Retrosplenial Cortex is Involved in Analgesia Induced by 2- but not 100-Hz Electroacupuncture in the Rat Tail-Flick Test

Marcelo L. Silva,Wiliam A. Prado,Josie R.T. Silva 사단법인약침학회 2012 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.5 No.1

This study examined whether or not the antinociceptive effect of 2- or 100-Hz electroacupuncture (EA) depends on the integrity of the retrosplenial cortex (RSC). Rats were taken for determination of tail-flick latency before and after injection of saline or 2%lidocaine (0.25 ml) into the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) bilaterally. Five minutes later, they were submitted to a 20-minute period of 2 Hz, 100 Hz, or sham EA at the Zusanli and Sanyinjiao acupoints bilaterally, and tail-flick latency was measured within 30 seconds after the end of stimulation and at 5-minute intervals for up to 30 minutes. EA at a frequency of either 2 or 100 Hz induced a strong and long-lasting inhibition of the tail-flick reflex in rats treated with saline (0.25 ml) injected into the RSC. The analgesia produced by 2-Hz EA lasted for a shorter time in lidocaine-treated rats. By contrast,RSC impairment did not change the analgesic effect of 100 Hz EA. The integrity of the RSC is implicated in the duration of analgesia induced by low-frequency EA but is not essential for the analgesic effects evoked by high-frequency EA.

100-Hz Electroacupuncture but not 2-Hz Electroacupuncture is Preemptive Against Postincision Pain in Rats

Marcelo Lourenço Silva,Josie Resende Torres Silva,Wiliam Alves Prado 사단법인약침학회 2016 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.9 No.4

Preemptive analgesia involves introducing an analgesic before noxious stimulation. Electroacupuncture (EA) activates descending mechanisms that modulate nociceptive inputs into the spinal dorsal horn. This study evaluated whether preoperative EA is more effective than postoperative EA in reducing incision pain in rats. The nociceptive threshold to mechanical stimulation was utilized to examine the effects of an intraperitoneal injection of saline (0.1 mL/kg) or naloxone (1 mg/kg) on antinociception induced by a 20-minute period of 2-Hz or 100-Hz EA applied to the Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoints before surgical incision, or 10 minutes after or 100 minutes after surgical incision of the hind paw. The extent of mechanical hyperalgesia after the incision was significantly attenuated by the application of 100-Hz EA preoperatively, but not by its application at 10 minutes or 100 minutes postoperatively. By contrast, 2-Hz EA was effective against postoperative hyperalgesia when applied 10 minutes or 100 minutes after surgery but not when it was applied preoperatively. Only the effect of 2-Hz EA applied 10 minutes after surgery was sensitive to naloxone. The present study showed for the first time that 100-Hz EA, but not 2-Hz EA, exerts a nonopioidergic preemptive effect against postincision pain in rats.

Single or Multiple Electroacupuncture Sessions in Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Are We Low-Responders to Electroacupuncture?

Ravena C. de Carvalho,Julia R. Parisi,Wiliam A. Prado,Joa˜o E. de Arau´jo,Andreia M. Silva,Josie R.T. Silva,Marcelo L. Silva 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.2

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of one or multiple sessions of electroacupuncture (EA) in patients with chronic low back pain. The outcome measures were visual analog score (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), McGill pain questionnaire (MPQ), Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), low back skin temperature, surface electromyography of longissimus muscle (contraction/rest) and blood cytokines. After examination (AV0), patients were submitted to EA (2 Hz, 30 minutes, bilaterally at the SP6, BL23, BL31, BL32, BL33, and BL60) and were revaluated after one week (AV1). Patients with VAS <3 (VAS <3 group, n = 20) were directed to return after three weeks (AV2). Patients with VAS >3 (VAS >3 group, n = 20) were submitted to one weekly EA-treatment and revaluated after three weeks (AV2). The VAS <3 group showed a significant reduction in VAS and MPQ and increased PPT in AV1, but not in AV2. No significant differences were found in RMDQ. The VAS >3 group showed reduction in VAS and increased PPT in AV1 and a reduction in MPQ and RMDQ only in AV2. No significant differences were found in electromyography, temperature or cytokines. Thus, despite 2Hz-EA is effective reducing low back pain, some patients only experienced reduced pain intensity and improved functional capacity after full treatment.

