OBJECTIVE:To propose an automatic acupuncture robot system for performing acupuncture operations.METHODS:The acupuncture robot system consists of three components:automatic acupoint localization,acupuncture manipulati...OBJECTIVE:To propose an automatic acupuncture robot system for performing acupuncture operations.METHODS:The acupuncture robot system consists of three components:automatic acupoint localization,acupuncture manipulations,and De Qi sensation detection.The OptiTrack motion capture system is used to locate acupoints,which are then translated into coordinates in the robot control system.A flexible collaborative robot with an intelligent gripper is then used to perform acupuncture manipulations with high precision.In addition,a De Qi sensation detection system is proposed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture.To verify the stability of the designed acupuncture robot,acupoints'coordinates localized by the acupuncture robot are compared with the Gold Standard labeled by a professional acupuncturist using significant level tests.RESULTS:Through repeated experiments for eight acupoints,the acupuncture robot achieved a positioning error within 3.3 mm,which is within the allowable range of needle extraction and acupoint insertion.During needle insertion,the robot arm followed the prescribed trajectory with a mean deviation distance of 0.02 mm and a deviation angle of less than 0.15°.The results of the lifting thrusting operation in the Xingzhen process show that the mean acupuncture depth error of the designed acupuncture robot is approximately 2 mm,which is within the recommended depth range for the Xingzhen operation.In addition,the average detection accuracy of the De Qi keywords is 94.52%,which meets the requirements of acupuncture effect testing for different dialects.CONCLUSION:The proposed acupuncture robot system streamlines the acupuncture process,increases efficiency,and reduces practitioner fatigue,while also allowing for the quantification of acupuncture manipulations and evaluation of therapeutic effects.The development of an acupuncture robot system has the potential to revolutionize low back pain treatment and improve patient outcomes.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To take Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)targeting inflammatory response to regulate migraine as an example to describe a new method for studying the mechanism of stimulating acupoints.METHODS:The target informa...OBJECTIVE:To take Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)targeting inflammatory response to regulate migraine as an example to describe a new method for studying the mechanism of stimulating acupoints.METHODS:The target information of Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)was retrieved,and after intersection with migraine,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),Reactome,and Uni Prot Keywords were used for functional enrichment.After selecting the main pathway,rats were selected and nitroglycerin was used for modeling,and the behavioral scores,inflammatory factors,heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),protein kinase B(AKT1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(P-ERK1/ERK2)and other states of the rats in the acupuncture,twisting,and electroacupuncture groups were compared.RESULTS:A total of 135 Baihui(GV20)targets and 27 Fengchi(GB20)targets were collected.A total of 73 target information were obtained after the intersection of these targets in migraine.These 73 targets have three main pathways:hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)signaling pathway,signaling by interleukins and inflammatory response.The main targets in the pathway were verified and found that interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 can be regulated by Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20).CONCLUSION:Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)can regulate migraine by regulating inflammatory factors and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 and other changes in HIF-1 signaling pathway,Signaling by Interleukins and Inflammatory response pathways.Based on systems biology and network pharmacology,and with the model of"acupoint-target-disease",explore the research methods of systematic acupuncture and moxibustion.We believe this is a usable research direction for exploring the mechanism of acupuncture stimulation.展开更多
Objective:In this study,we evaluated the methodological quality of systematic reviews on acupuncture and moxibustion for the prevention and management of cancer-related conditions,aiming to provide evidence-based supp...Objective:In this study,we evaluated the methodological quality of systematic reviews on acupuncture and moxibustion for the prevention and management of cancer-related conditions,aiming to provide evidence-based support and establish levels of evidence for clinical application.Method:A comprehensive search was conducted to identify systematic reviews on acupuncture and mox-ibustion for the prevention and management of cancer-related conditions,covering databases including PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chinese Biomedical Databases,China Science and Technology Journal Database,and Wanfang Data,from their in-ception to August 1,2024.The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was assessed by using AMSTAR 2,and bubble plots were employed to visualize the evidence.Results:Overall,137 systematic reviews were included,with China being the most prolific country,with 117 reviews.These reviews addressed 21 cancer-related conditions,with the three most frequently stud-ied being cancer-related fatigue(25 reviews),nausea and vomiting(20 reviews),and cancer pain(19 re-views).The three most commonly used acupuncture modalities were manual acupuncture(81 reviews),electroacupuncture(55 reviews),and moxibustion(39 reviews).Quality assessment revealed that one systematic review was rated as“high quality,”eight as“low quality,”and 128 as“critically low quality,”primarily due to the absence of protocol registration and lists of excluded studies.Conclusion:Acupuncture and moxibustion have shown potential efficacy in alleviating cancer-related con-ditions and treatment-related adverse effects,and their clinical use has been widely reported.However,the overall methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was low,limiting the reliability and the strength of the evidence.Future high-quality studies are needed to improve the quality of evidence and support the standardized application and broader promotion of acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice.展开更多
Background:Acupuncture has shown potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with simple obesity.However,some researchers argue that some of the effectiveness of acupuncture may be due to the placebo response.Objec...Background:Acupuncture has shown potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with simple obesity.However,some researchers argue that some of the effectiveness of acupuncture may be due to the placebo response.Objective:To understand the placebo response of acupuncture treatment in simple obesity,a systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the comparison between sham acupuncture before and after treatment.Search strategy:Eight databases(Pub Med,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Database,China Biology Medicine Database,and Chinese Scientific Journals Database)were searched from inception to August 1,2023.The Me SH search terms comprised obesity and acupuncture.Inclusion criteria:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)using sham or placebo acupuncture as a control in treating obesity were enrolled.Data extraction and analysis:Two researchers independently extracted data,and the results were crosschecked after completion.Each RCT’s detailed sham/placebo acupuncture treatment protocol was assessed according to the SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines.The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)system were used to determine the risk of bias and quality of evidence,respectively.Body mass index(BMI)was defined as the primary outcome.Anthropometric parameters and laboratory test parameters related to obesity were defined as secondary outcomes.We used standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI)to calculate treatment effects of outcomes.Results:Fifteen RCTs with a total of 1250 patients were included.The BMI significantly decreased after treatment in the sham acupuncture group compared to baseline(SMD 0.37,95%CI 0.09–0.66;I2=81%,random model;P<0.01).Treatment duration(P=0.02)and other interventions significantly impacted the placebo response rate(P=0.00).Conclusion:The placebo response of sham acupuncture was strong in the RCTs for simple obesity,and the effect sizes differed between various outcomes.The treatment duration and other interventions emerged as potential influencing factors for the placebo response of sham acupuncture.展开更多
Stroke,which is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide and the third leading cause of death and disability combined,[1]necessitates cost-effective rehabilitation interventions.Acupuncture is a traditional Chi...Stroke,which is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide and the third leading cause of death and disability combined,[1]necessitates cost-effective rehabilitation interventions.Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that is increasingly recognized as a complementary stroke therapy.展开更多
Background:Acupuncture is widely used in modulating brain excitability and motor function,as a form of complementary and alternative medicine.However,there is no existing meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and...Background:Acupuncture is widely used in modulating brain excitability and motor function,as a form of complementary and alternative medicine.However,there is no existing meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on corticospinal excitability(CSE),and the credibility of the evidence has yet to be quantified.Objective:This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture(EA)and manual acupuncture(MA)in enhancing brain excitability,specifically focusing on CSE as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS).Search strategy:This study followed a systematic approach,searching 9 databases up to August 2024 and examining grey literature,in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Inclusion criteria:Studies were included if they compared the clinical efficacy of EA or MA with sham acupuncture,no treatment or usual training.Data extraction and analysis:Three investigators independently conducted literature screening,data extraction,and risk of bias assessment.The primary outcome focused on motor-evoked potentials as measured by TMS,with treatment effects quantified using mean differences or standardized mean differences between pre-and post-treatment.Subgroup analyses were conducted using mixed-effects models,while random-effects or fixed-effects models were used to estimate average treatment differences across studies.Results:Based on 34 studies involving 1031 adults,acupuncture techniques significantly enhanced CSE.EA had a greater impact than MA,with effect sizes of 0.53 mV vs 0.43 mV(95%confidence interval[CI]:[0.30,0.76],P<0.00001 vs 95%CI:[0.28,0.59],P<0.00001).The 5 most frequently used acupoints were LI4(Hegu,32 times),ST36(Zusanli,10 times),LI11(Quchi,7 times),TE5(Waiguan,6 times),and GB34(Yanglingquan,5 times).Conclusion:This systematic review indicates that both EA and MA could effectively and safely enhance CSE,bringing the corticospinal pathway closer to the threshold for firing,which may ultimately improve motor function.LI4,ST36,LI11,TE5 and GB34 are the most commonly used acupoints.展开更多
