New smokeless moxibustion for knee osteoarthritis: A study protocol for a multicenter, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with high morbidity and disability. As the aging and obese population increase, so will the medical services for this disease. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion and traditional moxibustion in the treatment of KOA and to determine the clinical efficacy of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion in the treatment of KOA. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multicenter, two parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Eighty-eight subjects with KOA (Kellgren Lawrence grade II or III) will be recruited and randomly treated with smokeless moxibustion or traditional moxibustion in the ratio of 1:1. The smokeless moxibustion group will use plant herbal activated carbon smokeless moxa cone. The traditional moxibustion group will be treated with pure moxa cone. Subjects in both groups will receive treatment at the affected knee(s) at the acupuncture point ST35, EX-LE2, and EX-LE4. Subjects in both groups will receive 3 sessions per week of moxibustion for 4 weeks. The primary outcome are changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scores from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes include visual analog scale, 50 yards fast walking time, short-form heath survey 36, overall clinical efficacy evaluation, self-assessment of safety, treatment credibility and expectancy, and cytokines related to osteoarthritis in serum. DISCUSSION: This randomized single-blind controlled trial takes traditional moxibustion as the control group to provide strict evidence for the clinical efficacy and safety of herbal activated carbon smokeless moxibustion in the treatment of KOA.

Low level light therapy/photobiomodulation for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: protocol of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes that strongly impact the patients' quality of life and working ability. Evidence indicated that low level light therapy (LLLT)/photobiomodulation might be effective for neuropathy. However, the effect of LLLT for DPN is not clear. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effects and safety of LLLT/photobiomodulation for DPN, in comparison with other methods such as sham light, no treatment, other active treatment and LLLT as an additional treatment compared with another treatment alone. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search eight databases from their inception to the date before the review submission. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) will be included. Two reviewers will independently extract data using a structured data extraction method and assess the risk of bias in the included studies. Data will be synthesised using standardised mean difference or risk ratio with 95% CIs for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively. The primary outcome will be change in pain and secondary outcomes will include global symptom improvement, functional impairment and disability, impairment of sensation, quality of life, nerve conduction, and adverse events. Sensitivity and subgroup analysis will be employed to explore the influence of possible clinical and methodological characteristics. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plot. We will conduct meta-analysis with RevMan V.5.4 and evaluate quality of the evidence using GRADE approach. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study does not require ethics approval. Our findings will be disseminated in the peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021276056.

[Bone proportional measurement on the chest and abdomen among 101 young females].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the bone proportional measurement standard on the chest and abdomen of modern women. METHODS: The height, weight and distances of bone proportional measurement chest and abdomen of 101 young females were measured. The height was divided by 75 to calculate the data of bone proportional measurement, and compared with the national standard published in 2006 and the ancient literature of Miraculous Pivot: Gudu. RESULTS: The bone proportional distances between two nipples and two coracoid processes of women were 8 cun and 12 cun respectively, which were in line with the 2006 national standard. The bone proportional distance from navel to superior margin of pubic symphysis (Qugu) was 6.5 cun, which was consistent with the ancient literature of Miraculous Pivot: Gudu. The bone proportional distance from suprasternal fossa to the middle point of xiphisternal synchondrosis (Qigu) was less than 9 cun, while the bone proportional distance from Qigu to navel was more than 8 cun, resulting in the ratio less than 9︰8. The bone proportional distance from suprasternal fossa to the middle point of xiphoid process was 9 cun, corresponding to the ratio of 9︰8 when comparing with the measurement from the middle point of xiphoid process to navel. CONCLUSION: The bone proportional distance measurement between two nipples and two coracoid processes of women should follow the 2006 national standard, and the bone proportional distance measurement from navel to superior margin of pubic symphysis should follow the standard of Miraculous Pivot: Gudu. The middle point of xiphisternal synchondrosis should be replaced by the middle point of xiphoid process.

