Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. Ethanolic Extract Attenuates Endothelial Activation and Alleviates Cardiac Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Endothelial pro-inflammatory activation is pivotal in cardiac ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury pathophysiology. The dried flower bud of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. (EG) is a commonly utilized traditional Tibetan medicine. However, its role in regulating endothelium activation and cardiac I/R injury has not been investigated. Herein, we showed that the administration of EG ethanolic extract exhibited a potent therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating cardiac endothelial inflammation (p < 0.05) and thereby protecting against myocardial I/R injury in rats (p < 0.001). In line with the in vivo findings, the EG extract suppressed endothelial pro-inflammatory activation in vitro by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (p < 0.05) and diminishing monocytes' firm adhesion to endothelial cells (ECs) (p < 0.01). Mechanistically, we showed that EG extract inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways to attenuate EC-mediated inflammation (p < 0.05). Collectively, for the first time, this study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of EG ethanolic extract in alleviating I/R-induced inflammation and the resulting cardiac injury through its inhibitory role in regulating endothelium activation.

Saponins from Allium macrostemon Bulbs Attenuate Endothelial Inflammation and Acute Lung Injury via the NF-κB/VCAM-1 Pathway.

Endothelial inflammation is a multifaceted physiological process that plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of diverse diseases, encompassing but not limited to acute lung infections like COVID-19, coronary artery disease, stroke, sepsis, metabolic syndrome, certain malignancies, and even psychiatric disorders such as depression. This inflammatory response is characterized by augmented expression of adhesion molecules and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we discovered that saponins from Allium macrostemon bulbs (SAMB) effectively inhibited inflammation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells induced by the exogenous inflammatory mediator lipopolysaccharide or the endogenous inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-α, as evidenced by a significant reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) with decreased monocyte adhesion. By employing the NF-κB inhibitor BAY-117082, we demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of SAMB on VCAM-1 expression may be attributed to the NF-κB pathway's inactivation, as characterized by the suppressed IκBα degradation and NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. Subsequently, we employed a murine model of lipopolysaccharide-induced septic acute lung injury to substantiate the potential of SAMB in ameliorating endothelial inflammation and acute lung injury in vivo. These findings provide novel insight into potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of diseases associated with endothelial inflammation.

Fabrication of lidocaine-loaded polymer dissolving microneedles for rapid and prolonged local anesthesia.

There is an urgent need for research into effective interventions for pain management to improve patients' life quality. Traditional needle and syringe injection were used to administer the local anesthesia. However, it causes various discomforts, ranging from brief stings to trypanophobia and denial of medical operations. In this study, a dissolving microneedles (MNs) system made of composite matrix materials of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and sodium hyaluronate (HA) was successfully developed for the loading of lidocaine hydrochloride (LidH). The morphology, size and mechanical properties of the MNs were also investigated. After the insertion of MNs into the skin, the matrix at the tip of the MNs was swelled and dissolved by absorption of interstitial fluid, leading to a rapid release of loaded LidH from MNs' tips. And the LidH in the back patching was diffused into deeper skin tissue through microchannels created by MNs insertion, forming a prolonged anesthesia effect. In addition, the back patching of MNs could be acted as a drug reservoir to form a prolonged local anesthesia effect. The results showed that LidH MNs provided a superior analgesia up to 8 h, exhibiting a rapid and long-lasting analgesic effects. Additionally, tissue sectioning and in vitro cytotoxicity tests indicated that the MNs patch we developed had a favorable biosafety profile.

[Developing process and term analysis of WFAS standard: General Requirements for the Risk Control in the Safe Use of Acupuncture].

In order to promote the application of WFAS standard, General Requirements for the Risk Control in the Safe Use of Acupuncture and the safe practice of acupuncture technology worldwide, the paper introduces the developing process and main contents of this standard, explains the developing purpose, scope, ideas, methods and basis, and analyzes the definition of the relevant terms. Through strictly complied with the development procedure of standard, the terms related to acupuncture risk in this standard are defined. The connotations of 5 special terms are clarified, i.e. "acupuncture risks" "adverse events of acupuncture" "adverse reactions of acupuncture" "acupuncture accidents" and "acupuncture negligence". The range, rank, control flow and source of risk, as well as the control measures are determined. The standard extracts the underlying common problems and basic requirement of the safe practice of acupuncture so as to lay a framework for the development of the relevant technical standards of acupuncture.

Natural Monoterpenes as Potential Therapeutic Agents against Atherosclerosis.

