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1.
Objective
To explore the action mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in improving the gastric motility of rats with diabetic gastroparesis (DGP).Methods
Forty-eight healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into four groups: a normal group (group A), a model group (group B), a group of EA at acupoints (group C), and a group of EA at non-acupoints (group D), 12 rats in each group. The animal model of DGP was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) plus high glucose and fat diet. The blood glucose, urine glucose and gastric emptying rate (GER) were observed. The content of insulin (INS) in serum and ghrelin in gastric antrum tissue were detected by enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). The expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor mRNA (GHSR mRNA) in gastric antrum tissue was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results
Compared with group A, blood glucose and urine glucose increased significantly (P<0.01), GER, content of serum insulin, the content of ghrelin and expression of GHSR mRNA in gastric antrum tissue decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in group B. Compared with group B, blood glucose and urine glucose decreased significantly (P<0.05), GER, the content of insulin in serum, the content of ghrelin and expression of GHSR mRNA in gastric antrum tissue increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in group C.Conclusion
EA at acupoints can down-regulate the content of blood and urine sugar, and promote gastric emptying, which is possibly related to the regulation of serum insulin, and the expressions of ghrelin and GHSR mRNA in gastric antrum.2.
Objective
To evaluate and compare electroacupunctures (EA) with different parameters and moxibustion at different temperatures influencing the activation of mast cells (MC) in Tianshu (ST 25) regions of visceral hyperalgesia model rats.Methods
Rats (except for model group) respectively accepted 1 mA or 3 mA EA or moxibustion at 43 °C or 4 °C to stimulate Tianshu (ST 25) points after randomization of the fifty visceral hyperalgesia model rats, and then were compared with that in model and normal groups. Number, degranulation numbers, degranulation rates in Tianshu (ST 25) regions MC of rats in each group were observed using toluidine blue staining. Abdominal withdrawl reflex (AWR) score was used to evaluate the rat visceral hyperalgesia reactions.Results
Compared with the normal group and the model group, MC numbers (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01), degranulation numbers and degranulation rates (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.05, P<0.01) of Tianshu (ST 25) MC in regions tissues in 43 °C and 4 °C moxibustion groups, and 1 mA and 3 mA EA groups all increased significantly. Compared with the model group, AWR scores were significantly lower in 43 °C and 4 °C moxibustion groups, and 1 mA and 3 mA EA groups under the stimulation of 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 0 mmHg or 80 mmHg colorectal distension (CRD) (P<0.05 in 1 mA and 3 mA EA groups under the stimulation of 20 mmHg, P<0.01 in the other groups). AWR scores in 43 °C and 4 °C oxibustion groups under the stimulation of 20 mmHg, 40 mmHg, 0 mmHg or 80 mmHg CRD were not significantly different from those in the normal group (all P>0.05); AWR scores in 1 mA EA group under the stimulation of 0 mmHg or 80 mmHg were significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01); AWR score in 3 mA EA group under the stimulation of 0 mmHg was significantly higher than that in the normal group (P<0.01), and AWR scores in 3 mA EA group under the stimulation of 20 mmHg or 80 mmHg were also higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05). AWR scores were higher in 1 mA EA group under the stimulation of 40 mmHg or 80 mmHg than that in 4 °C moxibustion group (P<0.05); AWR score was higher in 3 mA EA group under the stimulation of 40 mmHg than that in 4 °C moxibustion group (P<0.05).Conclusion
There are differences among EA of different parameters and moxibustion of different temperatures in activating on Tianshu (ST 25) regions MC of visceral hyperalgesia model rats, as well as in improving the visceral hyperalgesia reaction. The effect of 4 °C moxibustion is the most significant.3.
