Guasha improves knee osteoarthritis by inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis and regulating expression of autophagy-related genes and proteins in rats. / åˆ®ç—§å¯¹è†å ³èŠ‚éª¨å ³èŠ‚ç‚Žå¤§é¼ è½¯éª¨ç»†èƒžå‡‹äº¡åŠè‡ªå™¬çš„å½±å“.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of Guasha on inflammation factors, apoptosis and autophagy in the cartilage tissue of knee joint in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of KOA. METHODS: A total of 51 male SD rats were randomized into three groups：blank control, KOA model and Guasha (n= 17 in each group) . The rats in the blank control group received intra-articular injection of 0.9% NaCl solution in the right knee joint. The KOA model was established by intraarticular injection of glutamate sodium iodoacetic acid in the right knee joint. For rats of the Guasha group, Guasha (at a frequency of 1 time/s, and an applied pressure of 0.3-0.5 kgf) was applied to "Yanglingquan" (GB34) and "Xuehai"(SP10) areas of the right leg, once every other day, for 7 consecutive sessions. The circumference of the right knee was measured, The histopathological changes of right knee cartilage were observed after H.E. staining. The contents of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the right knee articular cartilage tissue were assayed using ELISA. The expression levels of autophagy-related key molecule Beclin-1 (homologous series of yeast Atg6), light chain protease complication 3 type II/I (LC3II/LC3 I), ubiquitin binding factor 62 (P62) and cysteine aspartate protease-3 (Caspase-3) mRNAs and proteins of the right knee articular cartilage tissue were measured using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot, separately. The apoptosis of chondrocytes was assayed using TUNEL staining, and the immunoactivity of LC3 determined using immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS: After modeling, the right knee circumfe-rence of the model and Guasha groups was significantly increased compared with the blank control group (P<0.01), and after the intervention, the knee circumference of the Guasha group was markedly decreased in comparison with that of the model group (P<0.05). Results of H.E. staining showed obvious degeneration and defects in the cartilage tissue, necrosis of a large number of chondrocytes, fibrous hyperplasia, accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration, osteoclast increase, fibroplasia and bone trabecular destruction in the model group, which was relatively milder in the Guasha group. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 mRNAs and proteins, and LC immunofluorescence intensity in the right knee articular cartilage tissue were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.001), whereas the expression of P62 and Caspase-3 mRNAs and proteins, the apoptosis rate, contents of IL-1ß and TNF-α in the right knee articular cartilage tissue considerably increased (P<0.01, P<0.001) in the model group. In contrast to the model group, the Guasha group had an apparent increase in the expression levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 mRNAs and proteins and LC immunofluorescence intensity in the right knee articular cartilage tissue (P<0.05), and a pronounced decrease in the expression of P62 and Caspase-3 mRNAs and proteins, the apoptosis rate, and contents of IL-1ß and TNF-α in the right knee articular cartilage tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Guasha stimulation of GB34 and SP10 can improve joint cartilage damage in KOA rats, which may be associated with its functions in inhibiting the excessive release of inflammatory factors and apoptosis, possibly by down-regulating the expression of P62 and Caspase-3 mRNAs and proteins and up-regulating the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 mRNAs and proteins, and by promoting autophagy of chondrocytes.