10.6-µm infrared laser as adjuvant therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic neurological complication. It is the main cause of disability in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Pharmacological treatments always associate with limited efficacy and adverse effects. Moxibustion has been recommended to treat DPN as an adjuvant therapy to conventional medical treatment to accelerate alleviation of the symptoms of DPN. 10.6-µm laser moxibustion (LM), whose wavelength is close to the peak of infrared radiation spectrum of the traditional moxibustion as well as human acupoints, produces the thermal effect similar with moxibustion but with no smoke or smell. The purpose of this sham controlled clinical trial is to determine the effect and safety of 10.6-µm LM as adjuvant therapy in patients with DPN. METHODS: This is a protocol for a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. One hundred fourteen patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited and randomly assigned to the LM group or the sham LM group with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Patients in both groups will receive a basic integrated treatment of Chinese and Western medicine and a total of 12 sessions of true or sham LM treatments over 4 weeks with 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome is nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and the secondary outcomes include Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) scores, Diabetes-Specific Quality of Life (DSQL) scores, blood rheology parameters, and assessments of safety and blinding. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, 2 weeks after treatment, the end of LM treatments (4 weeks), and 4, 8 weeks after the end of LM treatment (8, 12weeks). DISCUSSION: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of LM versus sham LM combined with medical treatment. 10.6-µm LM may alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce the dosage of drugs as well as avoid causing serious side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000029329 . Registered on 25 January 2020.

Comparison of 10.6 µm Laser Moxibustion with Traditional Moxibustion in Knee Osteoarthritic Therapy: A Randomized Noninferiority Clinical Trial.

Objective: To investigate the noninferiority of 10.6 µm laser moxibustion (LM) to traditional moxibustion (TM) in knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: Ninety-two patients were recruited and randomly placed into one of two groups: 10.6 µm LM or TM in a 1:1 ratio. Each patient received 12 sessions of LM or TM, focusing on the ST-35 and Ashi acupoint. The sessions took place over 4 weeks, three times a week, and were followed up over 8 weeks. The endpoint outcomes were separated into two categories, primary and secondary. The primary endpoint was assessed at the end of the 4-week treatment, using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. The secondary endpoint was evaluated at the end of the trial and consisted of the WOMAC function and stiffness score, visual analog pain [visual analog scale (VAS)] score, and 15-m walking time test. In addition, safety evaluation was performed throughout the trial. Results: Among the 92 randomized participants, 86 (93.48%) completed the trial; 43 in each group. The WOMAC pain score improved dramatically between the LM and TM groups, with a mean difference of 20.61 [95% confidence interval (CI): -2.28 to 43.50]. Given that the lower boundary of 95% CI was greater than -18.49, noninferiority was established. In addition, both LM and TM significantly decreased the WOMAC (pain, function and stiffness) score, VAS score (p < 0.05), and the 15-m walking time at the end of the trial. Interestingly, there were not significant differences between LM and TM (p > 0.05), suggesting that both are equally effective in treating KOA. Finally, among the 92 patients, 17 (18.48%) adverse effects were documented, namely 5 (10.87%) in the LM-treated group and 11 (26.09%) in the TM-treated group. Conclusions: 10.6 µm LM is not inferior to TM in treating KOA. Moreover, both LM and TM dramatically alleviated knee pain and enhanced function of knees. Clinical Trial Registration number: ISRCTN registry trial identifier: 14604492.

Acupuncture for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus that has a considerable impact on quality of life, but there are few effective therapeutic strategies. The aim of this trial is to determine the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture (MA) versus sham acupuncture (SA) for DPN. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 118 patients with DPN will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the MA group or SA group. All patients will receive 24 sessions over 12 weeks. Participants will complete the trial by visiting the research center at month 6 for a follow-up assessment. The primary outcome is peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (peroneal MNCV) at week 12 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes include peroneal motor nerve action potential amplitude (peroneal MNAP) and latent period (peroneal MNLP), sural sensory nerve conduction velocity (sural SNCV), action potential amplitude (sural SNAP) and latent period (sural SNLP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose (2hPG), glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc) at week 12 compared with baseline, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) score and Diabetes Specific Quality of Life scale (DSQL) at week 12 and month 6 compared with baseline. Safety will be assessed during the whole trial. Masking effectiveness will be assessed by patients. DISCUSSION: This trial may provide high-quality evidence for evaluating the efficacy and safety of MA treatment for DPN compared with SA treatment. Results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR1800020444. First registered on 29 December 2018, retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?Proj=31063 .