Traditional herbal medicines based on natural products play a pivotal role in preventing and managing atherosclerotic diseases, which are among the leading causes of death globally. Monoterpenes are a large class of naturally occurring compounds commonly found in many aromatic and medicinal plants. Emerging evidence has shown that monoterpenes have many biological properties, including cardioprotective effects. Remarkably, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of natural monoterpenes to protect against the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These findings shed light on developing novel effective antiatherogenic drugs from these compounds. Herein, we provide an overview of natural monoterpenes' effects on atherogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. Monoterpenes have pleiotropic and multitargeted pharmacological properties by interacting with various cell types and intracellular molecular pathways involved in atherogenesis. These properties confer remarkable advantages in managing atherosclerosis, which has been recognized as a multifaceted vascular disease. We also discuss limitations in the potential clinical application of monoterpenes as therapeutic agents against atherosclerosis. We propose perspectives to give new insights into future preclinical research and clinical practice regarding natural monoterpenes.

Zhen Wu decoction represses renal fibrosis by invigorating tubular NRF2 and TFAM to fuel mitochondrial bioenergetics.

BACKGROUND: Zhen Wu Decoction (ZWD) is a prescription from the classical text "Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Disease" and has been extensively used to control kidney diseases since the time of the Eastern Han Dynasty. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that ZWD limits tubular fibrogenesis by reinvigorating tubular bio-energetic capacity. STUDY DESIGN / METHODS: A mouse model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was established using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Three concentrations of ZWD, namely 25.2 g/kg (high dosage), 12.6 g/kg (middle dosage), and 6.3 g/kg (low dosage), were included to study the dose-effect relationship. Real-time qPCR was used to observe gene transcription in blood samples from patients with CKD. Different siRNAs were designed to study the role of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2 (NRF2) in transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 induced fibrogenesis and mitochondrial damage. RESULTS: We showed that ZWD efficiently attenuates renal function impairment and reduces renal interstitial fibrosis. TFAM and NRF2 were repressed, and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) was activated in CKD patient blood sample. We further confirmed that ZWD activated TFAM depended on NRF2 as an important negative regulator of STING in mouse kidneys. Treatment with ZWD significantly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating the levels of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6, interleukin-1ß, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, and mitochondrial respiratory chain subunits. NRF2 inhibitors can weaken the ability of ZWD to increase TFAM expression and heal injured mitochondria, playing a similar role to that of STING inhibitors. Our study showed that ZWD elevates the expression of TFAM and mitochondrial respiratory chain subunits by promoting NRF2 activation, after suppressing mitochondrial membrane damage and cristae breakdown and restricting mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage into the cytoplasm to reduce STING activation. CONCLUSION: ZWD maintains mitochondrial integrity and improves OXPHOS which represents an innovative insight into "strengthening Yang-Qi" theory. ZWD limits tubular fibrogenesis by reinvigorating tubular bioenergetic capacity.

Developing process and term analysis of WFAS standard: General Requirements for the Risk Control in the Safe Use of Acupuncture / 中国针灸

In order to promote the application of WFAS standard, General Requirements for the Risk Control in the Safe Use of Acupuncture and the safe practice of acupuncture technology worldwide, the paper introduces the developing process and main contents of this standard, explains the developing purpose, scope, ideas, methods and basis, and analyzes the definition of the relevant terms. Through strictly complied with the development procedure of standard, the terms related to acupuncture risk in this standard are defined. The connotations of 5 special terms are clarified, i.e. "acupuncture risks" "adverse events of acupuncture" "adverse reactions of acupuncture" "acupuncture accidents" and "acupuncture negligence". The range, rank, control flow and source of risk, as well as the control measures are determined. The standard extracts the underlying common problems and basic requirement of the safe practice of acupuncture so as to lay a framework for the development of the relevant technical standards of acupuncture.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of herpes zoster.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of herpes zoster (HZ) by the traditional Chinese medicine of acupuncture is attracting attention. However, there is still a controversy about the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment of HZ. METHODS: Articles on randomized controlled trials examining acupuncture and Western medicine treatments of HZ published since the establishment of the PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) databases to March 2021 were electronically retrieved. The Cochrane System Evaluation Manual was used for the data analysis with Review Manager 5.3 software, and the Cochrane Handbook version 5.3 systematic review writing manual was adopted to evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS: In total, 11 articles, comprising 1,156 patients (585 in the experimental group and 571 in the control group) were included in the meta-analysis, and the results showed that the treatments used in the experimental and control groups were significant differences of total treatment efficiency [odds ratio (OR) =6.76; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.46 to 13.21; P<0.05] in terms of the incidence of posterior neuralgia (OR =0.07; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.21; P<0.05), pain-relief time [mean difference (MD) =-2.17; 95% CI: -2.90 to -1.44; P<0.05], shingles time (MD =-1.61; 95% CI: -2.84 to -0.38; P<0.05), and scabbing time (MD =-1.62; 95% CI: -2.64 to -0.61; P<0.05), and patients' visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores improved [standard MD (SMD) =0.87; 95% CI: 0.01 to 1.73; P=0.05] was no significant difference. DISCUSSIONS: Compared to Western medicine treatments, acupuncture had a better effect on HZ, reduced the posterior neuralgia rate of patients, and shortened the course of treatment, but had no obvious effect on the relief of pain.

Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. extract protects against myocardial infarction by inhibiting NF-κB-and MAPK-mediated endothelial inflammation.

Background: Experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated a pivotal role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease, and targeting inflammation has been shown to provide clinical benefits for patients with coronary disease. Endothelial cells constitute the majority of non-cardiomyocytes in the heart. Endothelial pro-inflammatory activation is recognized as a critical component in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. The dried flowers of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. (EG) have been widely used as Tibetan folk medicine to ameliorate a range of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. However, its role in modulating endothelial inflammation and ischemic heart disease has not been evaluated. Methods and results: Herein, using a preclinical rat model of coronary artery ligation-induced myocardial infarction (MI), we demonstrated that systemic administration of EG extract (EEEG) attenuated ischemic cardiac injury. EEEG reduced myocardial infarct size, improved cardiac function, and ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects of EEEG were associated with decreased MI-induced myocardial inflammation. Consistent with the anti-inflammatory role of EEEG in vivo, EEEG attenuated TNF-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) activation and monocyte-endothelial cell firm adhesion in vitro. Mechanistically, our data showed that EEEG's mode of action suppresses the activation of NF-κB, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in ECs. Importantly, we demonstrated that EEEG inhibits endothelial inflammation in an NF-κB- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner using pharmacological inhibitors. Conclusion: Collectively, this study identified EG as a potential therapeutic agent in attenuating endothelial inflammation and managing ischemic cardiovascular disease.

[ZHU Lian's medical practice mode and development orientation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Hospital].

In 1951, ZHU Lian set up Acupuncture Experimental Institute, the predecessor of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Hospital (AMH) of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Being the founder of AMH, ZHU Lian had paved a road to ensure the correct academic growth and hospital development of AMH because of her outstanding clinical medical thinking and achievements in acupuncture-moxibustion. ZHU Lian's medical practice mode is reviewed and analyzed from 5 aspects, i.e. emphasis on clinical practice, inheritance and development, medical capacity, research orientation and self-growth. Based on this medical practice mode, the development orientation of AMH has been explored.

[Moxa-stick moxibustion activates mast cells of small intestine tissue in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of moxa-stick moxibustion and joss-stick moxibustion at "Guanyuan" (CV4) on the activity of mast cells in the small intestine tissue in rats. METHODS: Twelve male SD rats were randomly divided into control, joss-stick moxibustion and moxa-stick moxibustion groups (n=4 rats in each group). Joss-stick or moxa-stick moxibustion was applied to CV4 for 10 min. After moxibustion, the skin temperature of the CV4 region was measured immediately with a thermometer. The mast cells and nerve fibers in the small intestine tissue were displayed by immunofluorescence histochemistry. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the skin temperature of the CV4 region in both the joss-stick and the moxa-stick groups were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the skin temperature of the moxa-stick group was significantly higher than that in the joss-stick group (P<0.05). There were a large number of tryptase-positive mast cells in the small intestine of rats, some of which were co-expressed with lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1, displaying an activated state. The average numbers of mast cells in the control, joss-stick and moxa-stick groups were 9.2±3.6, 10.8±5.3 and 17.1±6.3, respectively, being significantly higher in the moxa-stick group than in the control and joss-stick groups (P<0.05). In addition, calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) and neuropeptide Y(NPY) positive nerve fibers were found around the mast cells in the small intestinal tissues. CONCLUSION: Moxa-stick moxibustion gives rise a higher temperature at CV4 to activate mast cells surrounded by CGRP and NPY positive nerve fibers in the small intestine tissue in rats, suggesting an involvement of the sensory and sympathetic nervous system in the activation of intestinal mast cells possibly by way of somatic sympathetic reflex.

