ABSTRACT
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 orP<0.05); the BMI and
serum insulin concentration were more significantly reduced in the
male group than those in the
female group (bothP<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.