Effect of Systemic and Auricular Acupuncture with a 2/100 Hz Frequency and Nogier Frequency in Fibromyalgia: a Randomized Clinical Trial, Pilot Study

Moreira Rosa Maria,Rosário Rhaynara Coelho,Boggiss Érika Almeida,Lima Rosana Aparecida de,Silva Paula Aparecida,Silva Karol Priscila da,Farias Caroline Lima de,Santos Vanessa de Queiroz dos,Silva Josi 사단법인약침학회 2023 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.16 No.4

Background: Fibromyalgia is a syndrome of chronic, generalized muscular pain, accompanied by sleep disturbances, fatigue and cardic autonomic dysfunction that will affect the quality of life. There is currently no gold standard treatment. There are limitations of studies with electroacupuncture in auricular acupuncture. Objectives: We evaluate the effects of systemic electroacupuncture (EA) with frequencies of 2/100 Hz associated of auricular acupuncture with a Nogier frequency (2.28, 4.56 and 9.12 Hz) for pain intensity, heart rate variability (HRV), and quality of life in fibromyalgia. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, a pilot study. Eighteen volunteers were randomized into a control group (CG, n = 9) and an experimental group (EG, n = 9). Six systemic EA sessions systemic and auricular were applied in the EG for 20 min, twice a week, for six weeks consecutive. The Numerical Pain Assessment Scale (NPRS), 2010 diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (FDC 2010), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and analysis of HRV were the instruments used. The independent t-test compared to the groups was applied. Results: There was no statistically significant difference for the primary outcome for NPRS (p > 0.05). In the secondary outcome there was a significant difference in the total score and in some FIQ domains (p = 0.008) and some variables such as pain (p = 0.02) and anxiety (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference for the FDC 2010 and HRV variables (p > 0.05). Conclusion: 2/100 Hz systemic EA associated with the Nogier frequency positively influenced some quality of life variables; however, pain intensity, diagnostic criteria, and HRV variables did not change.

Effect of Acupuncture at Tender Points for the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Case Series

Jessica Lucia Neves Bastos,Josie Resende Torres Silva,Marcelo Lourenco Silva,Fernanda Lopes Buiatti de Araujo,Elisa Do´ria Pires 사단법인약침학회 2013 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.6 No.3

Background: Affecting more women than men, fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic, diffuse and widespread musculoskeletal pain, and its pathogenesis is still unknown. Among the recommended treatments, acupuncture (for its analgesic effects) is an effective option for reducing the pain sensitivity and improving quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether acupuncture at tender points could effectively manage FMS. Methods: Eight female patients, with a previous diagnosis of fibromyalgia, underwent an initial assessment involving pressure algometer measurements for pain tolerance and questionnaires [Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Heath Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)], followed by treatment. Over a 2-month period, acupuncture was performed once per week at five tender points, located bilaterally at the occipital bone, trapezius, rhomboid, upper chest and lateral epicondyle. At the end of treatment, the participants underwent a reassessment for a final review of the applied methods. Results: We observed a reduction in the pain threshold and sensitivity and improvement in the areas of anxiety and depression and quality of life, which were demonstrated using the FIQ, BDI and BAI but not the HAQ.

Participation of Potential Transient Receptors in the Antinociceptive Effect of Pharmacopuncture

Argôlo Isabella de Paula Ribeiro,Parisi Julia Risso,Silva Josie Resende Torres da,Silva Marcelo Lourenço da 사단법인약침학회 2022 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.15 No.2

Background: Despite the widespread clinical use of acupuncture in painful situations, the use of this treatment should be further clarified. Nociception is mediated by the activation of nociceptors, such as transient receptor potentials (TRPs). The family of TRPs includes TRPV1, TRPM8, and TRPA1, which can be stimulated by substances such as capsaicin, menthol, and methyl salicylate, respectively. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of TRPs in antinociception via the administration of agonists of these receptors in the Zusanli acupoint (ST36) in models of inflammatory, acute, and neuropathic pain. Methods: Male Wistar rats were used for this experiment. All rats received a subcutaneous injection of TRP agonists (capsaicin, menthol, or methyl salicylate) in ST36; saline was injected as control. Nociception was evaluated using the electronic mechanical threshold test and tail-flick test before the administration of complete Freund’s adjunct or chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve and after the administration of TRP agonists. Results: Nociception was found to be attenuated after treatment with TRP agonists. The administration of different doses (0.03, 0.3, and 3.0 µg/20 µL) of capsaicin, menthol, and methyl salicylate in the different pain models (neuropathic, inflammatory, and nociceptive) induced antinociception in most of the evaluated time points. Conclusion: Based on the findings, we suggest that the activation of TRPV1, TRPM8, and TRPA1 receptors results in the antinociceptive effect of the stimulation of the ST36 acupoint. Thus, TRP receptors may present a new therapeutic opportunity for the control of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Analgesic Effects Elicited by Neuroactive Mediators Injected into the ST 36 Acupuncture Point on Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain in Mice

