Systematic review and meta-analysis of the therapeutic effect on functional dyspepsia treated with acupuncture and electroacupuncture: 针刺和电针治疗功能性消化不良疗效的系统评价和 meta 分析

ObjectiveTo review systematically the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture or electroacupuncture (EA) on functional dyspepsia (FD).MethodsUsing computer, the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of FD treated with acupuncture or EA were retrieved from the databases, i.e. Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase and Web of science, from the date of database establishment to June 1, 2020. Using the assessment tool of risk of bias in Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions, 5.1.0, the quality of the included RCTs were evaluated in methodology. Meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 10 articles were included, with 1202 cases involved. In this study, the effectiveness of EA or acupuncture on FD was analyzed in comparison with the treatment with sham-acupuncture, sham-EA or western medication. The results indicated that compared with sham-acupuncture or sham-EA, acupuncture or EA greatly relieved the clinical symptoms of FD (SMD = ?3.03, 95% CI [?3.56, ?2.50], P < 0.00001) and obtained a higher clinical response rate (OR = 5.09, 95% CI [3.30, 7.86], P < 0.00001), but the difference was not significant statistically in gastric electrical activity (P > 0.05). Compared with gastric prokinetics, acupuncture or EA more effectively reduced the symptom score (MD = ?3.03, 95%CI [?3.56, ?2.50], P = 0.02), but the differences were not significant in the aspects of the improvement of clinical effective rate (OR = 1.33, 95% CI [0.70, 2.52], P = 0.39), the promotion of gastric half-emptying (MD = 0.23, 95% CI [?1.94, 2.40], I²=0%, P = 0.83), the promotion of motilin secretion (SMD = ?0.06, 95% CI [?0.23, 0.11], I² = 0%, P = 0.50) and the increase of gastric electrical activity (MD = ?0.01, 95% CI [?0.03, 0.01], I² = 0%, P = 0.41). The three RCT studies with adverse events reported indicated that the difference in the incidence of the adverse events was not significant statistically in comparison of acupuncture with sham-acupuncture or gastric prokinetic agent (P < 0.05).ConclusionRegarding the improvement in the symptoms of FD, the effect of EA or acupuncture is superior to the sham-acupuncture group or the western medication group. Simultaneously, the clinical response rate in the treatment with EA or acupuncture is higher than the sham-acupuncture group. During the treatment with EA, some adverse reactions happened in treatment of FD with acupuncture or western medication. Even though there are the limitations in quality and quantity of the included trials, EA and acupuncture still deserve to be promoted in treatment of FD. However, more studies of RCTs with large-scale sample, high quality and multiple centers are required for a further verification of the therapeutic effect.     

Effect of the herbal medicines in obesity and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of clinical trials

Obesity is a medical situation in which excess body fat has gathered because of imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. In spite of the fact that the variety of studies are available for obesity treatment and management, its “globesity” still remains a big challenge all over the world. The current systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of effective herbal medicines in the management and treatment of obesity and metabolic syndrome in human. We systematically searched all relevant clinical trials via Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and the Cochrane database to assess the effects of raw or refined products derived from plants or parts of plants on obesity and metabolic syndrome in overweight and obesity adult subjects. All studies conducted by the end of May 2019 were considered in the systematic review. Data were extracted independently by two experts. The quality assessment was assessed using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. The main outcomes were anthropometric indices and metabolic syndrome components. Pooled effect of herbal medicines on obesity and metabolic syndrome were presented as standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 279 relevant clinical trials were included. Herbals containing green tea, Phaseolus vulgaris, Garcinia cambogia, Nigella sativa, puerh tea, Irvingia gabonensis, and Caralluma fimbriata and their active ingredients were found to be effective in the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome. In addition, C. fimbriata, flaxseed, spinach, and fenugreek were able to reduce appetite. Meta‐analysis showed that intake of green tea resulted in a significant improvement in weight ([SMD]: ?0.75 [?1.18, ?0.319]), body mass index ([SMD]: ?1.2 [?1.82, ?0.57]), waist circumference ([SMD]: ?1.71 [?2.66, ?0.77]), hip circumference ([SMD]: ?0.42 [?1.02, ?0.19]), and total cholesterol, ([SMD]: ?0.43 [?0.77, ?0.09]). In addition, the intake of P. vulgaris and N. sativa resulted in a significant improvement in weight ([SMD]: ?0.88, 95 % CI: [?1.13, ?0.63]) and triglyceride ([SMD]: ?1.67, 95 % CI: [?2.54, ?0.79]), respectively. High quality trials are still needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plants in obesity and metabolic syndrome.     