Anti-atherosclerotic effect of Fermentum Rubrum and Gynostemma pentaphyllum mixture in high-fat emulsion- and vitamin D3-induced atherosclerotic rats.

BACKGROUND: The mixture of Hongqu and gypenosides (HG) is composed of Fermentum Rubrum (Hongqu, in Chinese) and total saponins of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (Jiaogulan, in Chinese) in a 3.6:1 weight ratio. Both Hongqu and Jiaogulan are considered valuable traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs); they have been commonly used in China for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and related diseases for centuries. The aim of the current study was assess the anti-atherosclerotic effect of HG. METHODS: Sixty-four Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups: normal, model, positive control (simvastatin, 1 mg/kg), Hongqu-treated (72 mg/kg), gypenoside (total saponin)-treated (20 mg/kg), and three doses HG-treated (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). All of the rats were fed a basal diet. Additionally, the model group rats were intragastrically administered a high-fat emulsion and intraperitoneally injected with vitamin D3. The serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine, and hepatic antioxidant levels were then determined. Furthermore, the liver histopathology and arterial tissue were analyzed, and the expression of hyperlipidemia- and atherosclerosis (AS)-related genes was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The AS rat model was established after 80 days. Compared to the model group, the HG-treated groups showed an obvious improvement in the serum lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokine levels, and showed markedly increased hepatic total antioxidant capacity. Moreover, the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis and inflammation reduced and that of the genes related to lipid oxidation increased in the liver and arterial tissue, which also reflected an improved health condition. CONCLUSION: the anti-atherosclerotic effects of HG were superior to those of simvastatin, Hongqu, and the gypenosides. Therefore, HG may be a useful anti-atherosclerotic TCM preparation.

Comparison of Body, Auricular, and Abdominal Acupuncture Treatments for Insomnia Differentiated as Internal Harassment of Phlegm-Heat Syndrome: An Orthogonal Design.

Objective. To identify the optimum treatment protocol for insomnia among auricular, body, and abdominal needling methods. Methods. A three-factor (3 needling protocols) and three-level experimental scheme was designed based on orthogonal method. 54 patients of insomnia differentiated as internal harassment of phlegm-heat syndrome were given two courses of acupuncture treatment (each with 20 times of acupuncture). The therapeutic effects were evaluated by comparing the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores of patients before treatment, after one course of treatment, and after two courses of treatment as well as one month after treatment. Results. Body, auricular, and abdominal acupuncture treatments all alleviated symptoms of insomnia, depression, and anxiety, but body and auricular acupuncture had stronger therapeutic effects. Conclusions. Body acupuncture at basic points shall be given priority in protocol selection for insomnia. The second-best choice is auricular acupuncture with basic points combined with points based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories. Abdominal needling with very quick effect can be an alternative protocol with basic points combined with syndrome differentiation points.

[Comparison of the therapeutic effect on skeletal fluorosis and impact on urine fluoride value among fire needle therapy, electroacupuncture and calcium carbonate D3].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the impacts on skeletal fluorosis pain, joint motor dysfunction and urine fluoride excretion in the treatment with fire needle therapy, electroacupuncture and calcium carbonate D3. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial was adopted. Ninety-five patients were randomized into a fire needle group (31 cases), an electroacupuncture group (33 cases) and a calcium carbonate D3 group (31 cases). In the fire needle group and the electroacupuncture group, Ashi points, Dazhui (GV 14), Geshu (BL 17), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10) points were selected and stimulated with fire needle and electroacupuncture separately, three times a week. In the calcium carbonate D3 group, calcium carbonate D3 tablets was prescribed for oral administration, 600 mg each time, twice a day. The duration of treatment was 2 months in the electroacupuncture group and calcium carbonate D3 group and 1 month in the fire needle group. VAS score, the range of motion (ROM) and urine fluoride value were compared before and after treatment in the patients of the three groups. RESULTS: After treatment, VAS value and ROM were improved significantly in the patients of the three groups (all P < 0.05), the difference was not significant in comparison of the three groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the urine fluoride value was increased significantly in the fire needle group [(7.89 +/- 3.61) mg/L vs (9.81 +/- 4.17) mg/L, P < 0.01] and was increased in the electroacupuncture group [(7.53 +/- 3.46) mg/L vs (8.97 +/- 4.21) mg/L, P < 0.05]. The difference was not significant in comparison before and after treatment in the calcium carbonate D3 group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The fire needle therapy, electroacupuncture and calcium carbonate D3 all have the clinical value in the prevention and treatment of skeletal fluorosis and the difference in the therapeutic effect has not been discovered among them yet at present. But it has been found that the fire needle therapy and electroacupuncture display the active significance in the promotion of urine fluoride excretion.