Background Temporomandibular disorders(TMD)are the leading cause of chronic orofacial pain,which significantly affects patients’quality of life.However,the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of TMD remains unc...Background Temporomandibular disorders(TMD)are the leading cause of chronic orofacial pain,which significantly affects patients’quality of life.However,the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of TMD remains unclear.Objective This systematic review aimed to conduct a PRISMA-compliant review to critically assess the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture as an intervention for patients with TMD.Methods We searched nine electronic databases for randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for TMD published up to February 4,2025.Eligible studies included adults diagnosed with TMD and compared acupuncture(manual,electroacupuncture,warm,auricular,thread-embedding,or laser)with conservative treatment(positive control)or sham acupuncture(negative control).Outcomes included pain intensity,mouth opening,pressure pain threshold,and adverse events.Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2,and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.All outcome data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software.Low heterogeneity was defined as I^(2)≤50% and P≥0.1,in which case a fixed-effects model was applied.High heterogeneity(I^(2)>50% or P<0.1)prompted further analysis to identify its source.After excluding the influence of evident heterogeneity,a random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.Results Of the 2664 screened records,14 randomized controlled trials involving 476 participants met the inclusion criteria.Acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity compared with that of negative controls(MD=-1.75,95%confidence interval[CI]-2.47 to-1.03;P<0.00001;I^(2)=60%)but showed no difference compared with that of positive controls(MD=-0.06,95%CI-0.62 to 0.50;P=0.83;I^(2)=0%).No significant differences were observed in pain-free jaw opening,whereas acupuncture improved maximum mouth opening relative to negative controls(MD=1.80,95%CI 1.62 to 1.97;P<0.00001;I^(2)=0%).For pressure pain threshold,two small studies suggested greater increases with acupuncture.Safety data were limited,with only one trial reporting mild adverse events in the acupuncture group.Conclusion Based on limited evidence,acupuncture appears superior to negative controls in relieving pain associated with TMD but shows no significant advantage over positive controls.The certainty of the evidence for all outcomes,as assessed by GRADE,was low or very low.Therefore,these findings should be interpreted with caution.Future high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to further evaluate the role of acupuncture in the management of patients with TMD.展开更多
Objective:Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cause of mortality in women and the predominant malignancy type.However,breast cancer treatment faces challenges in managing aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia....Objective:Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cause of mortality in women and the predominant malignancy type.However,breast cancer treatment faces challenges in managing aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia.Aromatase inhibitors have been shown to decrease recurrence risk in hormone receptor-positive cases;however,joint discomfort remains the primary adverse effect.Randomized clinical trials have evaluated the therapeutic outcomes of acupuncture for medication-related musculoskeletal complications.This comprehensive analysis sought to elucidate both the therapeutic efficacy and placebo responses associated with acupuncture intervention.Methods:Two reviewers searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in four English(PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library)and four Chinese databases(CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,and SinoMed)from their inception to May 31,2024.Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Data were synthesized using random effects models and presented with forest plots.Results:Seven trials involving 604 patients were included.The primary outcome and Brief Pain Inventory(BPI)score differed between the acupuncture and control groups(sham acupuncture or usual medication)in three subscales over the course of 6 weeks:worst pain:standardized mean difference(SMD)=-1.18,95%confidence interval(CI):-1.74,-0.63,P<0.001;painrelated interference:SMD=-0.87,95%CI:-1.70,-0.05,P=0.038;pain severity:SMD=-0.63,95%CI:-1.22,-0.04,P=0.036.No severe adverse events were reported in any study.Conclusions:This meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for patients with breast cancer with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia during the course of 6 weeks.Improvements in the blinding method and clarification of the total treatment recommendations and intervals need to be explored further.展开更多
Background:Acupuncture therapy provides a complementary and alternative approach to treating major depressive disorder(MDD),but its efficacy and safety have still not been comprehensively assessed.Recently published s...Background:Acupuncture therapy provides a complementary and alternative approach to treating major depressive disorder(MDD),but its efficacy and safety have still not been comprehensively assessed.Recently published systematic reviews remain confusing and inconclusive.Objective:This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy alone or combined with antidepressants for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD.Search strategy:Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Wanfang Database,Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database,Pub Med,Embase,and Cochrane Library were searched from their inceptions to March 2025.Inclusion criteria:Randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture therapy with antidepressants,or acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants with acupuncture therapy or antidepressants for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD were included.Data extraction and analysis:Five reviewers independently extracted data from original literature using a standardized form,and the data were verified by two reviewers to ensure accuracy.Statistical meta-analyses,publication bias analyses,and subgroup analyses were performed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.The Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.Results:A total of 60 eligible studies including 4675 participants were included.Low-certainty evidence showed that compared with antidepressants,acupuncture therapy(standardized mean difference[SMD]=-0.57;95%confidence interval[CI]=[-0.87,-0.27];I^(2)=86%;P=0.006)or acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants(SMD=-1.00;95%CI=[-1.18,-0.81];I^(2)=77%;P<0.00001)may reduce the severity of depression at the end of treatment.Low-certainty evidence indicated that compared with acupuncture therapy alone,acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants slightly reduced the severity of depression at the end of treatment(SMD=-0.38;95%CI=[-0.61,-0.14];I^(2)=18%;P=0.002).Similar results were also found for acupuncture's relief of insomnia.The reported adverse effects of acupuncture therapy were mild and transient.For most of the subgroup analyses,acupuncture type,scale type,and the course of treatment did not show a significant relative effect.Conclusion:Acupuncture therapy may provide antidepressant effects and relieve insomnia with mild adverse effects for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD.But the certainty of evidence was very low.More high-quality,well designed,large-scale studies with long-term follow-up are needed in the future.展开更多
Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN)is a common neurotoxic reaction for patients undergoing anticancer regimens.More and more studies show that acupuncture-moxibustion plays a positive role in t...Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN)is a common neurotoxic reaction for patients undergoing anticancer regimens.More and more studies show that acupuncture-moxibustion plays a positive role in the management and prevention of CIPN.Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture-moxibustion in patients with CIPN,with a focus on assessing its effectiveness on improving treatment response rates,alleviating pain,enhancing quality of life(QoL),and improving nerve conduction.Additionally,the study compares the differences in clinical effectiveness among various acupuncture therapies for CIPN management.Methods Six databases(PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,OVID,and China National knowledge infrastructure[CNKI])were searched from earliest available dates to December 1,2024,and only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)containing relevant search terms were included.Network meta-analysis of the RCT data were conducted to assess the effective rate of the treatment as the primary outcome.Nerve conduction,pain scores,and QoL were assessed as secondary outcomes.The version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials(RoB 2)was used to examine methodological quality,and Stata 15.1 was used to take network meta-analysis.Results A total of 34 RCTs involving 2039 participants and 9 acupuncture-moxibustion therapies were included.The network meta-analysis evaluated the effect of different acupuncture therapies across four outcomes:effective rate,pain scores,QoL,and nerve conduction.For effective rate,electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion ranked first with a surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)value of 62.9%,followed by acupoint application(56.9%)and moxibustion(52.3%).Electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion had the highest effective rate compared to standard of care treatments(odds ratio[OR]=1.62,95%confidence interval[CI]−5.18 to 8.43).For alleviating pain,auricular acupressure had the highest SUCRA value(85.9%),while electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with three-edged needle ranked second(63.4%)and third(51.0%),respectively.Auricular acupressure significantly reduced pain(SMD=−1.73,95%CI−3.54 to 0.08).For QoL,warming needle ranked first(SUCRA=92.0%),followed by electroacupuncture(48.7%)and filiform needle(43.0%).Warming needle significantly improved QoL scores(SMD=−0.75,95%CI−1.66 to 0.15).For nerve conduction,electroacupuncture combined with three-edged needle had the highest SUCRA value(100%),while moxibustion and filiform needle ranked second(65.3%)and third(39.2%),respectively.Electroacupuncture combined with three-edged had the best neuroprotective effect(SMD=1.85,95%CI 1.23 to 2.47).Conclusion Network meta-analysis based on the primary outcome(effective rate)suggests that electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion seems to be the optimal acupuncture therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN).Secondary outcomes exhibited considerable heterogeneity:auricular acupressure demonstrated superior efficacy in pain relief,electroacupuncture combined with three-edged needle showed greater advantages in improving nerve conduction function,while warm needling was associated with more significant improvements in QoL.Given the variability in interventions across different outcome measures and the methodological limitations of included studies,the current evidence requires cautious interpretation.Systematic review registration:Registration number in PROSPERO:CRD42024560017.展开更多
