最新刊期
卷 48 ， 期 2 ， 2023
- 摘要：The inflammatory response plays an important role in the onset, development and prognosis of inflammatory diseases and a variety of chronic diseases. Long-term uncontrolled inflammatory response may lead to dysfunction or loss of organ tissue function. Clinical practice and evidence-based medicine suggest that acupuncture can effectively alleviate the inflammatory status of various inflammatory diseases and chronic diseases. Stimulation of acupoints related to internal organs and target organs can initiate neuromodulation by modulating the microenvironment of acupoints. After integration of acupuncture stimulus information in the central nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, etc. are released and ultimately act on immune cells through neuro-endocrine-immune pathways, such as the vagus-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, vagus nerve-adrenal medullary-dopamine pathway, somatic sympathetic nerve pathway, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, etc. Ultimately, the intracellular signaling pathways and polarization balance of monocytes/macrophages and T cell subsets are regulated and the immune homeo-stasis of target organs of the body realizes. Therefore, we proposed that the anti-inflammatory action of acupuncture may be one of the universal therapeutic strategies for multiple diseases, and a powerful interpretation of acupuncture in regulating the balance of yin and yang. The elucidation of its anti-inflammatory action rules and mechanism may better realize the clinical transformation of acupuncture and moxibustion precision treatment.关键词：Acupuncture;Chronic diseases;Inflammatory diseases;Anti-inflammation;Autonomic nerve;Clinical transformation85|683|4更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture on the expression of connexin 43(Cx43), glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP), interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in the trigeminal spinal nucleus(TNC) of rats with migraine, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying amelioration of migraine. Methods A total of 44 SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, acu-puncture, and sham acupuncture groups(n=11 in each group). Acupuncture was applied to bilateral “Shuaigu”(GB8) and “Yanglingquan”(GB34) or non-acupoint Ⅰ(the spot about 10 mm superior to the iliac spine and 20 mm lateral to the post-median line) and non-acupoint Ⅱ(behind the iliac spine, the ending-spot of the posterior superior iliac spine at the muscles) on both sides for 20 min, once daily for 9 days. Paw withdrawal latency(mechanical pain threshold, PWMT) and thermal tail flick latency(TFL) were measured using a VonFrey detector and photothermal tail pain meter, respectively. The content of IFN-γ of TNC tissue was detected by ELISA. The expression levels of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins of TNC tissue were detected by Western blot. The immunofluorescence dual labeling method was used to detect the positive expression of GFAP and Cx43, IFN-γR and NeuN in TNC tissue, for displaying the activity of Cx43 in astrocytes and IFN-γ in neurons, respectively. Results Compared with the control group, both PWMT and TFL at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days after modeling were significantly decreased(P<0.01), while the expression of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins, the immunofluorescence intensity of GFAP, Cx43, IFN-γR, and the content of IFN-γ were considerably up-regulated in the model group(P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, both PWMT and TFL at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days after modeling were obviously increased(P<0.01), whereas the expression of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins, the immunofluorescence intensity of GFAP, Cx43, IFN-γR, and the content of IFN-γ in the acupuncture group, as well as the protein expression of IFN-γR in the sham acupuncture group were also remarkably decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01). The effect of acupuncture was significantly superior to that of sham acupuncture in down-regulating the expression of Cx43 and IFN-γ proteins, and the immunofluorescence intensity of GFAP, Cx43, and IFN-γR(P<0.05, P<0.01). Immunofluorescence dual labeling outcomes showed that in the model group, a large number of GFAP and Cx43 co-expressed astrocytes were found, and the cell body and protrusion of GFAP-labelled astrocytes were evidently increased, and Cx43 was mainly expressed on the surface of astrocyte membrane and the protrusion site, and the proportion of IFN-γR and NeuN co-expressing neurons in the model group was significantly increased, suggesting an activation of astrocytes and neurons after modeling. Whereas in the acupuncture group, the bright green clustered particles on the cell membrane and protrusion of astrocytes, and the proportion of IFN-γR and NeuN co-expressing neurons were significantly reduced, suggesting a suppression of activities of Cx43, astrocytes and neurons and IFN-γ release from TNC after acupuncture intervention. Conclusion Acupuncture can relieve the pain response in rats with migraine, which may be associa-ted with its functions in inhibiting the expression of Cx43 and activation of astrocytes and neurons, and reducing release of pro-inflammatory factor IFN-γ in TNC.