest correlation with the baseline fALFF values of the ipsilateral precentral gyrus.Conclusion:Scalp acupuncture improved motor function in convalescent-period ischemic stroke patients, and effects were correlated with regulation of motor-relevant brain regions. The fALFF value of the ipsilateral precentral and postcentral gyri could be potential clinical indices for prognostication of motor dysfunction.Trial registration number:NCT03120650 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-06-08T06:43:39Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221086289
The use of acupuncture in patients with Raynaud’s syndrome: a systematic
review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
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  Authors: Fangwen Zhou, Emma Huang, Elena Zheng, Jiawen Deng
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objective:To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods:Studies were identified from English and Chinese databases from their inception to September 2020. The outcomes of interest were remission incidence, number of daily attacks, incidence of positive cold stimulation tests and incidence of cold provocation tests. We conducted meta-analysis and network meta-analysis using meta and gemtc.Results:Six trials (n = 272 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. Pairwise meta-analyses show that acupuncture was associated with increased remission incidence (risk ratio (RR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10 to 1.34), decreased daily number of attacks (weighted mean difference (WMD) = −0.57, 95% CI = −1.14 to −0.01), and increased incidence of positive cold stimulation tests (RR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.27 to 2.11). There was not enough evidence to associate acupuncture with decreased incidence of positive cold provocation tests. The network meta-analyses did not demonstrate significant results for the effectiveness of any acupuncture treatments (electroacupuncture or manual acupuncture ± moxibustion), compared with controls, in terms of remission incidence or daily number of attacks, possibly due to small sample sizes and a lack of statistical power.Conclusion:The use of acupuncture may be effective for the treatment of Raynaud’s syndrome in terms of increasing remission incidence, decreasing daily number of attacks and increasing incidences of positive cold stimulation tests. However, our findings should be interpreted with caution due to small sample sizes, very low quality of evidence and high risk of bias. Future large-scale RCTs are warranted.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-05-24T10:06:55Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221076504
Manual acupuncture at ST36 attenuates rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting
M1 macrophage polarization and enhancing Treg cell populations in
adjuvant-induced arthritic rats
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  Authors: Nannan Yu, Fuming Yang, Xue Zhao, Yongming Guo, Yuan Xu, Guangchang Pang, Yinan Gong, Shenjun Wang, Yangyang Liu, Yuxin Fang, Kun Yu, Lin Yao, Hui Wang, Kuo Zhang, Baohu Liu, Zhenguo Wang, Yi Guo, Zhifang Xu
  Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
  Objectives:Acupuncture has been found to be effective at relieving many inflammatory pain conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of manual acupuncture (MA) treatment of RA using adjuvant-induced arthritic (AIA) rats and to explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods:The anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions of MA at ST36 (Zusanli) in AIA rats were assessed using paw withdrawal latency and swelling, histological examination and cytokine detection by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). The cell–cell communication (CCC) network was analyzed with a multiplex immunoassay of 24 immune factors expressed in the inflamed joints, and the macrophage and Treg populations and associated cytokines regulated by MA were investigated using reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), ELISA and flow cytometry.Results:MA markedly decreased heat hyperalgesia and paw swelling in AIA rats. MA-treated rats also exhibited decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β) coupled with increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1) in the ankle joints at protein and mRNA levels. CCC network analysis confirmed that macrophages are of critical importance and are potential therapeutic targets in RA. Repeated treatment with MA triggered a macrophage phenotypic switch in the paws, with fewer M1 macrophages. Prominent increases in the Treg cell population and TGF-β1 in the popliteal lymph nodes demonstrated the immunomodulatory effects of MA. Furthermore, a selective TGF-β1-receptor inhibitor, SB431542, attenuated the anti-inflammatory effects of MA and MA-induced suppression of the levels of M1-released cytokines.Conclusion:These findings provide novel evidence that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of MA on RA act through phenotypic modulation involving the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization and an increase in the Treg cell population, highlighting the potential therapeutic advantages of acupuncture in controlling pain and ameliorating inflammatory conditions.
  Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
  PubDate: 2022-05-19T05:50:42Z
  DOI: 10.1177/09645284221085278