Acupoint Injection Research Articles

Bee Venom Reduces Early Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Associated with Lipopolysaccharide-induced Alpha-synuclein in the Substantia Nigra-striatum Axis.

Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are important features in the pathogenesis and development of synucleinopathies, the glial activation and upregulation of pro-inflammatory and oxidative mediators induce alpha-synuclein (α-syn) accumulation. Recent studies have shown that bee venom (BV) has beneficial effects on symptoms of these neurodegenerative diseases. BV is known to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Here, we investigated the effects of BV over the different inflammatory and oxidative markers, and in the expression of α-syn and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat model of synucleinopathies. We examined whether BV (1.5 mg/kg by acupoint injection ST36 six times every 48 h) could change the α-syn and TH expression measured by western blotting, also, observed the activation of microglia and astrocytes by immunofluorescence, quantified the proinflammatory cytokines levels of tumoral necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and estimated the lipid peroxidation and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by colorimetric kits in LPS-treated rats (2.5 µg by a single dose intranigral injection) in substantia nigra (SN) and striatum (STR) brain areas. In the LPS-injected rat brain, BV treatment reduced α-syn levels and increased the TH levels. In addition, we observed lower microglia and astrocyte activation in SN and STR. Furthermore, BV decreases IL-1β and lipid peroxidation and increases the CAT activity in the STR. These results indicate that BV can restore the α-syn and TH levels possibly by the inhibition of LPS-induced neuroinflammation and oxidation, also, these results suggest that BV could be a promising treatment option for synucleinopathies.

Clinical Analysis of Acupuncture Combined with Acupoint Injection for the Treatment of Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with acupoint injection on chronic nonbacterial prostatitis (CNP). Methods: A total of 72 CNP patients admitted between March 2022 and October 2023 were selected. The patients were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The combined treatment group (36 cases) received acupuncture combined with acupoint injection therapy, while the control group (36 cases) received conventional Western medicine treatment. The overall efficacy rate, symptom severity, prostatic fluid indicators, incidence of adverse reactions, and recurrence rates were compared. Results: The overall efficacy rate of the combined treatment group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). After 10 days of treatment, the symptom severity score of the combined treatment group was higher than that of the control group, and the prostatic fluid indicators were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the combined treatment group was lower than in the control group (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period of 1–6 months, the recurrence rate in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with acupoint injection can alleviate CNP disease symptoms, improve prostate function, and prevent post-treatment adverse reactions. It also has a lower recurrence risk and demonstrates excellent efficacy.

Acupuncture and Acupoints for Managing Pediatric Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Acupuncture is frequently used to manage pediatric cerebral palsy (CP), yet updated evidence is needed to guide future research and clinical practice. Seven databases were searched from 1994 to 26 June 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving body, scalp, or ear acupuncture for managing CP, excluding acupoint injection, catgut embedding, electro-acupuncture, or laser acupuncture, were included. Twenty RCTs with 1797 participants were analyzed. Acupuncture groups had better improvements in gross motor function measure (GMFM) scores by 5% (mean difference: 5.93, 95% CI: 3.67-8.19, p < 0.001, I2 = 57%); a 16% higher probability to yield prominent improvement in effectiveness rate (ER) (risk ratio: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.08-1.25, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%); and better outcomes in the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.3, 95%, CI: 0.11-0.49, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (SMD: 2.48; 95% CI: 2.00-2.97, p < 0.001, I2 = 72%) and ADL (SMD: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.23-2.08, p < 0.001, I2 = 91%). Studies with eight core acupoints identified from all ninety-five acupoints had better ER. Acupuncture, especially using core acupoints, may be effective for managing symptoms in children with CP.

Clinical research progress on acupuncture for the treatment of otogenic vertigo.

