Abstract Title: [Chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a randomized controlled trial]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2017 Dec 12 ;37(12):1276-9. PMID: 29354991 Abstract Author(s): Jinxia Li, Jingjun Xie, Zhongqiang Pan, Xiaoqing Guo, Ye Li, Ruiyang Fu Article Affiliation: Jinxia Li Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects and safety of chronic fatigue syndrome treated with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on the conception vessel and the governor vessel. METHODS: Eighty-nine patients of chronic fatigue syndrome were randomized into an observation group (46 cases) and a control group (43 cases). In the observation group, TEAS was applied at Dazhui (GV 14) and Mingmen (GV 4), Shenque (CV 8) and Guanyuan (CV 4) [the current intensity: (14±2) mA]. In the control group, the simulated TEAS was applied at the same acupoints as the observation group (the current intensity: 1 mA). The treatment was given for 30 min, once a day, 5 times a week and the treatment of 4 weeks was as 1 session in the two groups. One session of treatment was required. Before treatment and at the end of 1 session of treatment, the fatigue severity scale (FSS) was adopted to evaluate the fatigue symptoms and the somatic and psychological health report (SPHERE) was adopted to evaluate the potential symptoms and observe the safety of TEAS therapy. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, FSS score and SPHERE score in the control group were not different significantly as compared with those before treatment (both P>0.05). FSS score and SPHERE score in the observation group were reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment (both P<0.01). FSS score and SPHERE score in the observation group were reduced apparently as compared with those in the control group (both P<0.001). In the entire process of treatment with TEAS, no any adverse reaction occurred. CONCLUSION: TEAS on the conception vessel and the governor vessel relieves fatigue symptoms and the potential symptoms in the patients of chronic fatigue syndrome. It is a safe therapy. Article Published Date : Dec 11, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Pretreatment Attenuates Acute Lung Injury Throughα7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of HMGB1 Release in Rats after Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Abstract Source: Shock. 2017 Nov 7. Epub 2017 Nov 7. PMID: 29117064 Abstract Author(s): Zhankui Wang, Lei Hou, Hao Yang, Jiaxi Ge, Shaocheng Wang, Weitian Tian, Xiangrui Wang, Zhongwei Yang Article Affiliation: Zhankui Wang Abstract: Acute lung injury is a common complication after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) and α7nAChR-dependent cholinergic signaling are implicated in suppressing the release of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and reducing the inflammatory response. A previous study has shown the electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment induces tolerance against lung injury. However, the role of EA in CPB is poorly understood. This study employed EA and a rat model of CPB to determine whether EA was associated with CPB-induced lung injury. Rats were treated with EA at"Zusanli (ST36)"and"Feishu (BL13)"acupoints for 5 days before being subjected to CPB. Two hours post-CPB, samples of blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were processed for investigations. Our results showed that the expression ofα7nAChR in lung tissue was significantly decreased after CPB. EA pretreatment prevented the reduction in the expression of α7nAChR, EA pretreatment reduced lung edema, inhibited inflammatory cytokines release in serum and lung as well as protein concentrations in BALF and HMGB1 release following CPB, and the beneficial effects were attenuated by α-BGT. Our study demonstrates that EA pretreatment plays a protective role in CPB-induced ALI, and inhibits HMGB1 release through α7nAChR activation in rats.This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0. Article Published Date : Nov 06, 2017

Abstract Title: [Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation of Sensitized Acupoints on Bowel Dysfunction in Rats with Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome]. Abstract Source: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2017 Oct 25 ;42(5):413-7. PMID: 29105469 Abstract Author(s): Cheng-Cheng Lei, Liang Li, Hong Zhang, Jia Li, Qing Zhang, Shi-Qin Liu, Ye-Ye Tian, Hao Tian, Ling-Ling Yu Article Affiliation: Cheng-Cheng Lei Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulation of sensitized acupoints on bowel dysfunction in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(D-IBS)rats. METHODS: Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into control, model, EA sensitized acupoint and EA non-sensitized acupoint groups, with 20 rats in the model group and 10 rats in each of the other 3 groups. The D-IBS model was established by chronic restraint stress and intragastric administration of folium sennae (0.3 g/mL, 10 mL/kg), once daily for 2 weeks, followed by two weeks' restraint stress stimulation. The sensitized acupoints were determined by locating the extravasation points of Evans Blue (EB) dye after tail-intravenous injection, and stimulated with EA (2 mA, 2 Hz) for 30 min, once daily for 7 consecutive days. For rats of the EA non-sensitized acupoint group, bilateral BL 15 were stimulated with the same parameters and same stimulation duration. The rats' bowel mobility was evaluated by Bristol stool scale (BSS), loose stools rate and diarrhea index. RESULTS: After modeling, the BSS, loose stool rate, and diarrhea index were significantly increased in the model group relevant to the control group (P<0.05). After the treatment, the BSS, loose stool rate, and diarrhea index on day 7 were considerably lowered in the EA-BL 25 group (P<0.05) but not in EA-BL15 group (P<0.05), suggesting a better therapeutic effect of EA of the sensitized acupoint. No significant changes were found in the abovementioned 3 indexes on day 4 after the treatment relevant to the model group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA stimulation of the sensitized acupoint can improve diarrhea in D-IBS rats. Article Published Date : Oct 24, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Promotes Recovery of Motor Function and Reduces Dopaminergic Neuron Degeneration in Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease. Abstract Source: Int J Mol Sci. 2017 Aug 24 ;18(9). Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28837077 Abstract Author(s): Jaung-Geng Lin, Chao-Jung Chen, Han-Bin Yang, Yi-Hung Chen, Shih-Ya Hung Article Affiliation: Jaung-Geng Lin Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. The pathological hallmark of PD is a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta in the brain, ultimately resulting in severe striatal dopamine deficiency and the development of primary motor symptoms (e.g., resting tremor, bradykinesia) in PD. Acupuncture has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat PD for the control of tremor and pain. Accumulating evidence has shown that using electroacupuncture (EA) as a complementary therapy ameliorates motor symptoms of PD. However, the most appropriate timing for EA intervention and its effect on dopamine neuronal protection remain unclear. Thus, this study used the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-lesioned mouse model (systemic-lesioned by intraperitoneal injection) and the 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺)-lesioned rat model (unilateral-lesioned by intra-SN infusion) of PD, to explore the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of EA at the GB34 (Yanglingquan) and LR3 (Taichong) acupoints. We found that EA increased the latency to fall from the accelerating rotarod and improved striatal dopamine levels in the MPTP studies. In the MPP⁺ studies, EA inhibited apomorphine induced rotational behavior and locomotor activity, and demonstrated neuroprotective effects via the activation of survival pathways of Akt and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the SN region. In conclusion, we observedthat EA treatment reduces motor symptoms of PD and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in rodent models, whether EA is given as a pretreatment or after the initiation of disease symptoms. The results indicate that EA treatment may be an effective therapy for patients with PD. Article Published Date : Aug 23, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation through CB2 Receptors in Inflammatory Pain. Abstract Source: Brain Behav Immun. 2017 Aug 3. Epub 2017 Aug 3. PMID: 28782714 Abstract Author(s): Fang Gao, Hong-Chun Xiang, Hong-Ping Li, Min Jia, Xiao-Li Pan, Hui-Lin Pan, Man Li Article Affiliation: Fang Gao Abstract: The therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory pain has been well recognized clinically. The inflammasome promotes the maturation of the inflammatory cytokines, and EA can stimulate cannabinoid CB2 receptors in inflamed tissues. In this study we investigated whether EA inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation through CB2 receptors and thus relieving inflammatory pain. Assay of Caspase-1 activity and western blotting revealed that complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in the skin tissue in rats, which was attenuated by EA treatment. Immunofluorescence labeling showed that NLRP3 inflammasome elicited by CFA in the skin macrophages were decreased by EA. Nociceptive behavioral tests demonstrated that in CB2 receptor knockout mice, the EA effects on NLRP3 inflammasomes were largely attenuated. In addition, in vitro studies in a macrophage cell line showed that CB2 receptor stimulation inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Thus, our results suggest a novel signaling pathway through which CB2 receptors are involved in the analgesic effect of EA on inflammatory pain. Stimulation of CB2 receptors inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in inflamed skin tissues. These results suggest that EA reduces the inflammatory pain by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome through CB2 receptors. Our findings provide novel information about the mechanisms through which EA and CB2 receptor activation reduce inflammatory pain. Article Published Date : Aug 02, 2017

Abstract Title: Effects of electroacupuncture to the trigeminal nerve area on the autonomic nervous system and cerebral blood flow in the prefrontal cortex. Abstract Source: Acupunct Med. 2017 Aug 1. Epub 2017 Aug 1. PMID: 28765118 Abstract Author(s): Hideaki Waki, Takuya Suzuki, Yuki Tanaka, Hideaki Tamai, Yoichi Minakawa, Shogo Miyazaki, Naruto Yoshida, Kazuo Uebaba, Kenji Imai, Tatsuya Hisajima Article Affiliation: Hideaki Waki Abstract: BACKGROUND: The autonomic nervous system and trigeminal nerve are involved in adjusting flow through diverging cerebral arteries in the prefrontal cortex. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 100 Hz electroacupuncture (EA) to the trigeminal nerve area on cerebral blood flow and autonomic nervous system function. METHOD: This was a randomised crossover study of 16 healthy volunteers who were assigned to an EA or control group. Stimulation (in the EA group) was performed five times, each after 1 min of rest. Needles were inserted at the inner edge of the eyebrows and 1 cm from the front hairline midpoint. We used high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components of heart rate (HR) variability to assess autonomic nervous system function. HF and LF/HF ratio were taken as indicators of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity, respectively. We measured cerebral blood flow using a two-channel near-infrared spectroscope. RESULTS: In the EA group, HR significantly decreased (p=0.004) and HF significantly increased (p=0.006) relative to baseline. By contrast, there were no significant changes in HR or HF within the control group (p>0.05). Accordingly, HR tended to be lower (p=0.087) and HF greater (p=0.071) in the EA group versus the control group. There were no significant differences in LF/HF ratio within/between groups. Compared with the control group, cerebral blood flow was significantly greater in the left (p=0.048) and right (p=0.016) prefrontal cortex in the EA group. CONCLUSIONS: Delivery of 100 Hz EA to the trigeminal nerve area reduces HR and increases parasympathetic nervous activity and cerebral blood flow. Article Published Date : Jul 31, 2017

Abstract Title: The effect of electroacupuncture on proteomic changes in the motor cortex of 6-OHDA Parkinsonian rats. Abstract Source: Brain Res. 2017 Jul 28. Epub 2017 Jul 28. PMID: 28760440 Abstract Author(s): Min Li, Lijuan Li, Ke Wang, Wenting Su, Jun Jia, Xiaomin Wang Article Affiliation: Min Li Abstract: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been reported to alleviate motor deficits in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and PD animal models. However, the mechanisms by which EA improves motor function have not been investigated. We have employed a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) unilateral injection induced PD model to investigate whether EA alters protein expression in the motor cortex. We found that 4 weeks of EA treatment significantly improved spontaneous floor plane locomotion and rotarod performance. High-throughput proteomic analysis in the motor cortex was employed. The expression of 54 proteins were altered in the unlesioned motor cortex, and 102 protein expressions were altered in the lesioned motor cortex of 6-OHDA rats compared to sham rats. Compared to non-treatment PD control, EA treatment reversed 6 proteins in unlesioned and 19 proteins in lesioned motor cortex. The present study demonstrated that PD induces proteomic changes in the motor cortex, some of which are rescued by EA treatment. These targeted proteins were mainly involved in increasing autophagy, mRNA processing and ATP binding and maintaining the balance of neurotransmitters. Article Published Date : Jul 27, 2017

Abstract Title: Effects of electroacupuncture stimulation at different spinal segmental levels in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Abstract Source: Acupunct Med. 2017 Jul 27. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28751464 Abstract Author(s): Huan-Huan Tian, Bing-Yan Cao, Rui Li, Yan-Jia Ma, Xiao-Gang Hu, Ning Jia, Yue-Ying Wang Article Affiliation: Huan-Huan Tian Abstract: BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with high morbidity, mortality and economic cost. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve many symptoms of DM. OBJECTIVES: To examine for differences in effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at Weiwanxiashu, BL15 and BL23 in the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM rat model, to help guide clinical selection of acupuncture points. METHODS: 90 male rats weighing 160±5 g were used. 12 rats were control fed (Normal group) and 78 were fed a high-fat high-sugar diet for 8 weeks and underwent intraperitoneal STZ injection to model DM. 60 animals that met modelling criteria were randomly divided into an untreated DM group and four groups receiving EA at Weiwanxiashu (DM+WWX group), BL15 (DM+BL15 group), BL23 (DM+BL23 group) or a non-traditional acupuncture point on the tail (DM+Tail group). Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and insulin levels were determined and an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed. RESULTS: EA at Weiwanxiashu had a glucose-lowering effect on the 21st and 28th days, decreased TC, TG and LDL-C levels, increase insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance. EA at BL15 had a glucose-lowering effect on the7th, 14th and 21st days of intervention but did not impact lipids, insulin or OGTT parameters. EA at BL23 or on the tail had no significant effects. CONCLUSION: EA at Weiwanxiashu and BL15 had differential effects on metabolic markers in the STZ-induced rat model of DM. These effects may be explained neuroanatomically by variations in the segmental innervation of the tissues at these locations. Article Published Date : Jul 26, 2017

Abstract Title: Activation of brain glucose metabolism ameliorating cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 transgenic mice by electroacupuncture. Abstract Source: Free Radic Biol Med. 2017 Jul 26 ;112:174-190. Epub 2017 Jul 26. PMID: 28756309 Abstract Author(s): Weilin Liu, Peiyuan Zhuo, Long Li, Hao Jin, Bingbing Lin, Yingzheng Zhang, Shengxiang Liang, Jie Wu, Jia Huang, Zhifu Wang, Ruhui Lin, Lidian Chen, Jing Tao Article Affiliation: Weilin Liu Abstract: An essential feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is implicated in brain energy metabolic impairment that is considered underlying pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. Therefore, therapeutic interventions to allay cognitive deficits that target energy metabolism may be an efficacy strategy in AD. In this study, we found that electroacupuncture (EA) at the DU20 acupoint obviously increased glucose metabolism in specific brain regions such as cortex, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, basal forebrain septum, brain stem, and cerebellum in APP/PS1 transgenic mice by animal (18)F-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-Glucose ((18)F-FDG)/positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, accompanied by cognitive improvements in the spatial reference learning and memory and memory flexibility and novel object recognition performances. Further evidence shown energy metabolism occurred in neurons or non-neuronal cells of the cortex and hippocampus in terms of the co-location of GLUT3/NeuN and GLUT1/GFAP. Simultaneously, metabolic homeostatic factors were critical for glucose metabolism, including phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and AKT serine/threonine kinase. Furthermore, EA-induced phosphorylated AMPK and AKT inhibited the phosphorylation level of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) to decrease the accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) in the cortex and hippocampus. These findings are concluded that EA is a potential therapeutic target for delaying memory decline and Aβ deposition of AD. The AMPK and AKT are implicated in the EA-induced cortical and hippocampal energy metabolism, which served as a contributor to improving cognitive function and Aβ deposition in a transgenic mouse model of AD. Article Published Date : Jul 25, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture-reduced sedative and analgesic requirements for diagnostic EUS: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study. Abstract Source: Gastrointest Endosc. 2017 Jul 24. Epub 2017 Jul 24. PMID: 28750840 Abstract Author(s): Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh, Charing Ching Ning Chong, Wing Wa Leung, Simon Kin Cheong Chan, Yee Kit Tse, Enders Kwok Wai Ng, Paul Bo San Lai, Justin Che Yuen Wu, James Yun Wong Lau Article Affiliation: Anthony Yuen Bun Teoh Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The role of electroacupuncture (EA) in reducing sedative and analgesic requirements during EUS is uncertain. The aim of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of EA in reducing procedure-related pain and discomfort during EUS. METHODS: This was a double-blinded randomized controlled study conducted between March 2014 and July 2016. Consecutive patients who were scheduled for diagnostic EUS were recruited and randomized to receive electroacupuncture (EA) or sham-electroacupuncture (SA). The primary outcome was the dosage of propofol used. Other outcome measurements included pain scores, anxiety scores, satisfaction scores, patients' willingness to repeat the procedure, total procedure time, and adverse events. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients were recruited to the study. The patients that received EA had significantly fewer PCA requirements. The median (IQR range) number of demands for PCA (2 [1 - 5] vs 16.5 [8.5 - 33.8], P<0.001), the number of successful demands (2 [1 - 4] vs 9 [5.3 - 13], P<0.001), the total dose of propofol (0.15 [0.08 - 0.34] vs 0.77 [0.38 - 1.09], P<0.001) and alfentanil (0.38 [0.20 - 0.86] vs 1.92 [0.94 - 2.72], P<0.001) were all significantly less. Patients that received EA also had significantly less procedural pain scores and anxiety scores (P<0.001), higher satisfaction scores (P<0.001), and they are more willing to repeat the procedure (P<0.001). Both being in the SA group and the procedural time were significant predictors to increased PCA demands (P<0.001 and P = 0.009 respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of EA reduced sedative and analgesic demands, improved patient experience, and was associated with low risk of adverse events during diagnostic EUS. Article Published Date : Jul 23, 2017

