EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON PLASMA β-EP IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE

In the present study, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) in treatment of 30 cases of ischemic cerebral apoplexy patients and its action on plasma β-EP (endorphine) level were observed. After treatment, of the 30-inpatients, 16 cases were cured basically, 9 had marked improvement, 4 had slight improvement and the rest one had no any changes. The significantly effective rate was 83.3% and the total effective rate was 96.7%. Before acupuncture treatment, the content of plasma β-EP inpatients with ischemicstroke increased significantly in comparison with that of normal group (P＜0.01). While after treatment, plasma β-EP level decreased to approach to the normal level, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupunct。ure in alleviating stoke patients.     

Effect of Sanhuangyilong decoction plus methotrexate on tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in serum and synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis patients with symptom pattern of damp heat obstruction

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Sanhuangyilong decoction plus methotrexate(MTX) on Interferon gamma(IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α) in the serum and synovial fluid of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern, Sanhuangyilong decoction and the role of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the development of RA.METHODS: RA inpatients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern(partly with knee joint effusion) were selected as the research subjects. Before the treatment, healthy subjects and osteoarthritis(OA) patients with knee joint effusion were assigned to the serum control group and the synovial fluid control group, respectively; during the treatment, RA patients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern were divided into two groups:one is combined group that was administered Sanhuangyilong decoction plus MTX; the other group was MTX group that received MTX only. The expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum and synovial fluid were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) before and after the treatment, and the peripheral blood levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein(CRP) and disease activity score in 28 joints(DAS28)were determined.RESULTS: Before treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the RA patients with dampheat-obstruction symptom pattern were higher than those in healthy control group(P 0.05).The expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the synovial fluid of the RA patients were higher than those in the serum of the RA patients(P 0.05). The expression levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the synovial fluid of the RA patients were higher than those of the sy-novial fluid of the osteoarthritis patients(P 0.05).The expression of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the serum and synovial fluid of the RA patients had no correlation with the inflammatory activity index ESR, CRP,or DAS28(P 0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the expression level of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the combined group had increased, although the difference was not statistically significant(P 0.05); in contrast, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 decreased, and the difference was statistically significant(P 0.01). After 4 weeks of therapy, TNF-alpha and IFN-γ, ESR,CRP, and DAS28 in the combined group decreased compared with the before-treatment levels(P 0.01). After 2 w of treatment, the differences in the TNF-α and IFN-γ expression levels in the combined group were not statistically significant(P 0.05)compared with that in the MTX group, although there were statistically significant differences in the ESR, CRP, and DAS28(P 0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, differences in TNF-α, IFN-γ, ESR, CRP, and DAS28 in the combined group compared with MTX group were statistically significant(P 0.01).CONCLUSION: TNF-α and IFN-γ might be involved in the development of RA. The RA patients with damp-heat-obstruction symptom pattern show better benefits from the treatment of Sanhuangyilong decoction plus MTX, and the treatment is superior to that of using MTX only.     

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC BRONCHIAL ASTHMA WITH ACUPOINT APPLICATION THERAPY

In the present paper,the therapeutic effect of acupoint application of Chinese materia Medica in the treatment of allergic asthma was observed.The results revealed that topical application of drug-paste[mixture of powder of Mahuang(Herba Ephedrae),Xixin (Herba Asari),Baijiezi(Semen Sinapis Albae),etc.]at the acupuncture points could improve symptome and signs of allergic asthma patients,with the total effective rate being 69.57%(16/23)for the short-term effect,and 52.17%(12/23)for the long-term effect.In medication(Aminophylline)group,of the 25 cases of allergic asthma,16(64.0%)were effective after 4 weeks of treatment,while 6(24.0%)were still effective that was shown by 6-months‘ follow up.The therapeutic effect of acupoint application group was significantly better than that of medication group in the long-term effect.Results also showed that no obvious interrelation between the short-term therapeutic effect and the duration of the severity of the disease.Results also display that acupoint application therapy is an effective,safe and handy method withfewer side effects for asthma.     