Background:Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients.Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue,with the great advantage of having little or ...Background:Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients.Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue,with the great advantage of having little or no side effects,especially when compared with pharmacological pain-killers.Objective:The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer pain.Search strategy:Six electronic databases(PubMed,EBSCO,Cochrane Library,Scielo,b-On and Scopus)were searched for relevant articles about pain relief in cancer patients from their beginning until 2022using MeSH terms such as“acupuncture,”“electroacupuncture,”“ear acupuncture,”“acupuncture analgesia,”“oncological pain,”and“cancer pain.”Inclusion criteria:Studies included were randomized controlled trials(RCTs)where acupuncture was compared with no treatment,placebo acupuncture or usual care.Data extraction and analysis:Three independent reviewers participated in data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias,and a meta-analysis was conducted.The primary outcome was pain intensity,measured with the visual analog scale,numeric rating scale,or brief pain inventory.Secondary outcomes also assessed were quality of life,functionality,xerostomia,pain interference,and analgesic consumption.Results were expressed as standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI).Results:Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1124 participants were included in the meta-analysis,with the majority of the studies presenting a low or unclear risk of bias.Acupuncture was more effective in reducing pain than no treatment(SMD=–0.90,95%CI[–1.68,–0.12]),sham acupuncture(SMD=–1.10,95%CI[–1.59,–0.61])or usual care(SMD=–1.16,95%CI[–1.38,–0.93]).Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective intervention to reduce pain associated with cancer.Despite some limitations due to the low quality and small sample size of some included studies,as well as the different types and stages of cancer,acupuncture might provide an effective and safe treatment to reduce cancer pain.展开更多
BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a functional bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits.Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of a...BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a functional bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits.Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS.Many systematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS have been published in recent years,but their results are not entirely consistent.ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological,reporting,and evidence quality of systematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS.Search strategySystematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS published before February 20,2023 were searched in eight databases:PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data,VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals,and China Biology Medicine.The keywords used for literature search were acupuncture,moxibustion,systematic review,meta-analysis,and irritable bowel syndrome.Inclusion criteriaSystematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS were included.Data extraction and analysisRelevant information was independently extracted by two investigators.The A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2(AMSTAR 2),Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA 2020),and Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation(GRADE)were used to evaluate the methodological quality,reporting quality and evidence quality,respectively.ResultsA total of 342 studies were retrieved and 15 systematic reviews were included.The results of AMSTAR 2 showed low methodological quality in 2 studies and very low methodological quality in the remaining 13 studies,with main issues being failure to register a protocol,incomplete search strategy,not providing a list of excluded studies,incomplete consideration of the risk of bias in the included studies,and a failure to assess the publication bias.The results of PRISMA 2020 showed seriously deficient reporting quality of 2 studies,somewhat deficient reporting quality of 12 studies,and relatively complete reporting quality of 1 study,with the main problems being lack of a complete search strategy,non-availability of a list of excluded studies with justification for their exclusion,not conducting heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses,not evaluating the credibility of the evidence,and not registering the protocol.The results of GRADE showed that the quality of the evidence is low or very low.ConclusionMost included systematic reviews interpreted findings to suggest that acupuncture and moxibustion have benefits for IBS.However,there is a need to improve the methodological,reporting and evidence quality of the systematic reviews.Larger,multicenter,rigorously designed randomized controlled trials and high-quality systematic reviews are required to obtain more robust evidence.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acupuncture(AT)is widely used in treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility(ODI),but the safety and efficacy of AT for ODI still lack an evidence-based basis.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectivene...BACKGROUND Acupuncture(AT)is widely used in treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility(ODI),but the safety and efficacy of AT for ODI still lack an evidence-based basis.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of AT as an adjunct intervention for ODI.METHODS The Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed,VIP,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,and Chinese biomedical literature databases were searched from inception to January 20,2024.Two reviewers independently selected studies,collected data,and evaluated methodological quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.Revman 5.4 was used for meta-analysis,and the Grade system was performed to evaluate the level of evidence for the outcomes of the meta-analysis.RESULTS A total of 20 randomized controlled trials with 1677 ODI patients were included.Compared with the clomiphene citrate(CC)group,the AT plus CC group exhibited significant improvement of the pregnancy rate[relative risk(RR)=1.68,95%confidence interval(CI):1.45-1.95,P<0.00001,I^(2)=23%],ovulation rate(RR=1.34,95%CI:1.22-1.47,P<0.00001,I^(2)=32%),serum E2 level[mean difference(MD)=31.36,95%CI:21.83-40.88,P<0.00001,I^(2)=97%],thickness of endometrium(MD=1.76,95%CI:0.71-2.81,P=0.001,I^(2)=98%)and decreasing miscarriage rate(RR=0.25,95%CI:0.09-0.65,P=0.005,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-2.10,95%CI:-3.27 to-0.94,P=0.0004,I^(2)=99%),serum luteinizing hormone level(MD=-6.94,95%CI:-9.89 to-4.00,P<0.00001,I^(2)=100%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-1.66,95%CI:-2.98 to-0.34,P=0.01,I^(2)=96%).The AT group had a more favorable effect than CC group for improving pregnancy rate(RR=1.52,95%CI:1.33-1.73,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),thickness of endometrium(MD=2.48,95%CI:2.15-2.81,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%)and reducing miscarriage rate(RR=0.23,95%CI:0.13-0.44,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-0.55,95%CI:-0.86 to-0.24,P=0.0005,I^(2)=0%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-0.24,95%CI:-0.28 to-0.20,P<0.00001).However,the level of evidence was predominantly assessed as very low to moderate.CONCLUSION AT can improve the pregnancy outcomes and sex hormone levels for patients with ODI.However,further studies are needed to confirm these findings.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture(AM)in the treatment of pregnancyrelated symptoms such as acute vomiting during pregnancy.METHODS:We comprehensively searched the available li...OBJECTIVE:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture(AM)in the treatment of pregnancyrelated symptoms such as acute vomiting during pregnancy.METHODS:We comprehensively searched the available literature up to November 2021,including Pub Med,Embase,Cochrane Library,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on AM for the treatment of severe vomiting,insomnia,pharyngeal and pelvic pain,mood abnormalities,and dyspepsia during pregnancy.RESULTS:Sixteen RCTs with a cumulative sample size of 1178 cases were included.Of these,964 patients were included in the Meta-analysis.The Meta-analysis results showed that AM was more efficient than Western medicine in treating discomfort during pregnancy[odds ratio(OR)=1.19,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.11,1.28),P<0.01].AM was better than the control group in improving the visual analog scale scores[standard mean difference(SMD)=0.62,95%CI(0.53,0.71),P<0.01].AM was superior to the control group in improving Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)symptom scores[OR=7.31,95%CI(3.36,15.94),P<0.01].There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the AM and sham-AM groups and the analgesic drug group[OR=0.70,95%CI(0.39,1.28),P=0.25],but the treatment and control groups had mild adverse effects with a low incidence.CONCLUSIONS:AM is more effective than other treatments or pharmacotherapy alone in the treatment of pregnancy-related symptoms,and is relatively safe.However,the quality of the included trials was rather poor,and high-quality studies are required to confirm our findings.展开更多
Objectives:Low back and pelvic girdle pain(LBPGP)is common during pregnancy.Acupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for pain relief.However,further evidence is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupu...Objectives:Low back and pelvic girdle pain(LBPGP)is common during pregnancy.Acupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for pain relief.However,further evidence is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating LBPGP during pregnancy.This study aimed to systematically review and investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of pregnancy-related LBPGP.Methods:The PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,CNKI,VIP,and WanFang databases were searched from January 2000 to August 2023.Only the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)involving pregnant women between 16 and 34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with LBPGP were included in the study.A meta-analysis was conducted and pooled risk ratios(RRs)or mean differences(MDs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were compared.Results:Meta-analysis included 12 RCTs involving 1,641 participants.Eleven trials compared acupuncture alone or acupuncture combined with standard care(SC),of which three trials also used non-penetrating or placebo acupuncture as the control group.One trial compared acupuncture alone with non-penetrating acupuncture.Compared with SC,acupuncture combined with SC group significantly decreased visual analog scale score(mean difference(MD)=−2.83,95%CI=−3.41 to−2.26,P<0.00001),cesarean section rate(RR=0.69,95%CI=0.49–0.97,P=0.03),preterm birth rate(RR=0.42,95%CI=0.27–0.65,P<0.0001),labor duration(MD=−1.97,95%CI=−2.73 to−1.20,P<0.0001),and Oswestry disability index score(MD=−9.14,95%CI=−15.68 to−2.42,P=0.008).In addition,acupuncture combined with SC significantly improved 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of physical component summaries(SF12-PCS).No significant differences were observed in the spontaneous delivery rate,newborn weight,drowsiness,and 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of mental component summaries(SF12-MCS)between the two groups.Adverse events such as needle pain and needle bleeding were aggravated in both the SC and acupuncture treatment groups but none were associated with acupuncture during or after the treatment period.Conclusions:Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with SC had better efficacy than SC alone and could be a potential therapy for LBPGP during pregnancy.The safety results imply that acupuncture caused few adverse reactions;however,more evidence is required for further confirmation.展开更多