关键词：Migraine;Acupuncture;Astrocytes;Connexin 43;Interferon-γ;Trigeminal spinal nucleus58|453|4更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To observe the effects of heat-reinforcing needling on synovial inflammation and microRNA-155(miR-155)/Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) signaling axis, so as to investigate its anti-inflammatory mechanism in rabbits with cold syndrome of rheumatoid arthritis(RA). Methods A total of 36 rabbits were randomly divided into normal, model, agonist, inhibitor, heat-reinforcing needling(HRN) and agonist+heat-reinforcing needling(A+HRN) groups, with 6 rabbits in each group. The RA with cold syndrome model was induced by injecting ovalbumin dry powder and Freund's complete adjuvant combined with cold freezing. Rabbits in agonist group were intraperitoneally injected with miR-155 agomir 4.5 OD; rabbits in the inhibitor group were intraperitoneally injected with miR-155 antagomir 6.1 OD; rabbits in HRN group received heat-reinforcing needling at bilateral “Zusanli”(ST36) for 30 min; rabbits in A+HRN group received the same treatment as agonist group, and 30 min later, received the same treatment as the HRN group; rabbits in the normal and model groups were grasped and fixed in the same way, all groups received continuous treatment once a day for 7 d. After modeling, the knee joints of rabbits were examined by ultrasound, the pain threshold and the circumference were determined. After the interventions, the pain threshold and knee circumference were measured; the pathological morphology of synovial tissue of the knee joints were observed by HE staining; the mRNA levels of miR-155 and suppressor of cytokine signaling protein 1(SOCS1), the expression levels of SOCS1, TLR4, NF-κB p65, interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-17A proteins in synovial tissue of knee joints were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot respectively. Results Compared with the normal group, the pain threshold was significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the knee circumference was significantly increased(P<0.05); the synovial tissue of knee joints showed significant hyperplasia, abundant blood flow signal, joint cavity effusion and obvious inflammatory invasion, the pathological score was significantly increased(P<0.05), the expressions of miR-155 mRNA and IL-1β, IL-17A, TLR4, NF-κB p65 proteins were significantly increased(P<0.05), the expressions of SOCS1 mRNA and protein were significantly decreased(P<0.05) in the model group. Compared with model group, the pain threshold was significantly increased(P<0.05), the circumference of knee joint was significantly decreased(P<0.05); in synovial tissue, the pathological score was decreased(P<0.05), the expression levels of miR-155 mRNA and IL-1β, IL-17A, TLR4, NF-κB p65 proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the expressions of SOCS1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased(P<0.05) in inhibitor group and HRN group, while the above changes in agonist group were reversed(P<0.05). Compared with the agonist group, the pain threshold was significantly increased(P<0.05), the knee circumference was significantly decreased(P<0.05), the synovial pathological score was significantly decreased(P<0.05), the expressions of miR-155 mRNA and IL-1β, IL-17A, TLR4, NF-κB proteins in synovial tissue were significantly decreased(P<0.05), and the expression levels of SOCS1 mRNA and protein were significantly increased(P<0.05) in A+HRN group. Conclusion The heat-reinforcing needling can increase the pain threshold, reduce the knee circumference and inhibit the inflammatory response in rabbits with RA cold syndrome. The possible mechanism is related to the regulation of miR-155/TLR4/NF-κB signaling axis.关键词：Rheumatoid arthritis;heat-reinforcing needling;Micro RNA-155;Suppressor of cytokine signaling protein 1;Inflammation34|383|2更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) at “Baihui”(GV20) and “Shenshu”(BL23) on the pathological injury of neurons in SAMP8 mice and the anti-inflammatory effect on neuron repair, providing a new experimental basis for EA prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Methods Twelve 7-month-old SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model and EA groups, and 6 SAMR1 mice of the same age and genetic background were used as normal group. Mice in the EA group were needled at GV20 and bilateral BL23, and EA(1 mA, 2 Hz) was applied to bilateral BL23 for 15 min, once daily, 10 d as a course for a total of 4 courses, with an interval of 1 d. Mice in the normal