Otogenic vertigo is a common disorder that affects the vestibular system, which often results in considerable discomfort and impaired daily functioning. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and moxibustion, has been historically utilized to manage the symptoms of vertigo. However, the effectiveness and methodology of these treatments have rarely been investigated in the medical literature. This study reviews the existing literature on the point selection, method, and therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion to provide a reference for the TCM treatment of otogenic vertigo. A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine. The terms used included otogenic vertigo, acupuncture treatment, and acupuncture point selection. A total of 34 relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed. These suggest that the clinical treatment of otogenic vertigo should consider the functions of zang-fu organs and meridians and select different acupuncture treatment methods according to syndrome differentiation based on the difference between deficiency and excess. Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy should be based on acupoint selection, considering the syndrome differentiation, supplemented with experience. The treatment of otogenic vertigo with acupuncture and moxibustion refers to the selection of appropriate acupuncture methods under the guidance of TCM theory and following the principles of syndrome, disease, and meridian differentiation. Common acupuncture methods include body acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, acupoint injection, electroacupuncture, and moxibustion. There are many acupuncture and moxibustion acupoints selected for the treatment of otogenic vertigo. Individualized treatment according to the patient's specific condition is effective and safe, which can help to improve the patient's vertigo symptoms and cerebral blood perfusion.

Efficacy of acupoint injection in the treatment of chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells.

Chronic eczema significantly impacts daily life, social interactions, and quality of life; however, no curative treatment has been identified. To determine the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection for chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells. Eighty patients with chronic eczema treated at our hospital between June 2022 and March 2023 were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 40), which received conventional Western medicine treatment, or an observation group (n = 40), which received routine Western medicine treatment plus acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Response and adverse reaction rates, as well as differences in the levels of serum cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 before and after treatment were investigated. No difference in overall response rates were found between the observation and control groups (100% vs 90%, respectively; P > 0.05); however, the observation group had a higher marked response rate than the control group (87.5% vs 52.5%; P < 0.05). Both groups had decreased Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and increased pruritus after treatment (P < 0.05), particularly in the observation group (P < 0.05). The observation group had an adverse reaction rate of 2.5% (1/40), which did not differ significantly from that of the control group (P > 0.05). The observation group exhibited higher post-treatment INF-γ and IL-2 but lower IL-4 levels than the control group (P < 0.05); however, no significant inter-group difference was observed in post-treatment IL-10 levels (P > 0.05). Acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide is safe and effective in treating chronic eczema. Its therapeutic mechanism is related to the regulation of peripheral blood T cell levels, inhibition of inflammatory reactions, and mitigation of immune imbalance.

Acupoint Autohemotherapy Attenuates DNCB-Induced Atopic Dermatitis and Activates Regulatory T Cells in BALB/c Mice.

Acupoint autohemotherapy (A-AHT) has been proposed as an alternative and complementary treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD), yet the exact role of its blood component in terms of therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action is still largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacies and action mechanisms of intramuscular injections of autologous whole blood (AWB) and mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) (autologous or heterologous) at acupoints on 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse models. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin E (IgE), IgG, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) were measured, as well as mRNA expression levels of Forkhead box P3 (FoxP3), IL-10 and IFN-γ in dorsal skin lesions, and IL-10+, IFN-γ+ and FoxP3+CD4+T cells in murine spleen. It showed that repeated acupoint injection of AWB, autologous total IgG (purified from autologous blood in AD mice) or heterologous total IgG (purified from healthy blood in normal mice) effectively reduced the severity of AD symptoms and decreased epidermal and dermal thickness as well as mast cells in skin lesions. Additionally, AWB acupoint injection was found to upregulate FoxP3+, IL-10+ and IFN-γ+ CD4+T cells in murine spleen, suppressing the production of IgE antibodies and increasing that of IgG antibodies in the serum. Furthermore, both AWB and autologous total IgG administrations significantly elevated FoxP3 expression, mRNA levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ in dorsal skin lesions. However, acupoint injection of heterologous total IgG had no effect on regulatory T (Treg) and Th1 cells modulation. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of A-AHT on AD are mediated by IgG-induced activation of Treg cells.