[Efficacy comparison between electroacupuncture and dyne-35 in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in clinical efficacy on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) between electroacupuncture (EA) and dyne-35 and to explore the effect mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-five patients were randomized into an EA group (33 cases) and a western medication group (32 cases). In the EA group, the selected acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. After the arrival of qi, electric stimulation was attached to the acupoints for 30 min. The treatment was given 3 times a week. In the western medication group, dyne-35 was prescribed on the 5th day of natural menstruation or withdrawal bleeding, one tablet a day, continuously for 21 days. The treatment cycle was 3 months in the two groups. The menstrual condition, body mass, body mass index (BMI), serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH/FSH were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was assessed in the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 90.6% (29/32) in the EA group and was 93.3% (28/30) in the western medication group. The efficacy was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of LH and LH/FSH were all reduced significantly in the two groups (all P < 0.01). After treatment, T level in serum was reduced apparently in the western medication group (P < 0.05). Before and after treatment, the differences in body mass and BMI in the EA group were more significant than those in the western medication group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA is the effective method for PCOS, similar to that of dyne-35. The effect of it for weight loss is superior to dyne-35 and no apparent adverse reactions happen. The effect mechanism of EA is related to the regulation of serum sexual hormone levels and their ratio, as well as to the regulation of body lipid metabolism.

Efficacy comparison between electroacupuncture and dyne-35 in treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the difference in clinical efficacy on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) between electroacupuncture (EA) and dyne-35 and to explore the effect mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-five patients were randomized into an EA group (33 cases) and a western medication group (32 cases). In the EA group, the selected acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. After the arrival of qi, electric stimulation was attached to the acupoints for 30 min. The treatment was given 3 times a week. In the western medication group, dyne-35 was prescribed on the 5th day of natural menstruation or withdrawal bleeding, one tablet a day, continuously for 21 days. The treatment cycle was 3 months in the two groups. The menstrual condition, body mass, body mass index (BMI), serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH/FSH were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was assessed in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 90.6% (29/32) in the EA group and was 93.3% (28/30) in the western medication group. The efficacy was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of LH and LH/FSH were all reduced significantly in the two groups (all P < 0.01). After treatment, T level in serum was reduced apparently in the western medication group (P < 0.05). Before and after treatment, the differences in body mass and BMI in the EA group were more significant than those in the western medication group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA is the effective method for PCOS, similar to that of dyne-35. The effect of it for weight loss is superior to dyne-35 and no apparent adverse reactions happen. The effect mechanism of EA is related to the regulation of serum sexual hormone levels and their ratio, as well as to the regulation of body lipid metabolism.</p>

Comparison of the therapeutic effect on skeletal fluorosis and impact on urine fluoride value among fire needle therapy, electroacupuncture and calcium carbonate D3 / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the impacts on skeletal fluorosis pain, joint motor dysfunction and urine fluoride excretion in the treatment with fire needle therapy, electroacupuncture and calcium carbonate D3.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The randomized controlled trial was adopted. Ninety-five patients were randomized into a fire needle group (31 cases), an electroacupuncture group (33 cases) and a calcium carbonate D3 group (31 cases). In the fire needle group and the electroacupuncture group, Ashi points, Dazhui (GV 14), Geshu (BL 17), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10) points were selected and stimulated with fire needle and electroacupuncture separately, three times a week. In the calcium carbonate D3 group, calcium carbonate D3 tablets was prescribed for oral administration, 600 mg each time, twice a day. The duration of treatment was 2 months in the electroacupuncture group and calcium carbonate D3 group and 1 month in the fire needle group. VAS score, the range of motion (ROM) and urine fluoride value were compared before and after treatment in the patients of the three groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, VAS value and ROM were improved significantly in the patients of the three groups (all P < 0.05), the difference was not significant in comparison of the three groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, the urine fluoride value was increased significantly in the fire needle group [(7.89 +/- 3.61) mg/L vs (9.81 +/- 4.17) mg/L, P < 0.01] and was increased in the electroacupuncture group [(7.53 +/- 3.46) mg/L vs (8.97 +/- 4.21) mg/L, P < 0.05]. The difference was not significant in comparison before and after treatment in the calcium carbonate D3 group (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The fire needle therapy, electroacupuncture and calcium carbonate D3 all have the clinical value in the prevention and treatment of skeletal fluorosis and the difference in the therapeutic effect has not been discovered among them yet at present. But it has been found that the fire needle therapy and electroacupuncture display the active significance in the promotion of urine fluoride excretion.</p>