Abstract Title: Electro-Acupuncture is Beneficial for Knee Osteoarthritis: The Evidence from Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Abstract Source: Am J Chin Med. 2017 Jun 28:1-21. Epub 2017 Jun 28. PMID: 28659033 Abstract Author(s): Na Chen, Jing Wang, Attilio Mucelli, Xu Zhang, Changqing Wang Article Affiliation: Na Chen Abstract: Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common chronic degenerative disease of the elderly. Electro-acupuncture (EA) is considered as a beneficial treatment for KOA, but the conclusion is controversial. This systematic review compiled the evidence from 11 randomized controlled trials to objectively assess the effectiveness and safety of EA for KOA. Eight databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Clinic trials, Foreign Medical Literature Retrial Service (FMRS), Science Direct, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Data were extensively searched up to 5 July 2016. The outcomes included the evaluation of effectiveness, pain and physical function. Risk of bias was evaluated according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Eleven RCTs with 695 participants were included. Meta-analysis indicated that EA was more effective than pharmacological treatment (RR [Formula: see text] 1.14; 95% CI [Formula: see text] 1.01,1.28; [Formula: see text]) and manual acupuncture (RR [Formula: see text] 1.12; 95% CI [Formula: see text] 1.02,1.22; [Formula: see text]). Also, EA had a more significant effect in reducing the pain intensity (SMD [Formula: see text]; 95% CI [Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and improving the physical function in the perspective of WOMAC (MD [Formula: see text]; 95% CI [Formula: see text], 5.56; [Formula: see text]) and LKSS (pharmacological treatment: MD [Formula: see text]; 95% CI [Formula: see text], 6.64; [Formula: see text]). Furthermore, these studies implied that EA should be performed for at least 4 weeks. Conclusively, the results indicate that EA is a great opportunity to remarkably alleviate the pain and improve the physical function of KOA patients with a low risk of adverse reaction. Therefore, more high quality RCTs with rigorous methods of design, measurement and evaluation are needed to confirm the long-term effects of EA for KOA. Article Published Date : Jun 27, 2017

Abstract Title: Protective effect of electroacupuncture on neurons autophagy in perfusion period of cerebral ischemia. Abstract Source: Neurosci Lett. 2017 Jun 26. Epub 2017 Jun 26. PMID: 28663053 Abstract Author(s): Zuo Ting, Zhang Jianbin, Huang Luqi Article Affiliation: Zuo Ting Abstract: Electroacupuncture (EA) is an important treatment method in Chinese traditional medicine. The main purpose of the investigation was to explore whether EA could improve cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) via neurons' autophagy. 4-vessel occlusion (4-VO) was applied to establish cerebral ischemia model and reperfusion 12h, 24h and 48h respectively were conduct 3h later. TTC staining was applied to assess cerebral infarction area and the concentrations of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, SOD and MDA were detected by commercial kits. The expressions of autophagy-related protein LC3, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and Beclin1 were measured by Western blot. EA treatment was given at"BaiHui","MingMen"and"ZuSanLiXue". The obtained results from TTC showed that the severity of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was improved with EA treatment. Oxidative and inflammatory damages were also alleviated with EA intervention. Meanwhile, western blot analysis revealed the decreased levels of LC3 and Beclin1 in EA rats, as well as the elevated level of mTOR. Besides, our previous study found that EA can enhance mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme activity, reduce mitochondrial damage and inhibit neuronal apoptosis further. Thus, it is assumed that 4-VO-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion might be alleviated by EA through inhibiting neurons' excessive autophagy in reperfusion period. Article Published Date : Jun 25, 2017

Abstract Title: Successful Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy with Electroacupuncture: Two Cases. Abstract Source: Med Acupunct. 2017 Jun 1 ;29(3):163-165. PMID: 28736593 Abstract Author(s): Matthew Kendall Hawks Article Affiliation: Matthew Kendall Hawks Abstract: Background: Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury for active patient populations and is challenging to treat. Acupuncture tendon-based therapy was first described in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. In modern times, specific techniques have been described poorly in the literature. The aim of this case report is to describe a new technique of acupuncture for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy and provide 2 illustrative cases. Cases: Treatments for the 2 patients were performed in a deployed military treatment facility. SERIN® 0.25 mm × 40 mm needles placed at BL 60, BL 61, KI 3, and KI 4, with needles directed into the Achilles tendon of each patient. Needles were inserted until a firm catch of the needle entering the tendon was discerned. Energy was placed from KI 3(-) → KI 4(+) and BL61 (-) → BL 60(+) at 30 Hz for 15 minutes. Results: Both patients reported symptomatic reduction in Achilles tendinopathy pain and functional improvement following the described treatments. Conclusions: This case series describes two cases of successful Achilles tendinopathy therapy using direct tendon needle insertion with electrostimulation. This novel technique may provide an effective adjunct to traditional therapies in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. Article Published Date : May 31, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture regulates the stress-injury-repair chain of events after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Abstract Source: Neural Regen Res. 2017 Jun ;12(6):925-930. PMID: 28761425 Abstract Author(s): Peng Shi, Lin-Lin Sun, Yi-Shuo Lee, Ya Tu Article Affiliation: Peng Shi Abstract: Inflammation after stroke is the main cause of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cascading events after injury can lead to cell death. Heat shock protein 70 and other endogenous injury-signaling molecules are released by damaged cells, which can lead to systemic stress reactions. Protecting the brain through repair begins with the stress-injury-repair signaling chain. This study aimed to verify whether acupuncture acts through this chain to facilitate effective treatment of ischemic stroke. Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were established by Zea Longa's method, and injury sites were identified by assessing neurological function, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Electroacupuncture at acupoints Baihui (DU20) and Zusanli (ST36) was performed in the model rats with dilatational waves, delivered for 20 minutes a day at 2-100 Hz and an amplitude of 2 mA. We analyzed the blood serum from the rats and found that inflammatory cytokines affected the levels of adrenotrophin and heat shock protein 70, each of which followed a similar bimodal curve. Specifically, electroacupuncture lowered the peak levels of adrenocorticotrophic hormone and heat shock protein 70. Thus, electroacupuncture was able to inhibit excessive stress, reduce inflammation, and promote the repair of neurons, which facilitated healing of ischemic stroke. Article Published Date : May 31, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture alleviated brain damages through miR-191a-5p targeting neuronal calcium sensor 1 after ischemic stroke. Abstract Source: Rejuvenation Res. 2017 May 24. Epub 2017 May 24. PMID: 28537507 Abstract Author(s): Heng Zhou, Ceng Yang, Fuhai Bai, Zhi Ma, Jingyi Wang, Feng Wang, Feng Li, Qiang Wang, Lize Xiong Article Affiliation: Heng Zhou Abstract: Electroacupuncture (EA) administration before or after cerebral ischemia has been shown to afford protection against ischemic injury. However, the underlying mechanism of EA-mediated protection is still unclear. Functional microRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to play important roles in neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity during and after ischemia. In a previous study, we identified 20 miRNAs that are expressed in the penumbra and are significantly changed after EA treatment. Here, we used bioinformatics analysis to predict the biological functions and gene-networks of these miRNAs. Consistent with our predictions, down-regulation of miR-191a-5p in primary neurons and in cortexes of rats increased cell viability, decreased apoptosis, reduced infarct volumes, and improved neurological scores; whereas up-regulation of miR-191a-5p exacerbated neuronal injury and partly reversed the neuroprotective effect of EA treatment after ischemia/repercussion injury. In silico analysis predicted that miR-191a-5p targets Neuronal calcium sensor 1 (NCS-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43), and using luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed that the NCS-1 3'UTR is targeted by miR-191a-5p. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of NCS-1 in primary neurons and in the cortexes of rats induced neuroprotection, while lentivirus-mediated knockdown had the opposite effect. Taken together, these data suggest that miRNAs participate in the response to EA treatment after cerebral ischemia and further imply that NCS-1 may constitute a miR-191a-5p target gene and a potential therapeutic target for neuroprotection. Article Published Date : May 23, 2017

Abstract Title: Effects of electroacupuncture on stress and anxiety-related responses in rats. Abstract Source: An Acad Bras Cienc. 2017 May 22:0. Epub 2017 May 22. PMID: 28538815 Abstract Author(s): Ricardo M Bassetto, Tatiana Wscieklica, Kathlein C P Pouza, Daniela Ortolani, Milena B Viana, Isabel C Cespedes, Regina C Spadari Article Affiliation: Ricardo M Bassetto Abstract: The aim of this work was to investigate if eletroacupuncture at PC6 would modulate the stress-induced anxiety-like behavior and the level of activation of several brain areas. Rats were distributed in groups: control; submitted to immobilization; submitted to immobilization and eletroacupuncture at PC6 or at the tail. Immobilization increased grooming and decreased stretched attend postures and the time spent in the open arms of the ele-vated plus-maze. Eletroacupuncture at PC6 or tail canceled the effect of immobilization on grooming and attenuated the stretched attend posture. Immobilization increased Fos-immunoreactivity in the prefrontal cortex, medial and central amygdala, paraventricular and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus, lateral hypothalamus, dentate gyrus, CA1, CA2 and CA3 hippocampal areas. The activation of paraventricular, dorsomedial nuclei and prefrontal cortex by immobilization was canceled by electroacupuncture at PC6 and attenuated by electroacupuncture in the tail. The activation of the other areas was canceled by electroacupuncture in PC6 or the tail. It is concluded that immobilization induced anxiety-like behavior that was moderately attenuated by eletroacupuncture with difference between the stimulation in PC6 or the rat tail. Eletroacupuncture showed specificity concerning to the attenuation of the effects of immobilization in the CNS areas related to the stress response, anxiety and cardiovascular system. Article Published Date : May 21, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture improves neurobehavioral function and brain injury in rat model of intracerebral hemorrhage. Abstract Source: Brain Res Bull. 2017 Apr 7. Epub 2017 Apr 7. PMID: 28395933 Abstract Author(s): Yan Zhu, Li Deng, Huajun Tang, Xiaoqing Gao, Youhua Wang, Kan Guo, Jiming Kong, Chaoxian Yang Article Affiliation: Yan Zhu Abstract: Acupuncture has been widely used as a treatment for stroke in China for a long time. Recently, studies have demonstrated that electroacupuncture (EA) can accelerate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced angiogenesis in rats. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EA on neurobehavioral function and brain injury in ICH rats. ICH was induced by stereotactic injection of collagenase type I and heparin into the right caudate putamen. Adult ICH rats were randomly divided into the following three groups: model control group (MC), EA at non-acupoint points group (non-acupoint EA) and EA at Baihui and Dazhui acupoints group (EA). The neurobehavioral deficits of ICH rats were assessed by modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and gait analysis. The hemorrhage volume and glucose metabolism of hemorrhagic foci were detected by PET/CT. The expression levels of MBP, NSE and S100-B proteins in serum were tested by ELISA. The histopathological features were examined by haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Apoptosis-associated proteins in the perihematomal region were observed by immunohistochemistry. EA treatment significantly promoted the recovery of neurobehavioral function in ICH rats. Hemorrhage volume reduced in EA group at day 14 when compared with MC and non-acupoint EA groups. ELISA showed that the levels of MBP, NSE and S100-B in serum were all down-regulated by EA treatment. The brain tissue of ICH rat in the EA group was more intact and compact than that in the MC and non-acupoint groups. In the perihematomal regions, the expression of bcl-2 protein increased and expressions of caspase-3 and bax proteins decreased in the EA group vs MC and non-acupoint EA groups. Our data suggest that EA treatment can improve neurobehavioral function and brain injury, which were likely connected with the absorption of hematoma and regulation of apoptosis-related proteins. Article Published Date : Apr 06, 2017

Abstract Title: Microcurrent Point Stimulation Applied to Lower Back Acupuncture Points for the Treatment of Nonspecific Neck Pain. Abstract Source: J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Apr ;23(4):295-299. Epub 2017 Mar 7. PMID: 28266863 Abstract Author(s): Kelly Armstrong, Raman Gokal, Antoine Chevalier, William Todorsky, Mike Lim Article Affiliation: Kelly Armstrong Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Although acupuncture and microcurrent are widely used for chronic pain, there remains considerable controversy as to their therapeutic value for neck pain. We aimed to determine the effect size of microcurrent applied to lower back acupuncture points to assess the impact on the neck pain. DESIGN: This was a cohort analysis of treatment outcomes pre- and postmicrocurrent stimulation, involving 34 patients with a history of nonspecific chronic neck pain. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Consenting patients were enrolled from a group of therapists attending educational seminars and were asked to report pain levels pre-post and 48 hours after a single MPS application. INTERVENTIONS AND MEASUREMENTS: Direct current microcurrent point stimulation (MPS) applied to standardized lower back acupuncture protocol points was used. Evaluations entailed a baseline visual analog scale (VAS) pain scale assessment, using a VAS, which was repeated twice after therapy, once immediately postelectrotherapy and again after a 48-h follow-up period. All 34 patients received a single MPS session. Results were analyzed using paired t tests. Results and Outcomes: Pain intensity showed an initial statistically significant reduction of 68% [3.9050 points; 95% CI (2.9480, 3.9050); p = 0.0001], in mean neck pain levels after standard protocol treatment, when compared to initial pain levels. There was a further statistically significant reduction of 35% in mean neck pain levels at 48 h when compared to pain levels immediately after standard protocol treatment [0.5588 points; 95% CI (0.2001, 0.9176); p = 0.03], for a total average pain relief of 80%. CONCLUSIONS: The positive results in this study could have applications for those patients impacted by chronic neck pain. Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2017

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Attenuates CFA-induced Inflammatory Pain by suppressing Nav1.8 through S100B, TRPV1, Opioid, and Adenosine Pathways in Mice. Abstract Source: Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 13 ;7:42531. Epub 2017 Feb 13. PMID: 28211895 Abstract Author(s): Hsien-Yin Liao, Ching-Liang Hsieh, Chun-Ping Huang, Yi-Wen Lin Article Affiliation: Hsien-Yin Liao Abstract: Pain is associated with several conditions, such as inflammation, that result from altered peripheral nerve properties. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a common Chinese clinical medical technology used for pain management. Using an inflammatory pain mouse model, we investigated the effects of EA on the regulation of neurons, microglia, and related molecules. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injections produced a significant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia that was reversed by EA or a transient receptor potential V1 (TRPV1) gene deletion. The expression of the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the microglial marker Iba-1, S100B, receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), TRPV1, and other related molecules was dramatically increased in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) of CFA-treated mice. This effect was reversed by EA and TRPV1 gene deletion. In addition, endomorphin (EM) and N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA) administration reliably reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, thereby suggesting the involvement of opioid and adenosine receptors. Furthermore, blocking of opioid and adenosine A1 receptors reversed the analgesic effects of EA. Our study illustrates the substantial therapeutic effects of EA against inflammatory pain and provides a novel and detailed mechanism underlying EA-mediated analgesia via neuronal and non-neuronal pathways. Article Published Date : Feb 12, 2017

