1.Study on surface microcirculation sensitization of acupuncture points related to cold coagulation and stasis syndrome in primary dysmenorrhea
Xuxin LI ; Xuesong WANG ; Miao LIN ; Mingjian ZHANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Xifen ZHANG ; Hao CHEN ; Haiping LI ; Xiaojun ZHENG ; Xisheng FAN ; Jun LIU ; Juncha ZHANG ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):253-269
Objective:
To assess the dynamic changes of microcirculation at acupoints in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold congelation and blood stasis syndrome using laser speckle blood flow imaging.
Methods:
Patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome (primary dysmenorrhea group, n=53) and healthy female college students(control group, n=57) who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from October 2020 to July 2022 were enrolled at Hebei University of Chinese Medicine. On the premenstrual and first day of menstruation, a laser speckle blood flow imaging system was used to measure the microcirculation blood flow perfusion on the surface of acupoints related to the conception, thoroughfare, and governor vessels, and stomach, spleen, and bladder meridians in the abdomen and lumbosacral regions. The dynamic changes in microcirculation were calculated based on the difference in average blood flow perfusion at each acupoint before and after menstruation. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of dynamic changes in microcirculation on the surface of each acupoint. The microcirculation sensitization rate of acupoints was calculated.
Results:
Compared with the control group, the dynamic changes in microcirculation at the following acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group were increased (P<0.05): conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]); left thoroughfare vessel (left Huangshu[KI16], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], left Qixue[KI13], left Dahe[KI12], left Henggu[KI11]); left stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], left Wailing[ST26], left Qichong[ST30]); left spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14]); right thoroughfare vessel (right Huangshu[KI16], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Siman[KI14], right Qixue[KI13], right Dahe[KI12], right Henggu[KI11]); right stomach meridian (right Wailing[ST26], right Daju[ST27], right Shuidao[ST28], right Guilai[ST29], right Qichong[ST30]); and right spleen meridian (right Fujie[SP14]). The area under the ROC curve of conception vessel (Yinjiao[CV7], Qihai[CV6], Shimen[CV5], Guanyuan[CV4]), thoroughfare vessel (right Siman[KI14], left Huangshu[KI16], right Qixue[KI13], right Zhongzhu[KI15], right Dahe[KI12], left Zhongzhu[KI15], left Siman[KI14], right Huangshu[KI16], left Qixue[KI13], right Henggu[KI11], left Henggu[KI11], left Dahe[KI12]); stomach meridian (left Tianshu[ST25], right Guilai[ST29], left Wailing[ST26], right Shuidao[ST28], right Daju[ST27], right Wailing[ST26], right Qichong[ST30], left Qichong[ST30]), and spleen meridian (left Daheng[SP15], left Fujie[SP14], right Fujie[SP14]) was 0.610-0.682 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the sensitization rate of some acupoints in the primary dysmenorrhea group increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
With the onset of menstruation, the blood flow perfusion of some acupoints in the abdomen (thoroughfare, and conception vessels, and stomach and spleen meridians) of patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome increased, and the status of acupoints changed from a resting state to an active state. These acupoints are sensitive in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome and have a certain diagnostic efficacy, providing a basis for further analyzing the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion to treat primary dysmenorrhea with cold blood coagulation and blood stasis syndrome.
