1.Acupuncture Treatment Strategies for Crohn's Disease Based on the Principle of "Shaoyang as the Pivot"
Chunhui BAO ; Jin HUANG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhou HAO ; Luyi WU ; Huirong LIU ; Huangan WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(10):1017-1022
The shaoyang meridian is an important pivot between the internal organs and meridians system, with the functions of regulating qi and blood, balancing yin and yang, and coordinating the ascending and descending movement of qi. Dysfunction of the shaoyang pivot can lead to spleen and kidney deficiency, impaired liver and gallbladder qi regulation, and stagnation of qi and blood. It is believed that the onset and progression of Crohn's disease are closely related to shaoyang pivot dysfunction, with the core pathogenesis characterized by shaoyang disharmony, spleen deficiency, dampness retention, and blood stasis. Based on this understanding, the treatment principle centers on harmonizing the shaoyang pivot, supplemented by methods such as warming and nourishing the spleen and stomach, tonifying shaoyang, and soothing the liver and benefiting the gallbladder. Acupuncture is employed to target key acupoints along the shaoyang meridian to restore its regulatory functions, improve spleen and stomach transformation and transportation, facilitate liver and gallbladder qi flow, and promote the circulation of qi and blood. This provides a practical therapeutic approach for acupuncture-based treatment of Crohn's disease.
2.Research progress of nanozymes in the treatment of acute kidney injury
Xinyu SUN ; Wenfeng GUO ; Tingting WANG ; Huirong LI ; Lu ZHOU ; Hongbao LIU
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(5):403-408
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a life-threatening clinical syndrome, lacks effective therapeutic interventions beyond supportive care such as hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. Pathologically, excessive reactive oxygen species -mediated oxidative stress is recognized as a pivotal contributor to AKI progression, positioning reactive oxygen species scavenging as a critical therapeutic target. Emerging nanozymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-mimetic activities, have shown promise in addressing AKI by targeting renal oxidative stress. The article mainly reviewed the content of classification of nanozymes, research findings on nanozymes in treating AKI along with discussions on their mechanisms of action, as well as the current challenges and existing issues in nanozymes-based AKI therapy, to provide enhanced research perspectives for advancing nanozyme applications in the prevention and treatment of AKI.
3.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in the management of Crohn's disease: opportunities and challenges
Chunhui BAO ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhou HAO ; Luyi WU ; Huirong LIU ; Huan'gan WU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):286-291
With the increasing global recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological treatment, has demonstrated promising potential in alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and modulating immune and neurological system functions in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This review summarizes the theoretical foundations and recent research progress on acupuncture for CD, and introduces a personalized "Three Discriminations" diagnostic and therapeutic strategy based on syndrome differentiation, meridian differentiation, and acupoint selection. It also identifies the target patient populations and clinical application value of acupuncture in CD treatment. Despite preliminary progress, acupuncture treatment for CD still faces multiple challenges, including limited high-quality clinical research evidence, uneven resource distribution, non-standardized efficacy evaluation systems, insufficiently standardized treatment strategies, and an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on establishing high-quality evidence systems, optimizing integrative treatment strategies combining acupuncture with conventional medicine, and conducting deep exploration of multi-dimensional mechanisms, with the goal of promoting the standardized integration of acupuncture into the management of CD and providing patients with safer, more precise, and sustainable therapeutic options.
4.Study on the Mechanism of Regulation of Visceral Pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mice by Electroacupuncture Based on TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK Signaling Pathway
Jing CHAI ; Zijun ZHANG ; Yi ZHOU ; Luyi WU ; Lu ZHU ; Guona LI ; Huangan WU ; Huirong LIU ; Fang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):78-84
Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in inhibiting peripheral sensitization of visceral pain in mice with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)based on TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway.Methods Totally 28 male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group.The IBS visceral hypersensitivity model was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema.Four weeks post-modeling,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group were given electroacupuncture at bilateral"Zusanli"and intraperitoneal injection of the TRPV1 receptor inhibitor respectively for consecutive 7 d.Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)score was used to evaluate visceral pain in mice,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TRPV1,p-p38,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the Ras-GTP content in colonic tissue,and RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV1 and p38 in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly increased(P<0.001),the expression of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly increased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly decreased in electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),and the expressions of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).There was no significant change in the morphology of colonic tissue in each group of mice.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS mice,and its analgesic effect may be related to the inhibition of the TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway in colonic tissue.