针灸结合中药治疗胃食管反流病的系统评价和Meta分析

[目的]对针灸结合中药治疗胃食管反流病的研究进行系统评价与Meta分析,探讨针灸结合中药对胃食管反流病的临床疗效。[方法]电脑检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、中国知网(CNKI)、维普(VIP)、万方数据库(WANFANG)。从建库至2017年10月所收录的相关随机对照试验/半随机对照试验,利用Cochrane 5.1.0提供的标准对纳入的研究进行质量评价与风险评估,使用Revman 5.3软件进行针灸结合中药治疗胃食管反流病的有效率、复发率、血浆胃动素(MOT)、症状积分进行统计分析。[结果]总计纳入18篇文献,Meta分析结果显示:1)针灸结合中药治疗胃食管反流病总有效率高于西药组[OR=3.14,95%CI(2.24,3.40),P0.01]。2)针灸结合中药治疗胃食管反流病复发率低于西药组[OR=0.31,95%CI(0.14,0.68),P0.01]。3)患者血浆MOT提升方面,针灸结合中药优于西药组[SMD=61.02,95%CI(44.18,77.87),P0.01]。4)患者症状积分改善方面,针灸结合中药组优于西药组[SMD=2.99,95%CI(1.58,4.39),P0.01]。[结论]在总有效率、复发率、症状改善、血浆MOT方面,针灸结合中药疗效肯定。     

Acupuncture for dystonia in brain-type Wilson's disease with internal retention of damp heat pattern: A randomized clinical trail针刺治疗湿热内蕴型肝豆状核变性脑型肌张力障碍-随机临床试验

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on dystonia in brain-type Wilson's disease (WD) with internal retention of damp heat pattern.MethodsA total of 60 patients with WD dystonia with internal retention of damp heat pattern were randomized into acupuncture and medication groups using a random number table, with 30 participants in each group. All patients had a low-copper diet and consumed dimercaptopropanesulfonate sodium (DMPS) for copper excretion. In the acupuncture group, on the base of the same treatment as that given to the medication group, acupuncture was applied at B?ihuì (百会GV20), Shéntíng (神庭GV24), Chéngjiāng (承浆CV4), Jiānyú (肩髃LI5), Nàoshū (臑俞SI10), Wàiguān (外关TE5), Nèiguān (内关PC6), Sh?usānl? (手三里LI10), Hég? (合谷LI4), Yángxī (阳溪LI5), Huántiào (环跳GB30), Bìguān (髀关ST31), Yánglíngquán (阳陵泉GB34), Fēnglóng (丰隆ST40), Zúsānl? (足三里ST36), Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP6), Xuánzhōng (悬钟GB39), and Xíngjiān (行间LR2). Before and 24 days after treatment, the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and Burke–Fahn–Marsden dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS) were used to evaluate dystonia symptoms.The allocation scheme was concealed for the outcome assessors.ResultsThe data of 30 cases were analyzed in each group.Before treatment, the MAS score difference between the acupuncture and medication groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Compared with the score before treatment, the MAS score was lower significantly in both the acupuncture group (2.63 ± 0.76 vs 4.50 ± 0.78) and medication group (3.30 ± 0.65 vs 4.40 ± 0.77) after treatment (both P < 0.05). After treatment, the MAS score in the acupuncture group was significantly lower than that in the medication group (P < 0.01). Before treatment, the BFMDRS score was not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the score before treatment, the BFMDRS score was significantly lower in both the acupuncture (64.97 ± 14.26 vs 85.23 ± 16.99) and medication groups (11.33 ± 2.60 vs 75.40 ± 16.25) after treatment (both P < 0.05). The BFMDRS score of the acupuncture group was lower than that of the medication group after treatment (P < 0.05).During treatment, 1 case had allergic reaction of DMPS in the acupuncture group, manifested as reddish skin and skin rashes, and the allergic symptoms disappeared after anti-allergic treatment. There was no any adverse reaction in the medication group.ConclusionCombined treatment with acupuncture and Western medication is significantly effective against dystonia in brain-type WD with internal retention of damp heat pattern.     