This study sought to conduct a bibliometric analysis of acupuncture studies focusing on heart rate variability(HRV)and to investigate the correlation between various acupoints and their effects on HRV by utilizing ass...This study sought to conduct a bibliometric analysis of acupuncture studies focusing on heart rate variability(HRV)and to investigate the correlation between various acupoints and their effects on HRV by utilizing association rule mining and network analysis.A total of 536 publications on the topic of acupuncture studies based on HRV.The disease keyword analysis revealed that HRV-related acupuncture studies were mainly related to pain,inflammation,emotional disorders,gastrointestinal function,and hypertension.A separate analysis was conducted on acupuncture prescriptions,and Neiguan(PC6)and Zusanli(ST36)were the most frequently used acupoints.The core acupoints for HRV regulation were identified as PC6,ST36,Shenmen(HT7),Hegu(LI4),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Jianshi(PC5),Taichong(LR3),Quchi(LI11),Guanyuan(CV4),Baihui(GV20),and Taixi(KI3).Additionally,the research encompassed 46 reports on acupuncture animal experiments conducted on HRV,with ST36 being the most frequently utilized acupoint.The research presented in this study offers valuable insights into the global research trend and hotspots in acupuncture-based HRV studies,as well as identifying frequently used combinations of acupoints.The findings may be helpful for further research in this field and provide valuable information about the potential use of acupuncture for improving HRV in both humans and animals.展开更多
This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 2:Rat.This standard was released by the China Associat...This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 2:Rat.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-Zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.展开更多
Objective The analgesic effect of acupuncture has been widely accepted.Nevertheless,the mechanism behind its analgesic effect remains elusive,thus impeding the progress of research geared toward enhancing the analgesi...Objective The analgesic effect of acupuncture has been widely accepted.Nevertheless,the mechanism behind its analgesic effect remains elusive,thus impeding the progress of research geared toward enhancing the analgesic effect of acupuncture.This paper investigated the role of acupuncture needle surface textures on acupuncture’s analgesic effect by creating four experimental acupuncture needles with different patterns of surface augmentation.Methods Four types of acupuncture needles with different surface textures(the lined needle,circle needle,sandpaper needle,and threaded needle)were designed.Additionally,the force/torque measurement system used a robot arm and mechanical sensor to measure the force on the needle during insertion and manipulation.To perform acupuncture analgesia experiments,four experimental acupuncture needles and a normal needle were inserted into the Zusanli(ST36)acupoint of rats with inflammatory pain.By comparing the force and torque and the analgesic efficacy of the different acupuncture needles,these experiments tested the role of acupuncture needle body texture on acupuncture analgesia.Results The analgesic effects of different acupuncture needle body textures varied.Specifically,the force required to penetrate the skin with the lined needle was not greater than that for the normal needle;however,the needle with inscribed circles and the sandpaper-roughened needle both required greater force for insertion.Additionally,the torque of the lined needle reached 2×10^(-4)N·m under twisting manipulation,which was four times greater the torque of a normal needle(5×10^(-5)N·m).Furthermore,the lined needle improved pain threshold and mast cell degranulation rate compared to the normal needle.Conclusion Optimizing the texture of acupuncture needles can enhance acupuncture analgesia.The texture of our experimental acupuncture needles had a significant impact on the force needed to penetrate the skin and the torque needed to manipulate the needle;it was also linked to variable analgesic effects.This study provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture through the modification of needles and promoting the development of acupuncture therapy.展开更多
Gastric ulcer(GU)is a common digestive system disease.Acupuncture,as one of the external treatments of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),has the characteristics of multi-target,multi-pathway and multi-level action in ...Gastric ulcer(GU)is a common digestive system disease.Acupuncture,as one of the external treatments of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),has the characteristics of multi-target,multi-pathway and multi-level action in the treatment of GU.The relationship between meridian points and Zang-fu is an important part of the theory of TCM,which is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.There is an external and internal link between acupoints and Zang-fu.The pathological reaction of Zang-fu can manifest as acupoint sensitization,while stimulation of acupoints can play a therapeutic role in the internal Zang-fu.Therefore,the acupoint has the functions of reflecting and treating diseases.This review explores the tender points on the body surface of patients with GU and the rules of acupoint selection.In addition,Zusanli(ST36),as one of the most used acupoints of the stomach meridian,was selected to show the mechanisms behind acupoint stimulation in the treatment of GU in greater detail,specifically in the well-studied model of the stress GU(SGU).Hence,the mechanisms of acupuncture at ST36 and points commonly used in combination with ST36 to treat SGU are discussed further.Treatment effects can be achieved through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,gastric mucosal injury repair,and interaction with the brain-gut axis.In summary,this review provides evidence for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena and mechanism of acupoint functions for GU.展开更多
Objective:The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation(AF)are influenced by the autonomic nervous system and inflammation.Acupuncture is an effective treatment for AF.This study explored the protective effect...Objective:The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation(AF)are influenced by the autonomic nervous system and inflammation.Acupuncture is an effective treatment for AF.This study explored the protective effects of acupuncture in a rat model of paroxysmal AF and investigated its mechanisms.Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats(n=130)were randomly divided into blank control(Con),sham operation(Sham),AF,and acupuncture treatment(Acu)groups.A paroxysmal AF model was established by rapid atrial pacing through the jugular vein.Rats in the Acu group were immobilized to receive acupuncture treatment at Neiguan acupoint(PC6)for 20 min daily for seven days.The other groups were immobilized for the same duration over the treatment period but did not receive acupuncture.The AF induction rate,AF duration,cardiac electrophysiological parameters,and heart rate variability were evaluated by monitoring surface electrocardiogram and vagus nerve discharge signals.After the intervention,the rats were euthanized,and atrial morphology was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining.The expression of macrophage F4/80 antigen(F4/80)and cluster of differentiation(CD)86 in atrial myocardial tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.The expression levels or contents of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a),a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(a7nAChR),phosphorylated Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3)in atrial myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting,reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The role of a7nAChR in acupuncture treatment was verified by intraperitoneal injection of the a7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine(MLA).Results:Compared with the AF group,acupuncture significantly reduced AF duration and induction rate,improved cardiac electrophysiology by enhancing vagus nerve activity and regulating autonomic balance.It also decreased the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage proportion,alleviating myocardial injury and infiltration.MLA weakened acupuncture's electrophysiological improvement and anti-inflammatory effect.Results suggest that acupuncture triggers the a7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway and exerts cardioprotection via neuroimmune regulation.Conclusion:Acupuncture significantly reduced the AF induction rate,shortened AF duration,improved cardiac electrophysiological parameters,enhanced vagus nerve activity,and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and inflammatory factors in rats with paroxysmal AF.展开更多
基金Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Project of National Key R&D Program of China:The construction of the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine nonpharmacological therapy based on body surface stimulation(2023YFC3502704)Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Program Project:Research and Development of Chinese Medicine Intelligent Tongue Diagnosis Equipment for Digestive System Chinese Medicine Advantageous Diseases(2023YFS0327)+2 种基金Research and Development of Chinese Medicine Intelligent Detection System for Intestinal Functions(2024YFFK0044)Research and Application of Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Herpes Zoster Treated by Shu Pai Fire Acupuncture(2024YFFK0089)Major Research and Development Project of The China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Innovation:Construction and application of the theoretical research mode of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment of modern diseases(CI2021A00104)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To propose an automatic acupuncture robot system for performing acupuncture operations.METHODS:The acupuncture robot system consists of three components:automatic acupoint localization,acupuncture manipulations,and De Qi sensation detection.The OptiTrack motion capture system is used to locate acupoints,which are then translated into coordinates in the robot control system.A flexible collaborative robot with an intelligent gripper is then used to perform acupuncture manipulations with high precision.In addition,a De Qi sensation detection system is proposed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture.To verify the stability of the designed acupuncture robot,acupoints'coordinates localized by the acupuncture robot are compared with the Gold Standard labeled by a professional acupuncturist using significant level tests.RESULTS:Through repeated experiments for eight acupoints,the acupuncture robot achieved a positioning error within 3.3 mm,which is within the allowable range of needle extraction and acupoint insertion.During needle insertion,the robot arm followed the prescribed trajectory with a mean deviation distance of 0.02 mm and a deviation angle of less than 0.15°.The results of the lifting thrusting operation in the Xingzhen process show that the mean acupuncture depth error of the designed acupuncture robot is approximately 2 mm,which is within the recommended depth range for the Xingzhen operation.In addition,the average detection accuracy of the De Qi keywords is 94.52%,which meets the requirements of acupuncture effect testing for different dialects.CONCLUSION:The proposed acupuncture robot system streamlines the acupuncture process,increases efficiency,and reduces practitioner fatigue,while also allowing for the quantification of acupuncture manipulations and evaluation of therapeutic effects.The development of an acupuncture robot system has the potential to revolutionize low back pain treatment and improve patient outcomes.
