Effects of electroacupuncture at GB points on markers of osteoporosis and bodyweight in ovariectomised rats.

BACKGROUND: Based on a description of acupuncture to treat a bone disease resembling osteoporosis in the ancient text of Huangdi Neijing, we aimed to assess the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GB points in ovariectomised (OVX) rats. METHODS: 40 female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10 each): ovariectomised model group (OVX); ovariectomised group treated with EA at GB points (OVX+GB); ovariectomised group treated with EA at non-GB points (OVX+N) in the hindlimb; and a sham surgery group (Sham). Three months after ovariectomy, rats in the OVX+GB and OVX+N groups received EA treatment for 3 months. Urine, blood and femur samples were collected from each animal for analysis. RESULTS: Bodyweight (BW) in the OVX+GB group decreased after EA treatment, reaching a minimum of ∼12% below the OVX and OVX+N groups at 1 month. Concentrations of urine deoxypyridinoline, a bone resorption marker, were significantly elevated in the OVX and OVX+N groups but not the OVX+GB group. Concentrations of serum bone specific alkaline phosphatase, a bone formation marker, were significantly higher in the OVX+GB group versus the Sham and OVX groups. Bone mineral density (BMD) did not differ between the OVX, OVX+GB and OVX+N groups, but was ∼10% lower than the Sham group. However, BMD/BW in the OVX+GB group was significantly higher than in the OVX and OVX+N groups and similar to the Sham group. Histological assessment of the femur showed that EA at GB points improved the bone architecture. CONCLUSIONS: EA treatment at GB points had anti-osteoporotic effects in a rat model of osteoporosis.

[Study on the theory of "Shaoyang Meridians being in charge of the bone"].

To explore the theory of "Shaoyang Meridians being in charge of the bone" in Huangdi's Internal Classic, which has been buried for long time. With citation of Huangdi's Internal Classic and exposition of famous experts, speculate on the contents and meanings systematically. Results indicate that the theory of "Shaoyang Meridians being in charge of the bone" possibly first in the world recognizes osteoporosis being a general bony disease, and articulates that the Foot-Shaoyang Meradians can modulate bony strength under physiological and pathological conditions, and treat osteoporosis which mainly manifests as ostealgia and easy fracture.