Treatment of neuropathic pain by traditional Chinese medicine: An updated review on their effect and putative mechanisms of action.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common chronic pain with heterogeneous clinical features, and consequent lowering of quality of life. Currently, although conventional chemical drugs can effectively manage NP symptoms in the short term, their long-term efficacy is limited, and they come with significant side effects. In this regard, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) provides a promising avenue for treating NP. Numerous pharmacological and clinical studies have substantiated the effectiveness of TCM with multiple targets and mechanisms. We aimed to outline the characteristics of TCM, including compound prescriptions, single Chinese herbs, active ingredients, and TCM physical therapy, for NP treatment and discussed their efficacy by analyzing the pathogenesis of NP. Various databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang database, were searched. We focused on recent research progress in NP treatment by TCM. Finally, we proposed the future challenges and emerging trends in the treatment of NP. TCM demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in NP treatment, employing multi-mechanisms. Drawing from the theory of syndrome differentiation, four types of dialectical treatments for NP by compound TCM prescriptions were introduced: promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis; promoting blood circulation and promote Qi flow; warming Yang and benefiting Qi; soothing the liver and regulating Qi. Meanwhile, 33 single Chinese herbs and 25 active ingredients were included. In addition, TCM physical therapy (e.g., acupuncture, massage, acupoint injection, and fumigation) also showed good efficacy in NP treatment. TCM, particularly through the use of compound prescriptions and acupuncture, holds bright prospects in treating NP owing to its diverse holistic effects. Nonetheless, the multi-targets of TCM may result in possible disadvantages to NP treatment, and the pharmacological mechanisms of TCM need further evaluation. Here, we provide an overview of NP treatment via TCM, based on the pathogenesis and the potential therapeutic mechanisms, thus providing a reference for further studies.

Efficacy of acupoint injection of metoclopramide for post-chemotherapy vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vomiting is one of the most common adverse events of chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection of metoclopramide in the treatment of post-chemotherapy vomiting. We searched 4 general English databases and 4 conventional Chinese databases, all with a time frame from database creation to December 2022. The retrieved clinical trials of acupoint injection of metoclopramide for post-chemotherapy vomiting were then subjected to meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. A total of 12 studies were included, with a total sample size of 965 cases. Meta-analysis showed that acupoint injection of metoclopramide was effective in improving anti-vomiting effective rate [odds ratio = 5.67, 95% confidence interval = (3.80,8.47), P < .00001] compared with intramuscular/intravenous injection, and trial sequential analysis showed that this benefit was conclusive. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that acupoint injection significantly improved the anti-vomiting effective rate at doses of 10 mg qd, 20 mg qd, and 30 mg qd, as well as at durations of 1 day and 5 days. Subgroup analysis also indicated that injection at the Zusanli acupoint significantly increased the anti-vomiting effective rate, while injection at the Neiguan acupoint had an anti-vomiting effective rate comparable to that of the control group. Harbord regression showed no significant publication bias (P = .730). Acupoint injection of metoclopramide for post-chemotherapy vomiting is more effective than intramuscular and intravenous injections and is not limited by dose or duration of treatment, which may be the preferred way of administration.

Effect of Zusanli Acupoint Injection with Anisodamine on Postoperative Recovery Quality of Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery

PurposeTo evaluate the influence of anisodamine injection at the Zusanli (ST36) on early postoperative recovery quality in patients who have undergone laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.Materials and Methods141 patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly divided into the control group (group C), the normal saline group (group S) and the anisodamine group (group A). Acupuncture point injections were administered after induction of general anesthesia. The quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (QoR-40) scores were documented preoperatively (D0) and on the 1st (D1), 3rd (D3) and 7th (D7) days postoperatively. Additional metrics included: the numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), assessment and analgesic consumption 24-h post-extubation and the initial postoperative times for ambulation and anal exhaust. Substance P (SP), β-endorphin (β-EP), motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) were quantified at 24-h post-surgery.ResultsCompared with group C, group A demonstrated an elevation in QoR-40 scores and physical comfort dimensions during D1-3, and an increased pain scores during D1-7; group S exhibited an augmentation in QoR-40 scores and pain scores on D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with group S, group A improved QoR-40 scores on D1 and pain scores during D1-3 (p < 0.05). SP, β-EP, MTL and GAS presented significant variances among the groups 24-h post-surgery (p < 0.05). There were significant differences between the groups in NRS pain scores and PONV scores at 24-h postoperatively, dosage of dizocin on the first postoperative day, and time to first anal defecation (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe administration of anisodamine via ST36 acupoint injections has been demonstrated to facilitate the recuperation of gastrointestinal functionality, to alleviate postoperative pain and nausea, and substantially to enhance the quality of early postoperative recovery.Graphical

Clinical experience of professor ZHANG Ren in the staging treatment with characteristic acupuncture techniques for oculomotor paralysis.

