 Subjects -> ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (Total: 106 journals)
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- Electroacupuncture ameliorates hepatic defects in a rat model of
polycystic ovary syndrome induced by letrozole and a high-fat diet-
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Authors: Shiya Huang, Chuyi Yu, Min Hu, Qidan Wen, Xiaohui Wen, Shuna Li, Kunyin Li, Hongxia Ma
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Background:This study was designed to evaluate the effects of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on glucose and lipid disturbances in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) characterized by insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis.Methods:The PCOS rat model was induced by continuous administration of letrozole (LET) combined with a high-fat diet (HFD). Female Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: control, control + EA, LET + HFD and LET + HFD + EA. EA was administered five or six times a week with a maximum of 20 treatment sessions. Body weight, estrous cyclicity, hormonal status, glucose and insulin tolerance, lipid profiles, liver inflammation factors, liver morphology and changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt (protein kinase B) pathway were evaluated.Results:The rat model presented anovulatory cycles, increased body weight, elevated testosterone, abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, IR, liver inflammation, hepatic steatosis and dysregulation of the insulin-mediated PI3-K/Akt signaling axis. EA reduced fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, area under the curve for glucose, homeostasis model assessment of IR indices, triglycerides and free fatty acids, and alleviated hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, low-frequency EA downregulated mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, upregulated mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, increased protein expression of phosphorylated (p)-Akt (Ser473), p-glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β (Ser9) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), increased the ratio of p-GSK3β to GSK3β and downregulated protein expression of GSK3β.Conclusion:An obese PCOS rat model with IR and hepatic steatosis was successfully established by the combination of LET and HFD. EA improved dysfunctional glucose and lipid metabolism in this PCOS-IR rat model, and the molecular mechanism appeared to involve regulation of the expression of key molecules of the PI3-K/Akt insulin signaling pathway in the liver.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-12-04T09:00:26Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207863
- Appropriate times to measure the credibility of blinding in
placebo-controlled acupuncture trials-
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Authors: Taras I Usichenko, Mike Cummings
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-28T11:17:50Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231210579
- Intrathoracic migration of an acupuncture needle causing chronic empyema:
a case report-
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Authors: Soon-Ho Chon
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-28T11:16:13Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231210571
- A modern interpretation of traditional galvanic current: percutaneous
needle electrolysis therapy-
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Authors: Mustafa Turgut Yildizgoren, Fatih Bagcier
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-28T11:14:49Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231210569
- Can a single-needle periosteal acupuncture approach achieve more than a
stellate ganglion block' Two case reports-
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Authors: Hamdy A Hendawy, Wael Hassaan, Taysser M Abdelraheem, Ahmed M Elewa, Mohamed E Abuelnaga
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-28T11:13:11Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207869
- In vitro culture of muscle cells derived from myofascial trigger points
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Authors: Lin Liu, Qiang-Min Huang, Qing-Guang Liu
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Objective:To examine for the in vitro existence of contractile nodules on the taut band of muscle fibers where myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are located (using cell culture).Methods:Sixteen male Sprague–Dawley rats (7 weeks old) were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. A blunt striking injury and eccentric exercise were applied to the gastrocnemius muscle of rats in the experimental group once a week for 8 weeks to establish an MTrP model. Subsequently, the rats were reared normally and rested for 4 weeks. After modeling, the skeletal muscles at the MTrPs (and non-MTrPs at the same anatomical position) were extracted from the two groups of rats for in vitro cell culture experiments of single muscle fibers. Potential contractile nodules in the MTrP group were exposed to different concentrations of acetylcholinesterase, whereas non-MTrP cells were exposed to acetylcholine. The morphological changes of muscle cells in each group were observed.Results:By culturing MTrP cells in vitro, large contractile nodules remained in single MTrP muscle fibers, whereas some contractile nodules were twisted and deformed. After the addition of different acetylcholinesterase concentrations, no obvious morphological changes were observed in the contractile nodules in the MTrP group. After the non-MTrP cells were exposed to different acetylcholine concentrations, no significant morphological changes were observed in the single muscle fibers.Conclusion:MTrP cells can continue to maintain contractile morphology in vitro, but whether the recovery of such contractile nodules is related to acetylcholine remains uncertain.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-02T09:22:54Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207872