2.Exploration on the Mechanism of Mild Moxibustion Intervention on Gynecological Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on GnRH and Its Receptor Mediated HPO Axis
Xuan ZHANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Chen XIA ; Yanfen SHE ; Xiumei CHENG ; Xinhua LI ; Di WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):113-119
Objective To observe the effect of mild moxibustion at"Qihai","Guanyuan"and"Zhongji"on GnRH and its receptor in rats with gynecological cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome(CCBS);To explore the mechanism of moxibustion on reproductive function of gynecological CCBS.Methods Totally 48 female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,moxibustion group,inhibitor group,inhibitor+moxibustion group and angonist group,with 8 rats in each group.The gynecological CCBS model was prepared by ice bath and adrenalin injection.GnRHant or GnRHa injection and mild moxibustion intervention were given to each treatment group.The score of CCBS symptoms and the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus were detected,the morphology of ovarian tissue and uterine tissue were observed by HE staining,serum reproductive hormones(GnRH,FSH,LH)and neurotransmitters(DA,GABA)contents were detected by ELISA,the expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR mRNA and protein in ovarian and uterine tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry,RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the symptom score of CCBS in model group was significantly increased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus was decreased,the ovarian follicles were decreased,and the endometrial epithelium was thinner and the structure was chaotic,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA decreased,DA content increased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR in ovarian tissue decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the symptom score of CCBS in each intervention group were significantly decreased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus increased,ovarian follicles increased,endometrium thickened and glands increased,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA increased,DA content decreased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Moxibustion can regulate GnRH and its receptor and improve HPO axis function by regulating neurotransmitters,so as to improve the general state and reproductive function of gynecological CCBS model rats.
3.Effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in an insomnia rat model
Hao CHEN ; Xifen ZHANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Xuxin LI ; Xihui ZHENG ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojun ZHENG ; Haiping LI ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):138-148
Objective:
To investigate the effect of auricular therapy on sleep improvement and the GABAergic system pathway in a rat model of insomnia and to explore its possible mechanism.
Methods:
According to the random number table, 60 male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control, model, auricular point sticking, auricular bloodletting, and auricular bloodletting combined with sticking groups, with 12 rats per group. Insomnia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine. After establishing the insomnia model, 36 rats were treated once a day with auricular point sticking or bloodletting for 5 consecutive days. After the intervention, the general condition and body weight of rats were observed; the righting reflex test was used to detect the sleep latency and duration; HE staining was used to observe the morphology of hypothalamic neuron cells; and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the GABA and glutamate content in rat serum. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR were used to detect GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein and mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of rats, and Western blotting(WB) was used to detect GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, GAD65/67, GAT-1, and GABA-T protein expression in the hypothalamus of rats.
Results:
Compared with the blank control group, the model group had a lower body weight, a significantly shorter sleep duration (P<0.05), severe damage to the morphological structure of hypothalamic neurons with disordered cell arrangement, larger intercellular gaps, enlarged cell bodies, and a vacuolated appearance. All the intervention groups had significantly higher body weight and longer sleep duration than the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the other intervention groups, the auricular point sticking group had a longer sleep duration (P<0.05), and the hypothalamic neuron cells in all intervention groups improved, with the auricular point sticking group showing more apparent improvement. The model group had a lower GABA and higher glutamate contents, and GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus were lower than in the blank control group. In contrast, GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression was higher, and GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression was lower (P<0.05). The serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting groups was higher, and the serum glutamate content in the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups was lower than in the model group. GABA ARα1 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of each intervention group was significantly increased, and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking and auricular bloodletting combined sticking groups increased. GABA ARα1(IHC, WB), GABA ARγ2(WB), and GAD65/67 protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular point sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC, WB) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased, whereas GABA-T protein expression decreased. GABA ARγ1(IHC) and GABA ARγ2(WB) protein expression in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting combined sticking group increased, whereas GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05). Compared with in the inventation groups, the serum GABA content in the auricular point sticking group increased, the serum glutamate content decreased, GABA ARα1 and GABA ARγ2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus increased, and GABA ARα1(IHC), GAD65/67 protein expression increased. In contrast, GABA-T protein expression decreased (P<0.05), and GABA ARγ2 protein expression(IHC) in the hypothalamus of the auricular bloodletting group increased (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Auricular therapy, particularly auricular point sticking, may have modulated the GABAergic system pathway by upregulating hypothalamic GABA ARα1, GABA ARγ2, and GAD65/67 protein expression while downregulating GAT-1 and GABA-T protein expression to alleviate symptoms in an insomnia rat model.