[Optimized schemes for acupuncture treatment of migraine during attack].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture (EA), auricular acupuncture and bloodletting therapies combined with orthogonal design for migraine patients, so as to select a better scheme for relieving headache. METHODS: total of 76 migraine patients in the stage of attack were recruited in the present study and randomly (stratified random and central random) allocated to 9 groups by means of orthogonal experimental design [L9 (3(4)), 4 factors (F) and three levels (L)] i.e., F1: ody-acupoints combination; F1-L1: regional acupoints [Sizhukong (TE 23), Shuaigu (GB 8), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), etc.] near the focus, F1-L2:regional +distal acupoints [Hegu (L 4), Taichong (LR 3), etc.] far from the focus, and F1-L3:regional + remote acupoints+ those selected according to syndrome differentiation [for instance, Ganshu (BL 18), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Qiuxu (GB 40) and Taixi (KI 3) for hyperactivity of Liver-yang, etc.]; F2: manual acupuncture or EA of body acupoints; F2-L1:no acupuncture stimulation, F2-L2:manual acupuncture stimulation, and F2-L3:manual + EA stimulation; F3: auricular acupuncture therapy; F3-L1:no acupuncture stimulation, F3-L2: otopoint-manual acupuncture (Shenmen, Jiaogan, etc.), and F3-L3:otopoint-EA; F4: bloodletting; F4-L1 : EX-HN 5 + Ashi point bloodletting, F4-L2:EX-HN5 bloodletting, and F4-L3: no bloodletting. The therapeutic effect of acupuncture was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and analyzed by investigators who did not participate in the treatment course. RESULTS: Within 24 hours after the treatment, the four factors influencing headache relief from bigger to smaller are body-acupoints combination > manual acupuncture or EA stimulation > bloodletting > auricular acupuncture. Among the therapeutic schemes evaluated by orthogonal deduction, the analgesic effect was most stable in the manual acupuncture at regional + distal acupoints group which was recommended to be the ba-sic scheme for migraine. The auricular EA could effectively reduce VAS levels from 10 min to 30 min after stimulation, while bloodletting at Taiyang (EX-HN 5)+ Ashi points was effective in relieving migraine from 4 h to 24 h after the treatment, suggesting a long lasting post-therapeutic analgesic effect. CONCLUSION: Manual acupuncture stimulation of the local + distal body acupoints combined with otopoint-EA and bloodletting at Taiyang (EX-HN 5) + Ashi points is the best option for relieving migraine during attack.

[Discussion on the complementation of different effects of acupuncture and Chinese drugs and clinical application].

Complementation of different effects of acupuncture and Chinese drugs generalizes not only the objective interrelations between acupuncture and Chinese drugs with varied actions when the two therapies are applied simultaneously but also the clinical therapeutic efficacy produced either by acupuncture or Chinese drugs singly. This view of complementation has been promoted on the basis of the understanding of the mechanism and efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese drugs as well as their interrelations concerning the different actions complementary most appropriately to one another in treatment of diseases. The presented view will be of theoretical value in working out the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and Chinese drugs applied at the same time and help the clinical doctors understand further the properties of actions of acupuncture and Chinese drugs so as to strengthen more specifically the integration of acupuncture with Chinese drugs and improve the clinical therapeutic effect.

Discussion on the complementation of different effects of acupuncture and Chinese drugs and clinical application / 中国针灸

Complementation of different effects of acupuncture and Chinese drugs generalizes not only the objective interrelations between acupuncture and Chinese drugs with varied actions when the two therapies are applied simultaneously but also the clinical therapeutic efficacy produced either by acupuncture or Chinese drugs singly. This view of complementation has been promoted on the basis of the understanding of the mechanism and efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese drugs as well as their interrelations concerning the different actions complementary most appropriately to one another in treatment of diseases. The presented view will be of theoretical value in working out the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and Chinese drugs applied at the same time and help the clinical doctors understand further the properties of actions of acupuncture and Chinese drugs so as to strengthen more specifically the integration of acupuncture with Chinese drugs and improve the clinical therapeutic effect.