Plasma Beta-endorphin Levels Research Articles

Opioid use disorder and role of yoga as an adjunct in management (OUDARYAM): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

The proposed research aims to test the effects and mechanisms of a six-month yoga-based intervention as an add-on to standard treatment in opioid use disorder (OUD) by conducting a randomized controlled study with the following primary outcome variables: 1) clinical: abstinence (opioid negative urine test), and reductions in pain and craving, and 2) mechanisms: reward circuit activation in response to opioid visual cue craving paradigm, activation in response to a cognitive control task, and resting state functional connectivity through fMRI, and plasma beta-endorphin levels. Secondary outcome variables are perceived stress, anxiety, sleep quality, cognitive performance, pain threshold, buprenorphine dosage and side effects, withdrawal symptoms, socio-occupational functioning, vedic personality traits, heart rate variability, serum cortisol, and brain GABA levels through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In this single-blinded, randomized, controlled, parallel-group superiority trial with 1:1 allocation ratio, 164 patients with OUD availing the outpatient/ inpatient clinical services at a tertiary mental healthcare hospital in India will be enrolled after giving informed consent. Consecutive consenting patients will be randomly allotted to one of the two groups - yoga arm (standard treatment + yoga-based intervention), or waitlist group (standard treatment alone). Allocation concealment will be followed, the clinicians, outcome assessors and data analysts will remain blind to subject-group allocation. A validated and standardized yoga program for OUD will be used as an intervention. Participants in the yoga arm will receive 10 supervised in-person sessions of yoga in the initial two weeks followed by tele-yoga sessions thrice a week for the next 22 weeks. The wait-list control group will continue the standard treatment alone for 24 weeks. Assessments will be done at baseline, two weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Data from all randomized subjects will be analysed using intent-to-treat analysis and mixed model multivariate analysis. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations, and social media. The trial has been registered under Clinical Trials Registry-India with registration number CTRI/2023/03/050737.

Changes in Plasma Beta-Endorphin Levels in Stage III–IV Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Post World Health Organization 3-Step Analgesic Ladder Therapy

Introduction Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignancy in the field of otorhinolaryngology, and chronic pain is identical with this malignancy. Pain therapy according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations is WHO 3-step analgesic ladder. Pain is subjective and related to the function of beta-endorphin hormone. Objective Analyzing the relationship between the degree of pain and plasma endorphin levels in stage III–IV NPC patients before and after the administration of WHO 3-step analgesic ladder. Materials and Methods The study design used pretest and posttest without control design. Participants were given WHO 3-step analgesic ladder therapy for 3 days. The participants then rated the pain scale using the visual analog scale (VAS) and plasma beta-endorphin levels in venous blood. The statistical test used the dependent t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Spearman test with p < 0.05, confidence interval: 95%. Results There were 14 stage-III NPC patients with moderate pain (78.57%) and 31 stage-IV NPC participants had moderate pain (83.87%; p = 0.071). The VAS value in the moderate pain group before and after therapy was 82.22% and 66.67%, respectively (p < 0.001). The values of plasma beta-endorphin levels before and after therapy were 74.89 ± 69.12 and 72.49 ± 75.53 pg/mL, respectively (p = 0.647). Plasma beta-endorphin levels were −19.20 ± 37.72 pg/mL (mild pain), −4.76 ± 35.30 pg/mL (moderate pain), and −21.67 ± 6.27 pg/mL (severe pain; p = 0.717). Conclusion Pain levels in advanced NPC patients have decreased after the therapy, but plasma beta-endorphin levels have no significant difference.

The effects of conventional, warm and cold acupressure on the pain perceptions and beta-endorphin plasma levels of primiparous women in labor: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study was performed to determine the impact of different acupressure procedures, performed on women's hands during labor, on β-endorphin plasma levels and labor pain perception. DesignRandomized controlled experimental trial Setting and ParticipantsThis study was conducted with 140 pregnant women in the delivery rooms of a university research and training hospital and a state hospital in a province in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. MethodsThis study was conducted with three experimental groups (who had conventional, warm and cold acupressure on their LI4 acupressure point) and one control group (no acupressure). Each group included 35 pregnant women. The data were collected using a personal information form, the Labor Intervention Follow-up Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Verbal Category Scale (VCS). Its main outcomes were the women's labor pain perceptions and β-endorphin plasma levels. ResultsThe experimental and control groups had homogeneous introductory characteristics. The experimental groups had significantly higher mean VAS and VCS posttest scores than the control group (p<0.001). The experimental groups’ mean posttest β-endorphin plasma levels were also significantly higher (p<0.05). ConclusionIn this study, conventional, warm and cold acupressure reduced the women's labor pain and increased their β-endorphin plasma levels. Midwives can use acupressure to reduce labor pain.