Observation on promoting resuscitation in the patients with coma of acute carbon monoxide poisoning by acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen

Objective:To evaluate the effect of promoting resuscitation and the effect differences between acupuncture combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy(HBOT)and simple HBOT in the patients with coma of acute carbon monoxide poisoning(ACMP).Methods:A total of 36 patients with ACMP coma were randomized into a simple HBOT group and acupuncture combined with HBOT group,18 cases in each one.In the simple HBOT group,HBOT was provided once a day for 2 weeks.In the acupuncture combined with HBOT group,acupuncture was provided during HBOT.The acupuncture was given before the patients were sent to the hyperbaric oxygen chamber and the needles were retained until the hyperbaric oxygen treatment was completed.The acupoints included B?ihuì(百会 GV 20),Shuǐgōu(水沟 GV 26),Sìshéncōng(四神聪 EX-HN1),Fēngchí(风池 GB20),Hégǔ(合谷 LI 4),Tàichōng(太冲 LR 3)and Yǒngquán(涌泉 KI 1).The needles were retained through the entire process of HBOT.Such combined treatment was given once a day for 2 weeks.Before the treatment,the score of Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)was recorded,the levels of serum interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(IL-8)and brain-derived growth factor(BDNF)were tested and the time from unconsciousness to resuscitation was recorded of the two groups.After treatment,the levels of serum IL-6,IL-8 and BDNF were tested again and the clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated.Results:At last,there were 16 cases in the simple HBOT group and 17 cases in acupuncture combined with HBOT group got resuscitation.The time from unconsciousness to resuscitation was(5.17±1.10)h in the acupuncture combined with HBOT group,which was less than(6.83±2.73)h in the simple HBOT group,indicating the significant difference in statistic(P0.05).After treatment,the total effective rate was 94.4% in the acupuncture combined with HBOT group,which was higher than 88.9% in the simple HBOT group,indicating the significant difference in statistic(P0.05).After treatment,the levels of serum IL-6 and IL-8 were(29.72±3.49)and(67.17±7.61)pg/mL respectively in the acupuncture combined with HBOT group,which were lower as compared with those before treatment,indicating the significant differences in statistic(both P0.05).The level of IL-8 in the acupuncture combined with HBOT group was lower than(72.67±7.17)pg/mL in the simple HBOT group after treatment,indicating the significant difference in statistic(P0.05).After treatment,the level of BDNF was(14.78±3.90)pg/mL in the acupuncture combined with HBOT group,higher than the level before treatment,presenting the significant difference(P0.05),and higher than(12.93 ± 2.59)pg/mL in the simple HBOT group after treatment,presenting the significant difference in statistic(P0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with HBOT achieves the superior effect of promoting resuscitation and the clinical therapeutic effects as compared with the simple HBOT.Such combined treatment reduces the levels of serum IL-6 and IL-8,increases the level of serum BDNF in ACMP patients,as well as plays the active role in the prevention from delayed encephalopathy after acute carbon monoxide poisoning.     

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON SERUM INTERLUKIN—6 IN WOMEN WITH POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on serum interlukin-6 (IL-6) level in women with post-menopausal osteoporosis. Methods: 59 cases of postmenopausal osteoporosis women were randomly divided into acupunctue group(n=32) and calcium D group(n = 27). In acupuncture group, Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenshu (BL 23) and Pishu (BL 20) were punctured, 3 times every week, continuously for 6 months. In control group, patients were ordered to take Calcium D, one pill (containing 1500 mg calcium carbonate and VitD3) every morning, continuously for 6 months. Serum IL-6 was detected using radioimmunoassay. Results: After six months' treatment, the result showed that in acupuncture group serum IL-6 calcium level lowered while in control group serum IL-6 content increased. Statistical analysis indicates that there are no significant differences between two groups or between pre-treatment and post-treatment in every single group( P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although no statistical difference was found b     

Sixty-two Cases of Intractable Ascites due to Cirrhosis Treated by the Modified Wulingsan Power plus Abdominal Reinfusion of the Concentrated Ascites after Ultrafiltration

Objective： To observe the clinical therapeutic effects of Wulingsan Jiawei （五苓散加味 Supplemented Powder of Five Drugs with Poria, SPFDP） plus abdominal reinfusion of concentrated ascites after ultrafiltration （ARCAU） for intractable ascites due to cirrhosis （IAC）. Methods： 124 cases of IAC were randomly divided into two groups, a treatment group of 62 cases treated by oral administration of SPFDP plus ARCAU and a control group of 62 cases treated simply by ARCAU. Aldosterone （ALD） level in plasma, levels of total bilirubin （TBIL） and albumin （ALB） in serum, and activity of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） were determined in the two groups before and after treatment. Results： After treatment ALT activity and TBIL level in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and ALB content in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group. ALD level of the treatment group significantly decreased after treatment as compared with that before treatment, while that of the control group did not decreased significantly after treatment. The treatment group was significantly superior in keeping down ascites to the control group. Conclusion： SPFDP plus ARCAU treatment oflAC can markedly raise the clinical therapeutic effect, reduce recurrence of ascites, and improve the liver function, which can produce a significant decrease in ALD level in plasma and a marked increase in ALB content.     