- Acupuncture for restless legs syndrome: a case report
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Authors: Han Wang, Hongbo Jin, Zhiyang Liu, Chengju Tan, Yizhuan Huang
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-02T04:42:54Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207862
- Patient interest in acupuncture for smoking cessation: a survey
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Authors: Kelsey M Sicker, Michelle Secic, Anna Graham, Stephen E Auciello
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Background/Objective:Tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The most widely available treatment options to assist patients in smoking cessation are limited by side effects and moderate efficacy at best. Acupuncture may be an effective option for smoking cessation. The goal of this study was to establish the need for and interest in acupuncture therapy to potentially assist with smoking cessation from a patient perspective.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among patients aged 18 years or older whose medical record reported current tobacco use with English as their preferred language. REDCap surveys were administered to patients during office visits and included questions regarding opinions and use of all treatments available for smoking cessation (including acupuncture) as well as perceived barriers to acupuncture treatment.Results:A total of 57 surveys were distributed, and 42 (74%) were completed. Most patients reported previous attempts at quitting (76%) and had tried a variety of treatments including nicotine replacement (45%), Chantix (varenicline; 23%), Wellbutrin (bupriopion; 19%), “cold turkey” (65%) and hypnosis (3%). No respondents reported having tried acupuncture for smoking cessation.Conclusion:When comparing treatment options, patients reported more interest in acupuncture than other treatment options with a statistically significant difference in the level of interest between acupuncture and bupropion. All barriers (cost, time and effectiveness) were equally rated on a Likert-type scale with a median of 50 on a 101-point scale.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-11-01T12:43:51Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231206145
- Dry needling, trigger point electroacupuncture and motor point
electroacupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome involving
the trapezius: a randomised clinical trial-
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Authors: Marlene Zuccolotto Moro, Edison Iglesias de Oliveira Vidal, Norma Sueli Pinheiro Módolo, Fernanda Bono Fukushima, Guilherme Antonio Moreira de Barros
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Objective:The objective of this study was to compare trigger point (TrP) dry needling, TrP electroacupuncture and motor point electroacupuncture of the trapezius muscle for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).Methods:This randomised clinical trial included 90 patients divided into three groups. Group 1 was treated with dry needling of TrPs, group 2 with intramuscular electrical stimulation of TrPs, and group 3 with electroacupuncture of motor points and/or the spinal accessory nerve. Each group received seven treatment sessions. The outcomes were the pain score measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life evaluated by the 12-item short form (SF-12) health questionnaire. We compared the pain outcome over serial time points using growth curve analysis methods.Results:Participants in the three groups experienced significant improvements in pain scores over time. The average pain level of participants in group 3 across the repeated assessments was 0.98 units lower than in group 1 (mean difference (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74–0.23)), p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in pain scores between participants in groups 1 and 2, and there were no significant differences in quality of life across the three groups at the end of the treatment period.Conclusion:Our results provide evidence that electrical stimulation of motor points and/or of the spinal accessory nerve may be superior in terms of pain relief (but not quality of life) to dry needling and possibly electrical stimulation of trigger points for the management of MPS involving the trapezius.Trial registration number:TRIAL-RBR-43R7RF (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry)
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-10-31T12:30:03Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231207865
- The protein kinase A signaling pathway mediates the effect of
electroacupuncture on excessive contraction of the bladder detrusor in a
rat model of neurogenic bladder-
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Authors: Qiong Liu, Qi-Rui Qu, Ming Xu, Ji-Sheng Liu, Fang Qi, Xi-Qin Yi, Hong Zhang, Lu Zhou, Kun Ai
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Background:Neurogenic bladder (NB) is a form of neurological bladder dysfunction characterized by excessive contraction of the bladder detrusor. Protein kinase A (PKA) signaling is involved in the contraction of the detrusor muscle.Aims:To investigate whether PKA signaling mediates the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the excessive contraction of the bladder detrusor in NB.Methods:Sixty rats were randomly divided into control, sham, NB, NB + EA, and NB + EA + H89 (a PKA receptor antagonist) groups. The modified Hassan Shaker spinal cord transection method was used to generate a NB model. After EA intervention for one week, urodynamic tests were used to evaluate bladder function, hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to assess morphological changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the concentration of PKA, and Western blotting was conducted to measure the protein levels of phosphorylated myosin light chain kinase (p-MLCK)/p-MLC.Results:The results showed that NB resulted in morphological disruption, impairment of urodynamics, and decreases in the concentration of PKA and the protein levels of p-MLCK/p-MLC. EA reversed the changes induced by NB dysfunction. However, the improvement in urodynamics and the increases in the concentration of PKA and the protein levels of p-MLCK/p-MLC were inhibited by H89.Conclusion:Our findings indicate that the PKA signaling pathway mediates the beneficial effect of EA on excessive contraction of the bladder detrusor in a rat model of NB.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-10-30T05:32:04Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231206154