5.Observation of the clinical efficacy of moxa-stick moxibustion in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Jindan MA ; Guona LI ; Fangyuan SUN ; Qin QI ; Luyi WU ; Chen ZHAO ; Huirong LIU ; Yuan LU ; Xiaopeng MA ; Liming CHEN ; Zhaoqin WANG ; Cili ZHOU ; Huangan WU ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(2):135-143
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.
6.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in the management of Crohn's disease: opportunities and challenges
Chunhui BAO ; Jinrong ZHANG ; Xinyi ZHU ; Zhou HAO ; Luyi WU ; Huirong LIU ; Huan'gan WU
Chinese Journal of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 2025;09(4):286-291
With the increasing global recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological treatment, has demonstrated promising potential in alleviating symptoms, improving quality of life, and modulating immune and neurological system functions in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This review summarizes the theoretical foundations and recent research progress on acupuncture for CD, and introduces a personalized "Three Discriminations" diagnostic and therapeutic strategy based on syndrome differentiation, meridian differentiation, and acupoint selection. It also identifies the target patient populations and clinical application value of acupuncture in CD treatment. Despite preliminary progress, acupuncture treatment for CD still faces multiple challenges, including limited high-quality clinical research evidence, uneven resource distribution, non-standardized efficacy evaluation systems, insufficiently standardized treatment strategies, and an incomplete understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Future efforts should focus on establishing high-quality evidence systems, optimizing integrative treatment strategies combining acupuncture with conventional medicine, and conducting deep exploration of multi-dimensional mechanisms, with the goal of promoting the standardized integration of acupuncture into the management of CD and providing patients with safer, more precise, and sustainable therapeutic options.
7.Effects of moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Qihai(CV6)on ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1R axis in the colon tissue of Crohn disease mice with intestinal fibrosis
Yang PENG ; Qianqian GAO ; Qianru FENG ; Xiaoji ZHU ; Zhe MA ; Huangan WU ; Huirong LIU ; Cili ZHOU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):197-209
Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in Crohn disease(CD)-associated intestinal fibrosis by observing its effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R)axis in CD mouse models.Methods:Six randomly selected male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal group,while the remaining mice were administered 0.1 mL of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid via enema to establish a CD intestinal fibrosis model.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medication group,with 6 rats in each group.The normal group and the model group only received grabbing without intervention.In the moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied to Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25)once a day for 10 min each time over 7 consecutive days.The Western medication group was administered mesalazine suspension via oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days.At the end of the intervention,the general condition,disease activity index(DAI)score,and gross colon score of mice in each group were evaluated.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe and score the histological changes in the colon tissue in each group.Masson staining was used to observe colonic fibrosis and the ratio of collagen-positive areas was analyzed;the expression of Ang Ⅱ in the colon tissue was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the colon tissue,respectively;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in the colon tissue.Results:Compared to the normal group,the DAI score,gross colon score,colonic histological score,collagen-positive area ratio,ACE protein and mRNA,Ang Ⅱ protein,AT1R protein and mRNA,TGF-β1 protein,and CTGF protein in the colon tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,the above indicators in both the moxibustion group and the Western medication group reduced significantly compared to the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in these indicators between the moxibustion group and the Western medication group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate intestinal fibrosis in CD mice,and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the regulation of colonic ACE/AngⅡ/AT1R axis.
8.Effects of moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Qihai(CV6)on ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1R axis in the colon tissue of Crohn disease mice with intestinal fibrosis
Yang PENG ; Qianqian GAO ; Qianru FENG ; Xiaoji ZHU ; Zhe MA ; Huangan WU ; Huirong LIU ; Cili ZHOU
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):197-209
Objective:To explore the therapeutic mechanism of moxibustion in Crohn disease(CD)-associated intestinal fibrosis by observing its effects on the angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)/angiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)/angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor(AT1R)axis in CD mouse models.Methods:Six randomly selected male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to a normal group,while the remaining mice were administered 0.1 mL of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid via enema to establish a CD intestinal fibrosis model.After successful modeling,the mice were randomly divided into a model group,a moxibustion group,and a Western medication group,with 6 rats in each group.The normal group and the model group only received grabbing without intervention.In the moxibustion group,mild moxibustion was applied to Qihai(CV6)and bilateral Tianshu(ST25)once a day for 10 min each time over 7 consecutive days.The Western medication group was administered mesalazine suspension via oral gavage once a day for 7 consecutive days.At the end of the intervention,the general condition,disease activity index(DAI)score,and gross colon score of mice in each group were evaluated.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe and score the histological changes in the colon tissue in each group.Masson staining was used to observe colonic fibrosis and the ratio of collagen-positive areas was analyzed;the expression of Ang Ⅱ in the colon tissue was detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of ACE and AT1R in the colon tissue,respectively;Western blotting was used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in the colon tissue.Results:Compared to the normal group,the DAI score,gross colon score,colonic histological score,collagen-positive area ratio,ACE protein and mRNA,Ang Ⅱ protein,AT1R protein and mRNA,TGF-β1 protein,and CTGF protein in the colon tissue in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01).In contrast,the above indicators in both the moxibustion group and the Western medication group reduced significantly compared to the model group(P<0.01 or P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in these indicators between the moxibustion group and the Western medication group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can alleviate intestinal fibrosis in CD mice,and its therapeutic mechanism may be associated with the regulation of colonic ACE/AngⅡ/AT1R axis.