观察调神针法对慢性失眠症患者过度觉醒状态的影响＊

目的 观察调神针法治疗慢性失眠症的疗效，并基于“过度觉醒”探讨针刺治疗慢性失眠症的潜在机制。方法 将60例慢性失眠症（Chronic insomnia， CI）患者，随机分为调神针刺组（试验组）30例和假针刺组（对照组）30例。调神针刺组选用百会、印堂、神门（双）、三阴交（双），假针刺组采用非病症相关穴位浅刺的方法。两组均隔日治疗1次，每周3次，连续4周。比较两组患者治疗前后及结束治疗1月随访时匹兹堡睡眠指数量表（Pittsburgh sleep quality index， PSQI）总积分及各因子积分、过度觉醒量表（Hyperarousal scale， HAS）积分、血清皮质醇（Cortisol， CORT）浓度变化。结果 治疗后与随访时比较，调神针刺组各量表积分较治疗前均明显下降（P < 0.01）；治疗后血清CORT较治疗前明显下降（P < 0.01）。治疗后，假针刺组PSQI总分及血清CORT与治疗前比，均明显下降（P < 0.05）；随访时假针刺组各量表积分与治疗前比较，均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。调神针刺组各量表积分及血清CORT降低均明显优于假针刺组（P < 0.01）。结论 调神针法可明显改善慢性失眠症患者睡眠质量、过度觉醒状态，降低血清CORT浓度可能是潜在作用机制之一。     

针刺联合拔罐治疗单纯性肥胖疗效性及安全性的Meta分析

目的 系统评价针刺联合拔罐治疗单纯性肥胖的疗效。方法 计算机检索中文科技期刊全文数据库（CNKI）、万方数据库（Wang Fang）、维普数据库（VIP）、中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）、PubMed数据库，搜集针刺联合拔罐治疗单纯性肥胖的随机对照试验（randomized controlled trial，RCT），检索时间范围均从建库至2019年6月。选取2名研究者独立进行文献筛选、资料提取以及偏倚风险评价，使用RevMan5.3软件对纳入研究进行Meta分析。结果 共纳入13项研究，共计1084例患者。Meta分析结果显示：在比较临床总有效率、体重、体重指数（Body Mass Index， BMI）、腰围方面根据对照组干预措施的不同进行亚组分析，所有疗程结束后，针刺联合拔罐治疗单纯性肥胖的临床总有效率优于针刺对照组（OR = 2.28，95%CI[1.56，3.32]）和拔罐对照组（OR = 8.79，95%CI[4.20，18.40]）；在改善单纯性肥胖患者体重方面，针刺联合拔罐较针刺对照组（Z = 2.72，P = 0.007，SMD = -0.21，95%CI[-0.36，-0.06]）和拔罐对照组（Z = 4.23，P < 0.001，SMD = -0.54，95%CI[-0.79，-0.29]）有一定优势；在改善单纯性肥胖患者BMI方面，针刺联合拔罐较针刺对照组（Z = 8.70，P < 0.00001，SMD = -0.69， 95%CI[-0.85，-0.54]）和拔罐对照组（Z = 3.30，P = 0.001，SMD = -0.42，95%CI[-0.67，-0.17]）有一定优势；针刺联合拔罐较针刺对照组（Z = 3.14，P = 0.002，SMD = -0.46，95%CI [-0.75，-0.17]）在改善单纯性肥胖患者腰围方面呈现一定优势，而针刺联合拔罐组与拔罐对照组（Z = 1.39，P = 0.17，SMD = -0.33，95%CI[-0.81，-0.14]）在改善单纯性肥胖患者腰围方面的差异无统计学意义。在比较臀围及腰臀比方面，针罐联合组对比对照组在改善单纯性肥胖患者臀围方面的差异无统计学意义（Z = 1.49，P = 0.14，SMD = -0.22，95%CI[-0.52，0.07]），针罐联合组对比对照组在改善单纯性肥胖患者腰臀比方面的差异无统计学意义（Z = 1.01，P = 0.31，SMD = -0.11，95%CI[-0.32，0.10]）。13个研究中有3个研究报告了不良反应，未见明显不良反应，安全性尚可。结论 根据当前研究证据表明，针刺联合拔罐较单纯应用针刺或拔罐相比，在改善单纯性肥胖患者体重、BMI以及腰围方面优势较明显，且安全性尚可。本研究纳入RCT数量较少，方法学质量偏低，且存在一定的发表偏倚，需进一步高质量研究对上述结论进行验证。     

Observation on the effect difference in migraine treated with the combination of acupuncture and blood-letting therapy and medication with carbamazepine

