[Early electroacupuncture intervention delays progression of disease in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of early electroacupuncture (EA) intervention on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying alleviation of ALS. METHODS: Fifty-four ALS (ALS-SOD1G93A) mice with SOD1G93A gene mutation identified by PCR were randomly divided into model group, 60 day(d) EA group and 90 d EA group(n=18 mice in each group), and other 18 ALS-SOD1G93A negative mice were used as the control group. At the age of 60 and 90 days, mice of the two EA groups received EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) stimulation of bilateral "Jiaji" (EX-B2) of L1-L2 and L5-L6 for 20 min, twice a week for 4 weeks,respectively. When being 60 days old, the mice in the model and control groups were subjected to the same binding as that in the two EA groups but without EA intervention. The tail suspension test was used to judge the onset time of disease and the survival period, and rotary rod fatigue test was used to evaluate the hind limb motor function. Nissl staining method was used to observe the content of Nissl bodies in the anterior horn of the lumbar spinal cord. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1) in the anterior horn of the lumbar spinal cord, and Western blot was used to detect the relative expression of TLR4, NF-κB and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lumbar spinal cord. RESULTS: The disease onset time apparently delayed in the 60 d EA group than in the model group (P<0.01). The survival time was apparently shorter in the model group than in the control group (P<0.01), and obviously prolonged in the 60 d EA and 90 d EA groups than in the model group (P<0.01). The rotatory rod time was obviously shorter in the model group than in the control group (P<0.05), and apparently longer in the 60 d EA group than in the model group and 90 d EA group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the model group had a decrease in the number of Nissl bodies in the anterior horn of the lumbar spinal cord (P<0.01), and an increase in the expression levels of Iba-1, TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α in the lumbar spinal cord (P<0.01). In contrast to the model group, both 60 d EA and 90 d EA groups had an apparent increase in the number of Nissl bodies and a marked decrease in the expression levels of Iba-1, TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α in the lumbar spinal cord (P<0.05, P<0.01). The therapeutic effects of 60 d EA group were evidently superior to those of 90 d EA group in delaying the onset time of disease, prolonging the survival time and rotatory rod time, increasing the number of Nissl bodies, and in down-regulating the expression of Iba-1, TLR4, NF-κB and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The early intervention of EX-B2 EA is more effective in delaying the progression of ALS than post-onset intervention in ALS-SOD1G93A mice, which may be related to its functions in inhibiting the excessive activation of microglia, and down-regulating TLR4/NF-κB signaling.

[Effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture on anxiety after methamphetamine withdrawal].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect between Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with psychotherapy and simple psychotherapy on anxiety after methamphetamine withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 78 patients were randomized into an observation group (39 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (39 cases, 1 case dropped off). Psychotherapy was given in the control group. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), Neiguan (PC 6) and Shenmen (HT 7) in the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 6 days were as one course and totally 4 courses were required in both groups. The scores of Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), quality of life for drug addicts (QOL-DA) and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after treatment were observed in both groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the various scores and the total scores of HAMA, QOL-DA and PSQI were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.05), and the scores of somatic anxiety factor, the psychic anxiety factor and the total score of HAMA, each various score and the total score of QOL-DA as well as the scores of sleep quality, time to fall asleep, sleep time, daytime dysfunction and the total score of PSQI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with psychotherapy can relieve the anxiety in patients with anxiety after methamphetamine withdrawal, improve the quality of life and sleep, the therapeutic effect is superior to the simple psychotherapy.

[Clinical observation of Tiaoshen acpuncture for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears and artificial tears alone for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomized into an acupuncture combined with medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the medication group, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop was applied, 3 times a day, 1 drop each time. On the basis of the treatment as the medication group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7), Benshen (GB 13), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Guangming (GB 37), Fengchi (GB 20), Tongziliao (GB 1), Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the acupuncture combined with medication group, Tongziliao (GB 1) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) were connect with electroacupuncture, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptom score, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the clinical symptom scores, corneal FL and HAMA scores were decreased (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom score, FL and HAMA scores in the acupuncture combined with medication group were lower than the medication group (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT in the acupuncture combined with medication group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture combined with medication group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears could promote the secretion of tears for patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, repair corneal defect and prolong tear film break-up time, and alleviate anxiety state, its curative effect is better than simple artificial tears.

