RESUMEN
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of acupuncture on the serum leptin and IGF-1 in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD).MethodsBy using Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD),94 patients with PSD were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups:acupuncture group and control group.All patients were given routine clinical treatments and second level medical prevention.Patients in the acupuncture group received Linggui Ba fa acupuncture treatment and oral administration of Sertraline and patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of Sertraline only.Serum levels of letpin and insulin growth factor (IGF-1) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before and after treatments in all patients.ResultsThe levels of leptin and IGF-1 in patients of acupuncture group were significantly lower than that of the control group after treatment[(17.06 ± 12.38) ng/ml vs (32.27 ± 15.09)ng/ml,P＜0.01; (52.61±24.74)ng/ml vs (77.15±20.83)ng/ml,P＜0.01 respectively].The scores of HAMD in acupuncture group were significantly lower than that of control group after the treatment[(8.06±3.32)、(13.67±8.05)]and 6 month later[(6.52±2.08)、(10.26±6.16)].ConclusionThe serum levels ofleptin and IGF-1 were significantly lower and depression symptoms were improved after acupuncture in elderly patients with post-strok depressin.