OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method versus local acupuncture in treating chronic low back pain (CLBP) in elderly patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH), and to evaluate the changes in the multifidus muscle before and after treatment using musculoskeletal ultrasound. METHODS: A total of 128 elderly patients with CLBP due to LDH were randomly assigned to an observation group (64 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a control group (64 cases, 2 cases dropped out). The control group received local acupuncture at bilateral L₃-L₅ Jiaji points (EX-B2), Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25), Weizhong (BL40), Yaoyangguan (GV3), and ashi points. The observation group received acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method, which included an abdominal protocol with Baihui (GV20), Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Tianshu (ST25), and Dahe (KI12), etc., and a lumbar protocol with Baihui (GV20), Dazhui (GV14), Jizhong (GV6), Yaoyangguan (GV3), and ashi points, etc., alternated bilaterally. Both groups were treated once every other day, three times per week, for a total of 12 sessions. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and the indexs of musculoskeletal ultrasound multifidus muscle (resting and functional thickness and Young's modulus values) were observed before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: After 1 and 4 weeks of treatment, both groups showed lower VAS scores compared to baseline (P<0.05), the VAS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.001). ODI scores in both groups were decreased after 1 and 4 weeks of treatment compared to baseline (P<0.05), with a further reduction at 4 weeks of treatment compared to 1 week of treatment (P<0.05); the observation group showed lower ODI score than the control group after 1 week of treatment (P<0.001). After treatment, both groups demonstrated increased resting and functional multifidus muscle thickness bilaterally compared to baseline (P<0.01), with an increased right-side thickness change rate (P<0.01), though no significant difference was observed between groups (P>0.05). Compared to baseline, after treatment, the observation group exhibited decreased Young's modulus values for bilateral resting and functional multifidus muscle (P<0.01), while the control group showed reductions only in bilateral resting and right-side functional Young's modulus values (P<0.01). After treatment, the bilateral functional Young's modulus values in the observation group were lower than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the bilateral resting and functional changes in Young's modulus values were greater in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.01). The overall effective rate was 93.5% (58/62) in the observation group, which was higher than 79.0% (49/62) in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture with yin-yang regulation method effectively alleviates pain, improves functional disability, increases multifidus muscle thickness, and reduces Young's modulus values in elderly patients with CLBP due to LDH, which has superior therapeutic effect compared to local acupuncture.
Humans ; Low Back Pain/physiopathology* ; Male ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Female ; Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Yin-Yang ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome

Based on the theory of "three regions and sanjiao" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the acupuncture-moxibustion differentiation and treatment system is explored and constructed for spasm syndrome, so as to provide a clearer guiding framework for TCM treatment of spasm syndrome. This disorder is caused essentially by the invasion of pathogenic wind, and located in brain marrow. The key regions of illness cover five zang organs and five tissues, and the core pathogenesis is associated with wind disturbance in brain marrow. In differentiation, spasm syndrome refers to overall transmission (from the upper to the lower) and local transmission (from exterior to interior). This disorder can be classified into sanjiao spasm (heart-lung spasm of the upper jiao, liver-spleen spasm of the middle jiao, and liver-kidney spasm of the lower jiao) and three-region spasm (skin-vessel spasm of the upper region, tendon-muscle spasm of the middle region, and tendon-bone spasm of the lower region). Based on "three regions and sanjiao" theory of acupuncture and moxibustion, 7 "expelling-wind" points can be selected in terms of the etiology of this disease. Baihui (GV20)-toward-Taiyang (EX-HN5) needling is applied to regulate the brain marrow, focusing on the core location of illness; and regarding the key location of illness, the combination of back-shu and front-mu points and that of jing-well and xing-spring points are adopted to regulate five zang organs. The five needling techniques (half needling, leopard-spot needling, joint needling, Hegu needling and shu needling) are used to regulate five tissues.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Spasm/diagnosis* ; Moxibustion ; Acupuncture Points ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Diagnosis, Differential