4.Effects of moxibustion at points from the Conception,Governor,and Thoroughfare Vessels on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis in rats with cold-induced blood stasis pattern
Xuan ZHANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Xinhua LI ; Di WANG ; Yanfen SHE ; Yanqing REN ; Xiumei CHENG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):218-230
Objective:To explore the mechanism by which moxibustion improves cold-induced blood stasis pattern(CIBSP)and to uncover the biological basis underlying the correlation between the Conception Vessel(CV),Governor Vessel(GV),Thoroughfare Vessel(TV),and the uterus by investigating the effects of mild moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis(HPOA)in CIBSP model rats.Methods:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,a CV group,a GV group,a TV group,and a non-meridian non-point(NMNP)group according to the random number table method,with 8 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank group,the other rats were subjected to an ice water bath plus epinephrine to prepare CIBSP models.Each intervention group was given mild moxibustion on the first day of modeling.Qihai(CV6),Guanyuan(CV4),and Zhongji(CV3)were selected in the CV group;Huangshu(KI16),Dahe(KI12),and Henggu(KI11)were selected in the TV group;Xuanshu(GV5),Mingmen(GV4),and Yaoyangguan(GV3)were selected in the GV group;three NMNP spots were selected in the NMNP group.Mild moxibustion was administered for 20 min each time,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.The symptom scores of CIBSP and uterine electromyogram were compared among groups;morphological changes in reproductive organs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters.The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR),and luteinizing hormone receptor(LHR)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,or Western blotting assays.Results:Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significantly increased CIBSP symptom score,an amplified in vivo uterine myoelectric value;decreased ovarian follicles,thinner endometrial epithelium,and disordered structure with the pathological examination,decreased serum levels of reproductive hormones,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α),and β-endorphin(β-EP),increased thromboxane B2(TXB2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and substance P(SP),and decreased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared to the model and NMNP groups,each point-intervention group showed a decreased CIBSP symptom score and uterine myoelectric value;increased ovarian follicles,thickened endometrium,increased glands,up-regulated serum reproductive hormones,6-keto-PGF1α,and β-EP,down-regulated serum TXB2,5-HT,and SP and increased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at points from the CV,GV,and TV("three branches from one source")can improve the reproductive neuroendocrine function of CIBSP rats,and this effect may be mediated through the regulation of the HPOA.These detections suggest that the biological basis of point-uterus correlation may be based on HPOA regulation.
5.Effects of moxibustion at points from the Conception,Governor,and Thoroughfare Vessels on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis in rats with cold-induced blood stasis pattern
Xuan ZHANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Xinhua LI ; Di WANG ; Yanfen SHE ; Yanqing REN ; Xiumei CHENG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2025;23(3):218-230
Objective:To explore the mechanism by which moxibustion improves cold-induced blood stasis pattern(CIBSP)and to uncover the biological basis underlying the correlation between the Conception Vessel(CV),Governor Vessel(GV),Thoroughfare Vessel(TV),and the uterus by investigating the effects of mild moxibustion on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis(HPOA)in CIBSP model rats.Methods:Forty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a blank group,a model group,a CV group,a GV group,a TV group,and a non-meridian non-point(NMNP)group according to the random number table method,with 8 rats in each group.Except for rats in the blank group,the other rats were subjected to an ice water bath plus epinephrine to prepare CIBSP models.Each intervention group was given mild moxibustion on the first day of modeling.Qihai(CV6),Guanyuan(CV4),and Zhongji(CV3)were selected in the CV group;Huangshu(KI16),Dahe(KI12),and Henggu(KI11)were selected in the TV group;Xuanshu(GV5),Mingmen(GV4),and Yaoyangguan(GV3)were selected in the GV group;three NMNP spots were selected in the NMNP group.Mild moxibustion was administered for 20 min each time,once a day,for 14 consecutive days.The symptom scores of CIBSP and uterine electromyogram were compared among groups;morphological changes in reproductive organs were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum reproductive hormones and neurotransmitters.The mRNA and protein expression levels of estrogen receptor(ER),follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR),and luteinizing hormone receptor(LHR)were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,immunohistochemistry,or Western blotting assays.Results:Compared to the blank group,the model group showed a significantly increased CIBSP symptom score,an amplified in vivo uterine myoelectric value;decreased ovarian follicles,thinner endometrial epithelium,and disordered structure with the pathological examination,decreased serum levels of reproductive hormones,6-keto-prostaglandin F1α(6-keto-PGF1α),and β-endorphin(β-EP),increased thromboxane B2(TXB2),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),and substance P(SP),and decreased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared to the model and NMNP groups,each point-intervention group showed a decreased CIBSP symptom score and uterine myoelectric value;increased ovarian follicles,thickened endometrium,increased glands,up-regulated serum reproductive hormones,6-keto-PGF1α,and β-EP,down-regulated serum TXB2,5-HT,and SP and increased mRNA and protein expression of ovarian ER,FSHR,and LHR(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Moxibustion at points from the CV,GV,and TV("three branches from one source")can improve the reproductive neuroendocrine function of CIBSP rats,and this effect may be mediated through the regulation of the HPOA.These detections suggest that the biological basis of point-uterus correlation may be based on HPOA regulation.
