OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for unblocking the obstruction in the governor vessel and regulating the spirit) on the depression-like behavior and the hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis mediated by solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway in depression rats, and explore the mechanism of this therapy for depression. METHODS: Of 30 male SD rats of SPF grade, 24 rats were selected. According to the random number table, they were divided into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=16). The rats in the modeling group were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for 28 consecutive days to establish depression model. After modeling, 16 successfully-modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and an acupuncture group, 8 rats in each one. In the acupuncture group, Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied to "Dazhui"(GV14), "Shuigou" (GV26), "Baihui" (GV20) and "Shenting" (GV24). This intervention measure was deliveredonce a day, continuously for 6 days. The intervention discontinued on day 7, and was completed in 4 weeks. Before and after modeling, and after intervention completion, the behavioristics detection was performed using sucrose preference experiment and open field experiment. After intervention, using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining, the morphology of hippocampal neurons was observed; with Western blot method, the protein expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, Ferritin and acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family 4 (ACSL4) in hippocampal tissues was detected; with the real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR adopted, the mRNA expression of GPX4, SLC7A11, Ferritin and ACSL4 was detected; and using colorimetry, the hippocampal iron content was determined. RESULTS: After modeling, the sucrose preference rates, the total distance of movement, the standing times and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the model group and the acupuncture group were lower than those in the normal group (P<0.01). After the intervention, the sucrose preference rates, the total distance of movement, the standing times and the boxes of horizontal crossing in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the model group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the number of necrotic cells increased and the number of Nissl bodies decreased in the model group; and when compared with the model group, the neuronal pyknosis and necrosis were ameliorated, the cells were arranged more regularly, the neuronal structure was clear, the matrix was dense, the blood vessels were enriched and the number of Nissl bodies increased in the acupuncture group. In comparison with the normal group, the relative expression of protein and mRNA of hippocampal GPX4, SLC7A11 decreased (P<0.01), it increased in the expression of hippocampal Ferritin and ACSL4 (P<0.01) in the model group. When compared with the model group, in the acupuncture group, the relative expression of protein and mRNA of hippocampal GPX4, SLC7A11 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.05), it was dropped for hippocampal Ferritin and ACSL4 (P<0.01). In the model group, the hippocampal iron content was elevated when compared with that in the normal group (P<0.01); and it was reduced in the acupuncture group when compared with that in the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture attenuates depression-like behaviors in the depression rats, which may be related to regulating SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway and inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis in the hippocampus.
Animals ; Ferroptosis ; Male ; Hippocampus/cytology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Depression/enzymology* ; Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Amino Acid Transport System y+/genetics* ; Glutathione Peroxidase/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

The expert consensus on the clinical treatment of herpes zoster with fire needling was developed, and the commonly used fire needling treatment scheme verified by clinical research was selected to form a standardized diagnosis and treatment scheme for acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), so as to answer the core problems in clinical application. The consensus focuses on patients with herpes zoster, and forms recommendations for 9 key clinical issues, covering simple fire needling and TCM comprehensive therapy based on fire needling, including fire needling combined with cupping, fire needling combined with Chinese herb, fire needling combined with cupping and Chinese herb, fire needling combined with filiform needling, fire needling combined with moxibustion, and provides specific recommendations and operational guidelines for various therapies.
Humans ; Herpes Zoster/therapy* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Consensus ; Clinical Protocols

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of fire needling on prostate symptoms, quality of life, average daily number of nightly urination, urine flow rate and prostat volume in patients with mild to moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of kidney yang deficiency. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with mild to moderate BPH of kidney yang deficiency were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 4 cases dropped off). The observation group was treated with fire needling at Guanyuan (CV 4), Shuidao (ST 28) and Qugu (CV 2) twice a week (2-3 d interval between each treatment), continuous treatment for 4 weeks. The control group received lifestyle advice and education, once a week for 4 weeks. In the two groups, the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), the quality of life (QoL) score and the average daily number of nightly urination were observed before treatment, after treatment and during the follow-up of the 4th week; the urinary maximum flow rate (Qmax), the average flow rate (Qave), and the prostate volume were assessed before and after treatment in the two groups. The safety was observed in the observation group. RESULTS: After treatment and during follow-up, the IPSS scores, QoL scores, and the average daily number of nightly urination in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, there was no significant difference in Qmax, Qave and prostate volume between the two groups and within the each group (P>0.05). There were no fire needling-related adverse reactions, and no obvious abnormality was found in urine routine and coagulation function tests before and after treatment in the observation group. CONCLUSION Fire needling can improve lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life, reduce frequency of nightly urination in patients with mild to moderate BPH of kidney yang deficiency, and has good safety.
Male ; Humans ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/therapy* ; Quality of Life ; Yang Deficiency ; Treatment Outcome ; Kidney