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE PLUS ACUPOINT-INJECTION FOR RHINALLERGOSIS

Aims: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture plus acupoint-injection of Acidi Nucleici et Caseini Hydrolysatis Composita in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods: Ninety-five cases of allergic rhinitis patients were randomized into acupuncture plus acupoint-injection group (treatment group, n= 40), acupuncture group (control group A, n=30) and muscular-injection group (control group B, n=25). Yingxiang (LI 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Baihui (GV20), Fengchi (GB 20), Fengmen (BL 12), Feishu (BL 13), etc. were used. Results: Following 20 days‘ treatment,of the 40, 30 and 25 cases of allergic rhinitis in treatment, control A and B groups, 16 (40.0 % ), 8 (26.7 % ) and 0were cured, 22 (55.0%), 14 (46.7%) and 4 ( 16.0% ) experienced improvement in their symptoms and signs, and 2(5.0%), 8 (26.7%) and 21 (84.0%) failed in the treatment, with the effective rates being 95.0%, 73.3% and16.0% separately. The therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to those of two control groups ( P ＜ 0.05, 0.01 ). Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of acupuncture plus acupoint-injection of Injecto Acidi Nucleici et Caseini Hydrolysatis Composita is definite.     

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF 60 CASES OF ASTHMA WITH RED-HOT NEEDLE IN THE DOG DAYS

In the present paper, a total of 109 asthma patients were randomly divided into treatment group (redhot needle, n=62) and control group (conventional acupuncture, n=47). The treatment was conducted beginning from the first day of the first 10-day period of the Dog Days. After successive two years‘ treatment, results showed that of the 62 and 47 cases in treatment and control groups, 16 and 7 were cured basically, 37 and 16 had remarkable improvement, 8 and 12 were ameliorated, 1 and 10 failed in the treatment, with the effective rate being 98.4% and 78.7 % respectively, displaying that the therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group (P＜0.01).     

Serum from asthmatic rat treated with acupuncture inhibits acetylcholine-induced contractile responses of airway smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of serum from asthmatic rat treated with acupuncture(acupuncture serum) on the contractile responses of airway smooth muscle cells(ASMCs).METHODS: OVA-induced asthmatic rats were subject to acupuncture treatment at the points of Dazhui(GV 14), Fengmen(BL 12), and Feishu(BL 13).The resulting serum was collected, as well as serum from normal animals. Contraction of ASMCs was induced with 10 μM acetylcholine(Ach), and acupuncture serum or normal serum was supplemented 15 min later. The effects of the sera on the changes in cell length, width, and surface areawere monitored in real time via a live cell imaging system.RESULTS: The contraction rates of ASMCs 15 min and 30 min after Ach stimulation reached 38.2% ±3.8% and 49.7% ± 4.6%, both of which were significantly higher than unstimulated control cells(P 0.01). Acupuncture serum at the 1∶100 dosage reduced the contraction rate of ASMCs from 40.1% ±5.1% to 17.6% ± 6.5%(P 0.01). Thus, the treatment significantly inhibited the Ach-induced contractile responses of ASMCs and yielded a relaxation efficiency of 58%, which was greater than the effects obtained with a 1∶250 dosage. Treatment with acupuncture serum at 1∶500 dosage or normal serum displayed no clear effect of suppressing Ach-induced contraction of ASMCs.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that acupuncture serum has the effect of inhibiting Ach-induced contraction of ASMCs, thereby promoting relaxation of the cells.     

CLINICAL RESEARCH ON TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PROSTATITIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE

In the present study, the authors put forward that Zhibian(BL 54) and Sanyin-jiao(SP 6) are the effective acupoints for treatment of chronic prostatitis and possess an unique cura-tive effect in treatment of this disease with the type of deficiency of both the spleen and the kidney. Atotal effective rate was 92% in group of 1OO cases treated with acupuncture and comparison betweenpre- and post-treatment in examinations of prostatic fluid and other 6 items showed, significantly bet-ter than that of oral compound Sinohan(P<0. 01 ).     