6.Exploration on the Mechanism of Mild Moxibustion Intervention on Gynecological Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis Syndrome Based on GnRH and Its Receptor Mediated HPO Axis
Xuan ZHANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Chen XIA ; Yanfen SHE ; Xiumei CHENG ; Xinhua LI ; Di WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(2):113-119
Objective To observe the effect of mild moxibustion at"Qihai","Guanyuan"and"Zhongji"on GnRH and its receptor in rats with gynecological cold coagulation and blood stasis syndrome(CCBS);To explore the mechanism of moxibustion on reproductive function of gynecological CCBS.Methods Totally 48 female SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,moxibustion group,inhibitor group,inhibitor+moxibustion group and angonist group,with 8 rats in each group.The gynecological CCBS model was prepared by ice bath and adrenalin injection.GnRHant or GnRHa injection and mild moxibustion intervention were given to each treatment group.The score of CCBS symptoms and the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus were detected,the morphology of ovarian tissue and uterine tissue were observed by HE staining,serum reproductive hormones(GnRH,FSH,LH)and neurotransmitters(DA,GABA)contents were detected by ELISA,the expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR mRNA and protein in ovarian and uterine tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry,RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results Compared with the blank group,the symptom score of CCBS in model group was significantly increased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus was decreased,the ovarian follicles were decreased,and the endometrial epithelium was thinner and the structure was chaotic,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA decreased,DA content increased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR in ovarian tissue decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the symptom score of CCBS in each intervention group were significantly decreased,the amount of microcirculation blood perfusion in uterus increased,ovarian follicles increased,endometrium thickened and glands increased,the contents of serum GnRH,FSH,LH,GABA increased,DA content decreased;the mRNA and protein expressions of GnRHR,FSHR and LHR were increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Moxibustion can regulate GnRH and its receptor and improve HPO axis function by regulating neurotransmitters,so as to improve the general state and reproductive function of gynecological CCBS model rats.