[Effect of moxibustion and scraping on bioactive substances changes of acupoints in knee osteoarthritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of moxibustion and scraping of "Yanglingquan" (GB34) and "Xuehai" (SP10) area on changes of bioactive substances in the region of acupoints in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into blank, model, moxibustion, scraping, and moxibustion + scraping (combination) groups, with 8 rats in each group. The KOA model was established by injecting 50 µL 0.9% sodium chloride solution into the right knee cavity. Fourteen days after modeling, GB34 and SP10 on the right limb were stimulated by moxibustion (10 min) or scraping (till regional flush) once every other day for 7 times. The mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were tested by Von Frey and hot stabbing instrument, separately. The pathological changes of the right knee joint were observed by HE staining. The serotonin (5-HT) contents of skin tissues in the region of acupoint GB34 and SP10 were detected by ELISA. The expression levels of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in GB34 and SP10 region skin tissues were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the PWT and TWL of the rats in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.001), while the contents of 5-HT and the expression levels of SP and CGRP in GB34 and SP10 region skin tissues were significantly increased (P<0.001, P<0.01). Following intervention and in comparison the with the model group, the TWL and PWT of rats in the three treatment groups were significantly increased (P<0.01), the content of 5-HT and the expression levels of SP and CGRP in GB34 and SP10 region skin tissues were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05). Except for the expression levels of CGRP, the above indexes of the combination group were significantly superior to those of the moxibustion and scraping groups (P<0.05, P<0.01). Findings of HE staining showed severe damaged cartilage, few chondrocytes on the surface, with subchondral neovascularization in the model group, which was relatively milder in the moxibustion, scraping, and combination groups. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion and scraping can relieve knee joint pain in KOA rats, which may be associated with its function in down-regulating the expression levels of SP and CGRP, and the content of 5-HT. The therapeutic effect of moxibustion plus scraping is better than that of moxibustion and scraping alone.

[Acupuncture for treatment of tobacco withdrawal syndrome: systematic review and Meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of tobacco withdrawal syndrome. METHODS: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture for treatment of tobacco withdrawal syndrome were searched in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and EMbase databases. The search period was from January 1st of 2011 to December 31st of 2021. After data extraction and bias risk assessment of the included literature, the Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4.1 software. RESULTS: Totally 23 RCTs were included, including 2 120 patients. The Meta-analysis results showed that compared with medication, acupuncture showed no significant difference at improving Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) score (MD=0.16, 95%CI: -0.08, 0.41), heaviness of smoking index (HSI) score (MD=0.11, 95%CI: -0.13, 0.36), Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale (MNWS) score (MD=0.12, 95%CI: -0.11, 1.35), questionnaire of smoking urges (QSU) score (MD=-0.30, 95%CI: -2.78, 2.18), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score (MD=0.76, 95%CI: -1.54, 3.06), abstinence rate (RR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.10) and effective rate (RR=1.01, 95%CI: 0.95, 1.07). Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture in reducing MNWS score (MD=-4.88, 95%CI: -5.21, -4.55, P<0.000 01). Acupuncture was superior to cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing FTND score (MD=-1.41, 95%CI: -1.74, -1.08), MNWS score (MD=-4.28, 95%CI: -5.31, -3.25) and increasing abstinence rate (RR=2.19, 95%CI: 1.39, 3.45, P<0.000 01, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture could effectively improve tobacco withdrawal syndrome, increase abstinence rate and effective rate. Limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies, this conclusion needs to be verified by more studies.

[Auricular point sticking combined with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for smoking cessation：a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between auricular point sticking combined with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and nicotine patch for smoking cessation. METHODS: Two hundred patients who voluntarily quit smoking were randomly divided into a combination group and a nicotine patch group, 100 cases in each group. In the combination group, auricular point sticking (Shenmen [TF4], Neifenmi [CO18], Pizhixia [AT4], Jiaogan [AH6a], etc., once every other day) combined with TEAS（Lieque [LU 7] and Zusanli [ST 36], with continuous wave, 20 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in current intensity, 30 min each time, once a day) were applied. In the nicotine patch group, nicotine patch was applied. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The immediate withdrawal rate and persistent withdrawal rate 8 weeks into treatment and in follow-up of 16 weeks after treatment in the two groups were compared; before treatment, 8 weeks into treatment and in follow-up of 16 weeks after treatment, the degree of nicotine dependence was evaluated by using Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND); 1 week into treatment, 8 weeks into treatment and in follow-up of 16 weeks after treatment, the withdrawal symptoms and smoking craving were evaluated by using Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale (MNWS); the safety and compliance (dropped off rate and treatment completeness) were evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: There was no statistical significance of the differences in the immediate withdrawal rate and persistent withdrawal rate 8 weeks into treatment and during follow-up between the two groups (P>0.05). The FTND scores were decreased 8 weeks into treatment and during follow-up in the two groups compared with those before treatment (P<0.01); the FTND score during follow-up in the combination group was lower than the nicotine patch group (P<0.05). The MNWS scores were decreased 8 weeks into treatment and during follow-up in the two groups compared with those 1 week into treatment (P<0.05); the changes of MNWS scores 8 weeks into treatment and during follow-up in the combination group were greater than the nicotine patch group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There were no serious adverse reactions in either group. Eight weeks into treatment and during follow-up, the dropped off rates were all 16.0% (16/100) in the combination group, which were 20.0% (20/100) and 23.0% (23/100) in the nicotine patch group, there was no statistical significance of the differences in the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in treatment completeness between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Auricular point sticking combined with TEAS could effective decrease the degree of nicotine dependence, improve withdrawal symptoms in smokers, its effect is superior to nicotine patch.