9.Study on the Mechanism of Regulation of Visceral Pain in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mice by Electroacupuncture Based on TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK Signaling Pathway
Jing CHAI ; Zijun ZHANG ; Yi ZHOU ; Luyi WU ; Lu ZHU ; Guona LI ; Huangan WU ; Huirong LIU ; Fang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):78-84
Objective To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture in inhibiting peripheral sensitization of visceral pain in mice with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)based on TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway.Methods Totally 28 male SPF-grade C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal group,model group,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group.The IBS visceral hypersensitivity model was induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid enema.Four weeks post-modeling,electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group were given electroacupuncture at bilateral"Zusanli"and intraperitoneal injection of the TRPV1 receptor inhibitor respectively for consecutive 7 d.Abdominal withdrawal reflex(AWR)score was used to evaluate visceral pain in mice,HE staining was used to observe the morphology of colonic tissue,Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TRPV1,p-p38,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α and interleukin(IL)-6 in colonic tissue,ELISA was used to detect the Ras-GTP content in colonic tissue,and RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of TRPV1 and p38 in colonic tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly increased(P<0.001),the expression of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly increased(P<0.001).Compared with the model group,AWR score under different pressure were significantly decreased in electroacupuncture group and inhibitor group(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expression of TRPV1,p-p38,TNF-α and IL-6 protein in colonic tissue significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001),the content of Ras-GTP significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.001),and the expressions of TRPV1 and p38 mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.001).There was no significant change in the morphology of colonic tissue in each group of mice.Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively alleviate visceral hypersensitivity in IBS mice,and its analgesic effect may be related to the inhibition of the TRPV1/Ras/p38MAPK signaling pathway in colonic tissue.
10.Observation of the clinical efficacy of moxa-stick moxibustion in treating diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
Jindan MA ; Guona LI ; Fangyuan SUN ; Qin QI ; Luyi WU ; Chen ZHAO ; Huirong LIU ; Yuan LU ; Xiaopeng MA ; Liming CHEN ; Zhaoqin WANG ; Cili ZHOU ; Huangan WU ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(2):135-143
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of gentle moxibustion at different temperatures in treating people with diarrhea-predominant bowel syndrome(IBS-D)due to spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 108 IBS-D patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 54 participants in each group.Moxibustion group 1 received gentle moxibustion at(43±1)℃at bilateral Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36),lasting 30 min each session;moxibustion group 2 received gentle moxibustion at(37±1)℃at the same points.Both groups received the intervention 3 times weekly for a total of 18 sessions.Abdominal pain intensity,stool form,pattern-based efficacy,quality of life,and mental health assessments were performed at weeks 0,3,6,and 8.Results:The total effective rate for abdominal pain intensity was 87.8%in moxibustion group 1 versus 51.1%in moxibustion group 2,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).When the treatment finished,abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol score,IBS-symptom severity scale(IBS-SSS)score,self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)score dropped significantly in both groups(P<0.05),and the IBS-quality of life(IBS-QOL)score increased markedly(P<0.05).Between-group comparisons demonstrated that abdominal pain intensity,the Bristol general score,IBS-SSS score,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pattern score,and SDS score were significantly lower in moxibustion group 1 than in moxibustion group 2 at treatment week 6(P<0.05),and the IBS-QOL score was notably higher in moxibustion group 1(P<0.05).Conclusion:Whether at 43℃or 37℃,gentle moxibustion at Tianshu(ST25)and Zusanli(ST36)can improve abdominal pain,stool form,and quality of life,reduce disease severity,and mitigate TCM pattern in IBS-D patients;43℃gentle moxibustion performs better than 37℃gentle moxibustion in improving abdominal pain,stool form,disease severity,TCM pattern,quality of life,anxiety,and depression in IBS-D.

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