[SUN's abdominal acupuncture for depression after methamphetamine withdrawal: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect of SUN 's abdominal acupuncture and conventional acupuncture in the treatment of depression after methamphetamine withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 80 female patients with depression after methamphetamine withdrawal were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The control group was treated with conventional acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Taichong (LR 3), Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Danzhong (GV 17), and the observation group was treated with SUN 's abdominal acupuncture at area 1 of the abdomen and area 8 of the abdomen. Both groups were treated once a day, 30 min each time, 6 days as a course of treatment, 1 day rest between treatment courses, a total of 4 courses of treatment. The scores of withdrawal symptoms, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scale and serum serotonin (5-HT) level were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of withdrawal symptoms, HAMD and the various scores and total score of PSQI scale in the two groups were all lower than before treatment (P<0.01), and the scores of withdrawal symptoms, HAMD and the sleep quality, time to fall asleep, sleep time scores and total score of PSQI in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the serum 5-HT level of the two groups was increased (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: SUN 's abdominal acupuncture can improve withdrawal symptom, depression and sleep quality, increase serum 5-HT content in treatment of depression after methamphetamine withdrawal, and has better effect than conventional acupuncture.

[Tiaoshen acupuncture method combined with electroacupuncture for diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome : a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect between Tiaoshen acupuncture method combined with electroacupuncture (EA) and EA alone in the treatment of diarrhea-type irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). METHODS: A total of 76 patients of IBS-D were randomly divided into a Tiaoshen group (38 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and an EA group (38 cases, 1 case dropped off). The EA group was treated with acupuncture at Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), etc. for 30 min. The bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and the same side of Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) were connected EA (discontinuous wave, 1 Hz in frequency, 4-6 mA in current intensity). In the Tiaoshen group, the Tiaoshen acupuncture method was added on the basis of the EA group. The acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24) and Benshen (GB 13), and the needles were retained for 30 min. Both groups were treated once a day, 6 days as a course of treatment, with an interval of 1 d between treatment courses, and a total of 4 courses of treatment were required. The IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) score, IBS quality of life scale (IBS-QOL) score and Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score were observed before and after treatment in the two groups, and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate in the Tiaoshen group was 94.4% (34/36), which was higher than 78.4% (29/37) in the EA group (P<0.05). The IBS-SSS and HAMD scores of both groups after treatment were lower than before treatment (P<0.05), while IBS-QOL scores were higher than before treatment (P<0.05). Moreover, the changes of above scores in the Tiaoshen group were higher than those in the EA group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The Tiaoshen acupuncture method combined with EA have a significant effect in treatment of IBS-D, can significantly reduce the symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and diarrhea in patients, effectively improve patients' quality of life and depression condition, the effect is better than the simple EA treatment.

[Clinical observation of tiaoshen acupuncture on restless leg syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for regulating the spirit) on restless leg syndrome and its concomitance symptoms of sleep disorder and anxiety, and to provide theoretical basis for the clinical application of tiaoshen acupuncture. METHODS: A total of 60 patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Conventional acupuncture at lower limbs' acupoints such as Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) was applied in the control group. On the basis of the control group, acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24) and Benshen (GB 13) was added in the observation group. In both groups, the treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week, one week as a course and totally 3 courses were required. Scores of international restless leg syndrome rating scale (IRLS), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, scores of IRLS, PSQI and HAMA after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.05), and the improvement in the observation group was superior to the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the basis of conventional acupuncture, tiaoshen acupuncture can effectively relieve the discomforts of the lower limbs in patients with restless leg syndrome, improve the sleep disorder and anxiety, which is better than conventional acupuncture.

[Effect of Electroacupuncture Intervention on Expression of NR 2 B Subunit of NMDA Receptor in Amygdala during Morphine Withdrawal in Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on the spatial learning-memory ability and the expression of NR 2 B subunit of NMDA receptor in the amygdala (AMG) in rats with morphine withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 40. SD rats were randomized into control, model, manual acupuncture and EA groups (n = 10 in each group). The morphine withdrawal model was established by subcutaneous injection of morphine hydrochloride injection at doses of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 50 mg . kg-1 . d-1 continuously for 5 days, followed by injection of naloxone (i. p., 3 mg/kg) for rapid induction of withdrawal syndrome. Manual acupuncture or EA stimulation was applied to bilateral "Shenshu"(BL 23) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), once daily for 6 days. Morris water maze swimming test was conducted for detecting the rats' spatial learning-memory ability. The expression levels of NR 2 B protein and mRNA in AMG was measured by Western blot and Real time-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the escape latency on day 5 of swimming tests was obviously prolonged in the model group (P<0. 01), while in comparison with the model group, the escape latencies in both manual acupuncture and EA groups were obviously shortened (P<0. 01), suggesting an improvement of the rats' learning-memory ability. In addition, the expression levels of NR 2 B protein in both manual acupuncture and EA groups and that of NR 2 B mRNA in the EA group were significantly higher than those of the model group (P<0. 01, P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: Both manual acupuncture and EA interventions can improve the learning-memory ability in morphine withdrawal rats, which is probably partially related to their effects in up-regulating the expression of NR 2 B in the AMG.