[Impacts of nicotine metabolite rate and acupuncture frequency on smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of different acupuncture frequencies in tobacco-dependent patients and explore the impact of nicotine metabolite rate (NMR) on smoking cessation in the intervention with acupuncture. METHODS: A total of 120 cases of tobacco-dependent patients were randomly divided into a high-frequency group (60 cases, 12 cases dropped off) and a low-frequency group (60 cases, 6 cases dropped off). In the two groups, smoking cessation counseling was provided prior to acupuncture. Acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Lieque (LU 7), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Additionally, electric stimulation was added at Lieque (LU 7) and Zusanli (ST 36), with continuous wave, 15 Hz in frequency. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks in either group. In the high-frequency group, the treatment was given 5 times weekly from week 1 to week 4, and was 3 times weekly from week 5 to week 8. In the low-frequency group, the treatment was given 3 times weekly from week 1 to week 4, and was twice a week from week 5 to week 8. The immediate withdrawal rate, persistent withdrawal rate, the score of Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) before and after treatment, as well as the score of Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale (MNWS) in 1 and 8 weeks of treatment were compared among the patients with high and low NMR between the two groups separately. The Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the influencing factors of smoking cessation in the intervention with acupuncture. RESULTS: After treatment, there was no statistical significance of the differences in the immediate withdrawal rate (35.4% [17/48] vs 29.6% [16/54]) and the persistent withdrawal rate (33.3% [16/48] vs 25.9% [14/54]) between the high-frequency group and the low-frequency group (P>0.05). The difference in withdrawal rate had no statistical significance between high and low NMR patients (P>0.05). FTND scores after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01) and MNWS scores were lower than those in 1 week of treatment (P<0.01) in the two groups. However, the differences had no statistical significance between the two groups and between the patients with high NMR and low NMR (P>0.05). Age, education level and NMR were the influencing factors of smoking cessation in the intervention with acupuncture (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture with different frequencies has no obvious impact on the efficacy in tobacco-dependent patients. The lower nicotine metabolite rate in individuals, the better efficacy of acupuncture. The smokers with high nicotine metabolite rate may obtain a better effect of cessation in the high-frequency intervention with acupuncture.

[Great physician with absolute sincerity and carrying forward acupuncture and moxibustion: commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of academician CHENG Xin-nong, master of traditional Chinese medicine].

The academician CHENG Xin-nong's academic thoughts and his contributions to the acupuncture and moxibustion of traditional Chinese medicine are summarized. Academician CHENG emphasizes the importance of meridian theory to acupuncture and moxibustion. He has hosted the National Climbing Program "Meridian Research", and put forward the symptom differentiation along the running course of channel and symptom differentiation based on meridian tropism. He values the guiding role of TCM theory on clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion, and advocates that acupoints have the same properties as traditional Chinese herb. He has established the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment based on syndrome differentiation, which includes principle, method, prescription, acupoint and technique. He is good at summarizing the acupuncture and moxibustion treatment rules of dominant diseases of TCM, and has formed his own unique acupuncture method in clinical practice: San-Cai acupuncturing method. In addition, he is one of the important founders of acupuncture and moxibustion education in the New China by pioneering early education of acupuncture and moxibustion and compiling textbooks. He is also the pioneer of international communication of acupuncture and moxibustion, carrying out international training of acupuncture and moxibustion, and spreading knowledge of acupuncture and moxibustion. He has the qualities of a great physician, dedicated to clinical practice and very kind to patients.