Abstract Title: Recovery of spinal cord injury following electroacupuncture in rats through enhancement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Abstract Source: Mol Med Rep. 2017 Jun 19. Epub 2017 Jun 19. PMID: 28627669 Abstract Author(s): Junfeng Zhang, Shisheng Li, Yaochi Wu Article Affiliation: Junfeng Zhang Abstract: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to promote the functional recovery of neurons following spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the mechanisms underlying its effects have yet to be elucidated. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in the regulation of the balance between growth, proliferation and differentiation of neural precursor cells. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of EA therapy on Wnt/β‑catenin‑regulated gene expression and neuronal recovery in rats with SCI. The Allen method was used to establish SCI in rats, and alterations in Wnt1 and Nestin mRNA and protein expression levels in response to SCI were determined on days 1, 3, 7 and 14 post‑injury using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. To evaluate the effects of EA treatment on SCI, the following four treatment groups were employed: SCI, SCI + EA, SCI + lithium chloride (LiCl) and SCI + LiCl + EA. The protein expression levels of Wnt1, Nestin and nuclear β‑catenin were evaluated on day 3 post‑treatment, and neuronal nuclearantigen (NeuN) protein expression levels were evaluated on day 21 post‑treatment using western blot analysis. The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scoring method was used to evaluate spinal cord recovery on day 28 post‑treatment across the four treatment groups. EA therapy at the Dazhui and Mingmenacupuncture points significantly increased the expression levels of Wnt1, Nestin, β‑catenin and NeuN, thus suggesting that EA therapy may promote spinal cord recovery following injury. The underlying mechanism was demonstrated to involve enhanced Wnt/β‑catenin signaling, which may promote theproliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. However, further studies are required to elucidate the detailed effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of EA therapy on SCI. Article Published Date : Jun 18, 2017

Abstract Title: Clinical Effect of Electroacupuncture on Lung Injury Patients Caused by Severe Acute Pancreatitis. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017 ;2017:3162851. Epub 2017 Jun 29. PMID: 28751922 Abstract Author(s): Li Li, Jianbo Yu, Rui Mu, Shuan Dong Article Affiliation: Li Li Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at the Lieque, Chize, and Zusanli points in patients with lung injury caused by severe acute pancreatitis. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) induced by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) were randomly divided into three groups based on the treatment: conventional therapy alone (group A), electroacupuncture of nonacupoints with conventional therapy (group B), and electroacupuncture at the Lieque (LU7), Chize (LU5), and Zusanli (ST36) points (group C) once a day for 5 days. Arterial blood samples were obtained for blood gas analysis before electroacupuncture (T1) and 3 (T2) and 5 (T3) days after electroacupuncture. The oxygenation index was significantly higher in all groups at T2 and T3 than that at T1, while the APACHE-II scores were decreased significantly. The expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased and the IL-10 was significantly increased in all groups at T3. The oxygenation index at T2 and T3 was significantly higher in group C than that in group B. Electroacupuncture at Lieque, Chize, and Zusanli can lessen the lung injury induced by SAP, and the mechanism maybe related to the decreased TNF-α and increased IL-10 value. Clinical Registration Number is ChiCTR-ICR-15006850. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture prevents endothelial dysfunction induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury via a cyclooxygenase-2-dependent mechanism: A randomized controlled crossover trial. Abstract Source: PLoS One. 2017 ;12(6):e0178838. Epub 2017 Jun 7. PMID: 28591155 Abstract Author(s): Seung Min Kathy Lee, Hyun Soo Kim, Jimin Park, Jong Shin Woo, Jungtae Leem, Jun Hyeong Park, Sanghoon Lee, Hyemoon Chung, Jung Myung Lee, Jin-Bae Kim, Woo-Shik Kim, Kwon Sam Kim, Weon Kim Article Affiliation: Seung Min Kathy Lee Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Exploring clinically effective methods to reduce ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in humans is critical. Several drugs have shown protective effects, but studies using other interventions have been rare. Electroacupuncture (EA) has induced similar protection in several animal studies but no study has investigated how the effects could be translated and reproduced in humans. This study aimed to explore the potential effect and mechanisms of EA in IR-induced endothelial dysfunction in humans. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, crossover, sham-controlled trial consisting of two protocols. Protocol 1 was a crossover study to investigate the effect of EA on IR-induced endothelial dysfunction. Twenty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to EA or sham EA (sham). Flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery (BA), nitroglycerin-mediated endothelial independent dilation, blood pressure before and after IR were measured. In protocol 2, seven volunteers were administered COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (200 mg orally twice daily) for five days. After consumption, volunteers underwent FMD before and after IR identical to protocol 1. RESULTS: In protocol 1, baseline BA diameter, Pre-IR BA diameter and FMD were similar between the two groups (p = NS). After IR, sham group showed significantly blunted FMD (Pre-IR: 11.41± 3.10%, Post-IR: 4.49 ± 2.04%, p<0.001). However, EA protected this blunted FMD (Pre-IR: 10.96± 5.30%, Post-IR: 9.47 ± 5.23%, p = NS, p<0.05 compared with sham EA after IR). In protocol 2, this protective effect was completely abolished by pre-treatment with celecoxib (Pre-IR: 11.05± 3.27%; Post-IR: 4.20 ± 1.68%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: EA may prevent IR-induced endothelial dysfunction via a COX-2 dependent mechanism. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Alleviates Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Aged Rats by Inhibiting Hippocampal Neuroinflammation Activated via Microglia/TLRs Pathway. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017 ;2017:6421260. Epub 2017 Jun 8. PMID: 28684969 Abstract Author(s): Pei-Pei Feng, Pu Deng, Li-Hua Liu, Qi Ai, Jie Yin, Zhe Liu, Gai-Mei Wang Article Affiliation: Pei-Pei Feng Abstract: Neuroinflammation has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Electroacupuncture (EA) is an irreplaceable method in traditional Chinese medicine that is used for treating neurodegenerative diseases in clinical and experimental studies. The aim of this study was to examine whether EA improves cognitive dysfunction caused by surgery and to investigate the pathological mechanism of TLR2 and TLR4 in the hippocampus of aged rats. A rat model of POCD was established and treated with EA or minocycline. Both EA- and minocycline-treated rats performed significantly better than untreated operated rats in spatial memory tasks of the Morris water maze (MWM) test, spending comparatively greater amounts of time in the target zone during the probe test. Additionally, decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1) and decreased TLR2 and TLR4 protein expression in the hippocampus of EA- and minocycline-treated rats were detected. Our data suggested that EA treatment alleviated the cognition performance deficit and neuroinflammation in aged rats following surgery, which may be mediated by inhibiting the expression of hippocampal neuroinflammatory cytokines through the microglia/TLR2/4 pathway. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture at ST36 Protects ICC Networks via mSCF/Kit-ETV1 Signaling in the Stomach of Diabetic Mice. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017 ;2017:3980870. Epub 2017 Jan 22. PMID: 28203258 Abstract Author(s): Lugao Tian, Beibei Zhu, Shi Liu Article Affiliation: Lugao Tian Abstract: Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) at ST36 has been used to regulate gastric motility and effectively improve gastric emptying in diabetic patients. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms underlying the efficacy of this treatment remain unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the variations of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and explore the changes in mSCF/KIT-ETV1 signaling in the antrum and corpus of diabetic mice after treatment with EA. Methods. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into five groups: control group, diabetic group (DM), diabetic-plus-sham EA group (SEA), diabetic-plus-low-frequency EA group (LEA), and diabetic-plus-high-frequency EA group (HEA). The expression levels of Ano1, c-Kit, and ETV1 were assessed by immunofluorescence in the antrum and corpus. Western blotting and PCR methods were further used to evaluate c-Kit, mSCF, and ETV1 expression. Results. (1) c-Kit and Ano1 were obviously decreased in the DM group, but c-Kit reduced much more than Ano1. (2) The mSCF, c-Kit, and ETV1 mRNA and protein levels were obviously decreased in the DM group in both the antrum and the corpus (P<0.01), but they were significantly elevated in the LEA and HEA groups (P<0.01). Conclusions. Ano1 is a reliable marker to detect ICC changes in diabetes; low- and high-frequency EA at acupoint ST36 can protect the networks of ICC possibly via normal activation of mSCF/KIT-ETV1 signaling. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Abstract Title: Effects of electroacupuncture intervention on expression of cyclooxygenase 2 and microglia in spinal cord in rat model of neuropathic pain. Abstract Source: Chin J Integr Med. 2016 Oct 24. Epub 2016 Aug 24. PMID: 27778263 Abstract Author(s): Li-Li Ji, Meng-Wei Guo, Xiu-Jun Ren, Dong-Yu Ge, Gen-Mao Li, Ya Tu Article Affiliation: Li-Li Ji Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 and microglia in spinal cord by using rat model of neuropathic pain, and to probe into the relationship between COX 2 and microglia. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, including normal control group, model group, sham group, EA 1 group (distant acupoints + local acupoints), EA 2 group (local acupoints), and EA 3 group (distant acupoints). Thermal withdrawal latencies were evaluated at 1 day preoperatively and 3, 5 and 7 days postoperatively. At 7 days postoperatively, the spinal COX 2 mRNA was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Double immunofluorescent staining technology was applied to screen and verify the relationship between altered COX 2 and microglia. RESULTS: Compared with the model group, thermal withdrawal latencies increased after EA treatment (P<0.01). The expressions of COX 2 mRNA were up-regulated in spinal cord of rat on day 7 after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, EA stimulation (EA 1 and EA 2 groups) reversed the up-regulation of COX 2 mRNA expressionP<0.05). EA 1 and EA 2 groups might have better treatment effect compared with the EA 3 group. Fluorescent images displayed COX 2 and microglia expressed at common areas. CONCLUSIONS: EA was effective in analgesic and anti-inflflammatory. EA has decreased the expression of spinal COX 2 mRNA in the trend of the therapeutic effect of"distant acupoints + local acupoints", and"local acupoints"intervention may be superior to that of"distant acupoints"intervention. Microglia may be related to the formation of COX 2. Article Published Date : Oct 23, 2016

Abstract Title: Repetitive Electroacupuncture Attenuates Cold-Induced Hypertension through Enkephalin in the Rostral Ventral Lateral Medulla. Abstract Source: Sci Rep. 2016 Oct 24 ;6:35791. Epub 2016 Aug 24. PMID: 27775047 Abstract Author(s): Min Li, Stephanie C Tjen-A-Looi, Zhi-Ling Guo, John C Longhurst Article Affiliation: Min Li Abstract: Acupuncture lowers blood pressure (BP) in hypertension, but mechanisms underlying its action are unclear. To simulate clinical studies, we performed electroacupuncture (EA) in unanesthetized rats with cold-induced hypertension (CIH) induced by six weeks of cold exposure (6 °C). EA (0.1 - 0.4 mA, 2 Hz) was applied at ST36-37 acupoints overlying the deep peroneal nerve for 30 min twice weekly for five weeks while sham-EA was conducted with the same procedures as EA except for no electrical stimulation. Elevated BP was reduced after six sessions of EA treatmentand remained low 72 hrs after EA in 18 CIH rats, but not in sham-EA (n = 12) and untreated (n = 6) CIH ones. The mRNA level of preproenkephalin in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) 72 hr after EA was increased (n = 9), compared to the sham-EA (n = 6), untreated CIH rats (n = 6) and normotensive control animals (n = 6). Microinjection of ICI 174,864, a δ-opioid receptor antagonist, into the rVLM of EA-treated CIH rats partially reversed EA's effect on elevated BP (n = 4). Stimulation of rVLM of CIH rats treated with sham-EA using a δ-opioid agonist, DADLE, decreased BP (n = 6). These data suggest that increased enkephalin in the rVLM induced by repetitive EA contributes to BP lowering action of EA. Article Published Date : Oct 23, 2016

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture pretreatment with different waveforms prevents brain injury in rats subjected to cecal ligation and puncture via inhibiting microglial activation, and attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. Abstract Source: Brain Res Bull. 2016 Oct 19 ;127:248-259. Epub 2016 Aug 19. PMID: 27771396 Abstract Author(s): Ye Chen, Yu Lei, Li-Qun Mo, Jun Li, Mao-Hua Wang, Ji-Cheng Wei, Jun Zhou Article Affiliation: Ye Chen Abstract: Sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study was to investigate the protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment with different waveforms on septic brain injury in rats and its mechanism. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated by EA with different waveforms (continuous wave, dilatational wave, or intermittent wave) at Baihui (GV20) and Tsusanli (ST36) acupoints for 30min, and underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. The results showed that EA pretreatment with different waveforms improved survival rate, attenuated encephaledema, brain injury, neuronal apoptosis and cognitive dysfunction, and preserved blood-brain barrier (BBB). EA pretreatment decreased the production of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interleukin(IL)-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and hippocampus at 48h after sham or CLP operation. Additionally, EA pretreatment downregulated the expressions of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba 1). The effect of dilatational wave was the most significant, followed by intermittent wave, and continuous wave was relatively poor. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that EA pretreatment with three waveforms alleviates sepsis-inducedbrain injury by inhibition of microglial activation and attenuation of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings suggest that EA pretreatment with dilatational wave at Baihui and Tsusanli acupoints might be a promising therapeutic strategy for relieving septic brain injury. Article Published Date : Oct 18, 2016

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture at acupoint ST 37(Shangjuxu) improves function of the enteric nervous system in a novel mouse constipation model. Abstract Source: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2016 Oct 18 ;16(1):392. Epub 2016 Aug 18. PMID: 27756367 Abstract Author(s): Chao Liang, Kaiyue Wang, Bin Xu, Zhi Yu Article Affiliation: Chao Liang Abstract: BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoint ST 37 (Shangjuxu) has been used to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and improve gastrointestinal motility. However, the mechanisms by which EA affects the enteric nervous system (ENS) have scarcely been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether EA could improve ENS function. METHODS: A constipation model was established by gastric instillation of ice-cold saline daily for 14 days. The constipated mice were divided into two groups: the model group, which was not treated, and the EA group, which received EA at ST 37 at a frequency of 2-15 HZ and an amplitude of 1 mA for 15 min a day for 3 days. A further six mice were included as a non-constipated control group. After EA treatment, intestinal propulsion and defecation time were measured. Additionally, in jejunum, ileum and proximal colon myenteric plexus, the expressions of PGP9.5 and nNOS were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The EA group demonstrated significant improvements in carbon propulsion rates and defecation time compared to model group (P < 0.05). In addition, after EA, the PGP9.5 and nNOS expression in jejunum, ileum and proximal colonic myenteric plexus was back to normal levels. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that EA stimulation at ST 37 is capable of ameliorating intestinal motility dysfunction, and can partly restore enteric neuron function. The ENS can participate in changes in intestinal motility by affecting inhibitory neurons. Article Published Date : Oct 17, 2016

Abstract Title: Upregulation of neuronal zinc finger protein A20 expression is required for electroacupuncture to attenuate the cerebral inflammatory injury mediated by the nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats. Abstract Source: J Neuroinflammation. 2016 Oct 3 ;13(1):258. Epub 2016 Aug 3. PMID: 27716383 Abstract Author(s): Jian Zhan, Wenyi Qin, Ying Zhang, Jing Jiang, Hongmei Ma, Qiongli Li, Yong Luo Article Affiliation: Jian Zhan Abstract: BACKGROUND: Zinc finger protein A20 (tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3) functions as a potent negative feedback inhibitor of the nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) signaling. It exerts these effects by interrupting the activation of IkB kinase beta (IKKβ), the most critical kinase in upstream of NF-kB, and thereby controlling inflammatory homeostasis. We reported previously that electroacupuncture (EA) could effectively suppress IKKβ activation. However, the mechanism underlying these effects was unclear. Therefore, the current study further explored the effects of EA on A20 expression in rat brain and investigated the possible mechanism of A20 in anti-neuroinflammation mediated by EA using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. METHODS: Rats were treated with EA at the"Baihui (GV20),""Hegu (L14),"and"Taichong (Liv3)"acupoints once a day starting 2 h after focal cerebral ischemia. The spatiotemporal expression of A20, neurobehavioral scores, infarction volumes, cytokine levels, glial cell activation, and the NF-kB signaling were assessed at the indicated time points. A20 gene interference (overexpression and silencing) was used to investigate the role of A20 in mediating the neuroprotective effects of EA and in regulating the interaction between neuronal and glial cells by suppressing neuronal NF-kB signaling during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuroinflammation. RESULTS: EA treatment increased A20 expression with an earlier peak and longer lasting upregulation. The upregulated A20 protein was predominantly located in neurons in the cortical zone of the ischemia/reperfusion. Furthermore, neuronal A20 cell counts were positively correlated with neurobehavioral scores but negatively correlated with infarct volume, the accumulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and glial cell activation. Moreover, the effects of EA on improving the neurological outcome and suppressing neuroinflammation in the brain were reversed by A20 silencing. Finally, A20 silencing also suppressed the ability of EA to inhibit neuronal NF-kB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Ischemia/reperfusion cortical neurons in MCAO rats are the main cell types that express A20, and there is a correlation between A20 expression and the suppression of neuroinflammation and the resulting neuroprotective effects. EA upregulated neuronal A20 expression, which played an essential role in the anti-inflammatory effects of EA by suppressing the neuronal NF-kB signaling pathway in the brains of MCAO rats. Article Published Date : Oct 02, 2016