基金the Study on the Mechanism of Action of Dutong and Tiaoshen Acupuncture in Improving Upper Limb Motor Function After Ischemic Stroke based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Technology(Science and Technology Program of Panyu,2022-Z04-107)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To take Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)targeting inflammatory response to regulate migraine as an example to describe a new method for studying the mechanism of stimulating acupoints.METHODS:The target information of Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)was retrieved,and after intersection with migraine,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),Reactome,and Uni Prot Keywords were used for functional enrichment.After selecting the main pathway,rats were selected and nitroglycerin was used for modeling,and the behavioral scores,inflammatory factors,heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),protein kinase B(AKT1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(P-ERK1/ERK2)and other states of the rats in the acupuncture,twisting,and electroacupuncture groups were compared.RESULTS:A total of 135 Baihui(GV20)targets and 27 Fengchi(GB20)targets were collected.A total of 73 target information were obtained after the intersection of these targets in migraine.These 73 targets have three main pathways:hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)signaling pathway,signaling by interleukins and inflammatory response.The main targets in the pathway were verified and found that interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 can be regulated by Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20).CONCLUSION:Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)can regulate migraine by regulating inflammatory factors and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 and other changes in HIF-1 signaling pathway,Signaling by Interleukins and Inflammatory response pathways.Based on systems biology and network pharmacology,and with the model of"acupoint-target-disease",explore the research methods of systematic acupuncture and moxibustion.We believe this is a usable research direction for exploring the mechanism of acupuncture stimulation.
基金Supported by WFAS 2023 International Standard Project of Acupuncture-Moxibustion:WFASRP2023-SC05Tianjin Nankai District Pilot Demonstration Project for Integrated Inheritance and Innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine:20250102001Beijing Natural Science:7252224。
文摘Objective:In this study,we evaluated the methodological quality of systematic reviews on acupuncture and moxibustion for the prevention and management of cancer-related conditions,aiming to provide evidence-based support and establish levels of evidence for clinical application.Method:A comprehensive search was conducted to identify systematic reviews on acupuncture and mox-ibustion for the prevention and management of cancer-related conditions,covering databases including PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chinese Biomedical Databases,China Science and Technology Journal Database,and Wanfang Data,from their in-ception to August 1,2024.The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was assessed by using AMSTAR 2,and bubble plots were employed to visualize the evidence.Results:Overall,137 systematic reviews were included,with China being the most prolific country,with 117 reviews.These reviews addressed 21 cancer-related conditions,with the three most frequently stud-ied being cancer-related fatigue(25 reviews),nausea and vomiting(20 reviews),and cancer pain(19 re-views).The three most commonly used acupuncture modalities were manual acupuncture(81 reviews),electroacupuncture(55 reviews),and moxibustion(39 reviews).Quality assessment revealed that one systematic review was rated as“high quality,”eight as“low quality,”and 128 as“critically low quality,”primarily due to the absence of protocol registration and lists of excluded studies.Conclusion:Acupuncture and moxibustion have shown potential efficacy in alleviating cancer-related con-ditions and treatment-related adverse effects,and their clinical use has been widely reported.However,the overall methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was low,limiting the reliability and the strength of the evidence.Future high-quality studies are needed to improve the quality of evidence and support the standardized application and broader promotion of acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82405192)the Capital’s Funds for Health Improvement and Research(CFH 2022-2-20213,CFH 2022-1-2021)+1 种基金the project of"Friendship Seed Plan"Talent Project of Beijing Friendship Hospital,Capital Medical University(YYZZ202333)Beijing key project of major disease by Chinese medicine and Western medicine(Fatty liver,No.2023BJSZDYNJBXTGG-017)。
文摘Background:Acupuncture has shown potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with simple obesity.However,some researchers argue that some of the effectiveness of acupuncture may be due to the placebo response.Objective:To understand the placebo response of acupuncture treatment in simple obesity,a systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the comparison between sham acupuncture before and after treatment.Search strategy:Eight databases(Pub Med,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Embase,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Database,China Biology Medicine Database,and Chinese Scientific Journals Database)were searched from inception to August 1,2023.The Me SH search terms comprised obesity and acupuncture.Inclusion criteria:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)using sham or placebo acupuncture as a control in treating obesity were enrolled.Data extraction and analysis:Two researchers independently extracted data,and the results were crosschecked after completion.Each RCT’s detailed sham/placebo acupuncture treatment protocol was assessed according to the SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines.The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)system were used to determine the risk of bias and quality of evidence,respectively.Body mass index(BMI)was defined as the primary outcome.Anthropometric parameters and laboratory test parameters related to obesity were defined as secondary outcomes.We used standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI)to calculate treatment effects of outcomes.Results:Fifteen RCTs with a total of 1250 patients were included.The BMI significantly decreased after treatment in the sham acupuncture group compared to baseline(SMD 0.37,95%CI 0.09–0.66;I2=81%,random model;P<0.01).Treatment duration(P=0.02)and other interventions significantly impacted the placebo response rate(P=0.00).Conclusion:The placebo response of sham acupuncture was strong in the RCTs for simple obesity,and the effect sizes differed between various outcomes.The treatment duration and other interventions emerged as potential influencing factors for the placebo response of sham acupuncture.
基金supported by the social development project of the National Social Science Fund Project(No.17BTQ063)National Natural Science Foundation of China(72174094).
文摘Stroke,which is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide and the third leading cause of death and disability combined,[1]necessitates cost-effective rehabilitation interventions.Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that is increasingly recognized as a complementary stroke therapy.
文摘Background:Acupuncture is widely used in modulating brain excitability and motor function,as a form of complementary and alternative medicine.However,there is no existing meta-analysis evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on corticospinal excitability(CSE),and the credibility of the evidence has yet to be quantified.Objective:This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture(EA)and manual acupuncture(MA)in enhancing brain excitability,specifically focusing on CSE as measured by transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS).Search strategy:This study followed a systematic approach,searching 9 databases up to August 2024 and examining grey literature,in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Inclusion criteria:Studies were included if they compared the clinical efficacy of EA or MA with sham acupuncture,no treatment or usual training.Data extraction and analysis:Three investigators independently conducted literature screening,data extraction,and risk of bias assessment.The primary outcome focused on motor-evoked potentials as measured by TMS,with treatment effects quantified using mean differences or standardized mean differences between pre-and post-treatment.Subgroup analyses were conducted using mixed-effects models,while random-effects or fixed-effects models were used to estimate average treatment differences across studies.Results:Based on 34 studies involving 1031 adults,acupuncture techniques significantly enhanced CSE.EA had a greater impact than MA,with effect sizes of 0.53 mV vs 0.43 mV(95%confidence interval[CI]:[0.30,0.76],P<0.00001 vs 95%CI:[0.28,0.59],P<0.00001).The 5 most frequently used acupoints were LI4(Hegu,32 times),ST36(Zusanli,10 times),LI11(Quchi,7 times),TE5(Waiguan,6 times),and GB34(Yanglingquan,5 times).Conclusion:This systematic review indicates that both EA and MA could effectively and safely enhance CSE,bringing the corticospinal pathway closer to the threshold for firing,which may ultimately improve motor function.LI4,ST36,LI11,TE5 and GB34 are the most commonly used acupoints.