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical therapeutic effect on migraine treated with acupuncture combined with blood-letting therapy.MethodsA total of 90 patients of migraine were included in compliance with the requirement and divided into a blood-letting therapy group, a western medication group, an acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group, 30 cases in each one according to the random number table. In the two control groups, the simple blood-letting therapy was exerted at Dàzhuī (大椎 GV14) and the oral administration with carbamazepine were provided respectively. In the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group, acupuncture was exerted at B?ihuì (百会 GV20) and other points, with blood-letting therapy combined. The treatment was given once daily and 12 treatments were as one course. After 2 courses of treatment, the score of therapeutic effect on symptoms and signs, pain score of visual analogue scale(VAS) and clinical therapeutic effect were compared among the three groups before and after treatment.ResultsAt the end of treatment, the scores for symptoms and signs and VAS score were reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the three groups (all P < 0.01). Compared with the blood-letting therapy group and the medication group, the scores for symptoms and signs and VAS score were all reduced more obviously in the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group respectively (all P < 0.01) and the differences were not significant between the blood-letting therapy group and the medication group (P > 0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group was higher obviously than either the blood-letting therapy group or the medication group (both P < 0.05).ConclusionAcupuncture combined with blood-letting therapy achieves a better clinical therapeutic effect on migraine as compared with either simple blood-letting therapy or medication. Such combined treatment obtains a satisfactory therapeutic results and deserves to be promoted in clinical application.     

Acupuncture for olfactory dysfunction in infected COVID-19 patients: Study protocol for a randomized,sham-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundOlfactory dysfunction (OD) is a common symptom of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is defined as the reduced or distorted ability to smell during sniffing (orthonasal olfaction) and represents one of the early symptoms in the clinical course of COVID-19 infection. A large online questionnaire-based survey has shown that some post-COVID-19 patients had no improvement 1 month after discharge from the hospital.ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy of acupuncture for OD in COVID-19 infected patients and to determine whether acupuncture could have benefits over sham acupuncture for OD in post-COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis is a single-blind, randomized controlled, cross-over trial. We plan to recruit 40 post-COVID-19 patients with smell loss or smell distortions lasting for more than 1 month. Qualified patients will be randomly allocated to the intervention group (real acupuncture) or the control group (sham acupuncture) at a 1:1 ratio. Each patient will receive 8 sessions of treatment over 4 weeks (Cycle 1) and a 2-week follow-up. After the follow-up, the control group will be subjected to real acupuncture for another 4 weeks (Cycle 2), and the real acupuncture group will undergo the 4-week sham acupuncture. The primary outcomes will be the score changes on the questionnaire of olfactory functioning and olfaction-related quality of life at week 6, 8, 12, and 14 from the baseline. The secondary outcomes will be the changes in the olfactory test score at week 6 and 12 from the baseline measured by using the Traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC).DiscussionThe results of this trial will help to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for OD in post-COVID-19 patients. This may provide a new treatment option for patients.     

Effect of electroacupuncture on knee osteoarthritis and relevant inflammatory factors: A randomized clinical trial: 电针治疗膝骨关节炎以及对相关炎症因子水平的影响

ObjectiveTo explore the treatment effects of electroacupuncture (EA), acupuncture with filiform needle, and western medication for knee osteoarthritis (KOA).MethodsIt was a randomized, controlled trial with the blinding of outcome assessors and statistician. 90 outpatients were diagnosed as KOA in Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Using the random number table, they were divided into a medication group, an acupuncture group and an EA group, 30 cases in each one. In the medication group, routine medication was provided with oral administration of celebrex for 21 days. Regular acupuncture was applied in the remaining groups, at Liángqiū (梁丘ST34), Xuèh?i (血海SP10), Dúbí (犊鼻ST35), Nèixīy?n (内膝眼EX-LE4), Yánglíngquán (阳陵泉GB34), Hèd?ng (鹤顶EX-LE2) and Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP6) and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the EA group, electric stimulation with low-frequency pulse current and dense wave was applied for 30 min on the basis of the treatment of the acupuncture group. The treatment was applied once daily at 1-day intervals after each 6-day treatment for a total of 21 days. Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analogy scale (VAS) scores and levels of serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β [IL-1β] and tumor necrosis factor [TNF-α]) were used to assess the clinical therapeutic effect.ResultsFollowing treatment, there were significant differences in the WOMAC score in the medication, acupuncture, and EA groups after treatment (all P < 0.01). In the comparison among groups, after treatment, the WOMAC score in the EA group was lower than that in either the acupuncture or medication group (both P < 0.01). Compared to before treatment, VAS scores were significantly different in the medication group (3.95 ± 0.55 vs 5.75 ± 1.40), the acupuncture group (2.78 ± 0.38 vs 5.78 ± 1.44) and EA group (1.72 ± 0.38 vs 5.78 ± 1.39) separately after treatment (all P < 0.01). In the comparison among groups, after treatment, the VAS score in the EA group was lower than that in either the acupuncture or medication group (both P < 0.01). Compared to before treatment, IL-1β levels were significantly different in the medication group (31.53 ± 6.84 vs 63.33 ± 10.25), acupuncture group (31.70 ± 7.54 vs 63.90 ± 9.96) and the EA groups (23.43 ± 3.94 vs 63.10 ± 10.66) separately after treatment (all P < 0.01). IL-1β levels were significantly lower in the EA group than in the acupuncture and medication groups (both P < 0.01). Compared to before treatment, TNF-α levels were significantly different in the medication group (40.20 ± 6.09 vs 68.77 ± 11.13), the acupuncture group (39.60 ± 7.55 vs 68.33 ± 11.51) and the EA groups (22.17 ± 5.72 vs 68.97 ± 10.52) separately after treatment (all P < 0.01). TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the EA group than in the acupuncture and medication groups (both P < 0.01). After treatment, there were no significant differences in TNF-α and IL-1β levels between the acupuncture and medication groups (both P > 0.05). The total effective rates were 86.67% (26/30), 73.33% (22/30) and 70.00% (21/30) in the EA, acupuncture, and medication groups, respectively. The total effective rate was higher in the EA group than in either the acupuncture or medication group (both P < 0.05). In the whole process of trial, the adverse events occurred in three groups. In consideration of the potential association between these adverse events and acupuncture treatment, the acupuncture physiotherapists and experts classified the adverse events into the treatment relevance or non-treatment relevance within 24 h of occurrence.ConclusionAll three therapeutic methods alleviated clinical symptoms of KOA and reduced levels of relevant inflammatory factors in serum. EA with dense wave is more advantageous than the traditional acupuncture technique and routine medication and is therefore worthy of clinical application.     