Abstract Title: Intraoperative Low-frequency Electroacupuncture under General Anesthesia Improves Postoperative Recovery in a Randomized Trial. Abstract Source: J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2016 Oct ;9(5):234-241. Epub 2016 Aug 4. PMID: 27776761 Abstract Author(s): Dennis Grech, Zhifeng Li, Patrick Morcillo, Evelyne Kalyoussef, David D Kim, Alex Bekker, Luis Ulloa Article Affiliation: Dennis Grech Abstract: Neuronal stimulation improves physiological responses to infection and trauma, but the clinical potential of this strategy is unknown. We hypothesized that transdermal neural stimulation through low-frequency electroacupuncture might control the immune responses to surgical trauma and expedite the postoperative recovery. However, the efficiency of electroacupuncture is questioned due to the placebo effect. Here, electroacupuncture was performed on anesthetized patients to avoid any placebo. This is a prospective double-blinded pilot trial to determine whether intraoperative electroacupuncture on anesthetized patients improves postoperative recovery. Patients with electroacupuncture required 60% less postoperative analgesic, even they had pain scores similar to those in the control patients. Electroacupuncture prevented postoperative hyperglycemia and attenuated serum adrenocorticotropic hormone in the older and heavier group of patients. From an immunological perspective, electroacupuncture did not affect the protective immune responses to surgical trauma, including the induction of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10. The most significant immunological effect of electroacupuncture was enhancing transforming growth factor-β1 production during surgery in the older and lighter group of patients. These results suggest that intraoperative electroacupuncture on anesthetized patients can reduce postoperative use of analgesics and improve immune and stress responses to surgery. Article Published Date : Sep 30, 2016

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture alleviates nerve injury after cerebra ischemia in rats through inhibiting cell apoptosis and changing the balance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression. Abstract Source: Neurosci Lett. 2016 Sep 21 ;633:158-164. Epub 2016 Aug 21. PMID: 27664868 Abstract Author(s): Ranran Ma, Bobo Yuan, Junhui Du, Lina Wang, Louyan Ma, Songfang Liu, Qing Shu, Hongzhi Sun Article Affiliation: Ranran Ma Abstract: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) can exert a neuroprotective role for cerebral ischemia, but their precise mechanism remains largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, the effects of EA stimulation on cerebral ischemia reperfusion and its neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated. A rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was developed, and EA stimulation (2Hz, 1mA) at Baihui and Siguan acupoints was applied 30min after MCAO and then once daily for 7 consecutive days. The results indicated that EA stimulation significantly reduced the cerebral infarct area and neurological deficit scores, decreased the number of apoptotic cells, up-regulated Bcl-2 protein expression, and down-regulated Bax protein expression. EA stimulation resulted in a significant increase of proliferative cells in the cerebral tissues. Additionally, EA stimulation significantly down-regulated the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase -9 (MMP-9) mRNA and protein, and simultaneously up-regulated the expression levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA and protein, which resulted in an imbalance of MMP-9/TIMP-1expression, although it did not significantly change MMP-2 and TIMP-2 expression. These findings indicate that EA stimulation at Baihui and Siguan acupoints exerts a neuroprotective role against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, which is probably associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and altering the balance of MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression. Article Published Date : Sep 20, 2016

Abstract Title: The Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Apelin/APJ System in the Spinal Cord of Rats With Inflammatory Pain. Abstract Source: Anesth Analg. 2016 Sep 13. Epub 2016 Sep 13. PMID: 27632349 Abstract Author(s): Ke Wang, Ziyong Ju, Yue Yong, Tongyu Chen, Jiangang Song, Jia Zhou Article Affiliation: Ke Wang Abstract: BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely applied for pain management, but the analgesic effects of EA have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of EA on inflammatory pain caused by intraplantar injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and apelin/APJ expression in the spinal cord of rats. METHODS: The study was conducted in 3 parts. In part 1, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 10): sham, CFA, EA (CFA + 2 Hz EA at acupoints), and NA-EA (CFA + acupuncture without electrical stimulation). The time courses of mechanical and thermal sensitivity were determined. The protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of apelin and APJ in the spinal cord were assayed by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. In part 2, the rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 7-8): sham, CFA, EA, F13A (CFA + intrathecal injection of F13A), and EA-F13A (CFA + EA + intrathecal injection of F13A). In part 3, the rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8): sham, CFA, EA, apelin-13 (CFA + intrathecal injection of apelin-13), and EA + apelin-13 (CFA + EA + intrathecal injection of apelin-13). RESULTS: EA treatment exhibited significant antinociceptive effects (mechanical sensitivity: mean difference [99% confidence interval {CI}]: 5.86 [4.96-6.77]; thermal sensitivity: mean difference [99% CI]: 2.45 [0.91-4.00]; EA versus CFA) and mitigated the CFA-induced reduction of apelin and APJ protein and mRNA expression in the spinal cord. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of the apelin/APJ system antagonist F13A blocked the analgesic effect of EA (mechanical sensitivity: mean difference [99% CI]: 8.99 [5.81-12.17]; thermal sensitivity: mean difference [99% CI]: 4.22 [1.33-7.12]; EA versus EA-F13A). When EA was combined with apelin-13 through intrathecal administration, it was more potent in reducing mechanical allodynia (mean difference [99% CI]: 5.98 [2.38-9.57], EA + apelin-13 versus apelin-13; mean difference [99% CI]: 4.29 [0.72-7.87], EA + apelin-13 versus EA) and thermal hyperalgesia (mean difference [99% CI]: 5.23 [2.19-8.28], EA + apelin-13 versus apelin-13; mean difference [99% CI]: 6.43 [3.38-9.48], EA + apelin-13 versus EA). CONCLUSIONS: EA stimulation could alleviate inflammatory pain, at least in part, by restoring apelin and APJ mRNA and protein expression levels, which are downregulated in the CFA pain model. Article Published Date : Sep 12, 2016

Abstract Title: Effect of electroacupuncture in patients with post-stroke motor aphasia : Neurolinguistic and neuroimaging characteristics. Abstract Source: Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2016 Sep 2. Epub 2016 Sep 2. PMID: 27590260 Abstract Author(s): Jingling Chang, Hua Zhang, Zhongjian Tan, Juan Xiao, Shuren Li, Ying Gao Article Affiliation: Jingling Chang Abstract: BACKGROUND: In this study we investigated the neurolinguistic and neuroimaging characteristics of post-stroke motor aphasia patients. The effects of acupuncture on cortex activation by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with motor aphasia were also studied. METHODS: In this study 43 patients with motor aphasia after stroke were assessed according to Clinical Rehabilitation Research Center aphasia examination (CRRCAE) for linguistic evaluation and MRI and computed tomography (CT) were used for the analyses of brain lesions. The MRI imaging data were also examined using statistical parametric mapping (SPM8) software. Cortex activation images during acupuncture were analyzed using generalized linear model analysis. RESULTS: The results of MRI and CT showed diverse brain lesion regions of post-stroke motor aphasia including the cortex, subcortex and cortex together with the subcortex. The language-related brain areas are activated by acupuncture including frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital lobes as well as insula, precuneus and other wide range of brain function areas as shown by MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the brain lesion regions in post-stroke motor aphasia were not completely consistent with the classical motor speech center. By using MRI our study results suggest that the formation of cognitive language may be involved with the cortical-subcortical functional networks. Acupuncture may be useful for treatment of motor aphasia after stroke. Article Published Date : Sep 01, 2016

Abstract Title: Effect of Electroacupuncture in"Zusanli"and"Kunlun"Acupoints on TLR4 Signaling Pathway of Adjuvant Arthritis Rats. Abstract Source: Am J Ther. 2016 Aug 29. Epub 2016 Aug 29. PMID: 27574922 Abstract Author(s): Zhe-Qing Dong, Ji Zhu, De-Zhao Lu, Qin Chen, Ying-Ling Xu Article Affiliation: Zhe-Qing Dong Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. Previous study suggested that toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway contributes to the development and progression of RA. In recent years, acupuncture has become one of the most vital treatments of arthralgia. But little is known about the mechanisms of improving RA by acupuncture. STUDY QUESTION: The study studied the effect of electroacupuncture in"Zusanli"and"Kunlun"acupoints on the expression of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88), and NF-κB in adjuvant arthritis rats to clarify the molecular mechanism of acupuncture of RA. STUDY DESIGN: A rat model of adjuvant arthritis was established with injection of 0.1 mL Freund complete adjuvant in the right hindlimb footpad. We next punctured the Zusanli and Kunlun acupoints with 0.25× 40-mm acupuncture needles to 5-mm depth. Then, we performed electroacupuncture treatment for 28 days with frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of 2 mA, once a day and 30 minutes each time. MEASURES AND OUTCOMES: Arthritis index and paw swelling were measured every week. FQ-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of TLR4, MYD88, and NF-κB. RESULTS: Paw swelling of rats injected with Freund complete adjuvant was more serious than that of the normal rats, which illustrated the successful establishment of adjuvant arthritis rat model. After treatment for 14 days, the paw swelling and joint symptoms score decreased, paw tissue inflammation eased in the rats of treatment group compared with the model group during the same period. After treatment for 28 days, the expression of TLR4, MYD88, and NF-κB in the ankle bone tissues decreased at both mRNA and protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation with electric needle in Zusanli and Kunlun acupoints can reduce the expression of TLR4, MYD88, and NF-κB, which play an important role in treatment of adjuvant arthritis. Article Published Date : Aug 28, 2016