Objective
To observe the effect of point-moxibustion on gastrointestinal motility, mRNA and protein expressions of ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR-1a) in lateral septal nucleus of rats with diabetic gastroparesis (DGP), and to investigate the central regulatory mechanism of DGP treatment with point-moxibustion.Methods
Forty SPF-grade Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a point-moxibustion group, with 10 rats in each group. A DGP rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 2% streptozotocin (STZ) with 8-week irregular high-sugar and high-fat diet in the model group, the EA group and the point-moxibustion group; and rats in the blank group were injected intraperitoneally with 0.1 mmoL/L (pH 4.5) citric acid-sodium citrate buffer with 8-week normal diet. Eight weeks later, rats in the EA group were treated by EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); while rats in the point-moxibustion group were treated by point-moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for successive 15 d. Rats in the blank group and the model group were fixed as the control without intervention. After treatment, intestinal propulsion rate and gastric emptying rate were measured. The mRNA and protein expressions of ghrelin and GHSR-1a in the lateral septal nucleus were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB).Results
Compared with the blank group, the intestinal propulsion rate and gastric emptying rate of the model group were significantly lower (both P<0.01); compared with the model group, the intestinal propulsion rate and gastric emptying rate of the EA group and the point-moxibustion group increased significantly (all P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expressions of ghrelin and GHSR-1a were lower in the model group than those in the blank group (all P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of ghrelin and GHSR-1a were significantly higher in the EA group and the point-moxibustion group than those in the model group (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the EA group and the point-moxibustion group (all P>0.05).Conclusion
Point-moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can increase the intestinal propulsion rate and gastric emptying rate of DGP rats, and promote the mRNA and protein expressions of ghrelin and GHSR-1a in the central nervous system. The mechanism may be related to the activation of ghrelin pathway in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus-lateral septal nucleus.4.
Objective
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36) on the gastrointestinal motility and the ultrastructures of pacemaker cells [the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC)] in diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats and explore the mechanism of EA for DGP.Methods
A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into group A, group B, group C, group D and group E, with 10 rats in each group. Group A was the blank control; a single intraperitoneal injection of 2% streptozotocin (STZ) was performed in rats of group B, group C, group D and group E, with high glucose and high fat diet for 8 weeks to establish the DGP rat models. Group B was the model group and the rats did not receive any treatment; group C was EA at acupoint group and the rats received EA at Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); group D was EA at non-acupoint group and the rats received EA at the control points of Zusanli (ST 36), Liangmen (ST 21) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); group E was metoclopramide group and the rats were treated by intragastric administration of metoclopramide. Blood glucose was detected using ONE TOUCH blood glucose meter; gastric emptying rate and small intestine migration rate were measured using intragastric phenol red; ultrastructures of gastric antrum ICC were detected by transmission electron microscopy.Results
The differences of blood glucose between group B, group C, group D, group E versus that of group A were statistically significant after modeling (P<0.01); after treatment, the differences of blood glucose between group D, group E versus that of group C were statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.01); the gastric emptying rate of rats in group B was statistically significant different from that in group A (P<0.01); the gastric emptying rate of rats in group C was statistically significant different from that in group B (P<0.01). The migration rates of rats’ small intestines in group B, group C, group D and group E were all statistically significant different from that in group A (P<0.01); the migration rate of rats’ small intestines in group C was statistically significant different from that in group B (P<0.01). The ultrastructure of rat’s ICC in group B showed apoptosis compared with that in group A; rat‘s ICC in group C had complete basement membrane, more cytoplasm mitochondria, Golgi and rough endoplasmic reticulum, showing clear structure, occasional mitochondria swelling and gap junctions with adjacent smooth muscle cells; there were no significant differences between group D, group E versus group B.Conclusion
EA at Zusanli (ST 36) plus other acupoints can regulate the blood glucose and promote gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats, and the mechanism may be related to repairing the damaged ICC structure.5.