[Effect of moxibustion on clinical symptoms, peripheral inflammatory indexes and T lymphocyte subsets in COVID-19 patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect and the mechanism of the adjuvant treatment with moxibustion on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: A total of 95 patients with COVID-19 were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (45 cases) and a basic treatment group (50 cases). The routine treatment of western medicine was applied in the patients of both groups. In the moxibustion group, on the base of the treatment of western medicine, moxibustion was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Qihai (CV 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once daily and consecutively for 14 days. At the end of treatment courses, clinical symptom scores for cough, asthmatic breathing, chest oppression and short breath, as well as their remission rates were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Before and after treatment, the white blood cell (WBC) count, the levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the absolute number of T lymphocyte subsets, i.e. , and of the peripheral blood were compared in the patients between the two groups. The principal component analysis was adopted to analyze the common data extracted from the above 10 clinical indexes variables and comprehensively evaluate the differences in the therapeutic effect of two regimens. RESULTS: The clinical symptom scores were all decreased after treatment in both of the moxibustion group and the basic treatment group as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical symptom scores of cough, chest oppression and asthmatic breathing in the moxibustion group were lower significantly than those in the basic treatment group (P<0.05) and the remission rates of cough, chest oppression and asthmatic breathing were higher than the basic treatment group (P<0.05). After treatment, WBC count was increased as compared with that before treatment in either group (P<0.05) and the levels of CRP and IL-6 in the moxibustion group were reduced as compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The reducing range of IL-6 level in the moxibustion group was larger than the basic treatment group (P<0.05). After treatment, the absolute number of , and T lymphocytes was increased as compared with that before treatment in the moxibustion group (P<0.05), and its increase range was larger than the basic treatment group (P<0.05). The difference value was 33.38 for the score of comprehensive evaluation before and after treatment in the moxbustion group, higher obviously than 8.91 in the basic treatment group. CONCLUSION: On the base of the routine treatment with western medicine, moxibustion therapy supplemented relieves the clinical symptoms, reduces the levels of inflammatory indexes, i.e. IL-6 and CRP as well as improves the absolute number of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets. The clinical therapeutic effect of such regimen with moxibustion supplemented is significantly better than the simple routine treatment of western medicine.