针刺治疗慢性鼻窦炎及术后疼痛的网状Meta分析

BackgroundThe network meta-analysis system was used to evaluate the efficacy of various acupuncture and moxibustion techniques for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and related postoperative pain.MethodsAn electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OVID(the Offshore Vessel Inspection Database), CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases was conducted to identify randomised controlled trials on acupuncture and moxibustion for CRS and related postoperative pain from database inception to February 2021.The study included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in China and other countries in languages limited to Chinese and English. Primary studies included treated individuals without limitations on age, gender, or nationality and diagnosed as CRS. The total effective rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and symptom and sign score were the primary outcomes. Evidence quality and risk-of-bias were determined. Network meta-analysis was performed.ResultsNineteen articles were included, involving 11 types of intervention measures. The pairwise comparisons showed that both acupuncture therapy combined with drugs (ATD) and sphenopalatine ganglion acupuncture combined with drugs (SGAD) were superior to western medicine (WM) in improving the total effective rate, and ATD was superior to manual acupuncture therapy (MAT), WM, and placebo (PL). In reducing the VAS score, both ATD and SGAD were superior to WM. Point-through-point acupuncture combined with pricking blood therapy (PABT) was superior to MAT. In reducing symptom and sign score, ATD was superior to WM and PL. PABT was superior to MAT. The results of network meta-analysis showed that ATD was superior to MAT, Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and WM in improving the total effective rate. In reducing the symptom and sign score, ATD was superior to PL, WM, MAT, and sham acupuncture (SA). PL was superior to MAT, WM, and SA. and PABT was superior to MAT and SA, MAT was superior to WM. There was no significant difference between the intervention measures in reducing the VAS score. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve showed that ATD had the best effect in improving the total effective rate and reducing the VAS and symptom and sign score.ConclusionATD was the best method for improving the total effective rate and reducing the VAS and symptom and sign score in the treatment of CRS and related postoperative pain. However, considering the current study quantity and quality, multicentre and high-quality clinical studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify our findings.Trial registrationInternational Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews(CRD42021246103).     

The effects of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Besides other benefits, curcumin is getting more recognized for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, highlighting the importance of curcumin application for chronic disease prevention. This systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the influence of curcumin‐containing supplements on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched till January 2018 for eligible studies. The selected studies were evaluated for their quality using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and relevant data were extracted from included studies. Data were pooled using the inverse variance method and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Fifteen RCTs were included in the final analysis. The meta‐analysis indicated that curcumin supplementation significantly decreased interleukin 6 (IL‐6) (SMD ?2.08; 95% CI [?3.90, ?0.25]; p = 0.02), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (SMD ?0.65; 95% CI [?1.20, ?0.10], p = 0.02), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations (SMD ?3.14; 95% CI [‐4.76, ?1.53], p < 0.001). Though, curcumin supplementation had no significant effect on tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (SMD ?1.62; 95% CI [?3.60, 0.36]; p = 0.10) and superoxide dismutase levels (SMD 0.34; 95% CI [?1.06, 1.74], p = 0.63). Overall, this meta‐analysis suggests that taking curcumin‐containing supplements may exert anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties through a significant reduction in IL‐6, hs‐CRP, and MDA levels.     

