Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of acupoint catgut embedding combined with quadruple therapy on Helicobacter pylori(Hp)-positive(+) chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG) of spleen and stomach deficiency syndrome and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Hp(+) CAG patients with spleen and stomach deficiency syndrome were randomly divi-ded into a control group(n=68) and a treatment group(n=71). In addition to the routine quadruple therapy for two weeks

the patients in the control group received oral Weifuchun Tablets(4 tablets once

tid.)

and those in the treatment group underwent acupoint catgut embedding at Pishu(BL20)

Weishu(BL21)

Zhongwan(CV12)

and Zusanli(ST36)

once a week. The two groups were treated for three months in total. The scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) symptoms and signs

clinical efficacies

quality of life scale scores(PRO scores and HAMA scores)

endoscopic and histopathologic scores

Hp eradication rates detected by

(13)

C breath test

and the recurrence rates after six months of the two group were compared. The changes in serum gastrin 17(G-17)

pepsinogen Ⅰ(PGⅠ) and pepsinogen Ⅱ(PGⅡ) were detected by ELISA

and PGⅠ/PGⅡ was calculated. Results There was no significant difference in the eradication rate of Hp between the two groups after treatment(P

>

0.05)

but the recurrence rate after six months in the treatment group was lower than that of the control group(P

<

0.05). After treatment

the scores of TCM symptoms and signs

endoscopic and histopathologic scores

PRO scores

and HAMA scores were decreased in both groups(P

<

0.01)

while serum levels of G-17

PG Ⅰ

PG Ⅱ

and PG Ⅰ/PG Ⅱ were increased(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). The treatment group was superior to the control group in alleviating stomach discomfort by pressing or warmth

decreasing the total score of TCM symptoms and signs

relieving anorexia

mottled gastric mucosa

mucosal ulcer

chronic inflammation

and activity

improving anxiety

and regulating G-17(P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). The effective rates of the treatment group and the control group were 40.85%(29/71) and 23.53%(16/68)

the treatment group was higher than the control group(P

<

0.05). Conclusion Acupoint catgut embedding combined with quadruple therapy in the treatment of Hp(+) CAG of spleen and stomach deficiency syndrome is significant in clinical efficacy and low in recurrence rate

which is presumedly achieved by repairing gastric mucosa and sensitizing the secretion of G-17 and pepsinogen.