Acupuncture-Stimulated Activation of Sensory Neurons

Min-Hee Kim,,남궁욱,박양춘 사단법인약침학회 2012 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.5 No.4

Acupuncture is one of the key therapeutics in clinical oriental medicine, and recent studies using experimental animals have begun to provide the pathophysiological basis for the efficacy of acupuncture. Here, we investigated neuronal responses in rodent models given acupuncture stimulation. In both mice and rats, acupuncture stimulation at zusanli (ST36) generated an increased expression of axonal growth-associated protein (GAP-43) in the sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Electroacupuncture stimulation at ST36 in rats induced GAP-43 mRNA and protein expression in DRG neurons at the levels of lumbar 4 and 5. Stimulation on a non-acupuncture site as a sham control induced GAP-43 expression as well, but the induction level was lower than it was with acupuncture. We further found that acupuncture stimulation upregulated phospho-Erk1/2 signals in DRG neurons. Electroacupuncture stimulation induced c-Fos expression in the neurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV), which was identified by retrograde tracing. These data suggest that acupuncture stimulation may generate physiological effects on the autonomic nervous system via the activation of a somatosensory pathway.

Comparison of the Prophylactic Effect Between Acupuncture and Acupressure on Menstrual Migraine: Results of a Pilot Study

Xianmin Yu,Alan Salmoni 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.5

Objectives To compare between acupuncture and acupressure for preventing menstrual migraine (MM). Methods MM is one kind of migraine associated with menses in female. It is often associated with increased menstrual distress and disability, leading to decreased daily activity and quality of life. A randomized and controlled pilot study was conducted with three groups: verum acupuncture (VA) group, acupressure (AP) group, and control acupuncture (CA) group. The study lasted for 7 cycle-months, with a 1 cycle-month baseline observation (T1), a 3 cycle-month intervention (3 times per cycle-month) (T2–T4), and a 3 cycle-month follow-up (T5–T7). Outcome measures were number of migraine days, average and peak pain, total duration period of MM, and percentage of patients with ≥50% reduction in the number of MM days. Results A total of 18 participants were included in the analysis (VA, n = 7; AP, n = 6; CA, n = 5). Both VA and AP were significantly more effective than CA for reducing MM days during the intervention period. Both VA and AP tended to be more effective than CA for reducing peak pain during the intervention period. No significant differences for the outcomes were observed among VA, AP, and CA during the follow-up period. No serious adverse events were reported. Discussion Results of the pilot study suggest that both VA and AP could be considered as alternative and safe prophylactic interventions for MM. Register ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02592681.

Comparison of Point Placement by Veterinary Professionals with Different Levels of Acupuncture Training in a Canine Cadaver Model

Toni Yang,Justin Shmalberg,Lindsay Hochman,Erin Miscioscia,Meghan Brumby,Kelsey McKenna,Amber Roth 사단법인약침학회 2017 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.10 No.5

Veterinary acupuncture is becoming increasingly implemented for various disease processes, with growing numbers of veterinarians pursuing advanced training to meet the rising demand for this relatively new intervention. Accurate acupoint placement remains challenging, with individual practitioners relying on varying methods of point identification, often compounded by the transpositional nature of points for companion animals. The aim of this study was to assess for differences in acupuncture needle placement of select points between veterinary professionals with three different levels of acupuncture training in an academic teaching environment. Seven participants placed a total of six acupoints on a canine cadaver. Digital radiography was used to document each participant’s point placement. Each participant’s point location was then compared to a control “correct” point, and the distance between the two points was measured. A significant difference in placement accuracy was identified between the participants when grouped by training level (p Z 0.03). These results indicate that veterinary patients receiving acupuncture treatment from veterinarians with different levels of training may subsequently experience varying effects, although further studies are warranted on more specific acupoint description as well as the clinical implications of needle placement accuracy.

The Effect of Herb-Partition Moxibustion on Toll-like Receptor 4 in Rabbit Aorta during Atherosclerosis

Zeng-Hui Yue,Xin-Qun He,Xiao-Rong Chang,Jian-Ling Yuan,Bao-Sheng Yu,Mi Liu,Ling Fu,Liang Zhang,Li-Chao Shang 사단법인약침학회 2012 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.5 No.2

Objective: To explore the mechanism of Toll-like receptor (TLR4) inhibition in the delay of formation of atherosclerosis by herb-partition moxibustion. Method: Seventy-five rabbits were randomly assigned to one of five groups: blank, atherosclerosis (AS) model, direct moxibustion, herb-partition moxibustion, and drug treatment. With the exception of the blank group, all rabbits were given a high-fat diet in addition to immunologic injury to create the AS model. The experiments were carried out for 16 weeks, at which time the aorta was removed from each rabbit. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the gray level of the aortic TLR4 to observe the immunologic competence of its antigens. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of TLR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the aorta. Results: The gray-scale value of TLR4 and the TLR4 mRNA expression significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the direct moxibustion, herb-partition moxibustion, and drug treatment groups. Furthermore, the effects of the herb-partition moxibustion and drug treatment were superior to those of the direct moxibustion. Conclusion: Herb-partition moxibustion inhibits aortic TLR4 activity and mRNA expression,showing that herb-partition moxibustion delays the formation of atherosclerosis through the inhibition of TLR4 expression.

Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) on the Immunohistochemical Density of Enteroendocrine Cells Related to Gastrointestinal Function

이창현,Dae-Keun Kim,육태한,Motoki Sasaki,Nobuo Kitamura 사단법인약침학회 2012 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.5 No.2

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli on the immunohistochemical density of enteroendocrine cells related to gastrointestinal function. The authors investigated the histochemical changes of mucous substances and immunohistochemical density of gastrin, serotonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), insulin, and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) secreting cells in rats. Staining density of mucous substances and the enteroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract was observed with histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Stainless steel needles with a diameter of 0.25 mm were inserted into Zusanli (St36, 5 mm below the head of the fibula under the knee joint, and 2 mm lateral to the anterior tubercle of the tibia) and connected to an electrical stimulator. The electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation was delivered for 30 minutes at 10 mA, 2 Hz in EA stimulation (2EA group) or 4 Hz in EA stimulation (4EA group) in each experimental group. In 4EA stimulation at the Zusanli, staining density of Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff on mucous substances of the stomach body was stronger than those of the 2EA and control groups. Periodic acidi-Schiff staining

Effects of Acupressure on Fatigue in Patients with Cancer Who Underwent Chemotherapy

Atefeh Ghanbari Khanghah,Moloud Sharifi Rizi,Bahram Naderi Nabi,Masoumeh Adib,Ehsan Kazem Nejad Leili 사단법인약침학회 2019 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.12 No.4

Fatigue is the commonest symptom in cancer patients; despite high levels of clinically significant persistent cancer-related fatigue, few treatments are currently available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure on fatigue in patients with cancer who underwent chemotherapy. The study was designed as a randomized and controlled trial. Ninety samples were selected using the convenience sampling method, and random block sampling was used for allocation of groups (30 for each group). The three groups were similar by age and gender. The experimental group underwent acupressure at the Zusanli (ST-36), Hegu (LI-4), and Sanyingjiao (SP-6), whereas sham pressure was used in the placebo group and no intervention was applied in the control group; the level of fatigue of participants in three groups was calculated in three phases, before, during, and after chemotherapy. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22. The results showed that the mean of visual analog score of fatigue is significantly different in three groups at the end of chemotherapy (p Z 0.021). The mean visual analog score of fatigue in the acupressure group was meaningfully lower than that in the control group after chemotherapy (p Z 0.028). Results of this investigation showed that acupressure has short-term effectiveness on the cancer-related fatigue of patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Isoflurane and the Analgesic Effect of Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture in an Animal Model of Neuropathic Pain

Lauren N. Spezia Adachi,Rafael Vercelino,Carla de Oliveira,Vanessa L. Scarabelot,Andressa de Souza,Liciane F. Medeiros,Stefania G. Cioato,Wolnei Caumo,Iraci L.S. Torres 사단법인약침학회 2018 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.11 No.3

The present study aimed to determine whether isoflurane interferes with the analgesiceffects of acupuncture (Ac) and electroacupuncture (EA), using a neuropathic pain(NP) rat model. In total, 140 male Wistar rats were used; isoflurane-induced nociceptiveresponse was evaluated using the von Frey test, serum calcium-binding protein b (S100b)levels and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the left sciatic nerve. The NP model wasinduced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve at 14 days after surgery. Treatment was initiated after NP induction with or without isoflurane anesthesia (20 min/day/8 days). The von Frey test was performed at baseline, 14 days postoperatively, andimmediately, 24 h, and 48 h after the last treatment. Results of the nociceptive test andthree-way analysis of variance were analyzed by generalized estimating equations, theBonferroni test, followed by StudenteNewmaneKeuls or Fisher’s least significant differencetests for comparing biochemical parameters (significance defined as p 0.05). Atbaseline, no difference was noted in the nociceptive response threshold among allgroups. Fourteen days after surgery, compared with other groups, NP groups showed adecreased pain threshold, confirming establishment of NP. Ac and EA enhanced the mechanicalpain threshold immediately after the last session in the NP groups, without anesthesia. Isoflurane administration caused increased nociceptive threshold in all groups,and this effect persisted for 48 h after the last treatment. There was an interaction betweenthe independent variables: pain, treatments, and anesthesia in serum S100b levelsand NGF levels in the left sciatic nerve. Isoflurane enhanced the analgesic effects of Acand EA and altered serum S100b and left sciatic nerve NGF levels in rats with NP.