Objective
To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the expressions of acetylcholine (ACh) and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) in the lungs of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and explore the mechanism of EA in treating COPD.Methods
Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group, a COPD group, and an EA group, with 10 rats in each group. The control group was a group of normal rats. The COPD rat model was induced by cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The COPD rats were treated with EA at bilateral Feishu (BL 13) and Zusanli (ST 36) in the EA group, 30 min each time, once a day, successively for 14 d. The lung function was tested. The contents of ACh and MUC5AC in lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between pulmonary function and the content of MUC5AC in lungs. The mRNA and protein expressions of MUC5AC in lung tissues were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. The immune response of MUC5AC was observed by immunohistochemistry.Results
Eight rats were left in each group, and the other two died. Compared with the control group, the total airway resistance (Raw) increased significantly and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) decreased significantly in the COPD group (P<0.01); compared with the COPD group, the Raw level declined significantly and Cdyn increased significantly in the EA group (P<0.01). The contents of ACh and MUC5AC in the lungs and BALF were remarkably higher in the COPD group compared with those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.001); compared with the COPD group, the contents of ACh and MUC5AC were significantly lower in the EA group (P<0.05, P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between MUC5AC content and lung function (P<0.001). The mRNA and protein expressions of MUC5AC in the lungs were significantly higher in the COPD group than in the control group (P<0.001); compared with the COPD group, the expressions were significantly lower in the EA group (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the immune response of MUC5AC in the airway epithelium significantly increased in the COPD group (P<0.001); the immune response of MUC5AC was significantly lower in the EA group compared with that in the COPD group (P<0.001).Conclusion
EA treatment can improve the lung function of COPD rats, which may be related to its effect in the down-regulation of ACh and MUC5AC contents in the lungs as well as the inhibition of mucus hypersecretion.6.
Objective
To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of different frequencies on the expression levels of substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the colon of rats with slow transit constipation (STC).Methods
One hundred healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a low-frequency EA group, a high-frequency EA group and a variable-frequency EA group, with 20 rats in each group. The rats in the normal group were fed with normal diet. The rats in the other groups were fed with phenethylpiperidine in the diet at a dose of 8 mg/(kg·bw) per day, for 120 d, to establish the STC model. Rats in the normal group and the model group did not receive any treatment; rats in the low-frequency EA group were treated with 2 Hz continuous wave EA, rats in the high-frequency EA group were treated with 100 Hz continuous wave EA, and rats in the variable-frequency EA group were treated with 2 Hz/100 Hz sparse-dense EA. The current intensity of the EA was determined by the slight vibration of the rat limbs without painful screaming. The intervention was performed once a day, 15 min/time for continuous 15 d. After treatment, the intestinal transit function and the expression levels of SP and VIP in the colon of the rats in each group were determined.Results
After treatment, the defecation duration of the first dark stool in the model group was significantly longer than that in the normal group (P<0.05); the defecation durations of the first dark stool in the low-frequency EA group, high-frequency EA group and variable-frequency EA group were significantly shorter than the duration in the model group (all P<0.05); compared with the low-frequency EA group, the first dark stool defecation duration of rats in the variable-frequency EA group was significantly shorter (P<0.05); compared with the normal group, the SP and VIP expression levels in the colon of the model group were significantly decreased (both P<0.01); the SP and VIP expression levels in the colon of the low-frequency EA group, the high-frequency EA group and the variable-frequency EA group were significantly higher than those in the model group (all P<0.05); compared with the high-frequency EA group, the SP expression levels in the colon in the low-frequency EA group and the variable-frequency EA group were significantly increased (both P<0.05); compared with the low-frequency EA group, the VIP expression levels in the colon in the high-frequency EA group and the variable-frequency EA group were significantly increased (both P<0.05).Conclusion
EA improves the intestinal function of STC model rats by regulating the expression levels of SP and VIP in rat colon. The EA stimulation with 100 Hz continuous wave, 2 Hz/100 Hz sparse-dense wave shows a better improvement in the colonic transit function in STC rats, followed by 2 Hz continuous wave.7.