7.Acupuncture treatment for improving anxiety status in patients with primary insomnia:a systematic review and meta-analysis
Xifen ZHANG ; Xuesong WANG ; Hao CHEN ; Xuxin LI ; Yuanbo GAO ; Guang ZUO ; Juncha ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Xisheng FAN ; Yanfen SHE ; Fuqing ZHANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(5):423-434
Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety state in patients with primary insomnia(PI). Methods:Randomized controlled trials of acupuncture treatment for PI patients with an anxiety state in Web of Science,Cochrane Library,PubMed,Excerpta Medica Database(EMBASE),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),and Chongqing VIP Database(VIP)were retrieved by computer.The retrieval time was from each database's inception to December 30,2022.Data extraction and evaluation were performed for the included studies.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each article.Meta-analysis of valid data was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software.If the outcome indicator was a categorical variable,relative risk(RR)was used as the effect size.If it was a continuous variable,mean difference(MD)was used to calculate the effect size.Each effect size was expressed as a 95%confidence interval(CI).P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Results:A total of 18 studies were included,comprising a total of 1198 patients.The findings of the meta-analysis showed that electroacupuncture had a significant advantage in improving the Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)score than benzodiazepines[MD=-1.61,95%CI(-2.17,-1.06),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture[MD=-14.90,95%CI(-20.39,-9.41),P<0.001]and benzodiazepines[MD=-3.39,95%CI(-4.67,-2.12),P<0.001]in reducing the self-rating anxiety scale(SAS)score.Acupuncture was superior to sham acupuncture in reducing the insomnia severity index(ISI)score[MD=-5.61,95%CI(-6.63,-4.89),P<0.001].Acupuncture was superior to benzodiazepines[MD=0.84,95%CI(-1.42,-0.25),P=0.005]and sham acupuncture[MD=-8.39,95%CI(-8.39,-7.86),P<0.001]in improving the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score.Acupuncture had a better effective rate than benzodiazepines[RR=1.16,95%CI(1.08,1.25),P<0.001]and sham acupuncture[RR=8.94,95%CI(4.63,17.25),P<0.001]in treating PI. Conclusion:Acupuncture or electroacupuncture has certain therapeutic advantages over benzodiazepines and sham acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety in PI patients.However,more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed for further verification.
8.Comparative study on the effects of different acupuncture technique on macrophage polarization in a mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia
Junya LIU ; Yunfeng LI ; Jing LYU ; Wenchao ZHENG ; Guang ZUO ; Xuesong WANG ; Xisheng FAN ; Juncha ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Xuxin LI ; Xifen ZHANG ; Yuanbo GAO ; Yanfen SHE
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;47(9):1203-1210
Objective We aimed to observe the differences in the effects of different acupuncture technique on the endometrium of mice with simple endometrial hyperplasia model and to explore the potential mechanisms. Methods According to the random number tables,32 female C57BL/6J mice were divided into a blank control group,a model group,a quick needle group and a retaining needle group,with 8 mice in each group. A mouse model of simple endometrial hyperplasia was established using bilateral ovariectomy combined with estrogen loading. In the quick needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral for "Yinbai"(SP1) points and withdrawn immediately,with the treatmeat performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. In the retaining needle group,mice were punctured at the bilateral "Yinbai"(SP1) points and the needles were retained for 15 min each time,with the treatment also performed once every other day for a total of 12 times. After the intervention,samples were collected. HE staining was used to observe morphological changes in the mouse uterine tissue;ELISA was used to detect serum estradiol level;flow cytometry was used to detect the ratio of M1 and M2 macrophages(M1/M2) and immunohistochemical method was used to measure the expression of CD86 and CD206 in uterine tissue;and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and interferon-γ(IFN-γ) in uterine tissue. Results The endometrium of mice in the model group showed simple hyperplasia. Compared with the blank control group,the endometrium of the model group was thickened (P<0.01);the level of estradiol in the serum was increased (P<0.01);M1/M2 in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),the expression of CD86 was decreased (P<0.01),and the positive expression of CD206 was increased (P<0.01);and the level of IFN-γ protein expression in uterine tissues was decreased (P<0.01),and the expression of IL-13 protein was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group,the endometrial thicknesses of the quick needle group and the retaining needle group were reduced (P<0.05),the levels of estradiol in serum were reduced (P<0.05),M1/M2 in uterine tissues increased (P<0.01),and the reduction of CD206 positive expression,and IL-13 protein expression reduced (P<0.01);the level of CD86 positive expression,IFN-γ protein expression increased (P<0.01). Compared with the quick needle group,IL-13 protein expression increased in the retaining needle group (P<0.01).Conclusion Both quick needle and retaining needle may be through the regulation of the expression of IFN-γ and IL-13,thus prompting the polarization of macrophages from M2 to M1 type,inhibiting the pro-cell proliferative ability and tissue repair ability of M2 type macrophages,thus reducing the degree of endometrial hyperplasia,and the quick needle group was superior to the retaining needle group in regulating the expression of IL-13.