To summarize and analyze the clinical application characteristics of Qugu (CV 2) in ancient and modern literature based on data mining technology. The Chinese Medical Code (the 5th edition) was taken as the retrieval source of ancient literature, while the CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases were taken as the retrieval source of modern literature. The indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone or with compatible acupoints, compatible acupoints, acupuncture-moxibustion manipulation, etc., were systematically sorted out. As a result, a total of 140 articles of ancient literature were included. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone were urinary retention, profuse vaginal discharge and hernia. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used with compatible acupoints were profuse vaginal discharge, stranguria and hernia. Sixty-four acupoints were concurrently used with Qugu (CV 2), Qugu (CV 2) was mainly compatible with acupoints of conception vessel, bladder meridian and liver meridian, and the high-frequency acupoints included Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); five-shu points were the most used special acupoints, and moxibustion therapy was often used. A total of 73 modern articles were included. The common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used alone were urinary retention, erectile dysfunction and chronic prostatitis; the common indications of Qugu (CV 2) used with compatible scupoints were urinary retention, erectile dysfunction and prostatic hyperplasia. Thirty-six acupoints were concurrently used with Qugu (CV 2), Qugu (CV 2) was mainly compatible with acupoints of conception vessel, kidney meridian and spleen meridian, and the high-frequency acupoints included Zhongji (CV 3), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36); front-mu points were the most used special acupoints, and acupuncture therapy was often used. Qugu (CV 2) treats a wide range of diseases in ancient times, the distant treatment effectiveness of acupoints is emphasized; and it mainly treats local diseases in modern times, the nearby treatment effectiveness of acupoints is emphasized.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Literature, Modern ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Urinary Retention ; Meridians ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Moxibustion ; Vaginal Discharge

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) at different time points on the serum level of β-endorphin (β-EP), substance P (SP) and expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein in brainstem in rats with migraine, and to explore the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in preventing and treating migraine. METHODS: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a prevention+treatment (PT) group and a treatment group, 10 rats in each group. Except the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were injected with nitroglycerin subcutaneously to prepare migraine model. The rats in the PT group were treated with moxibustion 7 days before modeling (once a day) and 30 min after modeling, while the rats in the treatment group were treated with moxibustion 30 min after modeling. The "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Dazhui" (GV 14) were taken for 30 minutes each time. The behavioral scores in each group were observed before and after modeling. After intervention, ELISA method was used to detect the serum level of β-EP and SP; the immunohistochemistry method was used to detect the number of positive cells of IL-1β in brainstem; the Western blot method was used to detect the expression of COX-2 protein in brainstem. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the behavioral scores in the model group were increased 0-30 min, 60-90 min and 90-120 min after modeling (P<0.01); compared with the model group, in the treatment group and the PT group, the behavioral scores were decreased 60-90 min and 90-120 min after modeling (P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, in the model group, the serum level of β-EP was decreased (P<0.01), while the serum level of SP, the number of positive cells of IL-1β in brainstem and the expression of COX-2 protein were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the PT group and and the treatment group, the serum level of β-EP was increased (P<0.01), while the serum level of SP, the number of positive cells of IL-1β and the expression of COX-2 protein in brainstem were decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared with the treatment group, in the PT group, the serum level of β-EP was increased and COX-2 protein expression was decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Moxibustion could effectively relieve migraine. The mechanism may be related to reduce the serum level of SP, IL-1β and COX-2 protein expression in brainstem, and increase the serum level of β-EP, and the optimal effect is observed in the PT group.
Rats ; Male ; Animals ; Moxibustion ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; beta-Endorphin ; Substance P ; Interleukin-1beta ; Migraine Disorders ; Brain Stem

OBJECTIVE: To re-evaluate the systematic review/Meta-analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion for childhood autism (CA), aiming to provide decision-making basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: The systematic review and/or Meta-analysis of acupuncture and moxibustion for CA were searched in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases. The retrieval time was from the database establishment to May 5th, 2022. PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-analyses) was used to evaluate the report quality, and AMSTAR 2 (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews 2) was used to evaluate the methodological quality, bubble map was used to construct the evidence map and GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. RESULTS: A total of 9 systematic reviews were included. The PRISMA scores ranged from 13 to 26. The report quality was low, and there was a serious lack in the aspects of program and registration, search, other analysis and funding. The main problems in methodology included not making prespecified protocol, incomplete retrieval strategy, not providing a list of excluded literatures, and incomplete explanation on heterogeneity analysis and bias risk. The evidence map showed that 6 conclusions were valid, 2 conclusions were possible valid and 1 conclusion was uncertain valid. The overall quality of evidence was low, and the main factors leading to the downgrade were limitations, followed by inconsistency, imprecision and publication bias. CONCLUSION Acupuncture and moxibustion has a certain effect for CA, but the quality of reporting, methodology and evidence in included literature need to be improved. It is suggested to perform high-quality and standardized research in the future to provide evidence-based basis.
Child ; Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Autistic Disorder ; Moxibustion/methods* ; Publication Bias ; Research Design ; Systematic Reviews as Topic ; Meta-Analysis as Topic