and model groups were captured and fixed in the same way as the EA group. The spatial learning and memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test. Neuronal nuclear antigen(NeuN) positive expression and the number of NeuN-positive cells in dentate gyrus(DG) were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The protein expression levels of ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1(Iba-1), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-6 and IL-1β in hippocampus were detected by Western blot. The ultrastructure of nerve cells in DG was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Results Compared with the normal group, the average escape latency was prolonged(P<0.01), the number of platform crossing was significantly reduced(P<0.01), the average fluorescence intensity of NeuN and the number of NeuN-positive cells in hippocampus DG region decreased(P<0.05), the expression levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in hippocampus were increased(P<0.05) in the model group.Compared with the model group, the ave-rage escape latency was shortened(P<0.01), the number of platform crossing times was significantly increased(P<0.01), the average fluorescence intensity of NeuN and the number of NeuN-positive cells in hippocampus DG region increased(P<0.05), the expression levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in hippocampus were decreased(P<0.05) in the EA group. The morphology of nerve cells in the hippocampus DG region was normal, and the organelles in the cytoplasm were clear, complete and regularly distributed in the normal group. However, the morphology of nerve cells in the model group was seriously irregular, which was also irregular in EA group but somewhat relieved compared with model group. Conclusion EA at GV20 and BL23 can improve the learning and memory ability of SAMP8 mice, which may be related to inhibiting the neuroinflammatory response, increasing the number of neurons and improving the ultrastructure of the DG region of the hippocampus to play the role of neuron protection.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Alzheimer's disease;Neuro inflammation;Dentate gyrus of hippocampus;Ultrastructural structure37|294|3更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Crohn's disease(CD) is a common chronic non-specific gastrointestinal inflammatory disease. Studies showed that acupuncture-moxibustion(A&M) can effectively relieve the symptoms of CD and its clinical efficacy has been confirmed in patients. In this paper, by reviewing the relevant articles for the mechanism studies on CD treated with A&M in recent years, it is discovered that the effect mechanism of A&M on CD includes two aspects, i.e. the local regulation inside the intestines and the neuromodulation outside intestines. The former one refers to the regulation of intestinal microflora, intestinal epithelial cell function and the regulation of intestinal local immune cells. The latter points to the modulation of brain function effect and the modulation of “brain-gut axis” related neurotransmitters. This paper also introduces the differences in intervention modes and acupoint selection between clinical trial and animal experiment, the suggestions on elucidating the nerve-immunity mechanism for CD treatment with A&M in view of “brain-gut axis” system, and its prospects. It is anticipated that this review may be conductive to the effect mechanism research of A&M for CD so that the evidences may be provided for optimizing the clinical regimen of A&M in treatment of this disease.关键词：Acupuncture and moxibustion;Crohn's disease;Mechanism;Review52|825|2更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：In recent years, acupuncture has gained great progress in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases(CRD), and the clinical effect is remarkable, but its underlying mechanisms are relatively complex, with the anti-inflammatory effect being the primary aspect. Based on the literature both at home and abroad, we found that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture mainly involves chemokines, kinase-related pathways, helper T cells, epigenetic modification, autophagy, vagal-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, etc. The researches on some anti-inflammatory mechanisms are still in the initial stage, the relationship among various pathways, and the key factors affecting the effect of acupuncture, such as acupoint selection, stimulation intensity and needling depth, etc. warrant further exploration in the future.