CLINICAL STUDY ON CLIMACTERIC SYNDROME TREATED WITH AURICULAR PLUS BODY ACUPUNCTURE

Aim: To search for the best therapeutic method for climacteric syndrome. Methods: A total of 190 cases of climacteric syndrome participants were randomly divided into auricular plus body acupuncture group (treatment group, n = 96) and simple body acupuncture group (control group, n = 94). Serum sexual hormone (FSH, LH and E2) and blood lipid (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG) levels were detected before and after treatment. Results: After 30sessions of treatment, the total effective rates of treatment and control groups were 82.29% and 76.02% respectively, with the former being significantly higher than the later ( P ＜ 0.01 ). In comparison with pre-treatment of each group, serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luterotropic hormone (LH) levels lowered significantly; serum estradiol (E2) increased remarkably ( P ＜ 0.05 - 0.01 ); serum high-density l ipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) of two groups raised significantly ( P＜ 0.05- 0.01 ), and Iow-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C of treatment group decreased evidently (P＜ 0.05). In addition, the improvement of complaints of hot flushes, sweating, paresthesia, insomnia and emotional irritability in treatment group is significantly better than that of control group. Conclusion: Auricular acupuncture combined with body acupuncture has a better therapeutic effect than that of simple body acupuncture in the treatment of climacteric syndrome.     

OBSERVATION ON CLINICAL THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF MRI-AIDED ENCLOSURE NEEDLING IN THE TREATMENT OF STROKE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON BLOOD RHEOLOGY

Objective: To observe clinical therapeutic effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRl)-aided enclosure needling in the treatment of stroke patients and changes of the related blood rheology. Methods: A total of 61stroke patients were randomized into MR I-aided enclosure needling group (MRI-aided acupuncture group) (n = 31 ) and conventional acupuncture group (n= 30). For patients of MRl-aided acupuncture group, acupuncture needles were inserted into the subcutaneous tissues around the focus-projection scalp area displayed by MRI, with the needle tips toward the center of the projection region and with two needles being about 2 crn apart, combined with other acupoints according to the concrete syndromes or symptoms. For patients of conventional acupuncture group, Motor Area (MS 6)and Sensory Area (MS 7) on the contralateral side of the focus were punctured. The treatment was conducted once daily, continuously for 30 days. Results: After treatment, of the 31 cases in MRl-aided acupuncture group, 20 werecured basically, 10 responded with significant improvement of symptoms and signs, one case had some improvement.While in conventional acupuncture group, of the 30 cases, 11 were cured basically, 15 responded with striking amelioration of symptoms and signs and 4 had some amelioration. Ridit analysis showed that the therapeutic effect of MRI-aided acupuncture group was significantly superior to that of conventional acupuncture group (P ＜ 0.05). After treatment,the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, whole blood reduction viscosity, hemagglutination index, and the total score of the two groups all decreased significantly in comparison with those of pre-treatment of each group,while whole blood viscosity, hematocrit, vascular sclerosis index and the total score of MRl-aided acupuncture group were obviously lower than those of conventional acupuncture group ( P＜ 0.05- 0.01 ), suggesting that the effect of theformer group in bettering blood rheology was pronouncedly superior to that of conventional acupuncture group. Conclusion: MRl-aided acupuncture group is obviously superior to that of conventional acupuncture group in improving clinicalsymptoms and signs and blood rheology in stroke patients.     

Interventional Effect of Jianpi Bushen Granule Combined with Western Medicine on the Level of Serum Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis Patients

Objective: This study is aimed to investigate the clinical significance of regulating effect of Jianpi Bushen Granule (JBG) combined with Western medicine on the level of serum acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AchRAb) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, so as to offer a theoretical basis of the targeted therapy with AchRAb. Methods: We detected the level of anti-AchRAb with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the sera from 60 cases of MG patients (randomly divided into the trial group 30 cases, control group 30) for before and after treatment 6 months, and the clinical evaluation carried out by the Quantitative score of myasthenia gravis (QMG) for before and after treatment 3,6 months. Results: (1) Comparison of the level of serum AchRAb:All included MG patients, the positive rate of serum AchRAb was about 81.67% (49/60), and the trial group was 83.33% (25/30), the control group was 90% (27/30), and the serum AchRAb levels of the trial group (0.994 ± 0.417) was lower than that of the contral group (1.068 ± 0.358), but there was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, the serum AchRAb levels of the trial group (0.721 ± 0.280) was also significantly lower than that of the contral group (0.907 ± 0.387), and the serum AchRAb levels was decreased dramatically compared with the same group before treatment, there was significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). (2)Comparison of QMG scoring:QMG scoring was decreased dramatically in the trial group compared with that of the control group after treatment, there was significant difference (P < 0.05), moreover, the total effective rate in the trial group (50%,86.67%)was significantly higher than those in the control groups (23.33%, 40%) after 3,6 months treatment (P < 0.05). There was also significant difference in the clinical evaluation by the QMG between the two groups before and after treatment. (3) Adverse reactions: no obvious adverse reactions appeared among the two groups. Conclusions: JBG combined with Western medicine therapy on MG by regulating the level of patients’ serum AchRAb shows definite effects, and it is worthy of further studying.     