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on NLRP3 inflammasome and its downstream protein gastermin D (GSDMD) in rats with primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), and to explore the potential mechanism of EA on the treatment of PDM. METHODS: Forty healthy female SD rats without pregnancy were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, an EA group and an ibuprofen group, 10 rats in each group. PDM model was prepared by injection of estradiol benzoate and oxytocin. Except the control group, the rats in each group were subcutaneously injected with estradiol benzoate for 10 days, and oxytocin was injected on the 11th day. The rats in the EA group were intervened with EA (dense wave, frequency of 50 Hz) at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) and "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) at the same time of modeling, once a day, 20 min each time, for 10 consecutive days. The rats in the ibuprofen group were treated with 0.8 mL of ibuprofen by gavage (concentration of ibuprofen solution was 1.25 mg/mL) for 10 consecutive days. After modeling, the writhing reaction was observed. After intervention, the HE staining method was used to observe the histological morphology of uterus and evaluate the pathological damage score of uterus; ELISA method was used to detect the serum levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α); Western blot method was used to detect the protein expression of NLRP3, apoptosis related spot like protein (ASC), caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N and inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-18) in uterine tissue. RESULTS: In the model group, a large number of vacuolar degeneration and death of endometrial epithelial cells, spiral arterioles congestion in lamina propria and neutrophil infiltration were observed. In the EA group, there was a small amount of vacuolar degeneration and death of endometrial epithelial cells, a small amount of spiral arterioles congestion in the lamina propria, and a small amount of neutrophils infiltration. In the ibuprofen group, there was very small number of degeneration and death of endometrial epithelial cells, and no obvious arterial congestion was found in lamina propria, and neutrophil infiltration was occasionally seen. Compared with the control group, in the model group the number of writhing was increased (P<0.01), the writhing reaction score and serum level of PGF2α and PGF2α/PGE2 value were increased (P<0.01), the level of PGE2 was decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, in the EA group and the ibuprofen group the number of writhing were decreased (P<0.05), the latency of writhing was prolonged (P<0.01), the writhing reaction scores and serum levels of PGF2α and PGF2α/PGE2 values were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the levels of PGE2 were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β and IL-18 in the uterine tissues of rats was increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the protein expression of NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β and IL-18 in the uterine tissues of rats was decreased in the EA group and the ibuprofen group (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the EA group and the ibuprofen group in the above indexes (P>0.05). CONCLUSION EA could alleviate pain and uterine tissue injury in rats with PDM. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in rat uterine tissues, thereby inhibiting pyroptosis and its inflammatory factors release.
Animals ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Rats ; Caspases ; Dinoprost ; Dinoprostone ; Dysmenorrhea ; Electroacupuncture ; Ibuprofen ; Inflammasomes ; Interleukin-18 ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein ; Oxytocin ; Phosphate-Binding Proteins ; Pyroptosis ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Uterus

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion on the ultrastructure of synovial cells of knee joint and serum cytokines in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats, and to explore the potential mechanism of moxibustion in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Forty-five Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a moxibustion group, with 15 rats in each group. In the model group and the moxibustion group, the AA model was replicated under wind, cold and humid environment and by injection with complete freund's adjuvant. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36) and "Shenshu" (BL 23) was used, 20 min each time, once daily, for consecutive 21 days. In the normal group and the model group, no intervention was processed. The scores of the knee joint swelling degree (JSD) and arthritis index (AI) were compared among groups. The ultrastructure of synovial cells of knee joint were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM). The levels of serum cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interieukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected using ELISA method. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, JSD and AI scores, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were increased (P<0.01), while IL-10 was reduced (P<0.01) in the model group after intervention. JSD and AI scores, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the level of IL-10 was higher (P<0.01) in the moxibustion group compared with the model group. Compared with the normal group, the ultrastructure of synovial cell was obviously damaged in the model group, and the damage was attenuated in the moxibustion group compared with the model group. CONCLUSION Moxibustion can reduce the symptoms of arthritis in AA rats, which may be related to the improvement of the ultrastructure of synovial cells and the regulation of cytokines.
Male ; Rats ; Animals ; Cytokines ; Interleukin-10 ; Arthritis, Experimental ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Interleukin-6 ; Moxibustion ; Rats, Wistar ; Knee Joint

The cases of feeling comfort during acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in literature were summarized and its biological basis was explored. A simple classification of comfort was made, and the importance of obtaining comfort in acupuncture treatment was pointed out. Considering the pursuit of less pain and harmlessness in modern clinical treatment, sugar needle should be advocated and popularized in current clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion.
Sugars ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Emotions ; Needles