关键词：Acupuncture;Chronic respiratory diseases;Anti-inflammation mechanism;Review32|846|4更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Acupuncture therapy has been widely used in clinical treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR), and can induce a positive therapeutic effect through multi-targets and multi-aspects. In recent 10 years, the research on the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating AR mainly focused on humoral immunity, cellular immunity, cell apoptosis, inflammatory mediators and factors, neuropeptides, etc. By regulating the level of immunoglobulin in the blood, acupuncture intervention can restore the relative balance of cellular immune response, reduce the accumulation of eosinophils and promote apoptosis, down-regulate the expression of related inflammatory mediators and factors, regulate the excitability of related nerves, modulate the release of neuropeptides and other ways to diminish the inflammatory reaction of nasal mucosa, and enhance the repair and protection of nasal mucosa, relieve the nasal symptoms at last. On the basis of the existing studies, the follow-up research should make use of the advantages of acupuncture intervention, refine the treatment process, and deeply explore the feasibility of acupuncture treatment of AR, further promote the combination of mechanism study and clinical practice, provide references for clinical application. Moreover, some shortcomings exist, for example, the unknown correlation between the therapeutic effect and duration of treatment, the unknown correlation between the effect of acupuncture and various targets, and disconnection between experimental research achievements and clinical application, etc.关键词：Acupuncture;Allergic rhinitis;Mechanism;Research progress51|1068|0更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To observe the protective effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the intestinal mucosal barrier and its relationship with the Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC), so as to explore its mechanism of treating UC. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into control, model and EA groups, with 6 mice in each group. The UC model was established by giving the mice with 2% Dextran Sulfate Sodium(DSS) for 7 days. EA(2 Hz/15 Hz, 0.2 mA) was applied at bilateral “Zusanli”(ST36) for 30 min, once a day for 7 days. The disease activity indexes [DAI=(body weight index score+stool score+bleeding score)/3; 0—4 points] of mice were calculated. The morphological changes of colonic tissues of mice in each group were observed by HE staining, and serum contents of TNF-α and IL-6 were detected by ELISA. Claudin-1 protein expression in colon tissue was detected by immunofluorescence, while the protein expression levels of Muc-2, Notch-1, MMP-9 in colon tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The real-time PCR method was used to detect the expression levels of Notch-1, Hes-1, NF-κB, TLR-4 and AKT mRNA in colon tissues. Results After modeling, the DAI, serum TNF-α and IL-6 contents, Notch-1 and MMP-9 protein expression, the relative expression levels of Notch-1, Hes-1, NF-κB, TLR-4 and AKT mRNA in the colonic tissue were significantly increased(P<0.001, P<0.01) in the model group relevant to the control group. At the same time, Claudin-1 and Muc-2 protein expression were significantly reduced(P<0.01). After the EA intervention, the increased DAI score, TNF-α and IL-6 contents, Notch-1 and MMP-9 protein expression, the relative expressions of Notch-1, Hes-1, NF-κB, TLR-4 and AKT mRNA, and the decreased Claudin-1 and Muc-2 protein expression were all reversed compared with the model group(P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). H.E. staining of the colonic tissue showed damage and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the model group, and those were significantly improved in the EA group. Conclusion EA can promote the recovery of intestinal mucosal barrier function and reduce inflammatory reaction in UC mice, which may be associated with its effects in inhibiting the excessive activation of the Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway.关键词：Ulcerative colitis;Electroacupuncture;Notch/NF-κB signaling pathway58|552|5更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To study whether electroacupuncture(EA) of “Zusanli”(ST36) combined with “Tianshu”(ST25) has a synergistic effect in regulating the colonic function and autonomic nerve balance in rats with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS). Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, EA-ST36, and EA-ST36+ST25 groups, with 14 rats in each group. The IBS model was established by using water avoidance stress method. The visceral hypersensitivity was measured using the abdominal wall retraction reflex(AWR). The rectus abdominis electromyogram(EMG), intestinal electrical activity, and electrocardiogram(ECG) were recorded using a PowerLab data acquisition and analysis system. The contents of serum cAMP and cGMP were determined by ELISA, the expression levels of colonic tyrosine hydroxylase(TH) and choline acetyl-transferase(ChAT) proteins were determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, respectively. Results Compared with the control group, the model group had an evident increase in the levels of AWR, LF, LF/HF, ChAT protein expression, cAMP and cGMP contents and cAMP/cGMP