The efficacy of jade moxibustion in knee osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare clinical effect between Jade moxibustion and traditional moxibustion, and to determine the clinical effect of Jade moxibustion on knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS/DESIGN: This is a 2-parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 148 subjects with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III) will be recruited and randomized to receive Jade moxibustion treatment or a traditional moxibustion treatment in a 1:1 ratio. Jade moxibustion group: The affected knee of the subjects will be covered with jade kneepad. Traditional moxibustion group: Chosen the ST35, ST34, EX-LE4, SP10 and Ashi points at the affected knee. The subjects will receive treatment three times a week, altogether 12 times in 4 weeks. The main outcomes are WOMAC knee pain score, knee function score and SF-36 quality of life questionnaire changes at the 4th week. Secondary outcomes include WOMAC knee pain score and knee function score, overall clinical efficacy evaluation, medication, safety evaluation at the 2nd, 12th, and 24th week, and cytokines related to osteoarthritis in serum. DISCUSSION: This randomized controlled trial used traditional moxibustion as a control group to provide rigorous evidence for the clinical efficacy and safety of Jade moxibustion in treatment of KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, No 21174552. Registered on 28 February 2020.

Effect of Compound Laser Acupuncture-Moxibustion on Blood Glucose, Fasting Insulin and Blood Lipids Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion on blood glucose, fasting insulin and blood lipids levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the normal group, model control group, laser group and sham laser group (n=10 per group). The rats in the normal group were fed with a standard diet. Rats in other groups were fed with a high-sugar and high-fat diet for 4 weeks, then intraperitoneally injected with 1% streptozotocin to induce T2DM model. The laser group was irradiated by 10.6 µm and 650 nm compound laser on bilateral Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for 5 min, 6 times a week for 5 weeks. The sham laser group received the same treatment as the laser group, but without laser output. The model control group and normal group were not treated. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks of treatment. The serum levels of fasting insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were analyzed after the last treatment. RESULTS: The blood glucose levels in the model control group increased during the 5 weeks of treatment compared with the normal group (P<0.05), while those in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after weekly treatment (P<0.01 or P<0.05). After 1, 2 and 3 weeks of treatment, the blood glucose levels in the laser group decreased obviously compared with the sham laser group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the levels of fasting insulin, TC and LDL in the model control group notably increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), while their levels in the laser group were significantly lower than the model control group after 5 weeks of treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in TG or HDL levels among the 4 groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The compound laser acupuncture-moxibustion of 10.6 µm and 650 nm had positive effects on the regulation of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in T2DM rats, which may be a potential treatment for T2DM, and also provide an alternative to the traditional acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.

Manual acupuncture for the infertile female with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): study protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine diseases for women. Acupuncture is widely used for the infertile female because of it is non-invasive and has fewer side effects, but the powerful evidence for the clinic is still insufficient. Our study intends to explore the effect of manual acupuncture (MA) in the infertile female with PCOS. METHODS: This study is a randomized, sham-controlled, patient-and assessor-blinded trial and aims to evaluate the effect of MA in women with PCOS and infertility. We will recruit 86 women aged 20-40 years with a diagnosis of infertility with PCOS. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the MA group and the sham acupuncture (SA) group. Both groups will receive real herbal medicine treatment as a basic treatment twice a day for three menstrual cycles, the MA group receive real acupuncture treatment and the SA group received placebo acupuncture treatment (non-penetrating). All patients will receive acupuncture treatment twice per week for three menstrual cycles. The primary outcome is pregnancy rate and secondary outcomes include ovulation rate, sex hormones, insulin resistance index (IRI), PCOS symptoms, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome scores. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, each menstrual cycle, the end of treatments, and six months after the last acupuncture treatment. The present protocol followed the SPIRIT guidelines and fulfilled the SPIRIT checklist. DISCUSSION: This study will be conducted to compare the efficacy of MA versus SA. This trial will help to evaluate whether MA is effective in increasing pregnancy and ovulation rates of the infertile female with polycystic ovary syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800014997 . Registered on 27 February 2018.