文摘Background Temporomandibular disorders(TMD)are the leading cause of chronic orofacial pain,which significantly affects patients’quality of life.However,the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of TMD remains unclear.Objective This systematic review aimed to conduct a PRISMA-compliant review to critically assess the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture as an intervention for patients with TMD.Methods We searched nine electronic databases for randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for TMD published up to February 4,2025.Eligible studies included adults diagnosed with TMD and compared acupuncture(manual,electroacupuncture,warm,auricular,thread-embedding,or laser)with conservative treatment(positive control)or sham acupuncture(negative control).Outcomes included pain intensity,mouth opening,pressure pain threshold,and adverse events.Risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2,and certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE.All outcome data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software.Low heterogeneity was defined as I^(2)≤50% and P≥0.1,in which case a fixed-effects model was applied.High heterogeneity(I^(2)>50% or P<0.1)prompted further analysis to identify its source.After excluding the influence of evident heterogeneity,a random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.Results Of the 2664 screened records,14 randomized controlled trials involving 476 participants met the inclusion criteria.Acupuncture significantly reduced pain intensity compared with that of negative controls(MD=-1.75,95%confidence interval[CI]-2.47 to-1.03;P<0.00001;I^(2)=60%)but showed no difference compared with that of positive controls(MD=-0.06,95%CI-0.62 to 0.50;P=0.83;I^(2)=0%).No significant differences were observed in pain-free jaw opening,whereas acupuncture improved maximum mouth opening relative to negative controls(MD=1.80,95%CI 1.62 to 1.97;P<0.00001;I^(2)=0%).For pressure pain threshold,two small studies suggested greater increases with acupuncture.Safety data were limited,with only one trial reporting mild adverse events in the acupuncture group.Conclusion Based on limited evidence,acupuncture appears superior to negative controls in relieving pain associated with TMD but shows no significant advantage over positive controls.The certainty of the evidence for all outcomes,as assessed by GRADE,was low or very low.Therefore,these findings should be interpreted with caution.Future high-quality randomized controlled trials are warranted to further evaluate the role of acupuncture in the management of patients with TMD.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2019YFC1712200-2019YFC1712204)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82004467,82030125)the Youth Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine Projects of Tianjin Health Commission(No.2025027).
文摘Objective:Breast cancer is the second most prevalent cause of mortality in women and the predominant malignancy type.However,breast cancer treatment faces challenges in managing aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia.Aromatase inhibitors have been shown to decrease recurrence risk in hormone receptor-positive cases;however,joint discomfort remains the primary adverse effect.Randomized clinical trials have evaluated the therapeutic outcomes of acupuncture for medication-related musculoskeletal complications.This comprehensive analysis sought to elucidate both the therapeutic efficacy and placebo responses associated with acupuncture intervention.Methods:Two reviewers searched for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)in four English(PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,and the Cochrane Library)and four Chinese databases(CNKI,Wanfang Database,VIP,and SinoMed)from their inception to May 31,2024.Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool.Data were synthesized using random effects models and presented with forest plots.Results:Seven trials involving 604 patients were included.The primary outcome and Brief Pain Inventory(BPI)score differed between the acupuncture and control groups(sham acupuncture or usual medication)in three subscales over the course of 6 weeks:worst pain:standardized mean difference(SMD)=-1.18,95%confidence interval(CI):-1.74,-0.63,P<0.001;painrelated interference:SMD=-0.87,95%CI:-1.70,-0.05,P=0.038;pain severity:SMD=-0.63,95%CI:-1.22,-0.04,P=0.036.No severe adverse events were reported in any study.Conclusions:This meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for patients with breast cancer with aromatase inhibitor-induced arthralgia during the course of 6 weeks.Improvements in the blinding method and clarification of the total treatment recommendations and intervals need to be explored further.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82474644)the National Key R&D Foundation of China(No.2017YFC1703600)+1 种基金the Shenzhen“Sanming Project”(No.202101007)the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program(No.JCYJ2022081810080300)。
文摘Background:Acupuncture therapy provides a complementary and alternative approach to treating major depressive disorder(MDD),but its efficacy and safety have still not been comprehensively assessed.Recently published systematic reviews remain confusing and inconclusive.Objective:This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy alone or combined with antidepressants for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD.Search strategy:Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Wanfang Database,Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database,Pub Med,Embase,and Cochrane Library were searched from their inceptions to March 2025.Inclusion criteria:Randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture therapy with antidepressants,or acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants with acupuncture therapy or antidepressants for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD were included.Data extraction and analysis:Five reviewers independently extracted data from original literature using a standardized form,and the data were verified by two reviewers to ensure accuracy.Statistical meta-analyses,publication bias analyses,and subgroup analyses were performed by using Review Manager 5.3 software.The Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.Results:A total of 60 eligible studies including 4675 participants were included.Low-certainty evidence showed that compared with antidepressants,acupuncture therapy(standardized mean difference[SMD]=-0.57;95%confidence interval[CI]=[-0.87,-0.27];I^(2)=86%;P=0.006)or acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants(SMD=-1.00;95%CI=[-1.18,-0.81];I^(2)=77%;P<0.00001)may reduce the severity of depression at the end of treatment.Low-certainty evidence indicated that compared with acupuncture therapy alone,acupuncture therapy plus antidepressants slightly reduced the severity of depression at the end of treatment(SMD=-0.38;95%CI=[-0.61,-0.14];I^(2)=18%;P=0.002).Similar results were also found for acupuncture's relief of insomnia.The reported adverse effects of acupuncture therapy were mild and transient.For most of the subgroup analyses,acupuncture type,scale type,and the course of treatment did not show a significant relative effect.Conclusion:Acupuncture therapy may provide antidepressant effects and relieve insomnia with mild adverse effects for adult patients with mild and moderate MDD.But the certainty of evidence was very low.More high-quality,well designed,large-scale studies with long-term follow-up are needed in the future.
基金Supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China:2022YFC3500701。
文摘Background Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN)is a common neurotoxic reaction for patients undergoing anticancer regimens.More and more studies show that acupuncture-moxibustion plays a positive role in the management and prevention of CIPN.Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of acupuncture-moxibustion in patients with CIPN,with a focus on assessing its effectiveness on improving treatment response rates,alleviating pain,enhancing quality of life(QoL),and improving nerve conduction.Additionally,the study compares the differences in clinical effectiveness among various acupuncture therapies for CIPN management.Methods Six databases(PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,OVID,and China National knowledge infrastructure[CNKI])were searched from earliest available dates to December 1,2024,and only randomized controlled trials(RCTs)containing relevant search terms were included.Network meta-analysis of the RCT data were conducted to assess the effective rate of the treatment as the primary outcome.Nerve conduction,pain scores,and QoL were assessed as secondary outcomes.The version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials(RoB 2)was used to examine methodological quality,and Stata 15.1 was used to take network meta-analysis.Results A total of 34 RCTs involving 2039 participants and 9 acupuncture-moxibustion therapies were included.The network meta-analysis evaluated the effect of different acupuncture therapies across four outcomes:effective rate,pain scores,QoL,and nerve conduction.For effective rate,electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion ranked first with a surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)value of 62.9%,followed by acupoint application(56.9%)and moxibustion(52.3%).Electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion had the highest effective rate compared to standard of care treatments(odds ratio[OR]=1.62,95%confidence interval[CI]−5.18 to 8.43).For alleviating pain,auricular acupressure had the highest SUCRA value(85.9%),while electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with three-edged needle ranked second(63.4%)and third(51.0%),respectively.Auricular acupressure significantly reduced pain(SMD=−1.73,95%CI−3.54 to 0.08).For QoL,warming needle ranked first(SUCRA=92.0%),followed by electroacupuncture(48.7%)and filiform needle(43.0%).Warming needle significantly improved QoL scores(SMD=−0.75,95%CI−1.66 to 0.15).For nerve conduction,electroacupuncture combined with three-edged needle had the highest SUCRA value(100%),while moxibustion and filiform needle ranked second(65.3%)and third(39.2%),respectively.Electroacupuncture combined with three-edged had the best neuroprotective effect(SMD=1.85,95%CI 1.23 to 2.47).Conclusion Network meta-analysis based on the primary outcome(effective rate)suggests that electroacupuncture combined with moxibustion seems to be the optimal acupuncture therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy(CIPN).Secondary outcomes exhibited considerable heterogeneity:auricular acupressure demonstrated superior efficacy in pain relief,electroacupuncture combined with three-edged needle showed greater advantages in improving nerve conduction function,while warm needling was associated with more significant improvements in QoL.Given the variability in interventions across different outcome measures and the methodological limitations of included studies,the current evidence requires cautious interpretation.Systematic review registration:Registration number in PROSPERO:CRD42024560017.