Objective
To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of three different frequencies (2 Hz, 80 Hz and 2 Hz/80 Hz) on the free radicals in hippocampus of vascular dementia (VD) model mice.Methods
A total of 100 Kunming mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a 2 Hz EA group, an 80 Hz EA group and a 2 Hz/80 Hz EA group, with 20 mice in each group. The ischemia-reperfusion VD model was established by repeated blockade of bilateral common carotid arteries. Mice in EA groups began EA treatment on the 4th day after the operation. Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Geshu (BL 17) and Zusanli (ST 36) were punctured and then connected to EA instrument, with different waves of 2 Hz, 80 Hz or 2 Hz/80 Hz (10 min/time) applied accordingly, once a day. During the jumping stand experiment, the learning performance, memory performance and hippocampal calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and true choline esterase (TChE) were observed. In hippocampus, the CGRP level was determined by radioimmunoassay; the MDA level was determined by thiobarbituric acid colorimetric method; the activities of NOS and TChE were determined by spectrophotometry; the activity of SOD was determined by xanthine oxidase method.Results
Compared with the sham operation group, the performances of learning and memory decreased significantly in the model group (P<0.01); in hippocampus, the CGRP level decreased, the MDA level increased, the activities of NOS and TChE increased, and the activity of SOD decreased in the model group. Compared with the model group, the learning and memory performances of the EA groups were significantly improved (P<0.05 or P<0.01); in hippocampus, the CGRP level increased, the MDA level decreased, the NOS and TChE activities decreased, and the SOD activity increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Among EA groups, the 2 Hz/80 Hz EA group was superior to the 2 Hz EA group and the 80 Hz EA group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion
EA can improve the cognitive impairment of mice with ischemia-reperfusion VD. The mechanism may be related to the improvement of cerebral blood circulation, regulation of the central neurotransmitters, fighting lipid peroxidation and promoting nerve cell repair. The therapeutic effects of EA with different frequencies were different, and the intervention effect by EA at 2 Hz/80Hz is the most significant.8.
Objective
To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC 6) and Baihui (GV 20) by observing the changes of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein(C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP) and caspase-12 gene expressions in rats after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and explore whether the apoptosis pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is involved in the protective mechanisms of EA.Methods
Sixty rats were randomly assigned to five groups (12 in each group): a normal control group (group A), a sham-operation group (group B), an operation group (group C), an Edaravone group (group D) and an EA group (group E). The cerebral IRI rat model was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) using intraluminal monofilament. 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was adopted in the measurement of cerebral infarction volume. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expressions of CHOP and caspase-12.Results
Compared with group A and group B, the volume of cerebral infarction and mRNA expressions of CHOP and caspase-12 in group C, group D and group E were increased, with statistical significances (P<0.05 or P<0.01); compared with group C, the volume of cerebral infarction and mRNA expressions of CHOP and caspase-12 in group D and group E were decreased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01); there were no significant differences between group D and group E in comparing the above items (P>0.05).Conclusion
EA at Neiguan (PC 6) and Baihui (GV 20) can effectively suppress the volume of cerebral infarction. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism of EA at Neiguan (PC 6) and Baihui (GV 20) is possibly related to the down-regulation of CHOP and caspase-12 mRNA expressions, so as to decrease cell apoptosis.9.