Examination of the cellular mechanisms of leukocyte elevation by 10.6 µm and 650 nm laser acupuncture-moxibustion.

To investigate the cell cycle and cellular mechanisms of leukocyte elevation by laser acupuncture in rats with cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced leukopenia. Sixty-six rats were randomized into six groups: normal, model control group, sham treatment group, 10.6 µm laser treatment group, 650 nm laser treatment group, and 10.6 µm-650 nm compound laser treatment group. Eleven rats were used in the normal group and 55 were models that were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce leukopenia. For the three laser treatment groups, 10.6-µm and 650-nm lasers, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound lasers were used to irradiate the DU14 (Dazhui) and bilateral ST36 (Zusanli) for 5 min each. The sham laser group received the same operation as the laser group but without irradiation. The normal group and model group were not treated. Differences in the number of nucleated cells in the femoral bone marrow, and cell cycle and cellular apoptosis of peripheral leukocytes in rats in various groups were compared. Compared with the model group and the sham laser group, the number of nucleated cells in the femoral bone marrow in the 10.6-µm laser, 650-nm laser, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound laser group was significantly increased after treatment (P = 0.001, 0.002, 0.034, respectively) and did not show any significant difference with the normal group (P = 0.964, P = 0.838, P = 0.287, respectively). The number of cells in G2 phase in the 10.6 µm laser group was similar to that of the normal group (P = 0.973). The number of cells in G2 phase in the model, sham, 650-nm laser group, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound laser group were significantly lower than in the normal group and 10.6-µm laser group (P = 0.016, P = 0.023, P = 0.044, P = 0.039, respectively). In the model group and the sham treatment group, the apoptosis rates of peripheral leukocytes were increased compared with the normal group (P = 0.001), while the proportion of cells in the G2 phase was significantly lower than in the normal group (P = 0.016), and the proportion of cells in S phase was higher than in the normal group (P = 0.014). The incidence of apoptosis in peripheral blood cells in the three laser treatment groups did not show any statistically significant difference when compared with the normal group (P > 0.05). Treatment with the 10.6-µm, 650-nm, and 10.6-µm-650-nm compound lasers increased the number of nucleated cells in the bone marrow, decreased the unfavorable effects of cyclophosphamide on the cell cycle, induced the cell cycle towards proliferation, decreased apoptosis, improved the intramedullary hematopoietic system, and increased peripheral leukocyte count.

[Standardization on the location of Fengshi (GB 31)].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the manual measurement of Fengshi (GB 31) between the standing position and the supine position so as to determine the location. METHODS: A total of 197 volunteers were included in the manual measurement of Fengshi (GB 31) at the standing position and 92 volunteers at the supine position. The differences were compared between the two measurements. RESULTS: The results in the manual measurement at the standing position showed that the distance was (39.27±3.83) cm from the greater trochanter of femur to the popliteal transverse crease [(39.96±4.21) cm in males, (38.82±3.49) cm in females, P < 0.05]. The distance was (19.08±2.97) cm from the tip of the middle finger to the popliteal transverse crease [(18.96±3.50) cm in males, (19.16±2.58) cm in females]. After calculating according to the formula of proportional bone measurement, Fengshi (GB 31) was located (9.28±1.44) cun above the popliteal transverse crease [(9.07±1.64) cun in males, (9.42±1.29) cun in females]. The results in the manual measurement at the supine position showed that the distance was (41.89±3.88) cm from the greater trochanter of femur to the popliteal transverse crease [(42.36±3.88) cm in males, (41.67±3.89) cm in females]. The distance was (23.01±3.37) cm from the tip of the middle finger to the popliteal transverse crease [(22.50±3.73) cm in males, (23.25±3.20) cm in females]. After calculated according to the formula of proportional bone measurement, Fengshi (GB 31) was located (10.51±1.69) cun above the popliteal transverse crease [(10.16±1.75) cun in males, (10.67±1.63) cun in females]. CONCLUSION: Fengshi (GB 31) is located on the femoral region, in the depression under the tip of the middle finger at the standing position. The simple localization of the acupoint at the supine position: at the supine, the palm touches the middle of the lateral side of the thigh, about 1 cun directly below the depression under the tip of the middle finger. The location of Fengshi (GB 31) in female is slightly upper than male.