文摘Background:Pain associated with cancer is one of the greatest causes of reduced quality of life in patients.Acupuncture is one of the treatments used to address this issue,with the great advantage of having little or no side effects,especially when compared with pharmacological pain-killers.Objective:The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer pain.Search strategy:Six electronic databases(PubMed,EBSCO,Cochrane Library,Scielo,b-On and Scopus)were searched for relevant articles about pain relief in cancer patients from their beginning until 2022using MeSH terms such as“acupuncture,”“electroacupuncture,”“ear acupuncture,”“acupuncture analgesia,”“oncological pain,”and“cancer pain.”Inclusion criteria:Studies included were randomized controlled trials(RCTs)where acupuncture was compared with no treatment,placebo acupuncture or usual care.Data extraction and analysis:Three independent reviewers participated in data extraction and evaluation of risk of bias,and a meta-analysis was conducted.The primary outcome was pain intensity,measured with the visual analog scale,numeric rating scale,or brief pain inventory.Secondary outcomes also assessed were quality of life,functionality,xerostomia,pain interference,and analgesic consumption.Results were expressed as standardized mean difference(SMD)with 95%confidence interval(CI).Results:Sixteen RCTs with a total of 1124 participants were included in the meta-analysis,with the majority of the studies presenting a low or unclear risk of bias.Acupuncture was more effective in reducing pain than no treatment(SMD=–0.90,95%CI[–1.68,–0.12]),sham acupuncture(SMD=–1.10,95%CI[–1.59,–0.61])or usual care(SMD=–1.16,95%CI[–1.38,–0.93]).Conclusion:The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be an effective intervention to reduce pain associated with cancer.Despite some limitations due to the low quality and small sample size of some included studies,as well as the different types and stages of cancer,acupuncture might provide an effective and safe treatment to reduce cancer pain.
基金financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81503656)Science Foundation of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine,Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2021yyjm04)+1 种基金Shanghai Sailing Program(No.23YF1442100)National Key Basic Research Program of China(No.2015CB554500).
文摘BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a functional bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits.Several clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS.Many systematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS have been published in recent years,but their results are not entirely consistent.ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological,reporting,and evidence quality of systematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS.Search strategySystematic reviews of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS published before February 20,2023 were searched in eight databases:PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data,VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals,and China Biology Medicine.The keywords used for literature search were acupuncture,moxibustion,systematic review,meta-analysis,and irritable bowel syndrome.Inclusion criteriaSystematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion for IBS were included.Data extraction and analysisRelevant information was independently extracted by two investigators.The A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2(AMSTAR 2),Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA 2020),and Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development and Evaluation(GRADE)were used to evaluate the methodological quality,reporting quality and evidence quality,respectively.ResultsA total of 342 studies were retrieved and 15 systematic reviews were included.The results of AMSTAR 2 showed low methodological quality in 2 studies and very low methodological quality in the remaining 13 studies,with main issues being failure to register a protocol,incomplete search strategy,not providing a list of excluded studies,incomplete consideration of the risk of bias in the included studies,and a failure to assess the publication bias.The results of PRISMA 2020 showed seriously deficient reporting quality of 2 studies,somewhat deficient reporting quality of 12 studies,and relatively complete reporting quality of 1 study,with the main problems being lack of a complete search strategy,non-availability of a list of excluded studies with justification for their exclusion,not conducting heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses,not evaluating the credibility of the evidence,and not registering the protocol.The results of GRADE showed that the quality of the evidence is low or very low.ConclusionMost included systematic reviews interpreted findings to suggest that acupuncture and moxibustion have benefits for IBS.However,there is a need to improve the methodological,reporting and evidence quality of the systematic reviews.Larger,multicenter,rigorously designed randomized controlled trials and high-quality systematic reviews are required to obtain more robust evidence.
基金Supported by Kunshan Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Development Fund,No.KZYY2212.
文摘BACKGROUND Acupuncture(AT)is widely used in treatment of ovulatory disorder infertility(ODI),but the safety and efficacy of AT for ODI still lack an evidence-based basis.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of AT as an adjunct intervention for ODI.METHODS The Cochrane Library,Embase,PubMed,VIP,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang Data,and Chinese biomedical literature databases were searched from inception to January 20,2024.Two reviewers independently selected studies,collected data,and evaluated methodological quality through the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.Revman 5.4 was used for meta-analysis,and the Grade system was performed to evaluate the level of evidence for the outcomes of the meta-analysis.RESULTS A total of 20 randomized controlled trials with 1677 ODI patients were included.Compared with the clomiphene citrate(CC)group,the AT plus CC group exhibited significant improvement of the pregnancy rate[relative risk(RR)=1.68,95%confidence interval(CI):1.45-1.95,P<0.00001,I^(2)=23%],ovulation rate(RR=1.34,95%CI:1.22-1.47,P<0.00001,I^(2)=32%),serum E2 level[mean difference(MD)=31.36,95%CI:21.83-40.88,P<0.00001,I^(2)=97%],thickness of endometrium(MD=1.76,95%CI:0.71-2.81,P=0.001,I^(2)=98%)and decreasing miscarriage rate(RR=0.25,95%CI:0.09-0.65,P=0.005,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-2.10,95%CI:-3.27 to-0.94,P=0.0004,I^(2)=99%),serum luteinizing hormone level(MD=-6.94,95%CI:-9.89 to-4.00,P<0.00001,I^(2)=100%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-1.66,95%CI:-2.98 to-0.34,P=0.01,I^(2)=96%).The AT group had a more favorable effect than CC group for improving pregnancy rate(RR=1.52,95%CI:1.33-1.73,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),thickness of endometrium(MD=2.48,95%CI:2.15-2.81,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%)and reducing miscarriage rate(RR=0.23,95%CI:0.13-0.44,P<0.00001,I^(2)=0%),serum follicle-stimulating hormone level(MD=-0.55,95%CI:-0.86 to-0.24,P=0.0005,I^(2)=0%),and serum progesterone level(MD=-0.24,95%CI:-0.28 to-0.20,P<0.00001).However,the level of evidence was predominantly assessed as very low to moderate.CONCLUSION AT can improve the pregnancy outcomes and sex hormone levels for patients with ODI.However,further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
基金Project of Science and Technology Department of Hubei Province in 2023:to Investigate the Therapeutic Mechanism of Qingre Lishi Huayu Herbs on Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Based on NOTCH Signaling Pathway(No.2023AFD167)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture(AM)in the treatment of pregnancyrelated symptoms such as acute vomiting during pregnancy.METHODS:We comprehensively searched the available literature up to November 2021,including Pub Med,Embase,Cochrane Library,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on AM for the treatment of severe vomiting,insomnia,pharyngeal and pelvic pain,mood abnormalities,and dyspepsia during pregnancy.RESULTS:Sixteen RCTs with a cumulative sample size of 1178 cases were included.Of these,964 patients were included in the Meta-analysis.The Meta-analysis results showed that AM was more efficient than Western medicine in treating discomfort during pregnancy[odds ratio(OR)=1.19,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.11,1.28),P<0.01].AM was better than the control group in improving the visual analog scale scores[standard mean difference(SMD)=0.62,95%CI(0.53,0.71),P<0.01].AM was superior to the control group in improving Numerical Rating Scale(NRS)symptom scores[OR=7.31,95%CI(3.36,15.94),P<0.01].There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the AM and sham-AM groups and the analgesic drug group[OR=0.70,95%CI(0.39,1.28),P=0.25],but the treatment and control groups had mild adverse effects with a low incidence.CONCLUSIONS:AM is more effective than other treatments or pharmacotherapy alone in the treatment of pregnancy-related symptoms,and is relatively safe.However,the quality of the included trials was rather poor,and high-quality studies are required to confirm our findings.
基金supported by grants“Pioneer”and“Leading Goose”R&D Program of Zhejiang(2023C03004,2024C03106)Zhejiang Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Project(GZY-ZJ-KJ-24076)+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFC3504600)Transverse Research Project of Zhejiang University(2023-KYY-A07035-0007).