针刺治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征:临床随机对照试验

ObjectiveTo verify the effectiveness of acupuncture for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D).MethodsSixty-five patients with IBS-D were randomized into an acupuncture group (33 cases) and a sham-acupuncture group (32 cases). In the acupuncture group, Tiānshū (天枢ST25), Zhōngw?n (中脘CV12), Zúsānl? (足三里ST36), Shàngjùxū (上巨虚ST37), Gōngsūn (公孙SP4), Fēnglóng (丰隆ST40), Zhāngmén (章门LR13) and Yīnlíngquán (阴陵泉SP9) were selected and stimulated with routine acupuncture technique, once every two days, 3 times weekly, for 8 weeks consecutively, 24 times in total. In the sham-acupuncture group, the sham-acupoints were selected, 0.5 cun or 1 cun superior, inferior, lateral or medial to the corresponding points separately. The blunt-tip needles were used to stimulate only the skin surface of each point. The treatment frequency and courses were the same as the acupuncture group. Before treatment, in 4 weeks of treatment, after treatment and in follow-up, the changes in the score of IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS), Bristol stool form scale and defecation satisfaction were observed in the patients of two groups. After treatment, the effectiveness was assessed in the two groups.ResultsIn 4 weeks of treatment, after treatment and in follow-up, IBS-SSS score, Bristol stool form scale and defecation satisfaction were all lower than those before treatment in either group (all P < 0.01). Bristol stool form scale in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the sham-acupuncture group in 4 weeks of treatment, after treatment and in follow-up, while, IBS-SSS score and defecation satisfaction were lower than the sham-acupuncture group in follow-up (all P < 0.05).ConclusionAcupuncture can effectively relieve diarrhea and improves defecation satisfaction in the patients with IBS-D.     

针刺与西药治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征疗效对照观察

目的:比较疏肝健脾法针刺与西药治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征的疗效差异。方法:将70例患者随机分为针刺组、西药组,每组35例。针刺组穴取天枢、足三里、上巨虚、三阴交、太冲等穴行常规针刺,并在双侧天枢加电针刺激,每日1次,每周治疗3～4次;西药组口服匹维溴铵(得舒特),每次50mg,每日3次,均4周为一疗程。分别于治疗前、1个疗程后观察两组患者临床症状积分及肠易激综合征生活质量评价量表(IBS-QOL)评分,并评定两组疗效及复发率。结果:治疗后两组症状积分、IBS-QOL评分均显著改善(均P<0.01),且针刺组的改善程度优于西药组(均P<0.01);针刺组有效率为94.3%(33/35),优于西药组的77.1%(27/35,P<0.01);3个月后针刺组复发率为36.4%(12/33),明显低于西药组的72.0%(18/25,P<0.01)。结论:疏肝健脾法针刺治疗腹泻型肠易激综合征疗效优于西药匹维溴铵,可明显改善患者生活质量,且复发率低。     

针灸联合疗法治疗腹型肥胖效果的Meta分析＊

目的 系统评价针灸联合疗法治疗腹型肥胖的有效性和安全性。方法 计算机检索中、英文数据库获取针灸联合疗法与单一疗法对照治疗腹型肥胖的临床随机对照试验。通过计算相关体脂参数的SMD和95%CI来比较干预效果差异。结果 共纳入13篇文献共计1035例患者。合并分析结果显示联合疗法比单一疗法治疗腹型肥胖更有效［RR=1.07，95%CI（1.01，1.13），P<0.01］；更能改善腰围［SMD=-0.41，95%CI（-0.66， -0.16），P<0.01］、BMI［SMD=-0.49，95%CI（-0.68，-0.30），P<0.01］、体重［SMD=-0.37，95%CI（-0.59， -0.15），P<0.01］及HDL［SMD=0.39，95%CI（0.1， 0.69），P<0.01］和TC［SMD=-0.39，95%CI（-0.68， -0.10），P<0.01］，未见严重不良反应。亚组分析表明，针刺＋拔罐治疗腹型肥胖效果最佳。结论 针灸联合疗法治疗腹型肥胖可以显著改善各项体脂参数，并减少不良反应的发生。     

醒脑开窍针刺法治疗注意力缺陷多动症临床疗效观察

[目的]观察醒脑开窍针刺法治疗注意力缺陷多动症的疗效.[方法]将200例已确诊的注意力缺陷多动症(ADHD)患儿随机分为针刺组120例和药物组80例,针刺组给予醒脑开窍针刺法治疗,药物组给予口服利他林治疗,疗程为3个月.治疗前作《精神障碍诊断和统计手册》第四版(DSM-Ⅳ)中ADHD 18项症状、多动指数评定,治疗后作DSM-Ⅳ中ADHD 18项症状、多动指数及Conners量表评定.[结果]治疗后针刺组和药物组的总有效率分别为89.2％和78.8％,经统计学分析,差异有统计学意义.针刺组和药物组治疗前后多动指数评分改善显著,P＜0.01,差异有统计学意义,针刺组疗效明显优于药物组.[结论]醒脑开窍针刺法治疗注意力缺陷多动症疗效显著,且优于口服利他林.     