Objective
To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with tuina for chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).Methods
A total of 97 CTTH cases were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=52) and a control group (n=45). Patients in the observation group were treated with EA plus tuina based on pattern identification, whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral amitriptyline and oryzanol. Patients in both groups were treated for 8 weeks. A follow-up was conducted 3 months after the treatment. The intensity, duration, and frequency of the headache were recorded and compared before and after the treatment. Additionally, the patients’ psychological state and quality of life (QOL) were compared between the two groups.Results
There were intra-group statistically significant differences in headache intensity score, headache duration, and headache frequency after the treatment and during the follow-up compared with those before the treatment (all P<0.05); and there were between-group statistically significant differences during the same time frame (all P<0.05). The Hamilton depression scale-17 items (HAMD-17) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) scores were significantly reduced in both groups after the treatment or during the follow-up (all P<0.01); and there were no between-group statistical significances during the same time frame (all P>0.05). The World Health Organization quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores were significantly reduced in both groups after the treatment or during the follow-up (all P<0.05); and the scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05) during the same time frame. The total effective rate was 88.0% in the observation group, versus 71.4% in the control group, showing a significant difference (P<0.05).Conclusion
EA combined with tuina can significantly decrease the frequency of chronic tension-type headache, alleviate headache intensity, shorten headache duration, and improve the patients’ wellness. It is better than amitriptyline plus oryzanol.10.
Objective
To observe different efficacies of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on pancreatic endocrine system in male and female patients with simple obesity due to spleen deficiency-related dampness.Methods
A total of 80 simple obesity patients were assigned to a male group (n=37) and a female group (n=43). Both groups received a 30-minute low-frequency EA at Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4). The treatment was done once a day, and 10 times made up a course of treatment. Patients in both groups were treated for 2 courses. Then the changes in body mass index (BMI), serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin level in the two groups were observed and analyzed.Results
After treatment, the BMI, serum insulin, insulin antibodies and leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05); the BMI and serum insulin concentration were more significantly reduced in the male group than those in the female group (both P<0.01); and the leptin level was more significantly reduced in the female group than that in the male group (P<0.01).Conclusion
EA can significantly regulate BMI and pancreatic endocrine system in both men and women with simple obesity; however, there is a gender difference: better effect for men in reducing BMI and serum insulin and better effect for women in reducing serum leptin level.11.
Objective
To investigate the effect of moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) on free radical metabolism in rat’s hippocampus after different degrees of exhaustive exercise.Methods
A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=8), a model group (n=32) and a moxibustion group (n=32). According to the times of modeling or treatment, the model group was further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time model subgroup, a 4-time model subgroup, a 7-time model subgroup and a 10-time model subgroup (n=8); the moxibustion group was also further randomly divided into different subgroups of a 1-time moxibustion subgroup, a 4-time moxibustion subgroup, a 7-time moxibustion subgroup and a 10-time moxibustion subgroup (n=8). Rats in both model and moxibustion subgroups were subjected to establishing the swimming exhaustive model. Rats in each moxibustion subgroup received mild moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) for 15 min immediately after modeling, once every other day. The concentration of malic dialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in rat’s hippocampus in each group were detected 24 h after the exhaustive exercise.Results
Compared with the 1-time model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats was significantly prolonged in the 4-time model subgroup (P<0.01), while it was significantly shortened in the 7-time and 10-time model subgroups (both P<0.01). Compared with the matched model subgroup, the exhaustive swimming time of rats in the 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups was significantly prolonged (both P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the MDA concentration was increased significantly (P<0.01), and the activities stress response of SOD and T-AOC were increased in the 1-time model subgroup (both P<0.05); the MDA concentration was increased (all P<0.01), and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were decreased differently (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time model subgroups. Compared with the matched model subgroup, the concentration of MDA was significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the activities of SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC were significantly increased in the 4-time, 7-time and 10-time moxibustion subgroups (all P<0.01).Conclusion
Moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) can improve the fatigue status of the body after long-term exhaustive exercise by regulating free radical metabolism in rat’s hippocampus. To some extent, this provides an experimental basis for moxibustion at Shenque (CV 8) against exercise-induced fatigue.12.