ACUPUNCTURE REDUCES CYTOKINES EXPRESSION AND STRESS HORMONES IN A CHRONIC STRESS RAT MODEL OF DEPRESSION

Objective: Chronic stress is the major precipitating factor of depression.Growing amounts of data have shown that chronic stress-induced inflammatory responses play an important role in the pathophysiology of depression.The rise in the inflammatory cytokines induced by chronic stress usually results in a further stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis.A number of studies have found that acupuncture is an effective remedy for depression.However, little is known about whether acupuncture could affect the chronic stress-induced modulation of central cytokines and stress hormones in depression.Methods: The chronic unpredictable stress(CUS) rat model of depression was used to study the effects of acupuncture.Acupuncture treatment was performed at acupoints Baihui(GV20) and Neiguan(PC6).The levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) and corticosterone(CORT) were measured by ELISA.The cytokine mRNA and corticotrophin-releasing hormone(CRH) mRNA were analyzed with RT-PCR.Results: Rats subjected to CUS showed increased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α contents, as well as increased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression in the hippocampus.These alterations could be reversed by acupuncture treatment.In addition, acupuncture down-regulated CRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus, as well as the serum ACTH level, but CORT was not included.Conclusion: Acupuncture could reduce the inflammatory cytokines in the brain and down-regulate the activity of HPA axis in CUS rats, which might mediate the antidepressant effect.     

刺血疗法对黄褐斑的临床疗效观察

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of treating chloasma with acupuncture and bloodletting therapy.Methods 176 cases with chloasma were recruited into two groups randomly. Acupuncture and bloodletting therapy was adopted in the treatment group (90 cases), and exclusive acupuncture was applied in the control group (86 cases). Results The effective rate was 96.7% in the treatment group and 51.2% in the control group. There was a significant statistical difference between two groups (P＜0.05). Conclusion The treatment of acupuncture and bloodletting therapy has a definite therapeutic effect on chloasma, being worthy of spread.     

RESEARCH OF ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTS ON THE FUNCTION OF SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION IN TREATING ASTHMATIC RATS

To explore the role of acupuncture in treating asthma disease, on the basis of airway smooth muscle cytoskeleton protein function,we observed the effects of acupuncture on smooth muscle contraction function of a rat model of asthma.In vivo, rats were exposed to ovalbumin sensitization to establish the rat model of chronic asthma and they were treated with manual acupuncture on Feishu(BL13), Shenshu(BL23) and Dingchuan(EXB1) acupoints(incidental and fundamental acupoints), once a day and 30 min each time for 3 months.We used pulmonary pathology HE staining and Sirius red staining to observe the airway structure and epithelial fibrosis for each group, and computer image analysis system for evaluation of airway remodeling.Force transduction device was applied to observe bronchial smooth muscle contraction curve.Contents of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected by ELISA.Simultaneously,the expression of α-SMA in lung and bronchial smooth muscle cells was observed by Western-blot and immunostaining methods.Furthermore, actin polymerization was detected as evidence of the immunoblot analysis.The airway remodeling structures were changed, such as incensing of inflammatory cell infiltration, losing of epithelial cells, epithelium of fibrosis, and increasing thickness of smooth muscle cell layer under the epithelium.Manual acupuncture alleviated the pathological changes.We found that smooth muscle cell contractility was improved significantly after acupuncture treatment.Contents of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and NF-κB in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment.Acupuncture also reversed the increase of α-SMA protein expression in the lung and bronchus,and decreased the F/G actin ratio.In conclusion, acupuncture treatment can effectively regulate the airway smooth muscle contractility function of the asthmatic rats, and effectively restrain the airway remodeling and inflammatory reaction of asthma.     