Effects of laughter yoga on hemodialysis patients’ plasma-beta endorphin levels, pain levels and sleep quality: A randomized controlled trial

This study evaluates the effects of “laughter yoga” on the plasma beta-endorphin levels, pain levels and sleep quality of hemodialysis patients. It is a randomized controlled trial. The study was carried out between July and October 2018. A total of 68 patients receiving hemodialysis treatment at two different dialysis centers were included in the study. The duration of the laughter yoga was 30 min, and a total of 16 sessions were performed on a twice-weekly basis. The data were collected by using a socio-demographic information form, the Visual Analog Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and blood samples were collected to determine beta-endorphin levels. Following the laughter yoga implementation, the pain level of the intervention group patients significantly decreased, and their sleep quality significantly improved. No significant change occurred in the patients’ beta-endorphin levels. Laughter yoga was effective in reducing pain and increasing sleep quality.

Evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam on plasma and cerebrospinal fluid beta-endorphin levels in rats

Evaluation of the effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam on plasma and cerebrospinal fluid beta-endorphin levels in rats

Pioglitazone abolishes cognition impairments as well as BDNF and neurotensin disturbances in a rat model of autism.

ABSTRACTWe have shown that exposure of rats to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) during gestation induces autistic-like behaviors in juvenile offspring and pioglitazone post treatment corrects social and communication deficits. The first objective of the present study was to evaluate the cognition of the rats, because this is also a behavioral sphere committed in autism. Second, biomarkers related to pioglitazone pathways and autism were studied to try to understand their mechanisms. We used our rat model of autism and pioglitazone was administered daily to these young offspring. T-maze spontaneous alternations tests, plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), beta-endorphin, neurotensin, oxytocin, and substance P were all studied. Exposure of rats to LPS during gestation induced cognitive deficits in the young offspring, elevated BDNF levels and decreased neurotensin levels. Daily postnatal pioglitazone treatment abolished cognition impairments as well as BDNF and neurotensin disturbances. Together with our previous studies, we suggest pioglitazone as a candidate for the treatment of autism, because it improved the responses of the three most typical autistic-like behaviors. BDNF and neurotensin also appeared to be related to the autistic-like behaviors and should be considered for therapeutic purposes.

Elevated endogenous opioids in obstructive jaundice: The possible skin mechanisms

Obstructive jaundice disease is often accompanied by an increase in plasma endogenous opioids levels. Theses elevated endogenous opioids bring complications like pruritus, cardiac and vascular abnormalities in patients with cholestasis. However, little is known about the mechanism of increased endogenous opioids synthesis in cholestatic liver diseases. Different from the tradition view that the liver is the source of endogenous opioids peptides, recent researches give clues that skin may be another important organ in which endogenous opioid peptides were synthesized during cholestasis. Skin cells like keratinocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages and other inflammation cells had been reported to produce endogenous opioid peptides under certain physical and pathological conditions. In the course of obstructive jaundice, all these cells had the potential to be activated by different molecular mechanisms. And some cells like keratinocyte and inflammation cells had been proved to correlate with elevated plasma levels of enkephalin and beta-endorphin in patients with obstructive jaundice. Hence, we hypothesize that skin may be the site in which abundant endogenous opioid peptides been produced during the course of obstructive jaundice. These skin-cell related mechanisms should be further studied to resolve the puzzle of elevated peripheral opiate tone during obstructive jaundice.

The acute effect of maximal exercise on plasma beta-endorphin levels in fibromyalgia patients.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effect of strenuous exercise on β-endorphine (β-END) level in fibromyalgia (FM) patients compared to healthy subjects.MethodsWe enrolled 30 FM patients and 15 healthy individuals. All study participants underwent a treadmill exercise test using modified Bruce protocol (M.Bruce). The goal of the test was achieving at least 70% of the predicted maximal heart rate (HRMax). The serum levels of β-END were measured before and after the exercise program. Measurements were done while heart rate was at least 70% of its predicted maximum.ResultsThe mean ± the standard deviation (SD) of exercise duration in the FM and control groups were 24.26 ± 5.29 and 29.06 ± 3.26 minutes, respectively, indicating a shorter time to achieve the goal heart rate in FM patients (P < 0.003). Most FM patients attained 70% HRMax at lower stages (stage 2 and 3) of M.Bruce compared to the control group (70% versus 6.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Compared to healthy subjects, FM patients had lower serum β-END levels both in baseline and post-exercise status (Mean ± SD: 122.07 ± 28.56 µg/ml and 246.55 ± 29.57 µg/ml in the control group versus 90.12 ± 20.91 µg/ml and 179.80 ± 28.57 µg/ml in FM patients, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe found that FM patients had lower levels of β-END in both basal and post-exercise status. Exercise increased serum the β-END level in both groups but the average increase in β-END in FM patients was significantly lower than in the control group.

The level of beta-endorphin, chronic stress, and depression associated with vestibular pathology

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the presence and the severity of manifestations of anxiety and depression in the patients presenting with vestibular dysfunction making use of the psychometric scales and taking into consideration variations in the plasma beta-endorphin level as a biochemical marker before and after medicamental and physical rehabilitative treatment. A total of 8 patients presenting with stage I-III Meniere's disease and 8 patients suffering from dyscirculatory encephalopathy concomitant with vestibular ataxic syndrome were available for the observation. We separately analysed the results of examination of two patients with vestibular neuronitis and two others presenting with vestibular migraine. It was shown that the degree of anxiety and depression correlated with the plasma beta-endorphin level whereas its correlation with the severity of vestibular oculomotor and vestibular motor disorders during the inter-bout periods was not documented. It was demonstrated that the plasma beta-endorphin level was many times higher than the normal value of 20 ng/l in the patients with the well apparent vegetative symptoms accompanied by dizziness and the patients suffering from vegetative migraine.

Discovery of a novel effect of electric field exposure on human plasma beta-endorphin and interleukin-12 levels: Insight into mechanisms of pain alleviation and defense against infection by electric field therapy

Discovery of a novel effect of electric field exposure on human plasma beta-endorphin and interleukin-12 levels: Insight into mechanisms of pain alleviation and defense against infection by electric field therapy

Voluntary alcohol consumption and plasma beta-endorphin levels in alcohol preferring rats chronically treated with lamotrigine

Several recent studies have indicated that lamotrigine, similarly to other antiepileptic drugs, may be useful in the therapy of alcohol dependence. The rationale for using lamotrigine in the treatment of alcohol addiction is based on its multiple mechanisms of action which include inhibition of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, modulation voltage-gated calcium currents and transient potassium outward current. However, the known mechanism of lamotrigine does not fully explain its efficacy in alcohol addiction therapy. For this reason we have decided to examine the effect of lamotrigine on the opioid system. Our previous studies showed that topiramate and levetiracetam (antiepileptic drugs) as well as the most effective drugs in alcohol addiction therapy i.e. naltrexone and acamprosate, when given repeatedly, all increased plasma beta endorphin (an endogenous opioid peptide) level, despite operating through different pharmacological mechanisms. It is known that low beta-endorphin level is often associated with alcohol addiction and also that alcohol consumption elevates the level of this peptide. This study aims to assess the effect of repeated treatment with lamotrigine on voluntary alcohol intake and beta-endorphin plasma level in alcohol preferring rats (Warsaw high preferring (WHP) rats). We observed a decrease in alcohol consumption in rats treated with lamotrigine. However we didn't observe significant changes in beta-endorphin level during withdrawal of alcohol, which may indicate that the drug does not affect the opioid system. We suppose that lamotrigine may be useful in alcohol dependence therapy and presents a potential area for further study.

Evaluation of analgesic, sedative effects and antimigraine mechanism of Qilong Toutong Granule () in rodents.

To evaluate the analgesic and sedative effects of Qilong Toutong Granule (, QTG) and explore its possible mechanisms. Kunming mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control group, Zhengtian Pill (, ZTP) group, Western medicine group, and high-dose (5.2 g/kg), medium-dose (2.6 g/kg) and low-dose (1.3 g/kg) of QTG groups. After completing the prophylactic treatment for 3 days, hot-plate test and acetic acid-induced writhing test were used to assess the analgesic effect, and spontaneous locomotor test and sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis activity were adopted to estimate the sedative effect. Sprague-Dawley rats were grouped into normal control group, model group, ZTP group, rizatriptan group, and high-dose (3.6 g/kg), medium-dose (1.8 g/kg), and low-dose (0.9 g/kg) of QTG groups. After gavage for continuous 7 days, rats were intraperitoneally injected nitroglycerin, and 4 h later, blood samples were collected from postcava for measuring the levels of plasma calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and beta-endorphin (β-EP) by radioimmunoassay. Subsequently, rats were perfused transcardially and the brain tissues containing the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) were achieved for detecting the number of Fos-immunoreactive cells by immunohistochemical method. In the mice experiments, compared with the normal control group, high- and medium-dose of QTG groups significantly raised the pain threshold (P<0.01), reduced the number of writhing response (P<0.01) and spontaneous activity (P<0.01), but had no influence on the sleeping rate of mice (P>0.05), and low-dose of QTG group also raised the pain threshold at 120 min (P=0.007), as well as lowered locomotor activity of mice at 2 h (P=0.003). On the study of migraine model rats, high- and medium-dose of QTG groups remarkably down-regulated the levels of plasma CGRP (P<0.01), up-regulated the levels of plasma β-EP (P<0.01) and inhibited the expression of Fos protein in TNC (P<0.01), compared with the model group. QTG has obvious analgesic and sedative action and its mechanism on relieving migraine may be through regulating the levels of neurotransmitters and/or neuropeptides, and inhibiting the activation of Fos pathway.

Effect of food deprivation on formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors and β-endorphin and sex hormone concentration in rats.

The present study examined the possible role of endogenous opioidergic system in effect of food deprivation on formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors in male and female rats. Also, we investigated the effect of food deprivation on the plasma level of beta-endorphin and sex hormones. Food was withdrawn 48 h prior to performing the formalin test, but water continued to be available ad libitum. The formalin was injected into hind plantar paw. There is significant difference between male and female control rats during phase 2B. Following 48-h food deprivation, both male and female rats exhibited enhanced nociceptive behavior in response to formalin. Food deprivation for 12 and 24 h increased and for 48 h decreased beta-endorphin level in male and female rats. Food deprivation for 24 h decreased testosterone level in male, while it had no significant effect on female rats and food deprivation for 48 h decreased testosterone level in both sexes. Food deprivation for 24 h increased estradiol level in female and that for 48 h had no significant effect on male and female rats. The present study demonstrates the existence of food deprivation for 48 h causes enhancement of nociception in the formalin test in male and female rats that has correlation with decrease in plasma beta-endorphin and testosterone levels.

Zumba® Fitness workouts: are they an appropriate alternative to running or cycling?

A sedentary lifestyle (i.e., physically inactive) has been associated with a variety of diseases such as: obesity, type II diabetes, and heart disease. Chronic aerobic exercise can be used as a prophylactic against these diseases. However, the challenges for individuals, prior to engaging in a training program for disease prevention, include the selection of an appropriate aerobic exercise as well as longterm compliance. Running or cycling is the traditional modes of aerobic exercise used to minimize the risk of disease and maintain a healthy body weight. In this regard, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends a caloric expenditure of 300 kcal per exercise session [1]. Numerous studies examining running and cycling have reported caloric expenditures well above 300 kcal per exercise session [4– 8]. Running and cycling have also been reported to elicit increases in plasma beta (b) endorphin levels [4–8, 12, 13]. b endorphin can be released by the pituitary gland in response to exercise of sufficient intensity and duration and has been associated with euphoria and exercise addiction in what has been referred to by the fitness community as ‘‘runner’s high’’ [2, 10]. An exercise-induced elevation in b endorphin would provide additional support for the efficacy of the aerobic activity (in the prevention of disease) by increasing the likelihood of long-term compliance. While running and cycling have been the traditional activities to engage in aerobic activity, fitness classes and home exercise DVDs have become an attractive alternative. In this regard, dance fitness DVDs, as employed by Zumba Fitness, have become extremely popular. Originating in Columbia, South America, Zumba Fitness was created as a Latin-inspired dance fitness program that combines various types of dance elements (e.g. hip-hop, samba, etc.) to music as a method to engage in aerobic exercise as an alternative to running or cycling. To date, only one study has specifically examined the efficacy of Zumba Fitness as an appropriate workout for health benefits. Luettgen et al. [9] used exercise heart rates to predict the oxygen consumption expended during a Zumba class that lasted an average of 39 min. Specifically, with use of an incremental treadmill test, they employed a linear regression equation between heart rate and oxygen consumption (VO2). Based upon a subject’s heart rate during a Zumba class, they estimated the oxygen consumption to determine caloric expenditure [9]. They reported an average exercise heart rate of 154 bpm (79 % of HR max) and an average caloric expenditure of 370 kcal per class [9] suggesting that a Zumba Fitness workout may be an appropriate alternative to running or cycling. Estimates of VO2 via exercise heart rates and the subsequent determination of caloric expenditure, as employed by Luettgen et al. [9], would seem appropriate given the difficulty in measuring VO2 during aerobic dance exercises. Given the differences in movements between running on a treadmill and dance, there may be limitations with the use of treadmill heart rates to predict VO2 during a dance workout. Currently, no one has actually measured oxygen consumption during dance exercises to substantiate the E. Sternlicht Department of Kinesiology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA 90041, USA