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of exercise-based acupuncture in treating ischemic stroke and its effects in improving the patient's motor function and daily living ability. Methods:A total of 106 patients with motor dysfunction due to cerebral infarction were randomized into a trial group and a control group,each consisting of 53 cases.Both groups received conventional rehabilitation;in addition,the control group was given point-toward-point acupuncture at scalp points,and the trial group was offered exercise-based acupuncture,3 times weekly for 4 consecutive weeks.Before treatment,after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment,and at the 2-month follow-up,the Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA)scale,Lovett scale for muscle strength,modified Ashworth scale(MAS),and activities of daily living(ADL)scale were used to assess the patient's motor function,muscle strength,muscle tension,and daily living ability. Results:After treatment,both groups gained improvements in motor function and daily living ability;after 4-week treatment and at the 2-month follow-up,the trial group had higher FMA and ADL scores than the control group(P<0.05).The MAS score decreased after treatment in both groups;after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment and at the 2-month follow-up,the MAS score was lower in the trial group than in the control group(P<0.05).After the intervention,the Lovett score increased in both groups;after 4 weeks of treatment,the Lovett score was higher in the trial group than in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion:Based on routine rehabilitation,exercise-based acupuncture and scalp point-toward-point acupuncture both can improve the motor function and daily living ability in ischemic stroke patients;exercise-based acupuncture performs better than scalp point-toward-point acupuncture.

Objective To study the characteristics of a rat model of migraine with hyperactivity of liver-yang and blood stagnation,which was established by Fuzi Decoction combined with electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion.Methods The 30 SD rats were divided into normal group,model group,and Zhengtian pill group(1.6 g·kg-1),with 10 rats in each group.Rats in the model group and Zhengtian pill group were fed with aconite decoction(2.00 g·kg-1)once a day for 28 day to establish the hyperthermia model;On the 15 day of intragastric administration,rats in the Zhengtai pill group were simultaneously given Zhengtai pill solution once a day for 14 day;At 29 day,the trigeminal ganglion was stimulated to create the migraine model of hyperliver and stasis.After 30 min of the last dose,the macroscopic signs and behaviors were observed,and the blood rheology was detected by blood visticometer.Positive substance P(SP)expression,mRNA and relative protein expression in the trigeminal cervical pulp complex(TCC)in rat mice by immunohistochemistry,RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group has macro signs such as red eyes,irritability,cage fighting,dark tongue and stasis points;regular head positioning and frequent hair management;increased distance in the central area(P<0.05).The relative viscosity of whole blood,plasma viscosity,red blood cell aggregation index all increased(P<0.05),and the red blood cell variant index decreased(P<0.05);SP positive expression,mRNA and the relative protein expression increased in TCC(P<0.05).Compared with model group,Zhengtian pill group can improve macro representation and behavior significantly;can significantly reduce central distance(P<0.05);can reduce plasma viscosity,high-shear relative viscosity of whole blood,and red blood cell aggregation index(P<0.05);increase the Red blood cell variant index significantly(P<0.05);down-regulate SP positive expression,mRNA and relative protein expression in TCC(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion SD rats were used for 4 weeks to construct a migraine model of hyperhepatic hyperactivity and stasis,which was basically consistent with the clinical manifestations.

Objective: To explore the therapeutic effects of ginseng total saponins (GTSs) on cognitive impairments in astronauts caused by prolonged exposure to microgravity environment. Methods: Fifty specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Wistar rats were randomized into control, hindlimb suspension (HLS), Huperzine A (HLS-Hup A 0.1 mg/kg), low-dose GTSs (HLS-GTSs 100 mg/kg), and high-dose GTSs (HLS-GTSs 200 mg/kg) groups, based on the completion time of reward-directed conditioning tasks. Except for rats in the control group, the others were subjected to HLS and treated with drugs (day 20 – 58), received reflex test under the condition of rewarding, and underwent Nissl body staining and Western blot detection on hippocampal. Results: After modeling, rats in HLS group exhibited a reduction in the number of lever presses and an increase in the completion time of the reward-directed operant conditioning task Ⅰ (P < 0.05) when compared with the control group, which were not substantially altered in the HLS-GTSs 100 and 200 mg/kg groups (P > 0.05). In the reward-directed operant conditioning task Ⅱ, the HLS group rats demonstrated a marked decrease in the number of lever presses (P < 0.05) and nose pokes (P < 0.01) when compared with the control group rats; the HLS-GTSs 100 mg/kg showed a significant increase in the number of lever presses and nose pokes (P < 0.05), while the HLS-GTSs 200 mg/kg demonstrated a significant reduction in completion time and an elevation in the number of lever presses (P < 0.05) when compared with the HLS group rats. In visual signal discrimination task, compared with the control group rats, the HLS group rats showed decrease in the indexes of the visual signal discrimination(P < 0.01), while HLS-GTSs 100 and 200 mg/kg groups exhibited manifest increase in it (P < 0.01). In reward extinction experiment, the number of lever presses in HLS rats significantly increased when compared with the control group (P < 0.01); compared with the HLS group, HLS-GTSs 100 and 200 mg/kg groups demonstrated a marked descrease (P < 0.05). The expressions of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor 1 (NR1) and phosophorylated N-methyl-Daspartic acid receptor 2B (p-NR2B) proteins were markedly decreased in rats in the HLS group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), while that of NR2B protein maintained the same (P > 0.05). GTSs increased the expression levels of p-NR2B (P < 0.01). Conclusion GTSs improved the learning and memory ability of complex operations by regulating the NR1/NR2B phosphorylation pathways in rats.