ratio(P<0.001, P<0.05), and a marked decrease in the levels of HF, frequency of slow waves of intestinal EMG, visceral pain threshold(PT), immunoactivity and expression of TH protein(P<0.05, P<0.001). In contrast to the model group, the levels of AWR, LF, LF/HF, ChAT protein expression and immunoactivity, cAMP and cGMP contents and ratio of cAMP/cGMP were significantly reduced(P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas the levels of frequency of slow waves of intestinal EMG, PT, and the immunoactivity and expression of TH were considerably increased(P<0.001, P<0.05) in both EA-ST36 and EA-ST36+ST25 groups. Conclusion EA of both ST36 and ST36+ST25 can relieve visceral pain, and reduce sympathetic activity to improve autonomic nerve balance, but without apparent synergistic effect between EA-ST36 and EA-ST25 in rats with IBS.关键词：Irritable bowel syndrome;Acupoint combination;Electroacupuncture;Colonic function;Autonomic nerve balance55|698|8更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To observe the effects of electroacupuncture(EA) on renal fibrosis, the expression of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) and epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT) marker proteins in renal tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR), so as to explore the underlying mechanism on EA alleviating hypertensive renal impairment. Methods Twenty-four male SHR were randomly divided into model group, losartan group and EA group, with 8 rats in each group, and eight male Wistar-Kyoto rats were taken as the normal group. Rats in the losartan group received gavage of losartan potassium solution(3 mg/mL, 30 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)·d(-1)),once every other day for 12 weeks. Rats in the EA group received EA stimulation at bilateral “Shenshu”(BL23) and “Geshu”(BL17)(2 Hz/15 Hz, 1.0 mA), 15 min each time, once every other day for 12 weeks. The systolic blood pressure of caudal artery was measured before, and 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention. The 24-hour urinary protein was measured before, and 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention. Histopathological changes of the left renal tissue were observed under light mircoscope after H.E. stain. Extracellular matrix(ECM) in renal tissues was observed after periodate Schiff staining. Basement membrane and collagen fibers were observed after Masson staining with collagen volume fraction(CVF) evaluated. The expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in the right renal was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The expression of TGF-β1 and EMT marker E-cadherin, α-SMA and fibronectin(FN) proteins in the left renal tissue was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results In the model group, irregular arrangement of nephrocytes, renal tubule atrophy, lumen stenosis, ECM hyperplasia and deposition, scar and sclerosis were observed, which were relatively milder in the EA and losartan groups. Compared with the normal group, tubulointerstitium CVF, systolic blood pressure of caudal artery before, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention, 24-hour urinary protein before, and at 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention, the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA, area of TGF-β1, α-SMA and FN positive staining in renal tissues were significantly increased(P<0.01), while the area of E-cadherin positive staining was significantly decreased(P<0.01) in the model group. Compared with the model group, tubulointerstitium CVF, systolic blood pressure of caudal artery at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention, 24-hour urinary protein at 6 and 12 weeks after the intervention, the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA, area of TGF-β1, α-SMA and FN positive staining in renal tissues were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05), while area of E-cadherin positive staining was significantly increased(P<0.01) in the losartan and EA groups. Compared with the losartan group, the area of E-cadherin was conside-rately increased(P<0.01), while the area of α-SMA protein decreased(P<0.01) in the EA group. Conclusion EA could effectively alleviate hypertension and renal interstitial fibrosis in SHR, the mechanism of which may be related to its function in reducing the expression of TGF-β1 and inhibiting EMT in renal tissue.关键词：Electroacupuncture;Spontaneous hypertension;Renal interstitial fibrosis;Epithelial mesenchymal transformation17|206|0更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To investigate the effect of moxibustion on the proteins related with apoptosis and nuclear transcription factor kappa B(NF-κB) in hippocampus of diabetic rats with cognitive impairment(CI), so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of learning-memory ability. Methods Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model and moxibustion groups(n=10 rats/group). The diabetic model was established by i.p. injection of streptozotocin solution(25 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)·d(-1)), followed by high-fat diet raising for 4 weeks, and the CI model was confirmed by Morris water maze test. The rats in the moxibustion group were given moxibustion at “Shenting”(GV24), “Baihui”(GV20) and “Dazhui”(GV14) for 20 min each time, the treatment was conducted 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze test, the random blood glucose of rats was measured by glucometer and test strips. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 in hippocampus were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, separately. Results After modeling, the random blood glucose, escape latency, and the expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs in the model group were significantly increased, while the expression levels of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA were decreased(P<0.001,P<0.01, P<0.05) in comparison with the normal group. Following the treatment, the modeling induced increase of blood glucose, escape latency, and the expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs, as well as decrease of Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression levels were reversed(P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). Conclusion Moxibustion can improve learning-memory ability in diabetic rats with cognitive impairment, which may be related to its function in regulating the expression levels of hippocampal Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3 and NF-κB.关键词：Diabetic cognitive impairment;Moxibustion;Apoptosis related proteins;Nuclear transcription factor kappa B14|349|3更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To compare the effects of filiform needling, electroacupuncture(EA) and moxibustion on articular cartilage morphology and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB) p65/Nod-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) pathway in rats with knee osteoarthritis(KOA). Methods Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, filiform needling, EA and moxibustion groups, with 8 rats in each group. The KOA model was established by injecting sodium iodoacetate into the right knee cavity. Filiform needling, EA and moxibustion groups were treated with the right side of “Dubi”(ST35) and “Neixiyan”(EX-LE5), and were given filiform needling, EA and mild moxibustion therapies for 15 min respectively, once every other day, for a total of 4 weeks. The diameter of the right knee joint was observed. The ultrastructure of knee chondrocytes was observed by transmission electron microscope. The contents of serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 were determined by ELISA. The expression levels of NF-κB p65, NLRP3, apoptosis-related speckle like protein(ASC) and TNF-α in knee cartilage were dectected by Western blot. Results Compared with the blank control group, the right knee joint cavity was narrowed, chondrocytes were constricted significantly, mitochondria were moderately swollen, the diameter of the right knee was increased, and the contents of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 were increased(P<0.01), the expressions of NF-κB p65, NLRP3 and TNF-α in knee cartilage were increased(P<0.01) while the expression of ASC was decreased(P<0.01) in the model group.Compared with model group, the narrowed knee joint cavity and chondrocyte injury were improved, knee diameter decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05), and the content of serum TNF-α and the expression of NLRP3 in knee cartilage were decreased(P<0.05, P<0.01) in 3 treatment groups; the contents of serum IL-1β and IL-18, and the expression of TNF-α in knee cartilage were decreased(P<0.01, P<0.05), while the expression of ASC in knee cartilage was increased(P<0.01) in EA and moxibustion groups; the expression of NF-κB p65 in knee cartilage was decreased(P<0.01) in moxibustion group. Compared with EA group, the content of serum IL-18 was decreased(P<0.05) in moxibustion group. Conclusion Filiform needling, EA and moxibustion can all reduce the formation of knee osteophytosis in KOA rats, alleviate joint cavity narrowing, improve the ultrastructure of articular cartilage, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, regulate the NF-κB p65/NLRP3 pathway. Moxibustion has the most obvious regulatory effect among the 3 treatment methods.