Ja´dina S. Vieira,Je´ssica A. Toreti,Ravena C. de Carvalho,Joa˜o E. de Arau´jo,Marcelo L. Silva,Josie R.T. Silva 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.5

The present study evaluates whether the injection of serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, bradykinin, histamine, or substance P (SP) into the Zusanli (Stomach 36, ST 36) acupoint can also produce the acupuncture-induced antinociceptive effect on inflammatory or neuropathic pain. In this in vivo experimental study, a total of 450 male Swiss mice were used. Mice were injected with saline or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) or subjected to sham or chronic constriction injury (CCI) surgery. After the establishment of the inflammatory (4 hours) or the neuropathic pain (3 days), the animals (n = 6) received manual acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or injection of saline, serotonin, acetylcholine, glutamate, bradykinin, histamine, or SP into the ST 36 and were evaluated for up to 24 hours. Mechanical threshold was evaluated, and the L4-L6 dorsal root ganglion was used for analysis of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 overexpression. The mice from both the CFA and CCI models treated with manual acupuncture had significant increases in the thresholds for more than 24 hours. Sham acupuncture stimulation did not change the thresholds. In the mice injected with each of the mediators, the thresholds were significantly increased for all times in both the CFA and CCI models. Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 overexpression in CFA and CCI mice was reduced at all times by injection of serotonin, acetylcholine, or SP but not by injection of glutamate, histamine, or bradykinin. Our data suggest that the neuroactive mediators released by acupuncture-induced tissue injury may contribute to acupuncture-induced analgesia.

Single Cupping Thearpy Session Improves Pain, Sleep, and Disability in Patients with Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

Maria P. Volpato,Izabela C.A. Breda,Ravena C. de Carvalho,Caroline de Castro Moura,Laís L. Ferreira,Marcelo L. Silva,Josie R.T. Silva 사단법인약침학회 2020 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.13 No.2

The objective of this study was to evaluate if a single session of real or placebo cupping therapy in patients with chronic low back pain would be enough to temporarily reduce pain intensity and functional disability, enhancing their mechanical threshold and reducing local skin temperature. The outcome measures were Brief Pain Inventory, pressure pain threshold, RolandeMorris disability questionnaire and low back skin temperature. This is an experimental clinical trial; after examination (AV0), patients were submitted to real or placebo cupping therapy (15 minutes, bilaterally at the points BL23 (Shenshu), BL24 (Qihaishu) and BL25 (Dachangshu) and were revaluated immediately after the session (AV1) and after one week (AV2). The patients showeda significant improvement in all pain severity items and sleep in the Brief Pain Inventory (p < 0.05) and a decrease in disability in RolandeMorris disability questionnaire (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in pressure pain threshold or skin temperature. No significant differences were found in any outcome of the placebo cupping therapy group. Thus, thecupping therapy is effective in reducing low back pain and decreasing disability after one single session but not in changing skin mechanical threshold or temperature.

Effects of Acupuncture at the Yintang and the Chengjiang Acupoints on Cardiac Arrhythmias and Neurocardiogenic Syncope in Emergency First Aid

Saulo Fabrin,Nayara Soares,Daiana Pezarezi Yoshimura,Simone Cecilio Hallak Regalo,Edson Donizetti Verri,Jacqueline Rodrigues de Freitas Vianna,Eloisa Maria Gatti Regueiro,Josie Resende Torres da Silva 사단법인약침학회 2016 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.9 No.1

This study evaluated the effectiveness of YinTang and ChengJiang acupoints on patients with cardiac arrhythmia and neurocardiogenic syncope in emergency first aid. A 45 year old woman underwent acupuncture. She had a previous history of a valvuloplasty for rheumatic disease and two acute myocardial infarctions, followed by four catheterizations and an angioplasty. Needling of the YinTang acupoint and stimulation of the ChengJiang acupoint through acupressure were performed for 20 minutes soon after syncope and during tachycardia, hypertension, tachypnea, and precordial pain, without any effect on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) or the glycemic index. Data were analyzed comparatively by using the following parameters at rest, during syncope, and at 1 minute and 10 minutes after an emergency acupuncture procedure: blood pressure; heart rate; SpO2; and respiratory rate. We found that acupuncture at YinTang and ChenJiang acupoints induced cardiovascular responses, increased the limits of the body's homeostasis, and normalized the patient's condition in the case of syncope. Acupuncture using a combination of ChengJiang and YinTang acupoints had an immediate effect on the autonomic nervous system and on maintaining homeostasis and energy balance in the body. Although this technique was effective, the patient was still referred to the Emergency Room.