Objective
To observe the effect of moxibustion on learning and memory abilities, corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in subacute aging rats.Methods
Twenty four Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a moxibustion group, 8 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the moxibustion group were subcutaneously injected with 25% D-galactose [125 mg/(kg·bw)] for 40 d continuous; rats in the normal group were injected with saline at the same position for 40 d continuous. Rats in the moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion at bilateral Shenshu (BL 23) at the same time of modeling; rats in the normal group and the model group were only identically grabbed without moxibustion for 40 d. The learning and memory abilities of rats were observed using the Morris water maze at the end of the experiment. Abdominal aorta blood and thymus were collected after water maze experiment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone level, and immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of thymus GR.Results
Compared with the normal group, rats in the model group showed that a significantly longer escape latency time (P<0.01) on the third and the fourth days; number of times crossing the platform in 70 s significantly reduced (P<0.01); activity times in the fourth quadrant significantly decreased (P<0.05); serum corticosterone levels increased (P<0.01); thymus GR expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, rats in the moxibustion group showed that the escape latency times were significantly shorter on the third, the fourth and the fifth days (P<0.01, P<0.05); number of times crossing the platform in 70 s significantly increased (P<0.05); activity times in the fourth quadrant significantly increased (P<0.05); serum corticosterone levels decreased (P<0.05); thymus GR expression increased (P<0.05).Conclusion
Moxibustion could improve the learning and memory abilities of subacute aging rats, down-regulate serum corticosterone levels, and increase thymus GR content.13.
Objective
To observe the effects of moxibustion at different times on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), in the uterine tissues of rats with dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention, and to explore the differences and possible mechanisms of moxibustion at different times in easing pain in dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention.Methods
Forty-three female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (n=7), a model group (n=9), a pre-moxibustion group (n=9), an immediate-moxibustion group (n=9) and a pre-moxibustion plus immediatemoxibustion group (n=9). Rat models of primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention were established using (0±1) °C ice water immersion method combined with injection of estradiol benzoate for 10 d, followed by injection of oxytocin on the 11th day. Rats in the 3 intervention groups received moxibustion to Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 10 min for each acupoint, once a day. Rats in pre-moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion, beginning on the 8th day during modeling, for 3 continuous days; rats in immediate-moxibustion group were given one time mild moxibustion, immediately after injection of oxytocin on the 11th day during modeling; rats in pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group were given mild moxibustion, beginning on the 8th day during modeling till immediately after injection of oxytocin on the 11th day during modeling, for 4 continuous days. The level of PGF2α in the rat uterine tissues was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the levels of PGE2 and AVP in rat uterine tissues were measured by radioimmunoassay.Results
Compared with the blank control group, the levels of PGF2α and AVP, the PGF2α/PGE2 ratio in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the PGE2 level was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the rat uterine tissues in the model group. Compared with the model group, the writhing latency was significantly prolonged, the writhing number and the total writhing score were all decreased in the pre-moxibustion group, the immediate-moxibustion group and the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group (all P<0.01); the levels of PGF2α and AVP, and the PGF2α/PGE2 ratio were all significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PGE2 level was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the rat uterine tissues of the 3 treatment groups. Compared with the pre-moxibustion group, the writhing number and the total writhing score were all decreased in the immediate-moxibustion group and the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group (all P<0.01), the writhing latency was significantly prolonged in the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group(P<0.01); the levels of PGF2α and PGF2α/PGE2 ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PGE2 level was significantly increased (P<0.01) in rat uterine tissues in the immediate-moxibustion group and the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group. Compared with the immediate-moxibustion group, the writhing latency was significantly prolonged and the writhing number was decreased (all P<0.05), and the total writhing score was decreased (P<0.01) in the pre-moxibustion plus immediatemoxibustion group; the PGF2α level and the PGF2α/PGE2 ratio were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the PGE2 level was significantly increased (P<0.01) in rat uterine tissues in the pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion group.Conclusion
Moxibustion at different times all can produce obvious analgesic effects on dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention in rats, and pre-moxibustion plus immediate-moxibustion ranks the top. The mechanism of this analgesic effect may be via the regulation of abnormal PGF2α, PGE2 and AVP levels, to effectively inhibit the spastic contraction of uterine smooth muscle in dysmenorrhea rat, thereby improving the ischemia and hypoxia in uterus.14.