Clinical observation on treatment of 63 cases of enuresis by scalp acupuncture, body acupuncture plus moxibustion with box

To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of scalp acupuncture,body acupuncture plus moxibustion with box in treating enuresis.MethodsNinety-three patients were divided into treatment group of 63 cases and control group of 30 cases.Scalp acupuncture,body acupuncture plus moxibustion with box were used in treatment group.Routine western medicine therapy was used in control group.Results and ConclusionThe cured rate was 69.8% and the total effective rate was 95.3% in the treatment group and 33.3% and 76.7% in the control group.The therapeutic effect in treatment group was superior to that in control group(P＜0.05).     

Sitting-pushing manipulation combined with bloodletting for 40 cases of thoracic facet joint disorder syndrome

Objective:To observe the clinical effect on thoracic facet joint disorder syndrome treated with the sitting-pushing manipulation,acupuncture at Yanglingquan(阳陵泉 GB34)and bloodletting at Weizhong(委中 BL40).Methods:A total of 40 patients of thoracic facet joint disorder syndrome were treated with the combined therapy of the sitting-pushing manipulation,acupuncture at GB34 and bloodletting at BL40,once every two days.The therapeutic effect was evaluated 6 days later.Results:After treatment,of 40 cases of thoracic facet joint disorder syndrome,31 cases were cured,5 cases improved,2 cases effective and 2 cases failed.The curative rate was 77.5% and the total effective rate was 95%.Visual analog scale(VAS)was(4.1±1.4)points before treatment and was(2.2±0.6)points after treatment,indicating the statistical difference in comparison before and after treatment(P0.05).Conclusion:The sitting-pushing manipulation combined with acupuncture at GB34 and bloodletting at BL 40 achieves a very satisfactory therapeutic effect on thoracic facet joint disorder syndrome.Such combined therapy is a kind of favorable method for thoracic facet joint disorder syndrome.     

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE ON SERUM IL-1β AND TNF-α CONTENTS IN CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA-REPERFUSION RATS

Purpose: To study the mechanism of early acupuncture treatment in resisting inflammatory injury in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) rats. Methods: A total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control, sham-operation, model and EA groups, and each of them were further divided into IR-12 hr, IR-24 hr and IR-48 hr subgroups, with 10 cases being in each subgroup. Cerebral ischemia was produced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 0.5 hr. Shuigou (GV 26) and Baihui (GV 20) were punctured and stimulated electrically with an EA therapeutic apparatus. Serum IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α contents were assayed by using radioimmunoassay.Results: Results showed that serum IL-1β and TNF-c contents of model group were significantly higher than those of normal control and sham-operation groups at IR 12 hr, 24 hr and 48 hr ( P ＜ 0.05), meaning that following IR, the production and release of these two cytokines in the blood increased obviously; comparison between EA and model groups displayed that serum IL-1β and TNF-α levels of EA group were strikingly lower than those of model group (P＜0.01),suggesting that EA stimulation can suppress IR induced increase of production and release of these two cytokines. Conclusion: EA can suppress cerebral IR induced increase of serum IL-1β and TNF-α, which may contribute to the effect of acupuncture in resisting cerebral IR injury in the treatment of stroke.     

Wrist–ankle acupuncture combined with pinching along the spine for children allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of wrist–ankle acupuncture combined with pinching along the spine on allergic rhinitis(AR) in children.Methods: A total of 65 children with AR were collected from February 2017 through to December 2018 and they were randomly divided into a combined treatment group with wrist–ankle acupuncture, pinching along the spine and western medication(combined treatment group, 32 cases) and a western medication group(33 cases). In the western medication group, loratadine was prescribed for oral administration. In the combined treatment group, on the base of the medication as the western medication group,the wrist–ankle acupuncture was adopted in combination with pinching along the spine. Before and after treatment, the symptoms and physical signs were scored and the clinical effect was observed in the children of the two groups.Results: After the treatment and in the follow-up, the scores of the symptoms and physical signs in the combined treatment group were lower than those of the western medication group, indicating a statistical significance(all P 0.05). The total effective rate was 93.7% in the combined treatment group,which was higher than 63.63% in the western medication group, indicating a statistical significance(P 0.05).Conclusion: The combined treatment of wrist–ankle acupuncture combined with pinching along the spine and loratadine effectively relieves the clinical symptoms and the physical signs in AR children. The clinical effect of this combined treatment is better than the simple use of loratadine.