The paper summarizes the clinical experience of professor ZHANG Ren in the staging treatment with characteristic acupuncture techniques for oculomotor paralysis. According to the symptoms of oculomotor paralysis, the staging treatment is given, in which acupuncture is dominant and the needling techniques are optioned in compliance with the symptoms. In the early, middle and late stages of illness, three different acupuncture therapies are delivered accordingly, i.e. the combination of the point-toward-point needling at the four acupoints located on the forehead and the electroacupuncture with disperse-dense wave, the surrounding needling and the triple needling at the acupoints around the eyeball, as well as the perpendicular needle insertion at the three acupoints within the orbit. Professor ZHANG Ren lays the stress on identifying the etiology and differentiating the symptoms, as well as the early intervention for the disease. For the intractable cases, the comprehensive regimen such as acupoint injection, dermal needling and auricular point sticking is supplemented. During treatment, the spirit harmonization is greatly considered to ensure the effectiveness. On the basis of the staging acupuncture therapy, the acupuncture technique for harmonizing the spirit and regulating qi is combined to obtain the favorable clinical effect on oculomotor paralysis.

Nursing of acupoint injection therapy combined with intravenous administration of antiemetics in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in a patient with paclitaxel liposome chemotherapy

Nursing of acupoint injection therapy combined with intravenous administration of antiemetics in the treatment of nausea and vomiting in a patient with paclitaxel liposome chemotherapy

Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Combined Traditional Chinese Medicine with Acupoint Injection and Herbal Paste Application in Treating Ovulatory Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Combined Traditional Chinese Medicine with Acupoint Injection and Herbal Paste Application in Treating Ovulatory Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Melittin acupoint injection in attenuating bone erosion in collagen-induced arthritis mice via inhibition of the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease leading to chronic joint inflammation. Bone erosion is the most serious pathological condition of RA and the main cause of joint deformities and disability. Melittin acupoint injection (MAI) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) method for RA treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MAI on RA bone erosion and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. A collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model was established as the experimental subject. MAI was administrated once every other day for 28 days to mice with CIA. The effects of MAI on joint diseases were assessed by body weight, arthritis index (AI) score, swollen joint count (SJC) score, and hind paw thickness. Ankle radiological changes were captured by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological changes were observed by pathological staining. Organ histological changes, spleen index, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine (Crea) levels of serum were tested to evaluate the toxicity of MAI. Cytokine expression levels were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to evaluate the immunity of CIA mice. MAI administration markedly improved the clinical signs of CIA in mice, including hind paw thickness, AI, and the number of swollen paw joints (most of them P<0.05 or even <0.01). According to histopathological analysis, MAI ameliorated inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation, and bone erosion (all P<0.01). Micro-CT and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining (P<0.01) also revealed that MAI could relieve bone erosion via reducing the formation of osteoclasts. Not only could MAI relieve the immunological boost [P<0.05 for the high-dose MAI (HM) group], but also it had no liver or kidney side effects (P>0.05). In addition, it decreased the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and increased the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 (the majority of P<0.05 or even <0.01). Transcriptome sequencing results indicated that MAI affected the expression of osteoclast differentiation pathway genes, which was connected with the receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB ligand/nuclear factor kappa B (RANKL/NF-κB) pathway. Based on our findings, MAI could suppress joint inflammation and inhibit RANKL/NF-κB-mediated osteoclast differentiation to rescue bone erosion in CIA mice, suggesting that MAI can be a potentially therapeutic substance for RA.

An overview of systematic reviews of acupuncture for diabetic gastroparesis.

To date, several systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) on the topic of acupuncture as a treatment for diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) have been published. However, whether acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for DGP remains controversial. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the methodology and results of previously published SRs/MAs of acupuncture as a treatment for DGP were of sufficient quality to be considered reliable. We extensively searched seven databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge, Wan Fang, and Chongqing VIP, for SRs/MAs published before or on September 16, 2022. The SRs/MAs that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for the quality of the methodology and results using the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews Two (AMSTAR-2) and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tools. A re-meta-analysis of primary outcome indicators was also performed. Ten SRs/MAs that met the inclusion criteria were obtained. Using the AMSTAR-2, which is a methodological quality assessment tool, two MAs were rated as low quality, and eight SRs/MAs were rated as extremely low quality. Assessment with the GRADE tool revealed that, among 20 results, 4 were of moderate quality, 10 were of low quality, and 6 were of very low quality. Re-meta-analysis of primary outcome indicators revealed that, in terms of total efficiency, all types of acupuncture interventions, such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and acupoint injection, performed better than the controls, such as gastroprokinetic agents and sham acupuncture. Moreover, in the treatment of DGP, acupuncture exhibited fewer side effects compared to the controls. Acupuncture appears to improve the symptoms of patients with DGP, and the side effects of acupuncture as a treatment for DGP are inferior to those of the controls. However, owing to the low quality of the methodology and results of the SRs/MAs, these findings cannot be considered reliable and need to be validated by additional studies with rigorous standards of experimental design and protocols and larger sample sizes.