Clinical observation of Zhen’ai needling method in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nei Jing</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Classic of Internal Medicine</Emphasis>) on improving quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis

Objective

To observe the effect of Zhen’ai needling method in Nei Jing (Classic of Internal Medicine) on quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

A total of 99 patients with AR who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a conventional needling group (51 cases) and a Zhen’ai needling group (48 cases). The conventional needling group was treated with acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Juliao (ST 3), Yingxiang (LI 20), Yintang (GV 29), Shangxing (GV 23) and Baihui (GV 20). The Zhen’ai needling group added acupoints of Zhen’ai needling method {Lieque (LU 7), Shanglianquan [Extra, located at 1 cun above Lianquan (CV 23)] and Tianrong (SI 17)} in addition to points in the conventional needling group. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was performed twice a week. All patients were assessed by total nasal symptom score (TNSS), total ocular symptom score (TOSS) and sino-nasal outcome test-20 (SNOT-20) before and after 15 treatments to evaluate the quality of life. The clinical efficacy was evaluated after 15 treatments.

Results

During the treatment, 8 cases dropped out in the conventional needling group and 7 cases in the Zhen’ai needling group. There were no significant differences in TNSS, TOSS and SNOT-20 scores between the two groups before treatment (all P>0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate of the Zhen’ai needling group was 92.7%, versus 88.4% in the conventional needling group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in TNSS and TOSS scores (both P>0.05). The SNOT-20 score of the Zhen’ai needling group was lower than that of the conventional needling group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were statistical differences between the two groups in the scores of cough and nasal reflux (to the throat) of the NOT-20 scale (both P<0.05).

Conclusion

Both Zhen’ai needling method and conventional acupuncture are effective in the treatment of AR. Zhen’ai needling method has a better effect than conventional acupuncture in improving cough and nasal reflux (to the throat) in AR patients.

     

腕踝针结合体针治疗急性腰扭伤临床观察

  目的：观察腕踝针治疗急性腰扭伤的临床疗效  方法：将180例急性腰扭伤患者随机分为腕踝针组、体针组、结合组,每组60例;各组施予相应治疗,疗程3天  结果：腕踝针组治愈率为78.3%,体针组为81.6%,结合组为98.3%;结合组的临床疗效优于腕踝针组(P<0.01)和体针组(P<0.05)。治疗后,三组腰痛VAS评分均较治疗前显著降低(P<0.01);治疗前后VAS评分差值比较,结合组大于体针组(P<0.05)和腕踝针组(P<0.01)  结论：腕踝针结合体针治疗急性腰扭伤可提高临床疗效。     

通腑调神针法治疗便秘型肠易激综合征:随机对照试验（英文）

目的:观察通腑调神针法对便秘型肠易激综合征(const ipat ion-predominant irritable bowel syndrome,IBS-C)患者的便秘、焦虑、抑郁症状及血清神经肽Y (NPY)含量的影响。方法:将42例IBS-C患者随机分为通腑调神针刺组(针刺组)和枸橼酸莫沙必利药物组(药物组),每组21例。治疗过程中,药物组剔除1例,实际观察20例,针刺组实际观察21例。观察两组患者治疗前、治疗后、随访时(治疗后1个月)的便秘量表(CCS)评分、焦虑自评量表(SAS)评分和抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分,并比较两组患者治疗前、治疗后血清NPY含量变化。结果:(1)CCS总评分:治疗后,针刺组和药物组的CCS总评分分别为(4.76±2.10)分和(5.60±1.88)分,均低于各自本组治疗前,差异有统计学意义(both P<0.05),而针刺组和药物组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访时,针刺组和药物组的CCS总评分分别为(4.19±1.69)分和(6.35±2.06)分,药物组高于本组治疗后(P<0.05),而针刺组和药物组比较,差异无统计...     