[Clinical trials for treatment of primary hyperlipidemia by using acupuncture in combination with Lipitor].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture therapy combined with Lipitor in the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia (spleen deficiency and food stagnation type). METHODS: Sixty primary hyperlipidemia patients (spleen deficiency and food stagnation type) were equally randomized into medication group and acupuncture plus medication group. Patients of both groups were treated by oral administration of Lipitor (20 mg/tablet, one tablet per day) for 6 weeks. Manual acupuncture stimulation was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Zhongwan (CV 12), and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yin-lingquan (SP 9) and Fenglong (ST 40) for 40 min, twice daily for 6 weeks except the weekends. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected by using a full-automatic biochemistry analyzer before and after the treatment. The therapeutic effect was assessed according to the standards described in "Guide Principles for Clinical Researches of New Chinese Herbal Drugs". RESULTS: After the treatment, the levels of serum TC, TG of the two groups were significantly decreased in comparison with pre-treatment in the same one group (P<0.05), and the therapeutic effect of the acupuncture+medication group was significantly superior to that of simple medication group in lowering serum TC, TG and LDL-C levels and heightening HDL-C levels (P<0.05). Of the two 30 cases in the medication and acupuncture+medication groups, 2 (6.7%) and 7 (23.3%) were basically controlled in their blood-lipid levels, 10 (33.3%) and 15 (50.0%) had a marked improvement, 10 (33.3%) and 6 (20.0%) were improved, and 8 (26.7%) and 2 (6.7%) were invalid, with the effective rates being 73.3% and 93.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with administration of Lipitor is effective in improving primary hyperlipidemia in patients, which is superior to administration of simple Lipitor.

[Effect of scalp acupuncture on learning ability and hippocampal VEGF expression in chronic cerebral ischemia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of scalp cluster-needle intervention on cognitive ability and hippocampal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in cerebral ischemia (CI) rats. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were randomized into sham operation (sham), model, scalp-acupuncture and medication groups. Chronic CI model was established by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries. Acupuncture needles were inserted into "Baihui" (GV 20) and its left and right points (2 mm beside GV 20) and manipulated leftward and rightward for 3 min at a frequency of about 200 times/min, retained for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once daily, for 4 weeks. For rats of the medication group, Nimodipine (1 mg/kg) was given to the animal by gavage, once a day, for 4 weeks. The rats' learning ability was measured by Morris water maze. Changes of hip-pocampal cellular morphology were observed by HE staining and light microscope, and hippocampal VEGF expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with the sham group, the escape latency of rats in the model group was prolonged significantly (P < 0.05), suggesting a decrease of learning ability after CI. Compared with the model group, the escape latency of both acupuncture and medication groups were reduced markedly after the treatment (P < 0.05). In comparison with the sham group, the number of VEGF immunoreaction (IR) positive cells in the model group was up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05), while compared with the model group, the numbers of both acupuncture and medication groups were increased further (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the acupuncture and medication groups in escape latency and VEGF expression levels (P > 0.05). HE staining showed that in the model group the hippocampal pyramidal cells were reduced in number, became vaguer in layers and nucleole, and got deformed in structure with karyopycnosis and disappearance of endochylema, and cavitation. These situations were relatively lighter in both acupuncture and medication groups. CONCLUSION: Scalp acupuncture intervention can significantly improve CI rats' congnitive ability and pathological changes, which may be related to its function in increasing the expression of VEGF in the hippocampus.