[Effect of the different smoking cessation regimens with acupuncture on smoking withdrawal and their influence factors: a multi-center randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture on smoking cessation and withdrawal symptoms and to explore the influence factors of acupuncture on smoking cessation. METHODS: A total of 500 subjects with tobacco dependence were randomized into an acupuncture group, an auricular therapy group, an acupuncture plus auricular therapy group, a TENS group and a nicotine replacement therapy group (NRT group), 100 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Lieque (LU 7), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36). The treatment was given 5 times a week, once a day in the first 2 weeks. The treatment was given once every 2 days in the week 3 and 4, 3 times a week, and twice a week, once every 3 days in the week 5 to 8. In the auricular therapy group, the ear point pressure therapy was used at shenmen (TF4), neifenmi (CO18), pizhixia (AT4) and jiaogan (AH6a), 3 times a week. In the acupuncture plus auricular therapy group, acupuncture and auricular therapy were adopted with the same points and manipulation as the previous two groups. Acupuncture was given 3 times a week and the auricular therapy was given twice a week. In the TENS group, SDZ-Ⅱ B type electric acupuncture apparatus was used to stimulate Lieque (LU 7) and Zusanli (ST 36), once a day. In the NRT group, the nicotine patch was used on the chest, back and the upper arms of the subjects, once a day. The duration of treatment was 8 weeks as one course in every group. Afterwards, the 16-week follow-up was conducted. The time-point withdrawal rate was evaluated by the level of urine cotinine in 8 weeks of treatment and in the follow-up in the subjects of 5 groups. The persistent withdrawal rate was evaluated by the self-report of the subjects in 8 weeks of treatment as well as in the follow-up in the 5 groups. The withdrawal effect, the score of the fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) and the score of the heaviness of smoking index (HSI) were compared among the groups. Twenty indexes were selected as the potential influence factors, the 72 h withdrawal rate based on the level of urine cotinine in 8 weeks of treatment and in the follow-up was taken as the dependent variable. Using the two categories of Logistic regression analysis, the influence factors of therapeutic effect of acupuncture were screened for smoking cessation. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, the time-point withdrawal rate in the subjects among the groups was NRT group > acupuncture plus auricular therapy group > auricular therapy group > acupuncture group > TENS group. In the follow-up, the time-point withdrawal rate was acupuncture plus auricular therapy group > NRT group > acupuncture group > TENS group > auricular therapy group, but without statistical significance in comparison (P>0.05). After 8 weeks of treatment, the persistent withdrawal rate in the subjects among the groups was auricular therapy group > TENS group > acupuncture group > acupuncture plus auricular therapy group > NRT group. In the follow-up visit, the persistent withdrawal rate was auricular therapy group > TENS group > acupuncture plus auricular therapy group > acupuncture group > NRT group. The result in the auricular therapy group was better than all of the other 4 groups (P<0.05). Except in the follow-up visit, FTND score in the acupuncture group was lower than the auricular therapy group (P<0.05), FTND score and HSI score were not different significantly in statistics among the groups either in 8 weeks of treatment or in the follow-up (P>0.05). The regression analysis showed that the factors, i.e. nationality, educational background, drinking frequency, pre-treatment FTND score, pre-treatment HSI score and smoking cessation for physical reason in family, were correlated significantly with the withdrawal result after 8-week treatment (P<0.05). The factors, i.e. education background, smoking age, pre-treatment FTND score and different therapeutic methods, were correlated significantly with the withdrawal result in the follow-up (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with auricular therapy effectively reduce nicotine dependence and smoking intensity and relieve withdrawal symptoms. There are many factors that affect the withdrawal effect in smoking cessation. Hence, the influence factors in smoking cessation with acupuncture should be clearly determined so as to develop the individual regimen for smoking cessation and improve the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture on smoking cessation.

Effects of acupuncture on craving after tobacco cessation: a resting-state fMRI study based on the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation.

BACKGROUND: To explore the immediate effects and mechanism of acupuncture on craving after tobacco cessation based on the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF). METHODS: This was a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study. Forty participants were recruited and divided into a smoking group and a non-smoking group, 20 cases in each one. The smoking participants were requested to quit smoking 24 hours before the fMRI scan. The scan process was scan - acupuncture - scan. Between the two scans, acupuncture was applied at Lieque (LU 7), Hegu (LI 4), Baihui (GV 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) in two groups. RESULTS: After acupuncture, self-made craving for smoking, Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) and Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) were all reduced (P<0.05). The fMRI results indicated the immediate effects of acupuncture on smoking craving were significant, and identified salience network (SN) consisted of anterior cingulate cortex and insula, prefrontal cortex, visual cortex and cerebellum as key brains area. Correlation analysis indicated that NWNS scores were positively correlated with the mean fALFF in the ACC (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with the mean fALFF in the insula (P<0.05) in the smoking group. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study in China to explore the neural mechanisms of acupuncture for smoking craving. The results indicated that the effects of acupuncture on smoking craving were significant, and the SN played a critical role in the process.

Efficacy of Acupuncture Is Noninferior to Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Tobacco Cessation: Results of a Prospective, Randomized, Active-Controlled Open-Label Trial.