- Electroacupuncture at GB20 improves cognitive ability and synaptic
plasticity via the CaM–CaMKII–CREB signaling pathway following
cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats-
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Authors: Qing Han, Feng Wang
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Background:This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on cognitive recovery and synaptic remodeling in a rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion and explore the possible mechanism.Method:Focal cerebral ischemia was modeled in healthy adult Sprague-Dawley rats by MCAO. The MCAO rats were classified into four groups: sham, MCAO, MCAO + GB20 (receiving EA at GB20) and MCAO + NA (receiving EA at a “non-acupoint” location not corresponding to any traditional acupuncture point location about 10 mm above the iliac crest). Neurological deficit scores and behavior were assessed before and during the treatment. After intervention for 7 days, the hippocampus was dissected to analyze growth-associated protein (GAP)-43, synaptophysin (SYN) and postsynaptic density protein (PSD)-95 expression levels by Western blotting. Bioinformatic analysis and primary hippocampal neurons with calcium-voltage gated channel subunit alpha 1B (CACNA1B) gene overexpression were used to screen the target genes for EA against MCAO.Results:Significant amelioration of neurological deficits and learning/memory were found in MCAO + GB20 rats compared with MCAO or MCAO + NA rats. Protein levels of GAP-43, SYN and PSD-95 were significantly improved in MCAO + GB20–treated rats together with an increase in the number of synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. CACNA1B appeared to be a target gene of EA in MCAO. There were increased mRNA levels of CACNA1B, calmodulin (CaM), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding (CREB) and increased phosphorylation of CaM, CaMKII and CREB in the hippocampal region in MCAO + GB20 versus MCAO and MCAO + NA groups. CACNA1B overexpression modulated expression of the CaM–CaMKII–CREB axis.Conclusion:EA treatment at GB20 may ameliorate the negative effects of MCAO on cognitive function in rats by enhancing synaptic plasticity. EA treatment at GB20 may exert this neuroprotective effect by regulating the CACNA1B–CaM–CaMKII–CREB axis.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-10-16T04:30:52Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231202805
- Effectiveness of acupuncture for postoperative gastrointestinal recovery
in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized
controlled study-
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Authors: Yingjun Zhang, Chaopeng Ou, Xiaolin Luo, Yinqian Kang, Li Jiang, Shaoyong Wu, Handong Ouyang
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Background:Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is one of the most common complications among patients who have undergone thoracic surgery. Acupuncture has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal diseases and has shown benefit as an alternative therapy for the management of digestive ailments. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of acupuncture as a means to aid postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.Methods:In total, 112 patients aged 18–70 years undergoing thoracoscopic surgery between 15 June 2022 and 30 August 2022 were randomized into two groups. Patients in the acupuncture group (AG) first received acupuncture treatment 4 h after surgery, and treatment was repeated at 24 and 48 h. Patients in the control group (CG) did not receive any acupuncture treatment. Both groups received the same anesthetic protocol. Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) was performed in the paravertebral spaces between T4 and T5 with administration of 20 mL of 0.33% ropivacaine. All patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after surgery.Results:Median time to first flatus [interquartile range] in the AG was significantly less than in the CG (23.25 [18.13, 29.75] vs 30.75 [24.13, 45.38] h, p
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-10-06T09:04:17Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231202807
- Novel insights into weight loss: acupuncture combined with a very
low-carbohydrate diet—a Swiss experience-
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Authors: Massimo Fumagalli, Raymond G Landgraaf, Nadège N Schiavi-Lods, Sorin S Golcea, Harry R Büller, Max Nieuwdorp
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an acupuncture–diet program for treatment of overweight and obesity.Methods:The program consisted of weekly acupuncture sessions combined with a very low-carbohydrate diet in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or above. Data were collected retrospectively between 2002 and 2021 in seven clinics in Switzerland through automated data extraction of existing medical records. The treatments described are standard care at the facilities where they took place.Results:A total of 11,233 patients were included. In those with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or above, a positive effect on body weight was noted with a peak average body weight loss of approximately 17.5 kg reached after 7 months. Long-term stabilization was at about 15.5 kg after 18 months. Significant male–female differences (p
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-10-04T06:49:14Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231202811
- Neuroanatomical characteristics of the traditional acupuncture point
location ST36-