关键词：Knee osteoarthritis;Filiform needling;Electroacupuncture;Moxibustion;Nuclear transcription factor-κB p65/Nod-like receptor protein 3 pathway;Inflammatory factor58|618|5更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the morphology and microstructure of spinal cord tissue, the expression of serum exosomes, and the pro-inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-6 in spinal cord of rats with spinal cord injury(SCI), so as to explore the underlying mechanism of EA in the treatment of SCI. Methods Twenty-four female Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham operation group, model group, EA group, EA+GW4869 group, with 6 rats in each group. The SCI model was established by impinging spinal cord at T10 with a hammer, while the vertebral lamina was only opened without impingement for rats in sham operation group. Rats in EA group received EA intervention at “Jiaji”(EX-B7) acupoints at bilateral T9 and T10(0.4-0.6 mA, 100 Hz), 3 h after modeling, once a day, for 7 concecutive days. Besides the treatment as EA group, rats in the EA+GW4869 group received injection of exosome inhibitor GW4869(200 μL, 300 μg/mL) once every 2 days from the day before modeling. Motor function of hind limbs of rats was evaluated using BBB scores. The histopathological changes of spinal cord were observed under light mircoscope after H.E. staining. Microstructure of spinal cord was observed and extracted serum exosomes were identified by using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of exosome marker proteins in serum exosomes, the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 in spinal cord were detected by Western blot. Results H.E. stanining showed severe tissue looseness, inflammatory cell infiltration, cellular hydropic degeneration in spinal cord of the model group, which were relatively milder in the EA and EA+GW4869 groups. Under transmission electron microscopy, there were nerve fiber disintegration, myelin sheath structure dispersion, axonal atrophy with submembrane edema and widened space, and mitochondrial swelling in spinal cord of rats in the model group, with the lesions in EA group milder than EA+GW4869 group, which were both moderate. Typical exosomes were detected by transmission electron microscope in the extracted serum of rats in each group after ultracentrifugation. Compared with the sham operation group, the motor function scores was significantly decreased(P<0.01), the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the spinal cord was significantly increased(P<0.01), while the expression of serum exosome marker protein CD81 was slightly increased in rats of the model group. Compared with the model group, the motor function scores was significantly increased(P<0.01), the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the spinal cord was significantly decreased(P<0.01) in rats of the EA and EA+GW4869 group, while the expression of serum CD81 protein was slightly increased in rats of the EA group. Compared with the EA+GW4869 group, the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in the spinal cord was significantly decreased(P<0.01), while the expression of serum CD81 protein was slightly increased in rats of the EA group. However, there was no significance in expression of CD81 between each group mentioned above. Conclusion EA can promote the secretion of serum exosomes and inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β, so as to improve the microenvironment of injured spinal cord and SCI.关键词：Spinal cord injury;Electroacupuncture;Exosomes;Interleukin-1β;Interleukin-630|345|2更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To explore the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS) combined with auricular acupressure on serum sexual hormone level, and the ovarian, follicular and uterine development in the girls with precocious puberty. Methods Sixty girls with precocious puberty were randomly divided into a control group(30 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a treatment group(30 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In both the control group and the treatment group, the healthy life-style intervention was provided for 12 weeks. Besides, in the treatment group, TEAS was delivered for 20 minutes each time, twice a week; and bilateral auricular acupressure was combined. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The levels of serum luteinizing hormone(LH), follicle stimulating hormone(FSH) and estradiol(E_2), as well as ovarian volume, maximum follicular diameter and uterine volume before and after treatment were detected, and the safety was evaluated separately. Results Compared with before treatment, the contents of serum LH and FSH were increased(P<0.05), and the ovarian volume and the maximum follicle diameter were increased(P<0.05) in the control group after treatment; the contents of serum FSH and E_2 were decresed(P<0.05), and the maximum follicular diameter was reduced significantly(P<0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. Compared with the control group, the contents of serum LH, FSH and E_2 were decreased(P<0.05), while the ovarian volume and the maximum follicle diameter were decreased(P<0.05) in the treatment group after treatment. Conclusion TEAS combined with auricular acupressure can effectively decrease the level of sex hormone, improve the ovarian and uterine development and retard the gonadal development. Such combined therapy is of high safety and conductive to regulating the development for the girls with precocious puberty.