Abstract Title: Effects of Electroacupuncture at Governor Vessel Acupoints on Neurotrophin-3 in Rats with Experimental Spinal Cord Injury. Abstract Source: Neural Plast. 2016 ;2016:2371875. Epub 2016 Aug 11. PMID: 27597902 Abstract Author(s): Yu-Ping Mo, Hai-Jiang Yao, Wei Lv, Liang-Yu Song, Hong-Tao Song, Xiao-Chen Yuan, Ying-Qiu Mao, Quan-Kai Jing, Su-Hua Shi, Zhi-Gang Li Article Affiliation: Yu-Ping Mo Abstract: In an effort to explore new, noninvasive treatment options for spinal cord injuries (SCI), this study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) for SCI rat models. SCI was induced by a modified Allen's weight-drop method. We investigated the response of EA at Dazhui (GV 14) and Mingmen (GV 4) acupoints to understand the effects and mechanisms of EA in neuroprotection and neuronal function recovery after SCI. BBB testing was used to detect motor function of rats' hind limbs among groups, and EA was shown to promote the recovery of SCI rats' motor function. Nissl staining showed a restored neural morphology and an increase in the quantity of neurons after EA. Also, the antiapoptosis role was exposed by TUNEL staining. Western blotting analysis was used to determine the protein expression of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in spinal cord tissue. Compared to the sham group, the expression levels of NT-3 were significantly decreased and EA was shown to upregulate the expression of NT-3. The present study suggests that the role of EA in neuroprotection and dorsal neuronal function recovery after SCI in rats, especially EA stimulation at GV 14 and GV 4, can greatly promote neuronal function recovery, which may result from upregulating the expression of NT-3. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Effects of Electroacupuncture Treatment on Bone Cancer Pain Model with Morphine Tolerance. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 ;2016:8028474. Epub 2016 Sep 8. PMID: 27672401 Abstract Author(s): Lei Sima, Bifa Fan, Longtao Yan, Yuan Shui Article Affiliation: Lei Sima Abstract: Objective. To explore the efficacy of electroacupuncture treatment in cancer induced bone pain (CIBP) rat model with morphine tolerance and explore changes of calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) expression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Methods. Forty SD rats were divided into five groups: sham, CIBP (B), CIBP + morphine (BM), CIBP + electroacupuncture (BE), and CIBP + morphine + electroacupuncture (BME). B, BM, BE, and BME groups were prepared CIBP model. The latter three groups then accepted morphine, electroacupuncture, and morphine combined electroacupuncture, separately, nine days consecutively (M1 to M9). Mechanical withdraw threshold (MWT) was evaluated. Results. BE group only had differences in M1, M2, and M3 compared to B group (P<0.01). From M5, BM group showed significantly decreased MWT. Electroacupuncture could obtain analgesic effects only at early stage (M1 to M5). From M5 to M9, BME had the differences with BM group (P<0.01). IOD value of CGRP in BM and BME was substantially less than in B group. CGRP in BME was significantly lower than that in BM group (P<0.01). Conclusion. When used in combination with electroacupuncture, morphine could result in improving analgesic effects and reducing tolerance. CGRP may be associated with pain behaviors. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Exerts Neuroprotection through Caveolin-1 Mediated Molecular Pathway in Intracerebral Hemorrhage of Rats. Abstract Source: Neural Plast. 2016 ;2016:7308261. Epub 2016 Aug 20. PMID: 27725888 Abstract Author(s): Hui-Qin Li, Yan Li, Zi-Xian Chen, Xiao-Guang Zhang, Xia-Wei Zheng, Wen-Ting Yang, Shuang Chen, Guo-Qing Zheng Article Affiliation: Hui-Qin Li Abstract: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most devastating types of stroke. Here, we aim to demonstrate that electroacupuncture on Baihui (GV20) exerts neuroprotection for acute ICH possibly via the caveolin-1/matrix metalloproteinase/blood-brain barrier permeability pathway. The model of ICH was established by using collagenase VII. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: Sham-operation group, Sham electroacupuncture group, and electroacupuncture group. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups according to the time points of 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after ICH. The methods were used including examination of neurological deficit scores according to Longa's scale, measurement of blood-brain barrier permeability through Evans Blue content, in situ immunofluorescent detection of caveolin-1 in brains, western blot analysis of caveolin-1 in brains, and in situ zymography for measuring matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 activity in brains. Compared with Sham electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture group has resulted in a significant improvement in neurological deficit scores and in a reduction in Evans Blue content, expression of caveolin-1, and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2/9 at 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after ICH (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present results suggested that electroacupuncture on GV20 can improve neurological deficit scores and reduce blood-brain barrier permeability after ICH, and the mechanism possibly targets caveolin-1/matrix metalloproteinase/blood-brain barrier permeability pathway. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Effects of Electroacupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 ;2016:3485875. Epub 2016 Aug 13. PMID: 27818699 Abstract Author(s): Jae-Woo Shim, Jae-Young Jung, Sung-Soo Kim Article Affiliation: Jae-Woo Shim Abstract: Purpose. This study aims to verify the effects of electroacupuncture treatment on osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods. MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, AMED, CNKI, and five Korean databases were searched by predefined search strategies to screen eligible randomized controlled studies meeting established criteria. Any risk of bias in the included studies was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan version 5.3 software. Results. Thirty-one randomized controlled studies of 3,187 participants were included in this systematic review. Meta-analysis was conducted with eight studies including a total of 1,220 participants. The electroacupuncture treatment group showed more significant improvement in pain due to knee osteoarthritis than the control group (SMD -1.86, 95% CI -2.33 to -1.39, I(2) 75%) and in total WOMAC score than the control group (SMD -1.34, CI 95% -1.85 to -0.83, I(2) 73%). Compared to the control group, the electroacupuncture treatment group showed more significant improvement on the quality of life scale. Conclusion. Electroacupuncture treatment can relieve the pain of osteoarthritis of the knees and improve comprehensive aspects of knee osteoarthritis and the quality of life of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Treatment Alleviates Central Poststroke Pain by Inhibiting Brain Neuronal Apoptosis and Aberrant Astrocyte Activation. Abstract Source: Neural Plast. 2016 ;2016:1437148. Epub 2016 Aug 27. PMID: 27774321 Abstract Author(s): Gui-Hua Tian, Shan-Shan Tao, Man-Tang Chen, Yu-Sang Li, You-Ping Li, Hong-Cai Shang, Xiao-Yi Tang, Jian-Xin Chen, He-Bin Tang Article Affiliation: Gui-Hua Tian Abstract: Electroacupuncture (EA) is reported to effectively relieve the central poststroke pain (CPSP). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the detailed mechanisms of action of EA treatment at different frequencies for CPSP. A CPSP model was established with a single collagenase injection to the left ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus. The EA-treated groups then received EA treatment at frequency of 2, 2/15, or 15 Hz for 30 min daily for five days. The pain-related behavioral responses, neuronal apoptosis, glial activation, and the expression of pain signal transmission-related factors (β-catenin, COX-2, and NK-1R) were assessed using behavioral tests, Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. The low-frequency EA treatment significantly (1) reduced brain tissue damage and hematoma sizes and (2) inhibited neuronal apoptosis, thereby exerting abirritative effects. Meanwhile, the high-frequency EA treatment induced a greater inhibition of the aberrant astrocyteactivation, accompanied by the downregulation of the expressions of COX-2, β-catenin, and subsequently NK-1R, thereby alleviating inflammation and producing strong analgesic effects. Together, these findings suggest that CPSP is closely related to pathological changes of the neocortex and hippocampus. EA treatments at different frequencies may exert abirritative effects by inhibiting brain neuronal apoptosis and aberrant astrocyte activation in the brain. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Acupuncture Alters Expression of Insulin Signaling Related Molecules and Improves Insulin Resistance in OLETF Rats. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 ;2016:9651592. Epub 2016 Aug 22. PMID: 27738449 Abstract Author(s): Xin-Yu Huang, Liang Zhang, Jian Sun, Neng-Gui Xu, Wei Yi Article Affiliation: Xin-Yu Huang Abstract: To determine effect of acupuncture on insulin resistance in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and to evaluate expression of insulin signaling components. Rats were divided into three groups: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, OLETF rats, and acupuncture+OLETF rats. Acupuncture was subcutaneously applied to Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), and Sanyinjiao (SP6); in contrast, acupuncture to Shenshu (BL23) was administered perpendicularly. For Neiguan (PC6) and Zusanli (ST36), needles were connected to an electroacupuncture (EA) apparatus. Fasting blood glucose (FPG) was measured by glucose oxidase method. Plasma fasting insulin (FINS) and serum C peptide (C-P) were determined by ELISA. Protein and mRNA expressions of insulin signaling molecules were determined by Western blot and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. OLETF rats exhibit increased levels of FPG, FINS, C-P, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), which were effectively decreased by acupuncture treatment. mRNA expressions of several insulin signaling related molecules IRS1, IRS2, Akt2, aPKCζ, and GLUT4 were decreased in OLETF rats compared to SD controls. Expression of these molecules was restored back to normal levels upon acupuncture administration. PI3K-p85α was increased in OLETF rats; this increase was also reversed by acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture improves insulin resistance in OLETF rats, possibly via regulating expression of key insulin signaling related molecules. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture in conscious free-moving mice reduces pain by ameliorating peripheral and central nociceptive mechanisms. Abstract Source: Sci Rep. 2016;6:34493. Epub 2016 Sep 30. PMID: 27687125 Abstract Author(s): Ying Wang, Jianxun Lei, Mihir Gupta, Fei Peng, Sarah Lam, Ritu Jha, Ellis Raduenz, Al J Beitz, Kalpna Gupta Article Affiliation: Ying Wang Abstract: Integrative approaches such as electroacupuncture, devoid of drug effects are gaining prominence for treating pain. Understanding the mechanisms of electroacupuncture induced analgesia would benefit chronic pain conditions such as sickle cell disease (SCD), for which patients may require opioid analgesics throughout life. Mouse models are instructive in developing a mechanistic understanding of pain, but the anesthesia/restraint required to administer electroacupuncture may alter the underlying mechanisms. To overcome these limitations, we developed a method to perform electroacupuncture in conscious, freely moving, unrestrained mice. Using this technique we demonstrate a significant analgesic effect in transgenic mouse models of SCD and cancer as well as complete Freund's adjuvant-induced pain. We demonstrate a comprehensive antinociceptive effect on mechanical, cold and deep tissue hyperalagesia in both genders. Interestingly, individual mice showed a variable response to electroacupuncture, categorized into high-, moderate-, and non-responders. Mechanistically, electroacupuncture significantly ameliorated inflammatory and nociceptive mediators both peripherally and centrally in sickle mice correlative to the antinociceptive response. Application of sub-optimal doses of morphine in electroacupuncture-treated moderate-responders produced equivalent antinociception as obtained in high-responders. Electroacupuncture in conscious freely moving mice offers an effective approach to develop a mechanism-based understanding of analgesia devoid of the influence of anesthetics or restraints. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Regulation of Autophagy and Apoptosis. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 ;2016:7297425. Epub 2016 Aug 9. PMID: 27800003 Abstract Author(s): Shi Shu, Chun-Ming Li, Yan-Li You, Xiao-Lu Qian, Shuang Zhou, Chang-Quan Ling Article Affiliation: Shi Shu Abstract: Background. The therapeutic mechanisms of cerebral ischemia treatment by acupuncture are yet not well addressed. Objective. We investigated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at GV26 observing the expression of autophagy-related proteins Beclin-1 and LC3B and proportion of apoptotic cells and Bcl-2 positive cells in MCAO/R model rats. Methods. Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats were randomly assigned to 7 groups: model groups (M6h, M24h, and M72h), EA treatment groups (T6h, T24h, and T72h), and sham operation group (S). Neurological deficit and cerebral infarction volume were measured to assess the improvement effect, while the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B and proportion of Tunel-positive and Bcl-2 positive cells were examined to explore EA effect on autophagy and apoptosis. Results. EA significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and the volume of cerebral infarction. Beclin-1 was significantly decreased in T24h, while LC3B-II/LC3B-I ratio markedly reduced in 6th hour. EA groups markedly reduced the number of Tunel positive cells, especially in T24h. Meanwhile, the number of Bcl-2 positive cells obviously increased after EA treatment, especially in T6h and T24h. Conclusions. The alleviation of inadequate autophagy and apoptosis may be a key mechanism involved in the reflex regulation of EA at GV26 to treat cerebral ischemia. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Comparison of Electroacupuncture and Moxibustion for Relieving Visceral Hypersensitivity in Rats with Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 ;2016:9410505. Epub 2016 Aug 22. PMID: 27738447 Abstract Author(s): Ji-Meng Zhao, Liu Chen, Ci-Li Zhou, Yin Shi, Yu-Wei Li, Hai-Xia Shang, Lu-Yi Wu, Chun-Hui Bao, Chuan-Zi Dou, Huan-Gan Wu Article Affiliation: Ji-Meng Zhao Abstract: Aim. To compare whether there is different effect between electroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion (Mox) on visceral hypersensitivity (their analgesic effects) in constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (C-IBS). Methods. EA at 1 mA and 3 mA and Mox at 43°C and 46°C were applied to the Shangjuxu (ST37, bilateral) acupoint in rats with C-IBS and normal rats. An abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score was used to assess visceral hypersensitivity. Toluidine blue staining was used to assess mast cell (MC) activity in colon of rats. Immunochemistry was used to measure 5-HT and 5-HT4 receptor expression in the colon. Results. AWR scores in all EA (1 mA and 3 mA) and Mox (43°C and 46°C) treatment groups after colorectal distention (CRD) stimulation pressure of 20, 40, 60, and 80 mmHg were significantly lower than those of the model (MC) group (P all<0.01). The MC counts and degranulation rates in the colon of all EA and Mox treatment groups and the MC group were significantly higher than those of the NC group (P all<0.01). MC degranulation rates in the colon of all EA and Mox treatment groups were lower than those of the MC group (P all<0.05). 5-HT expression in colon of all EA and Mox treatment groups was significantly lower than that of the MC group (P all<0.01), and 5-HT4R expression in colon of both EA groups was significantly higher than that of the MC group (P both<0.01). Conclusion. EA and Mox treatments may both ameliorate visceral hypersensitivity at different degree in rats with C-IBS, and EA treatment was better than Mox. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: The Effect of Repeated Electroacupuncture Analgesia on Neurotrophic and Cytokine Factors in Neuropathic Pain Rats. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016 ;2016:8403064. Epub 2016 Aug 5. PMID: 27800006 Abstract Author(s): Junying Wang, Yonghui Gao, Shuping Chen, Chenlin Duanmu, Jianliang Zhang, Xiumei Feng, Yaxia Yan, Junling Liu, Gerhard Litscher Article Affiliation: Junying Wang Abstract: Chronic pain is a common disability influencing quality of life. Results of previous studies showed that acupuncture has a cumulative analgesic effect, but the relationship with spinal cytokines neurotrophic factors released by astrocytes remains unknown. The present study was designed to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) treatment on spinal cytokines neurotrophic factors in chronic neuropathic pain rats. The chronic neuropathic pain was established by chronic constrictive injury (CCI). EA treatment was applied at Zusanli (ST36) and Yanglingquan (GB34) (both bilateral) once a day, for 30 min. IL-1β mRNA, TNF-α mRNA, and IL-1 mRNA were detected by quantitative real-time PCR, and the proteins of BDNF, NGF, and NT3/4 were detected by Western blot. The expression levels of cytokines such as IL-1β mRNA, TNF-α mRNA, IL-6 mRNA, and neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, NGF, and NT3/4 in the spinal cord were increased significantly after CCI. The astrocytes released more IL-1β and BDNF after CCI. Repeated EA treatment could suppress the elevated expression of IL-1β mRNA, TNFα mRNA, and BDNF, NGF, and NT3/4 but had no effect on IL-6 mRNA. It is suggested that cytokines and neurotrophic factors which may be closely associated with astrocytes participated in the process of EA relieving chronic pain. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Effect of electro-acupuncture, massage, mud, and sauna therapies in patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Abstract Source: J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015 Oct-Dec;6(4):295-9. PMID: 26834431 Abstract Author(s): Geetha B Shetty, A Mooventhan, N Anagha Article Affiliation: Geetha B Shetty Abstract: A 48-year-old married woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2007, came to our hospital in July 2014 with the complaint of severe pain and swelling over multiple joints, especially over small joints, which was associated with stiffness (more in morning), deformities of fingers and toes, with disturbed sleep and poor quality of life (QOL) for the past 7 years. She received a combination of electro acupuncture (14 sessions), massage (18 sessions), mud (18 sessions), and sauna (3 sessions) (EMMS) therapies for 30-min, 45-min, 30-min, and 15-min per session, respectively for 3 weeks. During and postintervention assessment showed reduction in visual analog scale score for pain, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. It also showed an increase in the scores of 10-Meter Walk Test, isometric hand-grip test, and short form-36 version-2 health survey. This result suggest that, the EMMS therapy might be considered as an effective treatments in reducing pain, depression, anxiety, and stress with improvement in physical functions, quality of sleep and QOL in patient with RA. EMMS therapies were tolerated and no side effects were reported by the patient. Though the results are encouraging, further studies are required with larger sample size and advanced inflammatory markers. Article Published Date : Sep 30, 2015

Abstract Title: Effects of electroacupuncture on experimental periodontitis in rats. Abstract Source: J Periodontol. 2015 Jun ;86(6):801-11. Epub 2015 Mar 5. PMID: 25741581 Abstract Author(s): Mario R P Lisboa, Delane V Gondim, Edilson Ervolino, Mariana L Vale, Nicolly P R Frota, Nara L T Nunes, Viviane C Mariguela, Mario Taba, Michel R Messora, Flávia A C Furlaneto Article Affiliation: Mario R P Lisboa Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has shown the capability of modulating the immuno-inflammatory response of the host. This study aims to evaluate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. METHODS: Thirty-two animals were divided into four groups: 1) control; 2) experimental periodontitis (EP); 3) sham-treated (EP/EA-sham); and 4) treated with EA (EP/EA). For the EP groups, a ligature was placed around the right mandibular first molars at day 1. Sessions of EA or EA-sham were assigned every other day. For EA treatment, large intestine meridian points LI4 and LI11 and stomach meridian points ST36 and ST44 were used. EA-sham was performed in off-meridian points. Animals were euthanized at day 11. Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses were performed. Immunolabeling patterns for the receptor activator of nuclear factorκB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were assessed. Expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed statistically (P<0.05, analysis of variance). RESULTS: Histomorphometric and microtomographic analyses demonstrated that group EP/EA presented reduced alveolar bone loss when compared to group EP (P<0.05). Reduced RANKL immunolabeling and fewer TRAP-positive multinucleated cells were observed in the EA-treated group in relation to group EP. No differences were observed in OPG expression among groups. EA treatment decreased the genic expression of IL-1β and MMP-8 (P<0.05), increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 (P<0.05), and did not modify the genic expression of COX-2 in animals with EP (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that EA reduced periodontal tissue breakdown and the expression of some proinflammatory mediators and a proresorptive factor in EP in rats. Article Published Date : May 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Effect of electroacupuncture on the inflammatory response in patients with acute pancreatitis: an exploratory study. Abstract Source: Acupunct Med. 2015 Apr ;33(2):115-20. Epub 2014 Dec 17. PMID: 25520280 Abstract Author(s): Shi-Feng Zhu, Hui Guo, Rong-Rong Zhang, Yumei Zhang, Juan Li, Xian-Lin Zhao, Tian-Rong Chen, Mei-Hua Wan, Guang-Yuan Chen, Wen-Fu Tang Article Affiliation: Shi-Feng Zhu Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory responses in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Eighty patients with mild or severe AP were randomly allocated to a control group or an EA group. All patients were managed conservatively. In addition, the EA group received acupuncture for 30 min per day for 7 days at bilateral points ST36, LI4, TE6, ST37 and LR3. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured on admission and on day 7. The time to re-feeding and length of stay in hospital were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients provided complete data. The characteristics of the patients in the EA and control groups were similar. After 7 days the serum concentrations of IL-10 were higher in the EA group than in the control group (mild AP: 6.2±1.2 vs 5.2±0.9 pg/mL, p<0.05; severe AP: 14.9±7.8 vs 7.9±6.3 pg/mL, p<0.05). For patients with severe AP, the CRP level in the EA group was lower than in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA may reduce the severity of AP by inducing anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the time to re-feeding; however, it did not reduce the length of hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-TRC-13003572. Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Immediate effect of three different electroacupuncture protocols on fasting blood glucose in obese patients: a pilot study. Abstract Source: Acupunct Med. 2015 Apr ;33(2):110-4. Epub 2014 Dec 18. PMID: 25522743 Abstract Author(s): Maria Belivani, Thomas Lundeberg, Mike Cummings, Charikleia Dimitroula, Nicole Belivani, Dimitris Vasilakos, Apostolos Hatzitolios Article Affiliation: Maria Belivani Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obesity is an increasing global health problem, and current methods of management are limited. Preliminary research data suggest that acupuncture may have an influence on metabolic parameters related to obesity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the electroacupuncture (EA) protocol to be used in a future clinical trial examining the effect of acupuncture on metabolic parameters related to obesity and to examine whether a single EA treatment can change fasting blood glucose in obese subjects. METHODS: 16 obese women aged 30-52 years with body mass index>30 kg/m(2) were assigned consecutively into three groups and their fasting blood glucose was measured before and after administering a single session, lasting 30 min, of one of three EA treatment protocols. The Dorsal group received EA to dorsal segmental acupuncture points BL18-23 bilaterally (corresponding to the segmental levels innervating the pancreas); the Ear group received EA to ear points in the cavum conchae; and the Limb group received EA to points in the arms and legs (LI10-LI11, ST36-Zongping). RESULTS: After a single session of EA there was a statistically significant decrease in fasting blood glucose in the Dorsal and Limb groups, but there was no change and even a trend towards an increase in the glucose level in the Ear group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this small pilot study suggest that EA to either dorsal segmental points corresponding to the pancreas or to muscle points in all four limbs may exert a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism in obese women. Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2015