Objective
To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on histomorphologies of lacrimal glands, cornea and conjunctiva in experimental dry eye syndrome, and to explore the repair effects of EA on lacrimal glands and ocular surface damage.Methods
Twenty-four healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, an EA group and a medication group, 6 rabbits in each group. Experimental dry eye syndrome models were prepared in rabbits by using 0.1% benzalkonium chloride for eye drops. Tear secretion volume, break-up time of tear film (BUT) and corneal fluorescein staining score were observed before and after the treatment. Periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining method was used to observe the changes of conjunctival goblet cells in rabbits. After hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining, morphological changes of rabbit cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal gland tissues were observed under light microscope.Results
Compared with the normal group, tear secretion volume and BUT were significantly reduced (both P<0.01), while the corneal fluorescein staining score was significantly increased (P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, tear secretion volume and BUT were significantly increased, while the corneal fluorescein staining score was significantly decreased in the EA group and the medication group (all P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, the number of conjunctival goblet cells in the model group was significantly reduced; compared with the model group, the numbers of conjunctival goblet cells were all relatively higher in the EA group and the medication group. Pathological lesions of cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal glands all showed improvement by HE staining in the EA group and the medication group after the intervention.Conclusion
EA can improve tear secretion and tear film stability of rabbit dry eye syndrome, and repair the pathologic lesions of conjunctival goblet cells, corneal epithelia, cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal glands.15.
Objective
To observe the difference of the effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture (EA) on blood lipids between male and female patients with simple obesity due to damp induced by spleen deficiency.Methods
Eighty patients with simple obesity were recruited, including 37 males and 43 females, to receive low-frequency EA by selecting Yinlingquan (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40), Quchi (LI 11), Tianshu (ST 25), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), with needles retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once a day, 10 sessions as a treatment course, for 2 courses in total. The contents of body fat percentage (F%), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), blood glucose (Glu) and adiponectin (ADPN) in serum were observed to see the changes, and the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results
After the treatment, F%, and serum contents of TC, TG, LDL, Glu and ADPN dropped significantly in the two groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the serum content of HDL increased significantly in male group (P<0.05). The decrease of F% in female group was more significant than that in male group (P<0.01); the decrease of ADPN in male group was more significant than that in female group (P<0.05).Conclusion
EA can regulate the disordered blood lipids in male and female patients with simple obesity, with certain differences between genders. The decrease of subcutaneous fat content is more significant in females than that in males, while the decrease of ADPN is more significant in males.16.
Objective
To explore the clinical effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40) in treating senile dementia.Methods
A total of 74 patients were randomly divided into an EA group and a medication group based upon the random digital table, 37 cases in each group. EA at Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40) was given in the EA group, once every day, for six treatments per week. Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablets were given to the medication group, 5 mg per time and once a day in the former four weeks, 10 mg per time and once a day after 4 weeks, oral administration before sleep at night. The courses of the treatment were 12 weeks in both groups. The scores of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Barthel index (BI) were observed before and after the treatment, for processing the comparative analysis of the clinical effects after the course of the treatment.Results
The total effective rate was 86.5% in the EA group and 70.3% in the medication group. The therapeutic effect was better in the EA group than that in the medication group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). MMSE and BI scores after the treatment in the two groups were all elevated than those of the same groups before the treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). The improving situation was obviously better in the EA group than that in the medication group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion
EA at Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40) is affirmative in the therapeutic effect for senile dementia and can also improve the cognitive function and enhance the patients’ quality of life.17.