Role of SIRT5 in the analgesic effectiveness of moxibustion at ST36 in mice with inflammatory pain

Sirtuine5 (SIRT5) is an important molecule involved in the pathology of inflammatory diseases. To investigate the impact of SIRT5 on the analgesic effectiveness of moxibustion, we established a complete Freund's adjuvant- (CFA-) induced inflammatory pain in mice model. Moxibustion was applied at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in mice with inflammatory pain. The analgesic effectiveness was evaluated by thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia tests in the right paws after CFA injection. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, including the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α, and the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and TGF-β expressions, was evaluated using by ELISA. Furthermore, SIRT5 was evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blotting. The results showed that, compared with the CFA group, both thermal and mechanical pain thresholds increased with moxibustion and the SIRT5 inhibitor MC3482 intervention at ST36. Additionally, compared to the CFA-induced group, the inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β and TNF-α, decreased, while the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and TGF-β increased with moxibustion and MC3482 ST36 acupoint injection. Western blot results showed a decreased expression of SIRT5 at the ST36 site with moxibustion and MC3482 injection, compared to the CFA-induced group. SIRT5 expression in the right paw of mice injected with moxibustion and MC3482 was higher than that in the CFA-induced group. This study revealed that SIRT5 expression is involved in moxibustion analgesia and may be a potential mediator in the regulation of analgesia.

Acupoint injection ameliorates Th1/Th2 imbalance through Toll-like receptor 4/activator protein-1 signal pathway and improves inflammatory response in rats with allergic rhinitis

To observe the effect of acupoint injection on serum T helper (Th)1/Th2 related cytokines, and the expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) of nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis (AR) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of AR. Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, non-acupoint injection and acupoint injection groups (n=8 in each group). The AR model was established by ovalbumin sensitization. In the acupoint injection group, "Yintang" (GV24+) and bilateral "Yingxiang" (LI20) were selected for injection of mixture solution of dexamethasone and lidocaine (0.05 mL/acupoint), once every 4 days for a total of 4 times. The non-acupoints, located at the midpoint between the "Houhai" and "Huantiao" (GB30) on the bilateral hips and the sites 5 cm inferior to the axillary were injected with the same dose of mixture solution as that in the acupoint injection group. The AR severity was assessed by cumulative quantification scoring methods (including the numbers of nose-catching and sneezes, and the amount of nasal secretions in 30 min). The pathological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by HE staining. The contents of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ in serum were detected by ELISA. The expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 in nasal mucosa was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression of AP-1 in nasal mucosa was detected by Western blot. Following modeling, the AR symptom score, serum IgE and IL-4 contents and expression of TLR4, MyD88 and AP-1 of nasal mucosa were significantly increased in the model group than those in the normal group (P<0.01), while the serum IFN-γ content was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and non-acupoint injection group, the AR symptom score, the serum contents of IgE and IL-4 and the expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and AP-1 in nasal mucosa were significantly decreased in the acupoint injection group (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the serum IFN-γ content was significantly increased (P<0.01). H.E. staining of the nasal mucosa showed that most of the epithelium fell off, the lamina propria vessels expanded, the glands proliferated, and eosinophils and lymphocytes infiltrated in the model and non-acupoint injection groups, and those were significantly improved in the acupoint injection group. Acupoint injection can effectively improve allergic inflammation of the nose in AR rats, which may be related with its function in inhibiting the abnormal activation of TLR4/AP-1 signaling pathway and regulating the imbalance of Th1/Th2.