BACKGROUND: We designed and conducted this multicenter randomized active-controlled open-label trial to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture, auricular point pressing, and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on tobacco cessation in the Chinese population. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in seven hospitals in China between October 2013 and February 2016. Eligible participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive acupuncture or auricular point pressing or NRT via a central randomization system with a 1:1:1 ratio. All treatment was given for a total of 8 weeks, and follow-up visit was at 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was carbon monoxide (CO)-confirmed 24-h point abstinence rate (<10 parts per million), 24 weeks after quit day. RESULTS: A total of 300 participants were recruited and 195 participants finished, with a dropout rate of 35.00%. Two cases of adverse events in the acupuncture group and 2 cases in the NRT group were observed. The CO-confirmed 24-h point abstinence rate was 43.00% at 24 weeks in the acupuncture group, which was similar to 44.00% in the NRT group (P > .05), but significantly higher than the 30.00% in the auricular point group (P < .05). At 24 weeks, the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test and the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale scores in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the auricular point group and in the NRT group (P < .05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the time to relapse for acupuncture (44.12 days) was insignificantly longer than NRT (41.18 days), but significantly longer than auricular point pressing (29.53 days). CONCLUSIONS: We found acupuncture was safe and a possible treatment for tobacco cessation, but it requires further study to establish its role. TRIAL REGISTRY: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; No.: ChiCTR-TRC-13003544; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/abouten.aspx.

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation in Hong Kong: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

This was a prospective multicenter observational study, aiming to explore the effects of acupuncture on smoking cessation in Hong Kong. From March of 2010 to August of 2015, a total of 5202 smokers were recruited based on inclusion criteria and treated with acupuncture for 8 weeks. As a result, 2940 subjects finished the study with a drop-out rate of 43.48%. The self-reported 7-day point abstinence rate was 34.00% in Week 8 and 18.40% in Week 52. The exhaled carbon monoxide level and the number of cigarettes smoked per day were reduced significantly after treatment. The time to relapse was calculated to be 38.71 days. In addition, "cigarettes smoked per day," "Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence," "total sessions of acupuncture," "whether finished 8 acupuncture treatments in the first month," and "total sessions of acupuncture" were believed to be essential factors for abstinence success. It was concluded that acupuncture was a safe method for smoking cessation and was effective in helping smokers to quit; therefore, acupuncture could be considered as one of the methods to help smokers quit. Further studies regarding the effect differences between acupuncture and medications were needed to clarify the overall benefits of acupuncture.

[Absorption characteristics of alkaloids in Fuzheng Xiaozheng Fang by rat everted intestinal sac models].

Everted intestinal sac models were used to investigate the intestinal absorption of the 4 alkaloids(berberine, palmatine, coptisine, and epiberberine) in Fuzheng Xiaozheng Fang(FZ) at different intestine segments. The absorption parameters of each component were calculated; SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the data and evaluate the absorption characteristics at different intestinal segments. The results showed that all the four active ingredients conformed to zero-order absorption rate. There was significant difference in absorption rate constant (Ka) between the four ingredients at low dose and medium and high dose groups(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in Ka between medium dose and high dose. The absorption mechanization of four ingredients presented two absorption manners： positive diffusion and passive absorption. The absorptive amount of 4 alkaloids in ileum was slightly greater than that of jejunum, but no significant differences were observed, which indicated that these four alkaloids had no specific absorption windows in intestinal segment.

Predictors for Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture in a Hong Kong Population.

Background. Observational studies of smoking cessation with acupuncture have been reported widely; however, few researchers have focused on its predictors. Objective. This paper attempts to explore the predictors for smoking cessation with acupuncture in a Hong Kong population, aiming to provide references for clinical treatment in the future. Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of data from our observational study "Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation (2011-2014)" in Hong Kong. A total of 23 indexes were selected as possible predictors, and study participants with complete information of 23 indexes were included. By taking 8-week and 52-week smoking cessation results as dependent variables, binary logistic regression method was used to identify the predictors. Additionally, based on an M5P decision-tree algorithm, an equation of "successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture" was calculated. Results. (1) 2,051 study participants were included in total. (2) According to the results of binary logistic regression, variables including treatment location, total number of acupuncture sessions received, and whether the study participants received at least 6 sessions of acupuncture were taken as the short-term predictors; gender, treatment location, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and total number of acupuncture sessions received were taken as the long-term predictors. (3) According to study participants' FTND, treatment location, and number of cigarettes smoked/day, the equation of "successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture" was established. Conclusion. Receiving sufficient and qualified acupuncture is the leading factor for short-term smoking cessation with acupuncture, whereas individual factors and smoking background play a more important role in long-term smoking cessation with acupuncture.