关键词：Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation;Auricular acupressure;Precocious puberty;Girls;Rando-mized controlled trial41|319|1更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Objective To analyze the compatibility regularities of acupoints and the application characteristics of needling-moxibustion methods in the treatment of ankle sprain by using complex network technology, so as to provide the basis and treatment ideas.Methods The clinical research articles on acupuncture treatment of ankle joint sprain published from November 2011 to November 2021 were retrieved from databases of CNKI, Wanfang Data knowledge service platform, VIP information Chinese journal service platform and PubMed by using key words of “acupuncture”“moxibustion” “acupuncture and moxibustion” “ankle injury” “ankle sprain” “injured ankle” and “syndesmotic injuries”. After screening these articles according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria, a database of acupuncture treatment of ankle sprain was established. Then, analysis on the occurrence frequency of acupoints and their related meridians, and methods of needling manipulation, and the association rule analysis(quantitative analysis) about the closeness between acupoints, and the degree of support and confidence coefficient were conducted for acquiring the acupoint combinations with higher correlation in the compatibility using Apriori algorithm after modeling(with IBM SPSS Modeler18.0 software). Gephi 0.9.2 software was used to make complex network analysis, for which “k-core hierarchical analysis” and “community analysis” were used as the methods to analyze the network structure of acupoints, and the confidence value was used as the index to measure the importance of acupoints. Results A total of 201 articles meeting the criteria were collected, including 196 articles in Chinese and 5 in English. A total of 236 acupuncture prescriptions were extracted, involving 61 acupoints, with a total frequency of occurrence being 846. The top 10 acupoints were Ashi point, Kunlun(BL60), Jiexi(ST41), Qiuxu(GB40), Shenmai(BL62), Yanglingquan(GB34), Taixi(KI3), Zhaohai(KI6), Xuanzhong(GB39) and Shangqiu(SP5), with the occurrence frequency being 109, 79, 70, 68, 63, 59, 53, 52, 37 and 34, respectively. The results of descriptive analysis showed that the top 5 meridians were Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-shaoyang, Bladder Meridian of Foot-taiyang, Kidney Meridian of Foot-shaoyin, Stomach Meridian of Foot-yangming and Spleen Meridian of Foot-taiyin, with the frequency being 181, 153, 116, 105 and 53, respectively. Complex network analysis displayed that after “k-core hierarchical analysis” and “Community division”, two communities were reserved, mainly involving 15 core acupoints such as Ahshi point, GB40, ST14, BL62, GB34, KI6, BL60, KI3, GB39, Zusanli(ST36), SP5; Taichong(LR3), Zulinqi(GB41), Sanyinjiao(SP6) and Rangu(KI2). The results of association rule analysis showed that the most relevant acupoint combination is “BL60-ST41”(support degree 34.83%), followed by “BL60-KI3”(support degree 26.37%), reflecting the principle of selection of local acupoint for ankle sprain. The therapeutic methods are filiform needle acupuncture, and the reducing technique and uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulation are the most commonly used approaches, but the reinforcing method is rarely used. Conclusion In the treatment of ankle sprain, local acupoints and Ashi points are mainly used, in combination with reducing or uniform reinforcing and reducing manipulations, as well as the method of needling and moxibustion, which provides a good reference for clinical practice.关键词：Ankle sprain;Acupuncture;Data mining;Complex network analysis;Acupoint compatibility29|1361|3更新时间：2023-08-11
- 摘要：Moxibustion therapy is a unique health resource in China, which is advantageous by its irreplaceable effectiveness in treatment, disease prevention and healthcare. But, moxibustion therapy used in primary care institutions in China is far from the due role of this therapy played in medical practice. The authors believe that the heat-sensitive moxibustion(HSM) robot should be developed by integrating the manipulation of moxibustion therapy with modern artifical intelligence technology so that moxibustion therapy can be operated precisely and easily, deqi of moxibustion be effectively stimulated and the cost of its manual manipulation be reduced. Eventually, the technology of moxibustion therapy can be popularized in the primary care institutions to serve the health of the people. This paper introduces the creation of HSM technology, the research and development(R&D) of HSM robot, and its advantages, as well as the application prospects. It is anticipated that the R&D of HSM robot may speed up the development of moxibustion therapy worldwide.关键词：Heat-sensitive moxibustion;Robot;Moxibustion technique;Artificial intelligence36|459|1更新时间：2023-08-11
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