[Review on infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints in recent 10 years].

In the paper, the study was reviewed on the infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints in recent 10 years. CNKI, WANFANG, VIP, SciVerse ScienceDirect and Springer databases were retrieved, with"infrared thermal imaging" and "acupoint" as the key words. The retrieving time was from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016. Totally, 468 relevant papers were searched and 169 papers of them were read carefully on acupoint infrared temperature. In terms of physiological condition, pathological condition and the stimulation methods such as acupuncture, moxibustion, tuina, embedding therapy and cupping therapy, the general situation was reviewed on the infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints separately. It was found that the study on infrared temperature characteristics of acupoints in physiological condition was limited and the characteristics discovered were not enough to systematically review the physiological and physical properties of acupoints. The study in terms of the pathological condition objectively reflected the effects and rules of diseases. It was showed in the study of acupoint infrared temperature characteristics after stimulation that the changes of infrared thermal imaging tempe-rature at some specific region induced by different therapies and parameters might be used to deduce the potential mechanism and optimal parameters or schemes of intervention method and contributed to the formation and deve-lopment of quantitative diagnosis and treatment. The authors believe that the study on infrared temperature characteristics of acupoint provides the active significance in the exploration on the physiological and physical characteristics of acupoint, the effects and rules of diseases as well as the quantitative diagnosis and treatment.

The effect of different laser irradiation on cyclophosphamide-induced leucopenia in rats.

Objective. To assess the effect of different lasers on cyclophosphamide- (CTX-) induced leucopenia in rats. Methods. 11 rats were normal control and 55 rats were injected with a dose of 80 mg/kg CTX for the first time and 40 mg/kg on the 6th and the 11th days to establish a leucopenia model. Rats of the irradiation groups received a 5-minute laser irradiation with either single 10.6 µ m or 650 nm laser or alternatively 10.6 µ m-650 nm laser irradiation, besides a sham treatment on acupoint Dazhui (DU 14) and acupoint Zusanli (ST 36) of both sides, 8 times for 16 days. Normal and model control group received no treatment. Results. On day 16 after the first CTX injection, the WBC counts from all the laser irradiation groups were significantly higher than those from the model control and the sham group (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences compared with the normal control (P > 0.05). The TI of 10.6 µ m-650 nm laser irradiation group was significantly higher than that of the model control group (P < 0.05). Conclusions. The single and combined 10.6 µ m and 650 nm laser irradiation on ST36 and DU14 accelerated the recovery of the WBC count in the rats with leucopenia.

Effectiveness of moxibustion treatment as adjunctive therapy in osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese moxibustion to that of sham moxibustion in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain. METHODS: We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 110 patients with KOA who met the inclusion criteria. These patients randomly received either active moxibustion (n = 55) or sham moxibustion control (n = 55) at acupoints Dubi (ST 35), extra-point Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), and an Ashi (tender) point three times a week for 6 weeks. Effects were evaluated with Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC VA 3.1) criteria at the end of the course of treatment and 3, 12, and 24 weeks after the initial treatment. RESULTS: The WOMAC pain scores showed greater improvement in the active treatment group than in control at weeks 3 (P = 0.012), 6 (P <0.001), 12 (P = 0.002), and 24 (P = 0.002) as did WOMAC physical function scores of the active treatment group at week 3 (P = 0.002), 6 (P = 0.015), and 12 (P <0.001) but not 24 (P = 0.058). Patients and practitioners were blinded successfully, and no significant adverse effects were found during the trial. CONCLUSIONS: A 6-week course of moxibustion seems to relieve pain effectively and improve function in patients with KOA for up to 18 weeks after the end of treatment. Moxibustion treatment appears to be safe, and the usefulness of the novel moxa device was validated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current controlled trial: ISRCTN68475405. Registered 4 April 2014.