Effectiveness of acupuncture for smoking cessation in a Chinese population.

An observational study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for smoking cessation, and determine predictors for successful quitters. Smokers received at least 6 sessions of body acupuncture provided by Chinese medicine practitioners and initiated self-administered auricular acupuncture. We determined self-report 26-week and 52-week quit rates by intention-to-treat analysis and examined predictors for successful quitting by univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 1002 smokers were recruited; 26-week and 52-week quit rates were 16.8% and 15.8%, respectively. Male sex, older age, lower nicotine dependence level, and number of body acupuncture and counseling sessions received were associated with successful quitting. A multiple logistic regression model showed that sex, nicotine dependence level, and number of body acupuncture sessions received were predictors for successful quitting. Body and auricular acupuncture is effective in smoking cessation and should be considered as an alternative to help smokers in quitting, especially for those whose past attempts using conventional methods were in vain.

[Effect of qubi recipe on changes of oxygen free radical metabolism and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha in collagen-induced arthritis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Qubi Recipe (QR) on the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha in rats with type II collagen-I induced arthritis (CIA), and to explore its therapeutic roles and mechanism. METHODS: Totally 72 male SD rats of SPF grade were recruited. Twelve were randomly selected as the blank control group. The CIA model was established in the rest 60 rats by subcutaneously injecting type II collagen of bovine emulsion from the tail root and induction of incomplete Freund's adjuvant. On day 15 after primary immunization rats were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., the CIA model group, the Tripterygium Glycosides (TG) group (at the daily dose of 9.68 mg/kg body weight), the high dose QR group (at the daily dose of 6.66 g/kg body weight), and the low dose QR group (at the daily dose of 3.33 g/kg body weight), 15 in each group. Corresponding medication was given to rats in all groups by gastrogavage once daily for 4 successive weeks. An equal volume of pure water was given to rats in the blank control group and the CIA model group by gastrogavage, once daily for 4 successive weeks. The swelling degree of the joints was measured. Rats were sacrificed after 4-week treatment. Plasma levels of SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px were measured with colorimetric method. The expression of HIF-1alpha was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the CIA model group, the swelling degree of the joints was significantly alleviated in the TG group and the high dose QR group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05), and it was obviously milder in the high dose QR group than in the TG group (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the CIA model group, the activities of GSH-Px could be obviously elevated and activities of MDA lowered in the TG group, the high dose QR group, and the low dose QR group (P < 0.05). Plasma activities of SOD could be obviously elevated in the high dose QR group and the TG group (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the CIA model group, the expression of HIF-1alpha obviously decreased in the TG group and the high dose QR group (P < 0.05), and it showed a decreasing tendency in the low dose QR group with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: QR could markedly alleviate the swelling degree of ankle joints in CIA model rats. Its therapeutic efficacy was superior to that of TG. Its mechanism might be achieved through down-regulating expression of HIF-1alpha in the joint, and regulating activities of SOD, MDA and GSH-Px in the plasma.

[Development of researches on acupuncture-assisted fertilization outside of China].

Increasing evidence shows that acupuncture therapy may have a role in promoting fertilization. Authors of the present paper collected the related articles in English published from January 2003 to May 2013 in databases of Ovid Medline, Maternity and Infant Care and Medline (Pubmed), and made an analysis. Results of many randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) indicated that acupuncture intervention had a positive role in raising pregnancy rate, fetus surviving rate of the transplanted embryo, and increasing the neuropeptide Y content in the ollicular fluid in patients experiencing embryo transplantation, and in raising survival rate of zygote, conception rate of embryo transplantation, and in improving azoospermia in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization. But many systematic reviews and Meta-analysis did not support the above-mentioned conclusion of acupuncture therapy about promoting fertilization. The authors hold that despite of dominated positive outcomes of RCT for acupuncture-assisted fertilization, further well designed RCT are still warranted for providing further definite and convincing evidence.