Abstract Title: Effect and Potential Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Add-On Treatment in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015 ;2015:692795. Epub 2015 Aug 13. PMID: 26351515 Abstract Author(s): Fang Wang, Li Sun, Xiao-Zhe Zhang, Jun Jia, Zhuo Liu, Xi-Yan Huang, Shu-Yang Yu, Li-Jun Zuo, Chen-Jie Cao, Xiao-Min Wang, Wei Zhang Article Affiliation: Fang Wang Abstract: Objectives. To explore effectiveness and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) add-on treatment in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Methods. Fifty PD patients were randomly assigned to drug plus EA (D + EA) group and drug alone (D) group. Subjects in D + EA group received stimulation in points of bilateral fengfu, fengchi, hegu, and central dazhui. Participants were evaluated by scales for motor and nonmotor symptoms. Levels of neuroinflammatory factors and neurotransmitters in serum were detected. Results. EA add-on treatment remarkably reduced scores of Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) III and its subitems of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia and conspicuously decreased UPDRS III scores in patients with bradykinesia-rigidity and mixed types and mild severity. Depression and sleep disturbances were eased, which were reflected by decreased scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and elevated noradrenaline level. Effects of EA add-on treatment on motor symptoms and sleep disturbances were superior to drug alone treatment, markedly improving life quality of PD patients. EA add-on treatment decreased nitric oxide level in serum. Conclusions. EA add-on treatment is effective on most motor symptoms and some nonmotor symptoms and is particularly efficacious in PD patients at early stage. Antineuroinflammation may be a mechanism of EA add-on treatment. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2014

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture at Zusanli Prevents Severe Scalds-Induced Gut Ischemia and Paralysis by Activating the Cholinergic Pathway. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015 ;2015:787393. Epub 2015 Sep 10. PMID: 26448777 Abstract Author(s): Huan Wang, Lei Wang, Xian Shi, Song Qi, Sen Hu, Zhangqi Tong, Zhuhong Ma, Yan Qian, Daniela Litscher, Gerhard Litscher Article Affiliation: Huan Wang Abstract: Severe burn injuries may result in gastrointestinal paralysis, and barrier dysfunction due to gut ischemia and lowered vagus excitability. In this study we investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) could prevent severe scalds-induced gut ischemia, paralysis, and barrier dysfunction and whether the protective role of EA at ST36 is related to the vagus nerve. 35% burn area rats were divided into six groups: (a) EAN: EA nonchannel acupoints followed by scald injury; (b) EA: EA at ST36 after scald injury; (c) VGX/EA: vagotomy (VGX) before EA at ST36 and scald injury; (d) VGX/EAN: VGX before EAN and scald injury; (e) atropine/EA: applying atropine before scald injury and then EA at ST36; (f) atropine/EAN: applying atropine before scald injury and then EA at nonchannel acupoints. EA at the Zusanli point significantly promoted the intestinal impelling ratio and increased the amount of mucosal blood flow after scald injury. The plasma diamine oxidase (DAO) and intestinal permeability decreased significantly after scald injury in the EA group compared with others. However, EA after atropine injection or cervical vagotomy failed to improve intestinal motility and mucosa blood flow suggesting that the mechanism of EA may be related to the activation of the cholinergic nerve pathway. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2014

Abstract Title: Effects of Electroacupuncture on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Rats Depression-Like Behavior and Expression of p-ERK/ERK and p-P38/P38. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015 ;2015:650729. Epub 2015 Aug 20. PMID: 26366182 Abstract Author(s): Jian Xu, Yanling She, Ning Su, Ruixin Zhang, Lixing Lao, Shifen Xu Article Affiliation: Jian Xu Abstract: We investigate the antidepressant-like effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) on a chronic unpredictable mild stress rats depression-like behavior. In our study, depression in rats was induced by unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) and isolation for four weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Normal, Model, EA, and Sham EA. EA treatment was administered for two weeks, once a day for five days a week. Two acupoints, Yintang (EX-HN3) and Baihui (GV20), were selected. For sham EA, acupuncture needles were inserted shallowly into the acupoints: EX-HN3 and GV20. No electrostimulator was connected. The antidepressant-like effect of the electroacupuncture treatment was measured by sucrose intake test, open field test, and forced swimming test in rats. The protein levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK1/2)/ERK1/2 and p-P38/P38 in the hippocampus (HP) were examined by Western blot analysis. Our data demonstrate that EA treatment decreased the immobility time of forced swimming test and improved the sucrose solution intake in comparison to unpredictable chronic mild stress and placebo sham control. Electroacupuncture may act on depression by enhancing p-ERK1/2 and p-p38 in the hippocampus. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2014

Abstract Title: Electro-acupuncture decreases 5-HT, CGRP and increases NPY in the brain-gut axis in two rat models of Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(D-IBS). Abstract Source: BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015 ;15(1):340. Epub 2015 Sep 29. PMID: 26419631 Abstract Author(s): Jianhua Sun, Xiaoliang Wu, Yunfang Meng, Jie Cheng, Houxu Ning, Yongjun Peng, Lixia Pei, Wei Zhang Article Affiliation: Jianhua Sun Abstract: BACKGROUND: To examine whether electro-acupuncture (EA) could decrease 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and increase neuro-peptide Y (NPY) in the brain-gut axis (BGA) in D-IBS using rat models. METHODS: Rats were randomly exposed to unpredictable chronic stress for 3 weeks followed by 1-hour acute restraint stress (CAS) after 7 days of rest, or daily gavage of Senna decoction (6 g/kg) plus chronic restraint stress (for a duration of 2 h, starting from 1 h prior to the gavage) for 2 weeks (ISC). The content of 5-HT, CGRP and NPY in the distal colon, spinalcord, hypothalamus was examined at the end of the treatment. RESULTS: 1. The two rat models exhibited similar characteristics, e.g., increased number of fecal pellets expelled in 1 h, decreased sacchar-intake, decreased CRD, elevated 5-HT, CGRP content and decreased NPY in the distal colon, spinal cord, hypothalamus (P < 0.05 vs. that in healthy control rats). 2. A series of equations was developed based on correlation regression analysis. The analysis results demonstrated that 5-HT mediates the changes in hypothalamus, spinal cord and colon. 5-HT and CGRP in spinal cord was closely correlated with general behavior evaluation and other transmitters in BGA. CONCLUSION: 1. In comparison to 5-HT, CGRP and NPY (particularly in the spinal cord) had closer relationship with the D-IBS symptoms induced by either stress factors or Senna decotion. 2. EA treatment could restore the brain-gut axis to balanced levels. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2014

Abstract Title: The effects of acupuncture after thyroid surgery: A randomized, controlled trial. Abstract Source: Surgery. 2014 Dec ;156(6):1605-12; discussion 1612-3. Epub 2014 Nov 11. PMID: 25456960 Abstract Author(s): Maurizio Iacobone, Marilisa Citton, Simone Zanella, Marco Scarpa, Giulia Pagura, Saveria Tropea, Helmut Galligioni, Francesco Ceccherelli, Paolo Feltracco, Giovanni Viel, Donato Nitti Article Affiliation: Maurizio Iacobone Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for pain relief. Previous studies supported the effectiveness of several acupuncture techniques for postoperative pain. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing pain after thyroid surgery. METHODS: We randomized 121 patients to a control group (undergoing only standard postoperative analgesic treatment with acetaminophen) and an acupuncture group, undergoing also either electroacupuncture (EA) or traditional acupuncture (TA). Pain was measured according to intraoperative remifentanil use, acetaminophen daily intake, Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and McGill Pain Questionnaire on postoperative days (POD) 1-3. RESULTS: Acupuncture group required less acetaminophen than controls at POD 2 (P = .01) and 3 (P = .016). EA patients required less remifentanil (P = .032) and acetaminophen than controls at POD 2 (P = .004) and 3 (P = .008). EA patients showed a trend toward better NRS and McGill scores from POD 1 to 3 compared with controls. EA patients had a lower remifentanil requirement and better NRS and McGill scores than TA patients. No differences occurred between TA patients and controls. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture may be effective in reducing pain after thyroid surgery. EA is more useful; TA achieves no significant effects. Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2014

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture for fatigue, sleep, and psychological distress in breast cancer patients with aromatase inhibitor-related arthralgia: a randomized trial. Abstract Source: Cancer. 2014 Dec 1 ;120(23):3744-51. Epub 2014 Jul 30. PMID: 25077452 Abstract Author(s): Jun J Mao, John T Farrar, Deborah Bruner, Jarcy Zee, Marjorie Bowman, Christina Seluzicki, Angela DeMichele, Sharon X Xie Article Affiliation: Jun J Mao Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although fatigue, sleep disturbance, depression, and anxiety are associated with pain in breast cancer patients, it is unknown whether acupuncture can decrease these comorbid symptoms in cancer patients with pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on fatigue, sleep, and psychological distress in breast cancer survivors who experience joint pain related to aromatase inhibitors (AIs). METHODS: The authors performed a randomized controlled trial of an 8-week course of EA compared with a waitlist control (WLC) group and a sham acupuncture (SA) group in postmenopausal women with breast cancer who self-reported joint pain attributable to AIs. Fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and depression were measured using the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The effects of EA and SA versus WLC on these outcomes were evaluated using mixed-effects models. RESULTS: Of the 67 randomly assigned patients, baseline pain interference was associated with fatigue (Pearson correlation coefficient [r]=0.75; P<.001), sleep disturbance (r=0.38; P=.0026), and depression (r=0.58; P<.001). Compared with the WLC condition, EA produced significant improvements in fatigue (P=.0095), anxiety (P=.044), and depression (P=.015) and a nonsignificant improvement in sleep disturbance (P=.058) during the 12-week intervention and follow-up period. In contrast, SA did not produce significant reductions in fatigue or anxiety symptoms but did produce a significant improvement in depression compared with the WLC condition (P=.0088). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with usual care, EA produced significant improvements in fatigue, anxiety, and depression; whereas SA improved only depression in women experiencing AI-related arthralgia. Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2014

Abstract Title: Mn-SOD Upregulation by Electroacupuncture Attenuates Ischemic Oxidative Damage via CB1R-Mediated STAT3 Phosphorylation. Abstract Source: Mol Neurobiol. 2014 Nov 29. Epub 2014 Nov 29. PMID: 25432886 Abstract Author(s): Sisi Sun, Xiyao Chen, Yang Gao, Zhaoyu Liu, Qian Zhai, Lize Xiong, Min Cai, Qiang Wang Article Affiliation: Sisi Sun Abstract: Electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment elicits the neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemic injury through cannabinoid receptor type 1 receptor (CB1R). In current study, we aimed to investigate whether the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) were involved in the antioxidant effect of EA pretreatment through CB1R. At 2 h after EA pretreatment, focal cerebral ischemic injury was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for 60 min in C57BL/6 mice. The expression of Mn-SOD in the penumbra was assessed by Western blot and immunoflourescent staining at 2 h after reperfusion. In the presence or absenceof Mn-SOD small interfering RNA (siRNA), the neurological deficit score, the infarct volume, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUDP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Furthermore, the Mn-SOD protein expression and phosphorylation of STAT3at Y705 were also determined in the presence and absence of CB1R antagonists (AM251, SR141716) and CB1R agonists (arachidonyl-2-chloroethylamide (ACEA), WIN 55,212-2). EA pretreatment upregulated the Mn-SOD protein expression and Mn-SOD-positive neuronal cells at 2 h after reperfusion. EA pretreatment also attenuated oxidative stress, inhibited cellular apoptosis, and induced neuroprotection against ischemic damage, whereas these beneficial effects of EA pretreatment were reversed by knockdown of Mn-SOD. Mn-SOD upregulation and STAT3 phosphorylation by EA pretreatment were abolished by two CB1R antagonists, while pretreatment with two CB1R agonists increased the expression of Mn-SOD and phosphorylation level of STAT3. Mn-SOD upregulation by EA attenuates ischemic oxidative damage through CB1R-mediated STAT3 phosphorylation in stroke mice, which may represent one new mechanism of EA pretreatment-induced neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia. Article Published Date : Nov 28, 2014

Abstract Title: Clinical study of electro-acupuncture treatment with different intensities for functional constipation patients. Abstract Source: J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2014 Oct ;34(5):775-81. Epub 2014 Oct 16. PMID: 25318892 Abstract Author(s): Fan Xiong, Ying Wang, Shi-Qi Li, Man Tian, Cui-Hong Zheng, Guang-Ying Huang Article Affiliation: Fan Xiong Abstract: Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional bowel disorder disease that affects life quality of a large number of people. This study aimed to explore the impact of different intensities of electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment for FC patients. Totally, 111 patients with FC meeting the Rome III criteria were randomly assigned to different intensities of EA groups (low and high intensity of EA groups) and medicine-controlled (MC) group. In EA groups, patients were treated with EA at quchi (LI11) and shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally for 4 weeks, 5 times/week in the first 2 weeks, and 3 times/week in the last 2 weeks. In MC group, 5 mg mosapride citrate was administered orally 3 times/day for 4 weeks. Spontaneous bowel movement frequency each day was recorded using a constipation diary. Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) were used to assess the patients' psychological state. Cortisol (CORT), substance P (SP), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks after treatment. As compared with the baseline, there was statistically significant increase in stool frequency every week (P<0.01), but there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. As compared with the baseline, after 4 weeks of EA therapy, the scores of SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in low intensity of EA group (P<0.01), and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly (P<0.05); the scores of SAS and SDS and serum levels of CORT were decreased significantly in high intensity of EA group (P<0.05), and the serum levels of SP and VIP were increased significantly (P<0.05); the serum levels of CORT and VIP were increased significantly in MC group (P<0.05). As compared with MC group, after 4 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of SP were signifcicantly increased in low intensity of EA group (P<0.01). Low and high intensities of EA could increase the stool frequency, improve the FC patient's anxiety and depression, reduce the serum levels of CORT, and increase the serum levels of SP and VIP effectively. It is concluded that both low and high intensities of EA are effective for FC patients, but there is no significant difference between the low and high intensities of EA. Article Published Date : Sep 30, 2014

Abstract Title: Comparison of effectiveness of acupuncture therapy and conventional drug therapy on psychological profile of migraine patients. Abstract Source: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Jan-Mar;58(1):69-76. PMID: 25464680 Abstract Author(s): I Vijayalakshmi, N Shankar, A Saxena, M S Bhatia Article Affiliation: I Vijayalakshmi Abstract: Migraine is a painful condition in which patients suffer from recurrent episodes of disabling pain, which could be very severe and can lead to grave psychological disturbances. There is no curative treatment for migraine, but there are various treatment modalities, though, with conflicting reports on their efficacy. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of electro acupuncture therapy and the conventional drug therapy on the psychological profile of migraneurs based on the assessment of quality of life and disability parameters. Migraneurs (n = 60) were recruited from the Psychiatry and Neurology OPD, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi. Following a written consent, migraneurs were randomly allocated into 2 study groups--Group A received 10 sittings of electro acupuncture on selected acupuncture points over a period of 30 days, while for the same duration the Group D received a conventional drug therapy in the form of oral flunarizine 20 mg OD along with paracetamol 500 mg SOS. The patients were assessed twice, before and after completion of the treatment programme (30 days). The quality of life was assessed with WHOQOL BREF (WHO Quality of Life Biomedical Research and Education Foundation) questionnaire and the disability was assessed with MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated measure's ANOVA with Tukey's test. Migraneurs were found to have lower quality of life and higher disability scores but following the treatment regimes, the 2 study groups showed a significant improvement in both the parameters studied. It was however observed, that the acupuncture group showed a better response and was thus found to be more effective as compared to the drug group (P = 0.005 to 0.000). We thus conclude that acupuncture is a better treatment option than the conventional drug therapy in not only relieving the pain of migraine but in also improving the psychological profile in migraneurs. Hence its use should be encouraged as an alternative/adjunct treatment for migraine. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2013