[Effect of devascularization on volt-ampere characteristic of acupoints].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of forearms devascularization on the volt-ampere (V-A) characteristics of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) so as to investigate the relationship among functions of acupoints, qi and blood in human body and V-A characteristics of acupoints. METHODS: Either forearms of 23 healthy volunteers were devascularized and the changes of V-A characteristics in ipsilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) in normal and devascularization statuses were detected by home-made intelligent V-A detecting system. RESULTS: Compared with the normal status, both range-increasing and range-decreasing V-A areas of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) were significantly increased in devascularization status (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the change rates of these two V-A areas of Neiguan (PC 6) were larger than those of Taiyuan (LU 9) (both P < 0.05). The inertia areas of Neiguan (PC 6) but not Taiyuan (LU 9) became significantly larger after devascularization (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The changes in V-A characteristics of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) can reflect the alteration of local blood supply, and Neiguan (PC 6) is more sensitive to changes of blood flow than Taiyuan (LU 9).

Pathologic analysis on hyperplasia of mammary gland with different syndromes based on infrared radiation temperature of acupoints.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathologic characteristics of hyperplasia of the mammary gland (HMG) by observing differences in infrared radiation temperature of points of HMG in patients with different syndromes compared with healthy controls. METHODS: A FLIR Systems Therma CAM P30 infrared thermal camera was used to detect the infrared temperature of Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), and Taichong (LR 3) in 113 patients with HMG. Of these patients, 71 were placed in the Liver Qi stagnation group, 34 were placed in the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels group, and 8 were placed in the Phlegm and blood stasis in combination group. The infrared radiation temperature of each point in the patients was compared with that of healthy controls, and the differences in the infrared radiation temperatures of the points in the patients were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, the bilateral corresponding point in both the controls and patients exhibited no significant difference in infrared radiation temperature. In all cases, the infrared radiation temperature of the points from proximal to distal tended to decrease. In a comparison of the patients and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of the trunk points Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), and Guanyuan (CV 4) of the patients was higher than that of the controls, while the infrared radiation temperature of the lower extremity points Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) was lower than that of the controls. Of these points, Shanzhong (CV 17) (P=0.0368), Zhongwan (CV 12) (P=0.0028), Qihai (CV 6) (P=0.0085), and Guanyuan (CV 4) (P=0.0018) showed significant differences. In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Liver Qi stagnation group and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of Shanzhong (CV 17) (P=0.0089), right-side Qi-men (LR 14) (P=0.0382), Zhongwan (CV 12) (P= 0.0000), Qihai (CV 6) (P=0.0011), and Guanyuan (CV 4) (P=0.0000) of the patients was significantly higher than that of the controls, while the differences in the infrared radiation temperature of the other points were not statistically significant (P= 0.0833-0.8397). In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels group and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of left-side Taichong (LR 3) (P=0.0048), right-side Taichong (LR 3) (P=0.0329), left-side Taixi (KI 3) (P= 0.0171), and right-side Taixi (KI 3) (t=0.544, P= 0.0165) of the patients was significantly lower than that of the controls, while the differences in the infrared radiation temperature of the other points were not statistically significant (P=0.3793-0.9197). In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Phlegm and blood stasis in combination group and controls, the infrared radiation temperature of Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), and Zhongwan (CV 12) tended to increase, but without statistical significance (P=0.175-.759). CONCLUSION: The corresponding points of HMG patients with different syndromes are in different deficiency/excess states. Changes in the infrared radiation temperature of the trunk points Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), and Guanyuan (CV 4) are closely related to the pathological characteristics of the Liver Qi stagnation syndrome of HMG patients, while changes in the infrared radiation temperature of the lower extremity points Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) are closely related to the pathological characteristics of the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels syndrome of HMG patients. On the whole, HMG patients with Liver Qi stagnation syndrome are characterized by "upper excess," and those with Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels syndrome are characterized by "lower deficiency."