Treatment of Mycoplasma wenyonii Infection in Cows with Imidocarb Dipropionate Injection-acupuncture

Jianzhu Liu,Zhengui Yan,Tiantian Chen,Ziqiang Cheng,Huijun Guo,Zhenyong Wang,Yong Wang 사단법인약침학회 2008 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.1 No.2

Sixteen shorthorn cows from Xiazhuang farm were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University for evaluation of poor appetite, listlessness, fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, positive jugular venous pulse and anemia. Blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction analysis in these cows revealed an infection with Mycoplasma wenyonii. The subjects were divided into two groups: control group (three cows) treated with intramuscular injection with imidocarb dipropionate (3 mg/kg/day for 2 days) and the experimental group (13 cows), treated with injection-acupuncture (Imidocarb Dipropionate, 1 mg/kg, once every 3 days for 6 days) at BL17, BL18, BL20, BL25, ST36, SP06 and CV04. At day 15, negative results were found using blood smear examination in all control and experimental groups. Sixteen shorthorn cows from Xiazhuang farm were admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University for evaluation of poor appetite, listlessness, fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy, positive jugular venous pulse and anemia. Blood smear examination and polymerase chain reaction analysis in these cows revealed an infection with Mycoplasma wenyonii. The subjects were divided into two groups: control group (three cows) treated with intramuscular injection with imidocarb dipropionate (3 mg/kg/day for 2 days) and the experimental group (13 cows), treated with injection-acupuncture (Imidocarb Dipropionate, 1 mg/kg, once every 3 days for 6 days) at BL17, BL18, BL20, BL25, ST36, SP06 and CV04. At day 15, negative results were found using blood smear examination in all control and experimental groups.

Effects of A Short-term Cardio Tai Chi Program on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Hemodynamic Parameters in Sedentary Adults: A Pilot Study

Timothy Sam-Kit Tin,Chi-Hsiu Daniel Weng,Patricia dos Santos Vigário,Arthur de Sá Ferreira 사단법인약침학회 2020 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.13 No.1

This study evaluates the effects of a short-term Cardio Tai Chi program on the cardiorespiratory fitness and hemodynamic parameters in sedentary adults. Thirty-one sedentary participants (age: 58 Æ 9 years, body mass: 63 Æ 12 kg) were subjected to an exercise program during 10 sessions over a 10-day period within 2 weeks. The Cardio Tai Chi program consisted in a series of three to five intervals lasting 90 s each at w70% maximal heart rate separated by 2-min of low-intensity recovery. Primary outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen uptake, _ VO 2peak ) assessed by the Rockport walking test and resting hemodynamic parameters (systolic, diastolic, mean, and pulse pressures). We observed a significant difference of means on post-pre _ VO 2peak [4.5 ml/kg/ min, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1 to 5.8, p Z 0.004], systolic blood pressure (-5.5 mmHg, 95% CI:-7.3 to -3.8, p Z 0.010) and pulse pressure (-3.7 mmHg, 95% CI: -5.2 to -2.3, p Z 0.028). No significant differences were observed for diastolic pressure (À1.8 mmHg, 95% CI: -2.6 to -1.0, p Z 0.226), mean blood pressure (2.5 mmHg, 95% CI: 1.4 to 3.6, p Z 0.302), or resting heart rate (-0.9 beat/min, 95% CI: -2.0 to 0.1, p Z 0.631). Our findings suggest that engaging in a short-term Cardio Tai Chi program can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and hemodynamic parameters in sedentary adults.

Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy for Cancer Care: Acceptability and Preferences of Patients and Informal Caregivers

Laura Tack,Tessa Lefebvre,Virginie Blieck,Lieselot Cool,Hans Pottel,Koen Van Eygen,Sofie Derijcke,Philippe Vergauwe,Patricia Schofield,Rebecca Chandler,Pauline Lane,Tom Boterberg,Philip R. Debruyne 사단법인약침학회 2021 Journal of Acupuncture & Meridian Studies Vol.14 No.2

Background: Acupuncture can effectively manage cancer-related side effects, for both patients undergoing treatment and for cancer survivors. It may also be effective in managing physiological and psychological symptoms common among informal caregivers of cancer patients. Objectives: The aim of this survey was to explore the acceptability and preferences of cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their informal caregivers in relation to acupuncture. Methods: The survey was conducted from 20 th November to 27 th November 2018. The questionnaire was developed to explore acceptability and preferences, including motivation, symptoms to be addressed, and practical issues (location, cost, etc.), in relation to acupuncture. Results: The survey response rate was 94.5% in cancer patients and cancer survivors and 100% in caregivers. Acceptability of acupuncture was 34.5% (n = 40/116) and 48.0% (n = 26/54) in cancer patients and caregivers, respectively. About 52.5% (n = 21/40) of patients preferred to undergo acupuncture at the day center clinic, whereas caregivers had no specific preference. Patients and cancer survivors would use acupuncture for symptoms of fatigue (60%), listlessness (57.5%), and pain (47.5%). Informal caregivers expressed an interest in using acupuncture for their pain, stress, and sleeping difficulties 48.0% (n = 26/54). Conclusion: Cancer patients, cancer survivors, and informal caregivers would accept acupuncture as a complementary therapy. This openness and preference to acupuncture provide the foundations for this complementary therapy to be incorporated into holistic and supportive cancer care, both for patients and those supporting them.