文摘Objectives:Low back and pelvic girdle pain(LBPGP)is common during pregnancy.Acupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for pain relief.However,further evidence is required to confirm the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in treating LBPGP during pregnancy.This study aimed to systematically review and investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of pregnancy-related LBPGP.Methods:The PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,CNKI,VIP,and WanFang databases were searched from January 2000 to August 2023.Only the randomized controlled trials(RCTs)involving pregnant women between 16 and 34 weeks of gestation diagnosed with LBPGP were included in the study.A meta-analysis was conducted and pooled risk ratios(RRs)or mean differences(MDs)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs)were compared.Results:Meta-analysis included 12 RCTs involving 1,641 participants.Eleven trials compared acupuncture alone or acupuncture combined with standard care(SC),of which three trials also used non-penetrating or placebo acupuncture as the control group.One trial compared acupuncture alone with non-penetrating acupuncture.Compared with SC,acupuncture combined with SC group significantly decreased visual analog scale score(mean difference(MD)=−2.83,95%CI=−3.41 to−2.26,P<0.00001),cesarean section rate(RR=0.69,95%CI=0.49–0.97,P=0.03),preterm birth rate(RR=0.42,95%CI=0.27–0.65,P<0.0001),labor duration(MD=−1.97,95%CI=−2.73 to−1.20,P<0.0001),and Oswestry disability index score(MD=−9.14,95%CI=−15.68 to−2.42,P=0.008).In addition,acupuncture combined with SC significantly improved 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of physical component summaries(SF12-PCS).No significant differences were observed in the spontaneous delivery rate,newborn weight,drowsiness,and 12-Items Short Form Health Survey of mental component summaries(SF12-MCS)between the two groups.Adverse events such as needle pain and needle bleeding were aggravated in both the SC and acupuncture treatment groups but none were associated with acupuncture during or after the treatment period.Conclusions:Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture combined with SC had better efficacy than SC alone and could be a potential therapy for LBPGP during pregnancy.The safety results imply that acupuncture caused few adverse reactions;however,more evidence is required for further confirmation.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(2023NSFSC1799)the Science and Technology Development Fund of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(21ZS05,23YY07)Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Xinglin Scholar Postdoctoral Program BSH2023010.
文摘This study sought to conduct a bibliometric analysis of acupuncture studies focusing on heart rate variability(HRV)and to investigate the correlation between various acupoints and their effects on HRV by utilizing association rule mining and network analysis.A total of 536 publications on the topic of acupuncture studies based on HRV.The disease keyword analysis revealed that HRV-related acupuncture studies were mainly related to pain,inflammation,emotional disorders,gastrointestinal function,and hypertension.A separate analysis was conducted on acupuncture prescriptions,and Neiguan(PC6)and Zusanli(ST36)were the most frequently used acupoints.The core acupoints for HRV regulation were identified as PC6,ST36,Shenmen(HT7),Hegu(LI4),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Jianshi(PC5),Taichong(LR3),Quchi(LI11),Guanyuan(CV4),Baihui(GV20),and Taixi(KI3).Additionally,the research encompassed 46 reports on acupuncture animal experiments conducted on HRV,with ST36 being the most frequently utilized acupoint.The research presented in this study offers valuable insights into the global research trend and hotspots in acupuncture-based HRV studies,as well as identifying frequently used combinations of acupoints.The findings may be helpful for further research in this field and provide valuable information about the potential use of acupuncture for improving HRV in both humans and animals.
文摘This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 2:Rat.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-Zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12172092,82174488,and 82305416)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function(No.21DZ2271800)+1 种基金Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(No.23YF1418300)Scientific Research Project on Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission—Youth Guidance Category(No.2022QN018).
文摘Objective The analgesic effect of acupuncture has been widely accepted.Nevertheless,the mechanism behind its analgesic effect remains elusive,thus impeding the progress of research geared toward enhancing the analgesic effect of acupuncture.This paper investigated the role of acupuncture needle surface textures on acupuncture’s analgesic effect by creating four experimental acupuncture needles with different patterns of surface augmentation.Methods Four types of acupuncture needles with different surface textures(the lined needle,circle needle,sandpaper needle,and threaded needle)were designed.Additionally,the force/torque measurement system used a robot arm and mechanical sensor to measure the force on the needle during insertion and manipulation.To perform acupuncture analgesia experiments,four experimental acupuncture needles and a normal needle were inserted into the Zusanli(ST36)acupoint of rats with inflammatory pain.By comparing the force and torque and the analgesic efficacy of the different acupuncture needles,these experiments tested the role of acupuncture needle body texture on acupuncture analgesia.Results The analgesic effects of different acupuncture needle body textures varied.Specifically,the force required to penetrate the skin with the lined needle was not greater than that for the normal needle;however,the needle with inscribed circles and the sandpaper-roughened needle both required greater force for insertion.Additionally,the torque of the lined needle reached 2×10^(-4)N·m under twisting manipulation,which was four times greater the torque of a normal needle(5×10^(-5)N·m).Furthermore,the lined needle improved pain threshold and mast cell degranulation rate compared to the normal needle.Conclusion Optimizing the texture of acupuncture needles can enhance acupuncture analgesia.The texture of our experimental acupuncture needles had a significant impact on the force needed to penetrate the skin and the torque needed to manipulate the needle;it was also linked to variable analgesic effects.This study provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture through the modification of needles and promoting the development of acupuncture therapy.
基金funded by National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFC3501705)National Natural Science Foundation of China general projects(No.82274066)Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Project(No.22S21901200).
文摘Gastric ulcer(GU)is a common digestive system disease.Acupuncture,as one of the external treatments of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),has the characteristics of multi-target,multi-pathway and multi-level action in the treatment of GU.The relationship between meridian points and Zang-fu is an important part of the theory of TCM,which is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.There is an external and internal link between acupoints and Zang-fu.The pathological reaction of Zang-fu can manifest as acupoint sensitization,while stimulation of acupoints can play a therapeutic role in the internal Zang-fu.Therefore,the acupoint has the functions of reflecting and treating diseases.This review explores the tender points on the body surface of patients with GU and the rules of acupoint selection.In addition,Zusanli(ST36),as one of the most used acupoints of the stomach meridian,was selected to show the mechanisms behind acupoint stimulation in the treatment of GU in greater detail,specifically in the well-studied model of the stress GU(SGU).Hence,the mechanisms of acupuncture at ST36 and points commonly used in combination with ST36 to treat SGU are discussed further.Treatment effects can be achieved through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities,gastric mucosal injury repair,and interaction with the brain-gut axis.In summary,this review provides evidence for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena and mechanism of acupoint functions for GU.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2019YFC1712100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82105017)。
文摘Objective:The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation(AF)are influenced by the autonomic nervous system and inflammation.Acupuncture is an effective treatment for AF.This study explored the protective effects of acupuncture in a rat model of paroxysmal AF and investigated its mechanisms.Methods:Male Sprague-Dawley rats(n=130)were randomly divided into blank control(Con),sham operation(Sham),AF,and acupuncture treatment(Acu)groups.A paroxysmal AF model was established by rapid atrial pacing through the jugular vein.Rats in the Acu group were immobilized to receive acupuncture treatment at Neiguan acupoint(PC6)for 20 min daily for seven days.The other groups were immobilized for the same duration over the treatment period but did not receive acupuncture.The AF induction rate,AF duration,cardiac electrophysiological parameters,and heart rate variability were evaluated by monitoring surface electrocardiogram and vagus nerve discharge signals.After the intervention,the rats were euthanized,and atrial morphology was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining.The expression of macrophage F4/80 antigen(F4/80)and cluster of differentiation(CD)86 in atrial myocardial tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.The expression levels or contents of interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a),a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(a7nAChR),phosphorylated Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(p-STAT3)in atrial myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting,reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The role of a7nAChR in acupuncture treatment was verified by intraperitoneal injection of the a7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine(MLA).Results:Compared with the AF group,acupuncture significantly reduced AF duration and induction rate,improved cardiac electrophysiology by enhancing vagus nerve activity and regulating autonomic balance.It also decreased the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage proportion,alleviating myocardial injury and infiltration.MLA weakened acupuncture's electrophysiological improvement and anti-inflammatory effect.Results suggest that acupuncture triggers the a7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway and exerts cardioprotection via neuroimmune regulation.Conclusion:Acupuncture significantly reduced the AF induction rate,shortened AF duration,improved cardiac electrophysiological parameters,enhanced vagus nerve activity,and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and inflammatory factors in rats with paroxysmal AF.