[Observation on lower back myofascitis treated with penetration needling on yang meridians of the back and electroacupuncture as compared with Western medication].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the therapeutic effect on lower back myofascitis between the combined therapy of penetration needling on yang meridian of the back and electroacupuncture and the western medication of Ibuprofen capsules, and probe into a better method of treatment for lower back myofascitis. METHODS: Sixty cases of lower back myofascitis were randomly divided into two groups. 30 cases in observation group were treated with penetration needling combined with electroacupuncture on the back shu points on the first line of the Bladder Meridian and the points of the corresponding levels on the Governor Vessel. 30 cases in control group were treated with Ibuprofen capsules. The treatment session was 30 days. The therapeutic effects were compared and the Visual Analog Scales (VAS) and Oswestry disability index were detected before and after treatment in two groups separately. RESULTS: The total effective rate in observation group was 96.7% (29/30), which was superior to that (73.3%, 22/30) in control group. VAS and Oswestry disability index decreased in either group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The improvement extent in observation group was superior to that in control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The therapy of penetration needling on yang meridian of the back combined with electroacupuncture has the advantageous therapeutic effect on lower back myofascitis as compared with the medication of Ibuprofen capsules, which can release pain and improve the functional disturbance effectively.

[Clinical observation on Yuanluo Tongjing needling method for treatment of mild cognitive impairment].

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of Yuanluo Tongjing needling method for treatment of mild cognitive impairment and search for an effective therapy of TCM for mild cognitive impairment. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation group were treated by Yuanluo Tongjing needling method with Baihui (GV 20), Danzhong (CV 17), Guanyuan (CV 4), Shenmen (HT 7), etc. selected, and the control group by oral administration of Aricept, 2.5 mg. Changes of scores of all indexes in clinical memory scale and memory quotient (MQ) before and after treatment were investigated in the two groups, and clinical therapeutic effects were assessed by using MQ increasing values. RESULTS: After treatment for 30 days, the scores of memory quotient, direction memory, picture free memory, re-cognition of no-significant picture forms and associated memory of human picture characteristics significantly increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in the observation group; and all the indexes except associated memory in the control group significantly changed (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The good rate for memory effect was 80.0% in the observation group and 76.7% in the control group with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Yuanluo Tongjing needling method can improve memory ability of the patient of mild cognitive impairment.

[Controlled study on Shu-Mu point combination for treatment of endometriosis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of Shu-Mu point combination, routine needling method and western medicine treatment on endometriosis (EM). METHODS: Ninety cases were randomly divided into a Shu-Mu point combination group (n = 30) treated with acupuncture at Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Qimen (LR 14), Zhangmen (LR 13), Jingmen (GB 25); a routine needling group (n = 30) treated with acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and a western medicine group treated with oral administration of Danazol. Clinical symptoms and signs, tumor marker serum CA125 values and adverse effects in the three groups were investigated before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate was similar in the three groups. The Shu-Mu point combination group was superior to other two groups in improvement of dysmenorrhea, irregular menstuation, lumbago and sacrodynia, anus engorge, etc. (P < 0.01). After treatment, serum CA125 in the Shu-Mu point combination group significantly decreased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Shu-Mu point combination needling method has an obvious therapeutic effect on endometriosis, with lower adverse effect than that of the western medicine group.

[Clinical study on treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome with penetration needling at the back].

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of penetration needling at the back and western medicine on fibromyalgia syndrome (FS). METHODS: Thirty-eight cases were randomly divided into the observation group treated with penetration needling at the first and second lines of The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang and Governor Vessel, and the control group treated mainly with oral administration of amitriptyline, 19 cases in each group. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the cured-markedly effective rate and the results of follow-up for 6 months for the cured-markedly effective cases between the observation group and the control group (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Penetration needling therapy in the therapeutic effect on fibromyalgia syndrome is better than the medical treatment.

[Comparison of therapeutic effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on diabetic peripheral neuropathies].

OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare therapeutic effects of acupuncture, acupoint injection and tapping with plum-blossom needle and its influences on the nerve conduction velocity in the patient of diabetic peripheral neuropathies. METHODS: Fifty-four cases were randomly divided into 3 groups. The group I were treated by the basic treatment plus acupuncture, the group II by the basic treatment plus acupoint injection of methycobal, and the group III by the basic treatment plus tapping with plum-blossom needle. RESULTS: The effective rate was 85.71% in the group III, 76.47% in the group II and 56.25% in the group I; after treatment MCV and SCV improved significantly in the group III. CONCLUSION: The basic treatment plus tapping with plum-blossom needle has a better therapeutic effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathies.