OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) for Z syndrome without organic lesion (metabolic syndrome combined with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome).

METHODSFifty-eight patients with Z syndrome were divided into three groups according to mild,moderate and severe degree. Acupuncture and EA were used at Daimai (GB 26), Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Zusanli ST 36), Qihai (CV 6) and Huaroumen (ST 24), etc., once a day and five times a week. The treatment of ten times was a course, and two courses were acquired continuously. Sleep respiration monitoring (PSG) was done before EA and in one week after treatment respectively. Triacylglycerol (TG) fasting blood glucose (FBG) fasting insulin (INS) and serum leptin (Lep) were tested before and after treatment in the three groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and the percentage of the time of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) less than 90% taken in the total sleep time (SLT 90%) were improved apparently than those before treatment in the three groups (all P < 0.05). The levels of TG, FPG, INS and Lep were decreased after treatment in all groups (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEA can improve AHI and nocturnal hypoxia of Z syndrome, and the mechanism may be related to decreasing the indices of metabolism syndrome and leptin.