[Impacts of bleeding and cupping therapy on serum P substance in patients of postherpetic neuralgia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of bleeding and cupping therapy on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and preliminarily discuss the analgesic mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-four cases of PHN were randomized into two groups, 32 cases in each one. In the bleeding and cupping group, the local pricking with syringe needle and cupping was applied in the local painful area, once every two days. And totally 8 treatments were required. In the pregabalin group, pregabalin was prescribed for oral administration, 150mg/time, twice a day. And totally 16 days of medication were required. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the changes of P substance content in the peripheral and local serum before and after treatment were observed in the two groups. METHODS: VAS score and peripheral serum P substance after treatment were lower significantly than those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0.01). The result in the bleeding and cupping group was much more significant (P<0.01). The local serum P substance after treatment was reduced significantly than that before treatment in the bleeding and cupping group [(93.86 +/- 9.87) pg/mL vs (46.13 +/- 6.31) pg/mL, P<0.01]. CONCLUSION: Bleeding and cupping therapy achieves the definite efficacy on PHN and it can reduce significantly peripheral and local serum P substance content in the patients. It is possibly one of the mechanisms of analgesic effect.

[Effects of weizhong (BL 40) area scraping on blood perfusion level of the skin microcirculation of qihaishu (BL 24) region at the ipsilateral back of the volunteer's body].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Guasha (scraping) of Weizhong (BL 40) on the cutaneous blood perfusion of Qihaishu (BL 24) region of the Bladder Meridian on the back. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteer subjects were recuited in the present study. Weizhong (BL 40, at the politeal fossa) area was repeatedly scraped till regional flush using a cornu bubali scraping plate for 5 min after applying scraping oil to the regional skin. Then blood perfusion levels of the skin microcirculation around Weizhong (BL 40) and Qihaishu (BL 24) regions on the ipsilateral back were detected using a Laser Doppler flowmetry (PeriScan PIM II). RESULTS: Following scraping Weizhong (BL 40) region, the cutaneous blood perfusion levels in the stimulated region were increased significantly at the time-points of 0, 15, 60 and 90 min after scraping (P < 0.001, P < 0.01), while those of Qihaishu (BL 24) area at the lumbar part also showed a remarkable increase 15, 60 and 90 min after scraping compared with the basic value (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between BL 40 and BL 24 areas in the cutaneous blood perfusion levels after scraping BL 40 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scraping stimulation of Weizhong (BL 40) can improve the cutaneous microcirculation of the stimulated BL 40 and Qihaishu (BL 24) regions in healthy volunteers, suggesting a close connection between BL 40 and the back described in Chinese medicine.

[Progress on the research of acupuncture for smoking cessation in foreign and domestic].

Up to December of 2011, the domestic and overseas literatures of acupuncture for smoking cessation are searched and collected through Pubmed, CNKI, Wanfang and Chongqing VIP databases, which are analyzed from treatment method, action mechanism, influencing factors of efficacy and efficacy evaluation research and so on. The result shows that (1) acupuncture has positive effect on smoking cessation, and large clinical trials has been carried out. However, most of them are needling methods and the short-term effect observation, which lack of long-term efficacy research of withdrawal symptoms, especially continuous withdrawal symptoms and index of life quality. (2) Because of unified clinical treatment, manipulation standard and curative effect criteria, it is difficult to make comparison among them. (3) The study of mechanism on acupuncture for smoking cessation is not of in-depth. In future, clinical research project of acupuncture on smoking cessation should be optimized and regulated, including the unified treatment, manipulation standard and curative effect criteria, also long-term researches with large-scale samples should be launched to confirm effect ofacupuncture for smoking cessation to further discuss its action mechanism.