Effect of combined scalp and body acupuncture on Parkinson's disease: A randomized clinical trial: 头针联合体针对帕金森病运动症状的治疗效应:随机临床研究

ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of combined scalp and body acupuncture on the motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), and on the score of levodopa equivalent dose (LED).MethodsThis is a randomized, single blind trial. Sixty-six patients with PD were randomized into an acupuncture + medication group (33 patients) and a medication group (33 patients). The patients were aware of allocation and the assessors were blinded to group assignment and therapeutic regimen. Anti-PD drugs were administered in both groups. In the acupuncture + medication group, scalp and body acupuncture therapy was added. Treatments were applied for 8 weeks. In scalp acupuncture, the anterior oblique line of the vertex-temporal (MS6), lateral line 1 of the vertex (MS8), lateral line 2 of the vertex (MS9), and lower-lateral line of the occiput (MS14) were selected. In the body acupuncture, the acupoints included B?ihuì (百会GV20), Sìshéncōng (四神聪EX-HN1), and Dàzhuī (大椎GV14), as well as the bilateral Fēngchí (风池GB20), Nèiguān (内关PC6), Hég? (合谷LI4), Gānshū (肝俞BL18), Shènshū (肾俞BL23), Yánglíngquán (阳陵泉GB34), Zúsānl? (足三里ST36), Fēnglóng 丰隆ST40), Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP6), Tàixī (太溪KI3), and Tàichōng ( 太冲LR3). Before and after treatments, the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS), 3^rd section of the UPDRS (UPDRS-III), and motor dysfunction rating scale for Parkinson's disease (MDRSPD) were scored in the patients. The therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and LED score were compared between both groups.ResultsThirty-three cases were included in data analysis in each group. After treatment, UPDRS scores were (28.77 ± 8.85) and (36.58 ± 10.16) points, UPDRS-Ⅲ scores were (12.16 ± 1.97) and (17.47 ± 2.93) points and MDRSPD scores were (15.56 ± 3.31) and (19.13 ± 4.87) points in the acupuncture + medication and medication groups respectively. The UPDRS, UPDRS-III, and MDRSPD scores all reduced after treatments in both groups (all P < 0.05). All three scores were lower in the acupuncture + medication group than in the medication group (all P < 0.05). When examining the therapeutic effects of TCM, the total effective rate was 87.88% in the acupuncture + medication group and 75.76% in the medication group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the LED scores were (387.55 ± 146.24) points and (437.42 ± 183.16) points in the acupuncture + medication and medication groups, respectively. The LED dose differences before and after treatment for the acupuncture + medication and medication groups were (40.36 ± 16.33) points and (95.88 ± 35.79) points, respectively. The LED scores in both groups were higher than the pre-treatment scores (P < 0.05). However, the post-treatment LED score was lower in the acupuncture + medication group than in the medication group (P < 0.05), as was the dose difference before and after treatment (P < 0.05).No relevant adverse reaction was found in each group.ConclusionIn addition to anti-PD medication, the scalp and body acupuncture may effectively relieve the motor symptoms of PD and improve the control of LED score.     

Chronic prostatitis treated with acupuncture and bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region 针刺配合腰骶刺络放血治疗慢性前列腺炎

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of acupuncture and bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region for chronic prostatitis.MethodsA total of 36 patients with chronic prostatitis were collected, and treated in the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and the External Treatment Center of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese medicine. The patients were treated with acupuncture, combined with bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region. The treatment for 4 weeks was as one course and 2 consecutive courses of treatment were required. The therapeutic effect, including the score of the National Institute of Health – Chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), was assessed.ResultsAfter 1 and 2 courses of treatment, the symptom scores and NIH-CPSI total score were all reduced as compared with that before treatment , respectively (all P < 0.01). After 2 courses of treatment, the score of each symptom and NIH-CPSI total score were reduced as compared with that after 1 course of treatment, respectively (all P < 0.01). Regrading the 3 syndromes/patterns of chronic prostatitis in the patients, i.e. downward invasion of damp heat, qi and blood stagnation and liver qi stagnation, after 1 and 2 courses of treatment, NIH-CPSI total scores were all reduced as compared with that before treatment (all P < 0.01). Additionally, after 2 courses of treatment, NIH-CPSI total score of each syndrome/pattern was reduced as compared with that after 1 course of treatment (all P < 0.01). For kidney yin deficiency, after 2 courses of treatment, NIH-CPSI total score was reduced as compared with that either before treatment or after 1 course of treatment (both P < 0.01). The total effective rate was 91.67% after 1 course of treatment and 97.22% after 2 courses of treatment. No obvious adverse events occurred during the treatment.ConclusionThe combined treatment with acupuncture and bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region effectively relieves the symptoms of chronic prostatitis and improves the quality of life in the patients.