OBJECTIVE To expl ore the mechanism of effe ctive fractions from Xiongma decoction in the treatment of migraine with hyperactivity of liver-yang and blood stasis. METHODS Totally 70 male SD rats were randomly divided into normal group ， model group ，positive control group （Flunarizine hydrochloride capsules 0.9 mg/kg），low-dose and high-dose groups of Xiongma decoction effective fractions （ethyl acetate extract 0.87，3.46 g/kg，n-butanol extract 1.80，7.20 g/kg）. Except for normal group ， rats in other groups were given aconite decoction （2 g/kg），once a day ，for 4 consecutive weeks to establish the hyperactivity model of liver-yang. On the 15th day of modeling ，all administration groups were given corresponding drugs intragastrically at the same time ，once a day ，for 2 consecutive weeks. On the 29th day of modeling ，rats trigeminal ganglion was stimulated to establish the migraine model with hyperactivity of liver-yang and blood stasis ，then the medication was maintained for another time according to the above method. The macroscopic signs and behavior of the rats were observed ；positive expression ，mRNA and protein expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 （TRPV1），calcitonin generelated peptide （CGRP），calcitonin receptor-like receptor （CRLR） and receptor-associated membrane proteins 1 （RAMP1） in trigeminal cervical spinal complex （TCC） were detected by immunohistochemistry ，RT-qPCR and Western blot assay. RESULTS Rats in model group showed macrophysical signs and behaviora l manifestations related to migraine with hyperactivity of liver-yang and blood stasis. Thirty minutes after last administration ，the above conditions of rats in Xiongma decoction effective fraction groups were improved significantly. Compared with normal group ， positive expression，mRNA and protein expression of TRPV 1，CGRP， CRLR and RAMP 1 in TCC of rats in the model group were significantly increased （P＜0.05）. Compared with model zengguirong@hnse.org group， most of above indicators in Xiongma decoction effective fraction groups were significantly decreased （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The mechanism of Xiongma decoction in preventing and treating migraine with hyperactivity of liver-yang and blood stasis may be related to inhibit the activity of TRPV1-CGRP/CGRP receptor signaling pathway in TCC.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE：To study the effects of the extract of Xiongmatang on 5-HT and CGRP in brain tissue of rats with liver-yang hyperactivity and blood stagnation migraine. METHODS：Fifty male spontaneously hypertension （SHR） rats were randomly divided into model control group，Zhengtian pill positive control group （1.6 g/kg），the extract of Xiongmatang low-dose，medium-dose and high-dose groups（4.5，9.0，18.0 g/kg，by crude drug），with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 normal rats were taken as normal control group. Administration group was given relevant medicine intragastrically，once a day，for consecutive 28 d. Normal control group and model control group were given equal volume normal saline intragastrically. After last administration，except for normal control group，other groups were used to stimulate trigeminal ganglia（10 min）to establish liver-yang hyperactivity and blood stagnation migraine model，and maintained the administration once more after making the model. 30 min later，general behavior and tongue quality of rats were observed，and the blood pressure was measured；the contents of 5-HT and CGRP in cerebral tissue of rats were determined by ELISA. The protein expression of CGRP in cerebral tissue of rats were determined by Western blot method. RESULTS： Compared with the normal control group， the rats in the model control group had behavioral symptoms，such as the color of conjunctiva deepened and reddened， excessive hairdressing，head flicking，and most of the rats had purple tongue；the systolic pressure and the content and protein expression of CGRP were all increased obviously（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， while the content of 5-HT in cerebral tissue was decreased obviously（P＜0.01）. Compared with model control group，general behavior and tongue quality of rats were improved significantly in administration groups. Systolic pressure，the content and the protein expression of CGRP in cerebral tissue of rats were decreased significantly in Zhengtian pill positive control group and the extract of Xiongmatang high-dose group （P＜0.05），while the content of 5-HT in cerebral tissue of rats were increased significantly in Zhengtian pill positive control group，the extract of Xiongmatang medium-dose and high-dose groups（P＜0.05）.CONCLUSIONS：The extract of Xiongmatang has obvious protective effect on liver-yang hyperactivity and blood stagnation migraine model rats，the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the content of CGRP in cerebral tissue and raising the content of 5-HT in cerebral tissue