Effects of laser irradiation on arthritic histopathology and heat shock protein 70 expression in C57 black mice with osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of three different laser treatments (650 nm alone, 10.6 µm alone and combined laser of 650 nm and 10.6 µm) on experimental osteoarthritis of the knees in C57 black mice. METHODS: Sixty C57 black mice were divided randomly into 6 groups. Ten mice were assigned to a normal control group (no intervention) and the other 5 groups were subjected to a forced running regimen to induce osteoarthritis. One group was set as the model control group. The other 4 groups were given 90 s of a 650 nm laser, 90 s of a 10.6 µm laser, 90 s of a combined laser, or a sham treatment on acupoint Dubi (ST35) of the rear left leg 3 times per week for 4 weeks. The modified Mankin score was used to evaluate the degree of cartilage degradation. Immunohistochemical staining for heat shock protein (HSP) 70 was conducted. RESULTS: Mankin scores of the model control group and the sham control group were significantly higher than that of the normal control group (P<0.01). Mankin score of the combined laser group was significantly lower than that of the model control group (P<0.01). Compared with the normal control group, there was a significant induction of HSP70 in the arthritic chondrocytes of the combined laser group. CONCLUSION: The arthritic cartilage induced in C57 black mice improved significantly after combined laser treatment of 650 nm and 10.6 µm lasers. This effect may be related to the induction of HSP70 in the arthritic chondrocytes. The two different lasers appear to have a synergistic effect.

Validating a nonacupoint sham control for laser treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The goals of the present study were to evaluate the effect and safety of combined 10.6 microm and 650 nm laser acupuncture-moxibustion on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to validate a nonacupoint sham control for assessing the effect of point specificity on the treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was conducted in an outpatient clinical setting on patients with knee OA (n = 40). Laser irradiation was performed on acupoint Dubi (ST35) and a sham point three times a week for 4 wk. Outcome measurements were performed at baseline and at wk 2 and 4 using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities' Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). RESULTS: At the 2-wk assessment, i.e., after 6 treatments, improvement in the WOMAC pain score of the acupoint group was significantly greater than that of the control group (49.21% vs. 11.99%, respectively; p = 0.021). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the WOMAC physical function score (p = 0.129) or joint stiffness score (p = 0.705). No side effects were found during the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Combined 10.6-mum-650-nm laser acupuncture-moxibustion on acupoint ST35 is safe to use and was effective after 2-wk treatment, but not at the 4-wk assessment, in relieving knee OA pain compared to a nonacupoint sham control. A larger clinical trial to verify our findings is warranted.

Infrared radiation spectrum of acupuncture point on patients with coronary heart disease.

The objective of this study was to compare the acupoint infrared radiation spectrums of patients and healthy volunteers to show whether those of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients carry distinctive pathological information. PHE201, using a highly sensitive infrared spectrum detection device applied to the acupoint Neiguan (PC6) and to a control point on 50 CHD patients and 47 healthy adults. A total of 73 wavelength spots were detected. The scanned wavelengths ranged from 1.5 microm to 16 microm, and the scanning spacing was 0.2 microm. The data were automatically recorded in the database of the device for statistical analysis. Infrared radiation intensities of 23 in the 73 detected wavelength spots significantly differed in the CHD patients' Neiguan as compared to those of the healthy subjects (from p=0.048 to p=0.002), while only 12 wavelength spots at a non-acupuncture control point showed significant differences. By the chi(2) test, these differences between Neiguan and the non-acupuncture control point are statistically significant (p=0.033). At 2-2.5 microm, which is related to energy metabolism, the intensity at the CHD patients' Neiguan was significantly lower than that of the healthy adults (from p=0.026 to p=0.017). No difference was observed at the non-acupuncture control point (from p=0.094 to p=0.052). The data suggest that the changes of infrared spectrum at Neiguan in coronary heart disease patients may reflect the distinct pathological changes. This may be the result of hypoactive energy metabolism in the area of the acupoint.