Abstract Title: Activation of STAT3 is involved in neuroprotection by electroacupuncture pretreatment via cannabinoid CB1 receptors in rats. Abstract Source: Brain Res. 2013 Sep 5 ;1529:154-64. Epub 2013 Jul 20. PMID: 23880371 Abstract Author(s): Heng Zhou, Zhi Zhang, Haidong Wei, Feng Wang, Fan Guo, Zijun Gao, Giovanni Marsicano, Qiang Wang, Lize Xiong Article Affiliation: Heng Zhou Abstract: Pretreatment with electroacupuncture (EA) attenuates cerebral ischemic injury through the endocannabinoid system, although the molecular mechanisms mediate this neuroprotection are unknown. It is well-known that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays an essential role in cell survival and proliferation. Therefore, we investigated whether STAT3 is involved in EA pretreatment-induced neuroprotection via cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) after transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Two hours after EA pretreatment, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MACO) for 120 min. The expression of pSTAT3(Ser727), which is necessary for STAT3 activation, was examined in the ipsilateral ischemic penumbra. Infarct volumes and neurological scores were evaluated at 72 h after MACO in the presence or absence of the STAT3 inhibitor peptide (PpYLKTK). Neuronal apoptosis and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were also evaluated 24h after reperfusion. Our results showed that EA pretreatment significantly enhanced neuronal expression of pSTAT3(Ser727) in the ischemic penumbra 6h after reperfusion. Moreover, EA pretreatment reduced infarct volume, improved neurological outcome, inhibited neuronal apoptosis and decreased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio following reperfusion. The beneficial effects of EA were attenuated by PpYLKTK administered 30 min before MACO, and PpYLKTK effectively reversed the increase in pSTAT3(Ser727) expression. Furthermore, CB1R antagonist or CB1R knockdown with siRNA blocked the elevation of pSTAT3(Ser727) expression by EA pretreatment, whereas the two CB1R agonists increased STAT3 activation. In conclusion, EA pretreatment enhances STAT3 activation via CB1R to protect against cerebral ischemia, suggesting that STAT3 activation may be a novel target for stroke intervention. Article Published Date : Sep 04, 2013

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture inhibits CB1 upregulation induced by ethanol withdrawal in mice. Abstract Source: Neurochem Int. 2012 Jul ;61(2):277-85. Epub 2012 May 18. PMID: 22613131 Abstract Author(s): João Carlos Escosteguy-Neto, Paula Fallopa, Patrícia Varela, Renato Filev, Angela Tabosa, Jair Guilherme Santos-Junior Article Affiliation: João Carlos Escosteguy-Neto Abstract: CB1R play a role in alcohol withdrawal and in some effects of acupuncture. Interestingly, acupuncture has been used to alleviate alcohol withdrawal. Here, we investigated electroacupuncture (EA) effects during ethanol withdrawal on CB1R immunoreactivity. Male Swiss mice were daily injected with ethanol (2g/kg, i.p) (EtOH group), for 21 days. EA was performed daily during 4 days of ethanol withdrawal. The stimuli of 2 or 100 Hz were provided in two acupoints combination: Ea1 [(ST-36/Zusanli) and (PC-6/Neiguan)] or Ea2 [(DU-14/Dazhui) and (DU-20/Baihui)]. The specificity of the acupoints were assessed by the inclusion of three additional groups, Ea3 [(ST 25/Tianshu - acupoints used to other non-related disorders)], Sham1 and Sham2 (transdermic stimulation nearly to the respective acupoints). EtOH group were only handled during withdrawal and Saline group was chronically treated with Saline and handled similarly to EtOH group. One day after withdrawal the animals were perfused and their brains processed for immunohistochemistry. There was an increase of CB1R in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, amygdala and ventral tegmental area. The procedures used in the 2HzEa1 and 100HzEa2 groups were the most effective and specific to inhibit this CB1R upregulation. Therefore, EA inhibits CB1R upregulation seen in ethanol withdrawn mice. The specificity of acupoints stimulation depends of the encephalic nuclei, acupoints association and frequency of stimulation. Article Published Date : Jun 30, 2012

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture prevents ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats: a randomised controlled trial. Abstract Source: Acupunct Med. 2012 Mar ;30(1):37-43. PMID: 22378584 Abstract Author(s): Jun Zhou, Shiju Chen, Hua Guo, Lu Xia, Huifang Liu, Yuxi Qin, Chengqi He Article Affiliation: Rehabilitation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Rehabilitation, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, People's Republic of China. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Electroacupuncture (EA) treatment has been shown to increase bone mineral density (BMD) in ovariectomised (OVX) rats; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effects of EA on OVX rats and the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. METHODS: Three-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three different groups (n=10 each): sham operated control (sham operated), ovariectomy (OVX) and ovariectomy with EA treatment (OVX+EA). Rats in the OVX+EA group received 12-week EA treatments. RESULTS: Serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase level (p<0.01), BMD of the proximal femoral metaphysis and the fifth lumbar (L5) vertebral body (both, p<0.05) and maximum load and energy to failure of L5 vertebral body (both p<0.01) were significantly higher in the OVX+EA group than in the OVX group. Trabecular area, trabecular width and trabecular number were significantly higher in the OVX+EA group by 66.9%, 29.2% and 30.3%, respectively, than in the OVX group (all, p<0.01). Trabecular separation was 31.9% lower in the OVX+EA group than in the OVX group (p<0.01). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerised chain reaction indicated that the expressions of mRNAs for low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 andβ-catenin were significantly increased in the OVX+EA group, as compared with the OVX group (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that EA can prevent OVX-induced bone loss and deterioration of bone architecture and strength by stimulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. These findings suggest that EA may bet a promising adjunct method for inhibiting OVX-induced osteoporosis in clinical settings. Article Published Date : Mar 01, 2012

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture increases CB2 receptor expression on keratinocytes and infiltrating inflammatory cells in inflamed skin tissues of rats. Abstract Source: J Pain. 2010 Dec ;11(12):1250-8. Epub 2010 Jun 2. PMID: 20627823 Abstract Author(s): Jing Zhang, Lin Chen, Tangfeng Su, Fuyuan Cao, Xianfang Meng, Lei Pei, Jing Shi, Hui-Lin Pan, Man Li Article Affiliation: Jing Zhang Abstract: UNLABELLED: Endogenous cannabinoids and peripheral cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2Rs) are involved in the antinociceptive effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on inflammatory pain. However, it remains unclear about how EA affects the expression and distribution patterns of peripheral CB2Rs in inflamed skin tissues. To study this, inflammatory pain was induced by local injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the hindpaw of rats. The mRNA and protein levels of CB2Rs were quantified by using RTPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The distribution of CB2Rs on keratinocytes and immune cells recruited to the inflamed skin tissues was determined by using double-immunofluorescence labeling. Induction of tissue inflammation significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of CB2Rs in the skin tissue. Also, both 2 Hz and 100 Hz EA, applied to GB30 and GB34, significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of CB2Rs in inflamed tissues compared to the sham EA group. CB2Rimmunoreactivities were mainly distributed in keratinocytes, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes in the epidermis and dermis of the inflamed skin tissue. Inflammation caused a significant increase in the number of CB2R-immunoreactive keratinocytes, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes. Furthermore, compared to the sham EA group, EA at 2 or 100 Hz significantly increased the number of keratinocytes, macrophages, and T-lymphocytes with CB2R-immunoreactivity in the inflamed skin tissue. Therefore, our findings suggest that EA is associated with upregulation of local CB2Rs in the inflamed skin tissue. EA primarily potentiates the expression of CB2Rs on keratinocytes and infiltrating inflammatory cells at the site of inflammation. PERSPECTIVE: This study shows that electroacupuncture increases the CB2 receptor expression on keratinocytes and infiltrating inflammatory cells in inflammatory skin tissues. This finding provides new evidence showing the potential role of CB2 receptors in the analgesic effect of acupuncture on inflammatory pain. Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2010

Abstract Title: [Effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) on drug craving of heroin addicts and beta-EP and Dyn-A in plasma]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Nov;30(11):881-5. PMID: 21246840 Abstract Author(s): Jing-Ping Mu, Li Liu, Wei Fang, Jian-Ming Cheng, Lei Zhao Article Affiliation: Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Taihe Hospital Affiliated to Hubei Medical College, Shiyan 442000, China. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical effect and mechanism of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) on drug craving of heroin addicts. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases of heroin addicts were randomly divided into 4 groups, 30 cases in each. In acupuncture group 1, the Jiaji (EX-B 2) points of T5-T7 and Shenshu (BL 23) were selected with electroacupuncture; in acupuncture group 2, Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Zusanli (ST 36) etc. were selected with electroacupuncture; in simulation group, Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected with analog electrical stimulation, and in blank group no any therapy was applied. The changes of drug craving were evaluated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the changes of beta-EP and Dyn-A in plasma before and after treatment were tested by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The relapse rate of 77.3% (17/22) in acupuncture group 1 was lower than those of 88.5% (23/26) in acupuncture group 2, 90.5% (19/21) in simulation group and 95.7% (22/23) in blank group (all P<0.05). At the 8th and 10th week of treatment, the VAS scores in acupuncture group 1 and 2 were much lower than those in blank group and simulation group (all P<0.01); in which, it was lower in acupuncture group 1 than that in acupuncture group 2 (P<0.05), and lower in simulation group than that in blank group. After 10 weeks of treatment, compared with the status before treatment, beta-EP and Dyn-A in plasma were increased in acupuncture group 1 and 2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), Dyn-A was decreased in both simulation and blank groups (both P<0. 01) which was less obvious than those in both acupuncture groups (both P<0.01) and superior in acupuncture group 1 than that in group 2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) can suppress the drug craving and reduce the relapse rate, and the mechanism may be related with the content of beta-EP, especially the increase of Dyn-A in plasma. Article Published Date : Nov 01, 2010

Abstract Title: [Effects of electroacupuncture and simple acupuncture on changes of IL-1, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in peripheral blood and joint fluid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Oct;30(10):840-4. PMID: 21058483 Abstract Author(s): Ba-Si Ouyang, Jian-Li Che, Jie Gao, Yin Zhang, Jun Li, Hai-Zhou Yang, Tian-Yan Hu, Yuan-Jian Wu, Man Yang Article Affiliation: Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Suzhou municipal Hospital of TCM, Suzhou 215003, Jiangsu Province, China. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of electroacupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In a randomized and controlled trial, sixty-three cases with RA were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture group (n = 32) and a simple acupuncture group (n = 31). Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected by coordination method combined whole and local acupoints. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture at the local acupoints near painful joints, continuous wave, retaining needle for 30 minutes, and then electroacupuncture at Back-shu acupoints, retaining needle for 15 minutes, and the simple acupuncture group was treated with the same acupoints selection and acupuncture manipulation without electroacupuncture apparatus. They were all treated once every other day for 20 days as one course. After 3 courses, changes of interleukins in peripheral blood and joint fluid of patients were observed. RESULTS: Both of electroacupuncture and simple acupuncture had significant effect on IL-1, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in peripheral blood and joint fluid of patients with RA ( P<0.01, P<0.05). But after electroacupuncture, the absolute value and improvement value of decreasing IL-1 in peripheral blood and joint fluid were super than those of simple acupuncture (all P<0.05), and of IL-4 in joint fluid was super than that after simple acupuncture (P<0.05), and of IL-6 and the absolute value of decreasing IL-10 were almost the same after both treatment (all P>0.05), and after electroacupuncture, the improvement value of IL-10 in peripheral blood and joint fluid were super than those after simple acupuncture (both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can effectively decrease the proinflammatory cytokine of IL-1 and IL-6 and increase the inhibition cytokine of IL-4 and IL-10 and improve the internal environment of occurrence and progression of RA. Article Published Date : Oct 01, 2010

Abstract Title: [Effect of electroacupuncture on the proliferation of stem cells in the subependymal zone of the lateral ventricle of the brain in rats with hyperlipemia and cerebral ischemia]. Abstract Source: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2010 Jun;35(3):175-81. PMID: 20848891 Abstract Author(s): Xiu-jun Ren, Hui-fang Ma Article Affiliation: School of Acu-moxibustion, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) and acupuncture (A) on the proliferation of stem cells in the subependymal zone (SPZ) of the lateral ventricle and the frontal lobe cortex in hyperlipemia(HL) combined with cerebral ischemia (CI) rats. METHODS: A total of 72 male SD rats were randomized into control, HL, HL+EA, CI, CI+A, HL+CI, HL+CI+EA I and HL+CI+EA II groups (n=9 /group). HL model was established by feeding the animals with high fat forage for 6 weeks and CI model was established by FeCl3-induced occlusion of the unilateral middle cerebral artery. EA was applied to "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) and "Fenglong" (ST 40) once daily for 17 days for HL+ EA group; and acupuncture to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Shuigou" (GV 26) once daily for 7 days for CI + A group. For HL+CI+EA I group, EA was applied to SP 6 + ST 40 first before CI, once daily for 10 days, followed by EA of SP 6+ST 40 and acupuncture of GV20+GV26 for 7 days after CI. For HL+CI+EA II group, no treatment was given before CI, then, acupuncture of GV 20 + GV 26 and EA of SP 6 + ST 40 were given once daily for 7 days after CI. The immunoactivity of Nestin and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PONA) of SPZ was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In comparison with normal control group, the numbers of both Nestin and PCNA immunoreaction (IR) positive cells in the dorsolateral extension and the wall of the lateral ventricle of the brain increased significantly in CI and HL+CI groups (P<0.01). Compared with CI group, the numbers of Nestin and PCNA IR positive cells in the dorsolateral extension and the wall of the lateral ventricle in CI + A group increased considerably (P<0.01). In comparison with HL+CI group, both Nestin and PCNA IR positive cell numbers in the dorsolateral extension and the wall of the lateral ventricle of the brain in HL+CI+EA I and HL+CI+EA II groups increased significantly (P<0.01), and the effect of HL+CI+EA I group was markedly superior to that of HL+CI+EA II group in upregulating the numbers of Nestin and PCNA IR positive cells in the aforementioned regions of the lateral ventricle (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between HL and control groups, and between HL+EA and HL groups in the numbers of Nestin and PCNA IR positive cells in the dorsolateral extension and the wall of the lateral ventricle of the brain (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA can upregulate Nestin and PCNA expression of the dorsolateral extension and the wall of the lateral ventricle of the brain on the ischemic side in rats with CI, and with HL+CI, which may contribute to its effects in promoting the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells in the brain. Article Published Date : Jun 01, 2010

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture reduces neuroinflammatory responses in symptomatic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis model. Abstract Source: J Neuroimmunol. 2010 Jun ;223(1-2):84-91. Epub 2010 May 10. PMID: 20460191 Abstract Author(s): Eun Jin Yang, Jing Hua Jiang, Sang Min Lee, Hye Suk Hwang, Myeong Soo Lee, Sun Mi Choi Article Affiliation: Eun Jin Yang Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a paralyzing disorder that is characterized by the progressive degeneration and death of motor neurons. Acupuncture or electroacupuncture (EA) has been used for the treatment of various conditions including osteoarthritis, asthma, and other types of chronic pain conditions. It has been hypothesized that acupuncture exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects on inflammatory reactions processes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture at a specific acupoint could produce anti-inflammatory responses and suppress motor neuron loss in the hG93ASOD1 mouse, commonly used as a model for inherited ALS. We delivered EA at the Zusanli (ST36) acupuncture point in the symptomatic hSOD1G93A animal model. The EA-treated mutant hSOD1 transgenic mice showed decreases in microglial cell activity and TNF-alpha expression in the spinal cord and brain stem. Furthermore, EA significantly improved motor activity compared to the control group and reduced neuronal cell loss in hSOD1G93A mice. Our research suggests a potential functional link between EA therapy and anti-neuroinflammatory response in an ALS animal model. Article Published Date : May 31, 2010