ST36 acupoint injection with anisodamine for postoperative nausea and vomiting in female patients after bariatric surgery: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe use of multimodal pharmacological prophylactic regimes has decreased postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in general but it still occurs in over 60% of female patients after bariatric surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ST36 acupoint injection with anisodamine in prevention of PONV among female patients after bariatric surgery.MethodsNinety patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were randomly allocated to anisodamine or control group at the ratio of 2:1. Anisodamine or normal saline was injected into Zusanli (ST36) bilaterally after induction of general anesthesia. The incidence and severity of PONV were assessed during the first 3 postoperative days and at 3 months. The quality of early recovery of anesthesia, gastrointestinal function, sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and complications were also evaluated.ResultsBaseline and perioperative characteristics were comparable between two groups. In the anisodamine group, 25 patients (42.4%) experienced vomiting within postoperative 24 h compared with 21 (72.4%) in the control group (relative risk 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.40–0.85). Time to first rescue antiemetic was 6.5 h in anisodamine group, and 1.7 h in the control group (P = 0.011). Less rescue antiemetic was required during the first 24 h in the anisodamine group (P = 0.024). There were no differences in either postoperative nausea or other recovery characteristics.ConclusionsThe addition of ST36 acupoint injection with anisodamine significantly reduced postoperative vomiting without affecting nausea in female patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Effectiveness of acupuncture-related therapies on schizophrenia: a Bayesian network Meta-analysis.

To create the hierarchical model for the comparison of efficacy of different ATs for schizophrenia. PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, The Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and SinoMed were searched using a specified search strategy to identify relevant studies up to December 2021. The data were extracted independently by two reviewers. The quality of included trials was evaluated based on the guidelines of "Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions". Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted by statistical analysis software Addis 1.16.6 and Stata 15.1. In total, 60 randomized controlled trials covering 4810 patients were enrolled. The network meta-analysis result showed that Body Acupuncture (BA), BA + Electro-acupuncture (EA), Scalp Acupuncture (SA) + EA, Auricular Acupuncture (AA), Low-dose medication and Acupuncture (LA), Acupoint Injection (AI), and Acupoint Catgut Embedding (ACE), when combined with Western Medications (WM), demonstrated a better clinical effect at improving the symptoms of schizophrenia, compared to WM alone. Results of rank probability showed that BA, when combined with WM, was the most optimal AT for schizophrenia at decreasing three aspects of PANSS scale score. Acupuncture-related therapies help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia, and BA combined with WM may be a better therapy for schizophrenia. This study has been registered on the "PROSPERO" website, and the registration number is CRD42021227403.

Meta-analysis of Therapeutic Effect of Acupoint Injection on Neurogenic Bladder after Spinal Cord Injury

Meta-analysis of Therapeutic Effect of Acupoint Injection on Neurogenic Bladder after Spinal Cord Injury

Analysis of regularity of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression

To analyze the regularity of acupoint selection, and compatibility of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression. Articles both in English and Chinese published in databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Chinese biomedical literature database (SinoMed), PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library from the inception to February of 2021 were retrieved by using key words "acupuncture" or "moxibustion" or "electroacupuncture" or "acupoint application" or " acupoint burying" or "acupoint injection" or "fire needling" and "postpartum depression" or "puerperal depression". The frequencies of selected acupoints and meridians were counted by using data mining technology, and the points with high frequency were analyzed by cluster analysis. A total of 42 articles were included, containing 65 prescriptions and 80 points. The highest frequency of acupoints were Baihui (GV20), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Taichong (LR3), Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36) and Shenmen (HT7). The most frequently selected channels were Bladder Meridian, Governor Meridian and Liver Meridian. Among the specific points, intersection points, five-shu points, yuan-source points and back-shu points were widely used. Through cluster analysis, four effective cluster groups ［GV20-SP6, LR3-PC6, Xinshu (BL15)-Ganshu (BL18)-Pishu (BL20)-Guanyuan (CV4), Hegu (LI4)-Qihai(CV6)-Qimen (LR14)］ were obtained, as well as a group of main points (GV20-SP6-LR3-PC6-ST36-HT7) and two groups of matching points ［LI4-CV6-LR14 and BL15-BL18-BL20-CV4-Sishencong (EX-HN1)］. Through data mining technology, this paper summarized the acupoint selection and compatibility law of acupuncture in the treatment of postpartum depression, focusing on regulating Qi, blood and spirit, so as to provide reference for guiding the clinical acupuncture treatment and scientific research of postpartum depression.