Objective
To observe the effect of warm needling plus oral administration of rosuvastatin calcium tablets on blood lipids in cerebral infarction patients.Methods
A total of 125 eligible cases were randomly allocated into group A (n=42), group B (n=40) and group C (n=43). Cases in group A received warm needling plus oral administration of rosuvastatin calcium tablets, cases in group B received warm needling, whereas cases in group C received oral administration of rosuvastatin calcium tablets.Results
After treatment, the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) all dropped obviously in the three groups, with significant differences (all P<0.05), modified Barthel index (BI) scores all significantly rise (all P<0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) remained unchanged (all P>0.05). After treatment, the changes of TC, TG and LDL-C in group A were significantly different from those in group B and group C (all P<0.05), while the changes showed no statistical significance between group B and group C (P>0.05). There were no between-group differences in HDL-C among the three groups (all P>0.05); the modified BI scores in group A and group B were significantly higher than that in group C (both P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between group A and group B (P>0.05). After treatment, the total effective rate was significantly higher in group A than that in group B and group C (both P<0.05), there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P>0.05).Conclusion
Warm needling and oral administration of rosuvastatin calcium tablets both can adjust blood lipids effectively in cerebral infarction patients with a similar therapeutic efficacy, while the effect gets better based upon combining both methods; acupuncture-moxibustion plays an important role in the recovery of nerve functions in cerebral infarction patients.18.
Objective
To observe the effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method on the resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to provide evidence for the effect mechanism study and clinical application of acupuncture intervention for PTSD.Methods
Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, a grasping group, a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for rats in the blank control group, rats in the other groups were subjected to preparing the PTSD models using ‘incarceration plus electric shock’ method. After interventions, changes in rat behavior of each group were observed; changes in resting-state EEG were collected and analyzed with multichannel EEG acquisition and analysis system, and image analysis and statistical processing were performed.Results
Compared with the blank control group, the average escape latency in the model group was significantly longer (P<0.05), and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with the grasping group, the average escape latencies in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly shortened (P<0.05), and the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas were all significantly increased (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the average escape latency, the times of crossing the platform and the effective areas between the acupuncture group and paroxetine group (all P>0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the α-wave power spectrum value in the model group was significantly decreased, and the power spectrum values of β-wave, δ-wave and э-wave were significantly increased (all P<0.01); compared with the grasping group, α-wave power spectrum values in the paroxetine group and acupuncture group were significantly increased (both P<0.01), and the power spectrum values of β-wave, δ-wave and э-wave were decreased significantly (all P<0.01). The power spectrum values of α-wave, β-wave, δ-wave and э-wave of rats in the acupuncture group were not significantly different from those in the paroxetine group (all P>0.05).Conclusion
Liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method can significantly improve the abnormal EEG activity in PTSD rats, which may be one mechanism of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method in effectively affecting the brain function in PTSD rats.19.
Objective
To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1)/CD31 around the cerebral infarction focus in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats and the possible mechanism, thus to provide a new strategy for the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke by acupuncture.Methods
A total of 180 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, 45 rats in each group. MCAO model was established using the modified line-embolus method in all rats except for those in the sham operation group; rats in the acupoint group were treated with EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23); rats in the non-acupoint group were treated with EA at the control points; rats in other 2 groups were only subjected to bundling without treatment. Ten rats in each group were randomly selected on the 3rd day, the 14th day and the 21st day after acupuncture stimulation to test the neurological function impairment. The expression levels of CD31 and VEGF were also detected.Results
Compared with the model group and non-acupoint group, the neurological function score of the acupoint group was decreased at each time point, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of VEGF and CD31 in each group were the lowest on the 3rd day, reached the peak on the 14th day and still remained at high level on the 21st day. And the differences among groups were statistically significant both on the 14th day and the 21st day (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the non-acupoint group, the expressions of VEGF and CD31 in the acupoint group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).Conclusion
EA at Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) can significantly improve the neurological function score of MCAO model rats, and shows protective effect on cerebral ischemia. The protective mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of CD31 and VEGF expression around the cerebral infarction focus in the MCAO model rats and induction of angiogenesis.20.