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Authors: Poney Chiang, Dody Chang, Heeyoung Moon, Younbyoung Chae
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-09-27T12:10:17Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231200043
- Evaluation of the analgesic effect of acupuncture in advanced pancreatic
cancer: a case report-
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Authors: Yunlong Liu, Zhaoqian Gong, Yongrui Yang, Yinghui Zhao, Wenxi Li, Jiaxin Hao, Xiaojing Fan
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-09-26T05:40:56Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231197235
- Combined effects of stretching and low-frequency electroacupuncture on
posterior shoulder joint tightness: a case report-
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Authors: Toshihiro Maemichi, Shigeru Meguriya, Atsuya Furusho, Zijian Liu, Toshiharu tsutsui, Tsukasa Kumai
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-09-23T12:02:18Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231197231
- Ysao Yamamura, MD, PhD (1942–2021)
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Authors: João Bosco Guerreiro da Silva, Rassen Saidah
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-09-20T07:01:57Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231197232
- Acupuncture improves certain aspects of sleep in hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation patients: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled
trial-
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Authors: Sarah El Iskandarani, Lingyun Sun, Susan Qing Li, Gloria Pereira, Sergio Giralt, Gary Deng
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Background:High-dose chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with a high symptom burden including sleep disturbance. Here we present the results of a secondary analysis of a randomized, sham-controlled trial assessing the effect of acupuncture on sleep quality during HSCT.Methods:Adult multiple myeloma patients undergoing inpatient and outpatient autologous HSCT were randomized and blinded to receive either true or sham acupuncture (by licensed acupuncturists) once daily for 5 days starting the day after chemotherapy. Sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency percentage and sleep-onset latency time were assessed using an actigraphy-based sleep monitor. A multivariate regression analysis was conducted to compare the average area-under-the-curve of five acupuncture intervention days for each sleep outcome between groups, adjusted by baseline score and inpatient or outpatient chemotherapy stratum.Results:Over 32 months, 63 patients were enrolled. Participants undergoing true acupuncture experienced a significant improvement in sleep efficiency when compared to sham (−6.70, 95% CI −13.15, −0.25, p = 0.042). Subgroup analysis showed that the improvement was more prominent in the inpatient setting (−9.62, 95% CI −18.76, −0.47; p = 0.040). True acupuncture tended to improve wake time after sleep onset (WASO; −10.95, p = 0.054). Between-group differences in other sleep related variables were not statistically significant.Conclusion:Our data suggest that true acupuncture may improve certain aspects of sleep, including sleep efficiency and possibly WASO, in multiple myeloma patients undergoing HSCT. By studying patient reported outcomes in future larger scale studies, acupuncture’s role in improving sleep quality during HSCT treatment could be further elucidated.Trial registration number:NCT01811862 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-07-06T09:11:11Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231181403
- Electroacupuncture improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction
by regulating the mobilization and migration of endogenous stem cells-
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Authors: Shou-Song Xuan, Yue Zhao, Yan Zheng, Jing Zhu, Han Li, Ping-Ping Lu, Shui-Jin Shao, Hai-Dong Guo, Fang-Fang Mou
Abstract: Acupuncture in Medicine, Ahead of Print.
Objective:The aim of this study was to explore the role and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in the regulation of chemokines in endogenous stem cell mobilization and myocardial regeneration after myocardial infarction (MI).Methods:An MI model was constructed in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. After 4 weeks of treatment, echocardiography was used to detect changes in cardiac function, and Masson’s trichrome staining was used to detect collagen deposition. In addition, immunofluorescence staining was applied to examine von Willebrand factor (vWF)-positive vessels, the expression of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and proliferation marker Ki67, and the number of c-kit-positive, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-positive, and Sca-1-positive endogenous stem cells in the infarcted area. In addition, the expression of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1 and stem cell factor (SCF) was detected.Results:EA increased the ejection fraction after MI, reduced collagen deposition and cellular apoptosis, and increased the number of blood vessels compared with an untreated model group. EA significantly promoted cellular proliferation, except for myocardial cells, and significantly increased the number of c-kit-, CXCR4- and Sca-1-positive stem cells. Moreover, the expression of SDF-1 and SCF in myocardial tissue in the EA group was significantly higher than that in the (untreated) MI group.Conclusions:EA appears to promote angiogenesis and reduce collagen deposition, thus improving the cardiac function of rats with MI. The underlying mechanism of action may involve endogenous stem cell mobilization mediated by SDF-1/CXCR4 and SCF/c-kit.
Citation: Acupuncture in Medicine
PubDate: 2023-06-20T06:48:27Z
DOI: 10.1177/09645284231169485
- 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
- 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
- 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
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