Cytokines are closely related to the occurrence and development of rheumatoid arthritis(RA).Acupuncture exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects via elevating anti-inflammatory cytokine level and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine level and regulating Th 1/Th 2balance

which reflects the dual directional regulatory effect of acupuncture.However

problems exist in the current researches

such as inadequate depth

limited breadth and not so up-to-date research focus.The mediocre research level and the phenomena of some contradictory results among studies also need being concerned.Therefore

progress may be attained if a holistic

dynamic and networked study is conducted on the influence of acupuncture on cytokines by combining the latest progress in the mechanisms of network of cytokines and neuroendocrine immune network

and high throughput cytokine capture assay.In this way

the mechanism of cytokines in multi-targets(such as local joints

peripheral blood circulation

central nervous system)involving the effects of acupuncture in improving RA will be known more.