경피신경전기자극이 전립선 침생검 조직검사 시 통증과 혈장 베타 엔돌핀 농도에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect on plasma beta endorphin concentration level and the influences on pain score of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) mediation to patients During a prostate needle biopsy. Methods: TENS was administered to only the experimental group. The electric current was given in high frequency (40-100 pps) and low intensity () from the waiting room stage until the end of the procedure. The average time spent was 35 minutes. Following 10 minutes of retention in the rectum, there was a biopsy. In two groups, the pain score was assessed twice when vas pain penetrated into the rectum, during the needle biopsy. The Beta endorphin concentration level was assessed through blood gathering 2 times in the Nuclear Medicine Labs before and after the test. Results: There was not much difference in pain levels from both groups when a microscope probe penetrated into the rectum and in the time when tissues were collected. However, the average overall pain level was reduced during those two procedures. The plasma beta endorphin level was increased in the TENS medicated group compared with the unmedicated group after the procedures were completed. Conclusion: The research indicates that TENS was desirable to be considered as a non-invasive method for controlling pain.

269 – Increase of beta-endorphin plasma level as a potential marker of positive response to treatment of depression

There are new materials in looking for objective tools of mental conditions of depression patients. Grant of Russian humanitarian scientific fund: 11-06-00869. 21 patient (7 male; 14 female; mean age - 38.2 years). Assessment of beta-endorphin concentration in peripheral blood in patients with mild and moderate unipolar depression. Implementation of this parameter as a marker of treatment efficacy. Ethically approved prospective study; HDRS; ELISA; statistical analysis Changes in beta-endorphin level appeared to be more significant marker than peptides‘ absolute level. Degree of beta-endorphin changes and degree of HDRS score changes were significantly correlated (p = 0.009; Spearman correlation coefficient ρ = - 0.6). Individual change was calculated as ratio of previous value divided by subsequent value. Therefore, higher increase of beta-endorphin concentration was associated with higher decrease in HDRS score. Figure. Preliminary data show that increase in beta-endorphin plasma level in patients with non-psychotic unipolar depression after 2 weeks of treatment is associated with positive response to treatment.

Effect of repeated treatment with topiramate on voluntary alcohol intake and beta-endorphin plasma level in Warsaw alcohol high-preferring rats

RationalePharmacological treatment currently used for alcohol dependence is not sufficient for the all patients, and there is a crucial need to find more effective treatments. Recent studies indicate that topiramate is likely the most promising new medication for alcohol dependence. The rationale for topiramate as treatment for alcohol addiction is based on its multifaceted neurochemical activity that targets multiple neural pathways.ObjectivesThis study aims to assess the effect of repeated treatment with topiramate on voluntary alcohol intake and beta-endorphin plasma level in rats selectively bred for high alcohol preference.MethodsInitially, Warsaw high preferring rats (N = 50) were given a 24-h/day free choice between a 10 % (v/v) alcohol solution and water for three consecutive weeks. Subsequently, rats were administered with topiramate (40 or 80 mg/kg b.w.) or vehicle for 14 days and ethanol intake was measured daily. Subsequently, we examined the effects of topiramate on plasma beta-endorphin levels, while alcohol was available and when it was not available for an extended period time.ResultsWe observed significantly increase in the levels of beta-endorphin in rats with free access to alcohol both in a topiramate- or vehicle-treated group. However, in topiramate-treated group, a voluntary consumption of alcohol diminished in comparison with the vehicle-treated rats.ConclusionThe results from this study indicated that topiramate reduces voluntary alcohol intake and support our previous findings that the increase of beta-endorphin level is responsible at least partly for the effectiveness of drugs in treating the alcohol addiction.

Effect of low frequency of interferential therapy on plasma beta-endorphin levels in rats

Objectives: Interferential therapy (IFT) is a common electrophysical agent used by physiotherapists for pain management. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the hypoalgesic and neurophysiologic mechanisms by which IFT reduces pain. This study aimed to investigate the effect of IFT on plasma beta-endorphin (BEND) levels in the rat model as a proposed analgesic mechanism of IFT. Methods: Twelve adult male Wistar rats received an intra-plantar injection of 0.15 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the right hind paw under anaesthesia. Five days post FCA, the rats were anesthetized and were divided into two groups (n = 6). One group received IFT at 4 Hz for 20 minutes on the inflamed paw while the other group received sham IFT. One ml of blood was withdrawn from the tail vein of both groups before IFT application but after anaesthesia and then again at the end of the 20 minutes of IFT/sham IFT. Collected blood was centrifuged and plasma was removed for analysis of BEND. Concentrations of BEND were measured in the plasma using ELISA radioimmunoassay. Results: There was a slight increase in the BEND levels in the treatment group following 20 minutes of IFT. However, this increase was not statistically significant neither within (Z = -0.314, P = 0.753, Wilcoxon test) or between the treatment and sham groups (Z = -0.363, P = 0.79, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusion: The findings suggested that the release of plasma BEND may not be the mechanism by which 4 Hz IFT have an analgesic effect.

Acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation reduces discomfort associated with barostat-induced rectal distension: A randomized-controlled study

To explore the effectiveness of acupuncture transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (Acu-TENS), a non-invasive modality in reduction of rectal discomfort during barostat-induced rectal distension. Forty healthy subjects were randomized to receive 45 min of either Acu-TENS or placebo-TENS (no electrical output) over acupuncture points Hegu (large-intestine 4), Neiguan (pericardium 6) and Zusanli (stomach 36). A balloon catheter attached to a dual-drive barostat machine was then inserted into the subjects' rectum. A step-wise (4 mmHg) increase in balloon pressure was induced until maximal tolerable or 48 mmHg. Visual analogue scale and a 5-point subjective discomfort scale (no perception, first perception of distension, urge to defecate, discomfort/pain and extreme pain) were used to assess rectal discomfort at each distension pressure. Blood beta-endorphin levels were measured before, immediately after intervention, at 24 mmHg and at maximal tolerable distension pressure. There was no difference in the demographic data and baseline plasma beta-endorphin levels between the two groups. Perception threshold levels were higher in the Acu-TENS group when compared to the placebo group, but the difference reached statistical significance only at the sensations "urge to defecate" and "pain". The distension pressures recorded at the "urge to defecate" sensation for the Acu-TENS and placebo-TENS groups were 28.0 ± 4.5 mmHg and 24.6 ± 5.7 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.043); and the pressures recorded for the "pain" sensation for these two groups were 36.0 ± 4.2 mmHg and 30.5 ± 4.3 mmHg respectively (P = 0.002). Compared to the placebo group, a higher number of participants in the Acu-TENS group tolerated higher distension pressures (> 40 mmHg) (65% in Acu-TENS vs 25% in placebo, P = 0.02). The plasma beta-endorphin levels of the Acu-TENS group were significantly higher than that of the placebo group at barostat inflation pressure of 24 mmHg (1.31 ± 0.40 ng/mL vs 1.04 ± 0.43 ng/mL, P = 0.044) and at maximal inflation pressure (1.46 ± 0.53 ng/mL vs 0.95 ± 0.38 ng/mL, P = 0.003). Acu-TENS reduced rectal discomfort during barostat-induced rectal distension and concurrently associated with a rise in beta-endorphin level.

Role of acupuncture in stress management

ABSTRACT: Stress factors impair physiological and psychological balance state of the individuals. This situation can cause various diseases. Today, diseases caused by stress are treated with methods like educational program for coping with stress, psychotherapy, drug therapy. Recently, acupuncture treatment is added to these methods. Acupuncture treatment effects to modulate various neurophysiologic mechanisms in during resistance period of stress. This mechanism provides support for the person’s psychological state. Acupuncture treatment increases the secretion of hormones such as endomorphine, beta endorphine, enkephalin, serotonin and cortisol from central nervous system. Stress factors increase endomorphin, beta endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin and oxytocin levels in the central nervous system and plasma in the resistance period to stress. Acupuncture applications increase the synthesis and release of endomorphin, beta endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin and oxytocin from the central nervous system which strengthens the individual’s resistance period to cope with stress. Therefore, method of acupuncture is also used in the treatment of diseases caused by stress. KEY WORDS: stress, acupuncture, beta endorphin, enkephalin, serotonin, oxytocin