This article summarizes the literature about studies onToll-like receptor 2and acupuncture points and explores thecorrelationand action of Toll-like receptor 2inacupuncture information start-up and conduction mechanism from the biological characteristics of Toll-like receptor 2and the relationship of Toll-like receptor 2-mediated signal pathways tomast cells, acupuncture effects and the immuno-neuro-endocrine network.

OBJECTIVETo observe differences of immediate effect of twirling reinforcing-reducing manipulation at head acupoints on muscle force in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODSA total of 126 patients who met the inclusive criteria were randomly divided into a twirling reinforcing group, a mild reinforcing-reducing group and a twirling reducing group, 42 cases in each one. The lines between Baihui (GV 20) and bilateral Taiyang (EX-HN 5) were selected and treated with successive insertion of three needles. The twirling reinforcing method was used in the twirling reinforcing group, and mild reinforcing-reducing method was used in the mild reinforcing- reducing group, and twirling reducing method was used in the twirling reducing group. Each needle was manipulated for 1 min, which was repeated once every 10 min. The needles were retained for 30 min. Muscle force was evaluated immediately after treatment.

RESULTS(1) Muscle force of upper limb: after acupuncture, the muscle force of proximal and remote ends were all improved significantly in three groups (all P < 0.05), which was more obvious in proximal end (all P < 0.05). The improvement of the muscle force of proximal end in the twirling reinforcing group was superior to those in the mild reinforcing-reducing group and twirling reducing group (both P < 0.05); the differences of the muscle force of remote end were not significant among three groups (all P > 0.05). (2) Muscle force of lower limb: after acupuncture, the muscle force of proximal and remote ends was all improved significantly in the three groups (all P < 0.05). The improvement of the muscle force of proximal end was superior to that of remote end in the twirling reinforcing group and mild reinforcing-reducing group (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe twirling reinforcing manipulation at head acupoints is superior to mild reinforcing-reducing and twirling reducing manipulation for muscle force in patients with acute ischemic stroke, which is more significant in proximal end of limbs.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Ischemia ; therapy ; Lower Extremity ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stroke ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Upper Extremity ; physiopathology

Objective To observe the effect of different stimulative ways of scalp penetration acupuncture on acute stroke. Methods 90 inpatients with acute stroke from July, 2011 to July, 2014 were randomly divided into manual acupuncture group (n=30), electroacupuncture group (n=30) and simple acupuncture group (n=30). All the groups accepted scalp penetration acupuncture from Baihui (GV20) to Taiyang (EX-HN5) and stimulated manually, electrically and simply maintained, respectively. They were assessed with Neurological Deficit Score (NDS), measured with neuron-specific enolase (NSE) before and 14 days after treatment. The incidence of improvement was observed. Re-sults The NDS was the least in the manual acupuncture group (P<0.05), as well as the serumal level of NSE (P<0.05). The incidence of im-provement was the most in the manual acupuncture group (P<0.05). Conclusion The manual stimulation of scalp penetration acupuncture is more effective on the acute stroke.