9.Effects of different frequencies of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy on the serum levels of related factors in patients with acne vulgaris
Man ZHANG ; Mingjian ZHANG ; Yanfen SHE ; Yayu GAO ; Hao CHEN ; Jin LIU ; Xisheng FAN ; Jun LIU ; Juncha ZHANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2023;21(1):74-81
Objective: To observe the effects of different frequencies of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy on the levels of the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), testosterone (T), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in patients with acne vulgaris (AV). Methods: Ninety patients with AV were randomly assigned to treatment group 1, treatment group 2, and treatment group 3 according to the random number remainder grouping method, with 30 cases in each group. All three groups received pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy. Treatment group 1 was treated once a week, treatment group 2 was treated twice a week, and treatment group 3 was treated 3 times a week. Four-week treatment was taken as 1 treatment course, and 3 treatment courses were observed. On the day before the start of the study and on the day next to the end of each course, the global acne grading system (GAGS) score was recorded, and 3 mL of blood from the median cubital vein was collected to test the serum levels of IgG, IgM, T, and IGF-1. After 3 courses of treatment, the efficacy index was calculated according to the GAGS score, and the serum indicators in patients with effective treatment (efficacy index ≥20%) and complete sampling were analyzed. Results: A total of 60 patients were included in the final blood indicator analysis. After 3 courses of treatment, the intra-group comparisons showed that the serum IgG level increased significantly in patients in treatment group 1 (P<0.01); the serum T level decreased significantly in the female patients in treatment group 2 (P<0.05); the IGF-1 level significantly decreased in the patients in all three groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of IgG, IgM, T, and IGF-1 among the three groups at each time point (P>0.05). Conclusion: Pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy can affect the levels of serum IgG, T, and IGF-1 in AV patients. The level of the serum IGF-1 can be reduced by treatment once a week, twice a week, or 3 times a week. Treatment once a week can increase the patients' serum IgG level, and treatment twice a week can significantly decrease the serum T level in female patients. Reducing the serum IGF-1 level may be one of the action mechanisms of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy in treating AV.
10.Seeking specific response points from the three Yin meridians of foot using laser speckle contrast imaging in patients with primary dysmenorrhea
Xisheng FAN ; Panpan WEI ; Xuliang SHI ; Xiaodan SONG ; Mingjian ZHANG ; Juncha ZHANG ; Jun LIU ; Lijia PAN ; Xiaoyi DU ; Yanfen SHE ; Jue HONG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2023;21(5):405-412
Objective:To seek specific response points on the body surface of patients with primary dysmenorrhea(PD)by observing blood perfusion unit(PU)at different points of the three Yin meridians of foot using laser speckle contrast imaging(LSCI). Methods:Eighty PD patients were recruited as a PD group,and 80 healthy female undergraduates were taken as a normal group.During one menstrual cycle(before menstruation,during menstruation,and 3 d after menstruation),each participant was examined using the LSCI system to determine PU at bilateral Taixi(KI3),Taibai(SP3),Taichong(LR3),Shuiquan(KI5),Diji(SP8),Zhongdu(LR6),Sanyinjiao(SP6),and Xuehai(SP10)and non-acupuncture points.The researchers in charge of point location,operation,and statistical analysis were not aware of grouping.PU at the detection spots was taken as the outcome measure. Results:Compared with the normal group,the PD group showed increases in PU at right Taixi(KI3)before menstruation(P<0.05)and at bilateral Zhongdu(LR6)and right Diji(SP8)during menstruation(P<0.05).At the other time points,significance was not found between the two groups in comparing PU at the detected spots. Conclusion:Compared with healthy participants,PD patients present specific changes in PU at Taixi(KI3),Diji(SP8),and Zhongdu(LR6)at specific time points during the menstrual cycle,which provides a reference for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of PD in clinical settings.


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