Abstract Title: Effects of electro-acupuncture on endothelium-derived endothelin-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase of rats with hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Abstract Source: Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2010 May;235(5):642-8. PMID: 20463305 Abstract Author(s): Peng Pan, Xueyong Zhang, Hua Qian, Weidong Shi, Juan Wang, Yulong Bo, Wenzhi Li Article Affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Anesthesiology Key Laboratory, Harbin Medical University, Education Department of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin 150081, China. Abstract: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP), pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy, which are mainly due to endothelial dysfunction. Electro-acupuncture has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular homeostasis, but little evidence has been obtained on pulmonary effects. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether electro-acupuncture on bladder-13 and -15 points can protect against chronic hypoxia-induced PH by regulating endothelium-derived endothelin (ET)-1 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Male Wistar rats were exposed to hypoxia to induce PH. Hemodynamic analysis revealed that mean PAP was similar under normoxic conditions. Chronic hypoxia increased mean PAP to 37 +/- 3 mmHg, and electro-acupuncture attenuated it to 29 +/- 3 mmHg. Absolute right ventricular weight was ameliorated by electro-acupuncture from 0.288 +/- 0.048 g to 0.228 +/- 0.029 g under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia-induced right ventricular hypertrophy index decreased from 0.477 +/- 0.069 to 0.378 +/- 0.053 with electro-acupuncture treatment. Histological examination revealed that hypoxic rats showed increased medial pulmonary artery wall thickness as well as muscularization. However, these alternations by chronic hypoxia were attenuated by electro-acupuncture. There was no difference in eNOS or ET-1 between groups under normoxic conditions. Electro-acupuncture treatment significantly improved the circulating eNOS concentration (365.36 +/- 31.51 pg/mL) compared with only hypoxia exposure (247.60 +/- 30.64 pg/mL). In lung homogenate, levels of eNOS under hypoxia increased from 684.96 +/- 117.90 to 869.86 +/- 197.61 pg/mg by electro-acupuncture treatment. Levels of ET-1 changed oppositely to eNOS in response to electro-acupuncture (ET-1 in plasma, 29.44 +/- 2.09 versus 20.70 +/- 2.37 pg/mL; ET-1 in lung homogenate, 120.51 +/- 3.03 versus 110.60 +/- 4.04 pg/mg). In conclusion, these results indicated that treatment with electro-acupuncture can protect against hypoxia-induced PH, possibly by regulating the balance of endothelium-derived vasoconstrictors and vasodilators. Article Published Date : May 01, 2010

Abstract Title: Cardioprotective effects of electroacupuncture pretreatment on patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Abstract Source: Ann Thorac Surg. 2010 Mar;89(3):781-786. PMID: 20172127 Abstract Author(s): Lifang Yang, Jian Yang, Qiang Wang, Min Chen, Zhihong Lu, Shaoyang Chen, Lize Xiong Article Affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury after cardiopulmonary bypass contributes to postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with open-heart surgery. This randomized controlled trial was designed to address the protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on myocardial injury in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients with acquired heart valve disease were randomly allocated to the EA pretreatment group or the control group. Patients in the EA group received EA stimulus at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Lieque (LU 7), and Yunmen (LU 2) for 30 minutes each day for five consecutive days before surgery. Hemodynamic data, mechanical ventilation time, inotropic drug use in the intensive care unit, serum cardiac troponin I concentrations, morbidities, and mortalities were compared between the two groups. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00732459. RESULTS: At 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after reperfusion, levels of serum cardiac troponin I were significantly decreased in the EA group (5.74 +/- 0.67, 6.22 +/- 0.66, and 5.21 +/- 0.58) compared with that in the control group (7.89 +/- 0.74, 8.34 +/- 1.08, and 7.57 +/- 0.89, p<0.05). The EA pretreatment significantly reduced overall serum troponin I release at 6 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours after aortic cross-clamp removal. Meanwhile, EA pretreatment also reduced the inotrope score at 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the intensive care unit arrival and shortened intensive care unit stay time (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that EA pretreatment may alleviate cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in adult patients undergoing heart valve replacements. This simple and convenient treatment has the potential to be used in the clinic for reducing myocardial injury in patients with heart valve replacement surgery. Article Published Date : Mar 01, 2010

Abstract Title: The effect of electroacustimulation on postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain in outpatient plastic surgery patients: a prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial. Abstract Source: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Mar;125(3):989-94. PMID: 20195124 Abstract Author(s): Jeffrey D Larson, Karol A Gutowski, Ben C Marcus, Venkat K Rao, Pamela G Avery, D Heath Stacey, Robert Z Yang Article Affiliation: Madison, Wis.; and Chicago, Ill. From the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics and NorthShore University HealthSystem. Abstract: BACKGROUND:: Current rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting experienced by outpatient surgery patients are as high as 20 to 30 percent. Electroacustimulation therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in controlling these symptoms, but trials identifying its efficacy in the outpatient surgery population are lacking. METHODS:: One hundred twenty-two patients undergoing surgical procedures at an outpatient surgery center were randomized to two treatment arms. The first arm received the standardized pharmacologic postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention typical for patients undergoing outpatient surgery, whereas in the second arm, the ReliefBand and pharmacologic measures were used. The ReliefBand is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved electroacustimulation device. Electroacustimulation is a derivative of acupuncture therapy that uses a small electrical current to stimulate acupuncture points on the human body and is thought to relieve nausea, vomiting, and pain. Outcomes measured were pain and nausea symptoms, emetic events, the need for rescue medications, and the time to discharge. RESULTS:: The electroacustimulation arm reported statistically significant lower nausea scores at 30 minutes and 120 minutes postoperatively (p<0.05). In addition, subgroup analysis demonstrated significant findings in favor of the experimental group, with anatomical subsets of surgical patients requiring less pain medication and shorter times from surgery to discharge when compared with the standard treatment. However, electroacustimulation did not have a significant effect on the amount of pain experienced by patients in any group. CONCLUSION:: The authors' study demonstrates that electroacustimulation offers added protection against symptoms of postoperative nausea and vomiting in an outpatient cosmetic surgery population, representing a safe and cost-effective addition to current pharmacologic preventive measures. Article Published Date : Mar 01, 2010

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture analgesia in rat ankle sprain pain model: neural mechanisms. Abstract Source: Neurol Res. 2010 Feb;32 Suppl 1:10-7. PMID: 20034438 Abstract Author(s): Hee Young Kim, Sung Tae Koo, Jae Hyo Kim, Kyungeh An, Kyungsoon Chung, Jin Mo Chung Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Acupuncture, an alternative medical therapy with a long history, is appealing because it can activate endogenous analgesic mechanisms by minimally invasive means. The mechanisms of acupuncture, however, are not well understood yet. The following sentence was removed from our original manuscript. One of the major problems impeding understanding of the acupuncture mechanism is lack of experimental models that mimic various forms of persistent pain that respond to acupuncture in humans. METHODS: In this review, we summarize and discuss previous and recent findings regarding electroacupuncture-induced analgesia in an ankle sprain pain model and the potential underlying mechanisms of acupuncture. RESULTS: A novel model of ankle sprain pain is introduced recently and the mechanism of electroacupuncture-induced analgesia in this model has been explored. The following sentence was removed from our original manuscript. This model provides a reproducible and quantifiable index of persistent pain at the ankle joint in rats. Acupuncture at a remote site produces long-lasting and powerful analgesia. The consistent analgesic effect of acupuncture in this model has allowed us to pursue the underlying neural mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: These studies provide insight into the mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia in one particular form of persistent pain, and hopefully will allow us to expand our knowledge to other painful conditions. Article Published Date : Feb 01, 2010

Abstract Title: Electro-acupuncture promotes differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, regeneration of nerve fibers and partial functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Abstract Source: Exp Toxicol Pathol. 2009 Dec 10. PMID: 20005688 Abstract Author(s): Qing Yan, Jing-wen Ruan, Ying Ding, Wen-jie Li, Yan Li, Yuan-shan Zeng Abstract: In order to improve the structure and function of acute spinal cord injury, the present study investigated the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the regeneration of nerve fibers in transected spinal cord of rats. The differentiation of MSCs into neuron-like cells and neuroglial cells and regeneraton of 5-hydroxytrptamine (HT) nerve fibers in the injured site of spinal cord were assessed after treatment with EA, MSCs transplantation, and EA plus MSCs transplantation. Compared with the control and MSCs groups, the content of endogenous neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in the injured site and nearby tissues was increased in EA and EA+MSCs group. The differentiation of MSCs into neuronal-like cells and oligodendrocyte-like cells and number of 5-HT positive nerve fibers in the injured site were enhanced in the EA+MSCs group. Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan score of the paralyzed hindlimbs was highest in the EA+MSCs group. The present study demonstrates that electro-acupuncture can promote the differentiation of MSCs and regeneration of nerve fibers in injured spinal cord through induction of endogenous NT-3, and that combination of EA and MSCs transplantation can improve partial function of paralyzed hindlimbs. Article Published Date : Dec 10, 2009

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture treatment of chronic insomniacs. Abstract Source: Chin Med J (Engl). 2009 Dec 5;122(23):2869-73. PMID: 20092793 Abstract Author(s): Jing-wen Ruan, Chu-huai Wang, Xin-xue Liao, Ying-shuo Yan, Yue-hua Hu, Zhong-dong Rao, Ming Wen, Xiao-xiang Zeng, Xin-Sheng Lai Article Affiliation: Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Department of Respiratory Medicine (Yan YS), First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the quick rhythm of life and work pressure, more and more people suffer from sleep quality problems. In this study, we investigated the effect of electroacupuncture on sleep quality of chronic insomniacs and the safety of electroacupuncture therapy. METHODS: Four courses of electroacupuncture treatment were applied to 47 patients. With pre-treatment and post-treatment self-control statistical method, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) scores were used for evaluating sleep quality. Polysomnogram was used for detecting insomniacs' changes in sleep architecture. The safety of electroacupuncture was evaluated by monitoring the self-designed adverse events and side effects during treatment and post-treatment. RESULTS: Electroacupuncture considerably improved insomniacs' sleep quality and social function during the daytime. Electroacupuncture had certain repairing effect on the disruption in sleep architecture. At the same time, electroacupuncture prolonged slow wave sleep (SWS) time and relatively rapid eye movement sleep (REM sleep) time. There was no hangover, addiction or decrements in vigilance during the daytime (incidence rate was 0). However, insomnia rebound rate was about 23% within one month. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that electroacupuncture has beneficial effect on sleep quality improvement in the patients with chronic insomnia, which may be associated with repairing sleep architecture, reconstructing sleep continuity, as well as prolonging SWS time and REM sleep time. Electroacupuncture treatment for chronic insomnia is safe. Therefore, electroacupuncture therapy could be a promising avenue of treatment for chronic insomnia. Article Published Date : Dec 05, 2009

Abstract Title: [Effect of electroacupuncture combined with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE 50) on learning-memory ability and hippocampal cytokine levels in rats with dysmnesy]. Abstract Source: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2009 Oct;34(5):329-33. PMID: 20128293 Abstract Author(s): Rong Shen, Ying Xu, Zhi-Xiong Zhang, Yun Li, Xing-Yu Wang Article Affiliation: The Affiliated Renji Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200001, China. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE 50) on learning-memory ability and hippocampal cytokine contents in aging rats for exploring its underlying mechanism in the treatment of dysmnesy. METHODS: Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into control (n=9), model (n=8), EA (n=10), GBE 50 (n=9) and EA + GBE 50 (n=9) groups. The dysmnesy model was established by D-galactose intraperitoneal injection for 42 days. EA (3 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to "Baihui" (GV 20) and "Zusanli" (ST 36) for 20 min, once every other day for 21 days. The learning-memory ability was detected by Morris water maze tests. The levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha in hippocampus were examined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the mean escape latency (MEL) of the rats in model group was significantly greater on the 2nd and 3rd day training (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the percent of swimming distance (PSD) in the target quadrant was shortened significantly (P<0.01). Compared with model group, the MEL values of the rats in EA, GBE 50 and EA + GBE 50 groups were significantly shortened (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the PSD values of the later 3 groups increased considerably (P<0.01). Comparison among the EA, GBE 50 and EA + GBE 50 groups showed that the MEL of EA + GBE 50 was obviously shorter than those of EA and GBE 50 groups (P<0.05). Compared with control group, the contents of IL-1beta) and TNF-alpha in hippocampus in model group increased significantly, but IL-6 decreased markedly (P<0.05, P<0.01). In comparison with model group, the IL-1beta contents of EA, GBE 50 and EA + GBE 50 groups, and TNF-alpha of EA and EA + GBE 50 groups were reduced significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01); and the contents of IL-6 in GBE 50 and EA + GBE 50 groups increased apparently (P<0.01). No significant differences were found between model and EA groups in IL-6 levels, and between model and EA + GBE 50 groups in hippocampal TNF-a levels (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Both EA and GBE 50 can improve the dysmnesy rats' learning-memory ability, which may be closely associated with their effects in regulating hippocampal IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels to relieve the inflammatory reaction. Combined administration of EA and GBE 50 has a synergic effect. Article Published Date : Oct 01, 2009

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture Treatment Normalized Sleep Disturbance in Morphine Withdrawal Rats. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Sep 4. PMID: 19734257 Abstract Author(s): Yi-Jing Li, Fei Zhong, Peng Yu, Ji-Sheng Han, Cai-Lian Cui, Liu-Zhen Wu Abstract: Sleep disturbance is considered as an important symptom of acute and protracted opiate withdrawal. Current results suggest that sleep disturbance may be taken as a predictor of relapse. Appropriate sleep enhancement therapy will be in favor of the retention in treatment for opiate addicts. Our previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) is effective in suppressing morphine withdrawal syndrome. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of 2 and 100 Hz EA on the sleep disturbance during morphine withdrawal. Rats were made dependent on morphine by repeated morphine injections (escalating doses of 5-80 mg kg(-1), subcutaneously, twice a day) for 5 days. EA of 2 or 100 Hz was given twice a day for 3 days, starting at 48 h after the last morphine injection. Electroencephalogram and electromyogram were monitored at the end of the first and the last EA treatments, respectively. Results showed that non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, REM sleep and total sleep time decreased dramatically, while the sleep latency prolonged significantly during acute morphine withdrawal. Both 2 and 100 Hz EA produced a significant increase in NREM sleep, REM sleep and total sleep time. It was suggested that EA could be a potential treatment for sleep disturbance during morphine withdrawal. Article Published Date : Sep 04, 2009

Abstract Title: Imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and between Th1 and Th2 cytokines in depressed patients: the effect of electroacupuncture or fluoxetine treatment. Abstract Source: Pharmacopsychiatry. 2009 Sep;42(5):182-8. Epub 2009 Sep 1. PMID: 19724980 Abstract Author(s): C Song, U Halbreich, C Han, B E Leonard, H Luo Abstract: BACKGROUND: An increase in inflammatory response and an imbalance between T-helper (Th) 1 and 2 functions have been implicated in major depression. The aims of the present study were to 1) study the relationship between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and between Th1 and Th2 produced cytokines in depressed patients and 2) evaluate and compare the effect of treatments with electroacupuncture (EA) and fluoxetine on these cytokines. METHODS: 95 outpatients with major depressive disorder were treated for 6 weeks with EA, fluoxetine or placebo. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) were used to assess severity and therapeutic effects. 30 volunteers served as controls. Serum cytokine concentrations were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Increased proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1beta and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were found in the depressed patients. By contract, Th1 produced proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-gamma were decreased, and Th2 produced cytokine IL-4 was significantly increased in depressed patients. The ratio of IFN/IL-4 was also increased. Both acupuncture and fluoxetine treatments, but not the placebo, reduced IL-1beta concentrations in responders. However, only acupuncture attenuated TNF-alpha concentration and INF-gamma/IL-4 ratio towards the control level. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that an imbalance between the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 and IL-10), and between Th1 and Th2 cytokines (INF-gamma or TNF-alpha and IL-4) occurred in untreated depressed patients. Both EA and fluoxetine had an anti-inflammatory effect by reducing IL-1beta. EA treatment also restored the balance between Th1 and Th2 systems by increasing TNF-alpha and decreasing IL-4. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart - New York. Article Published Date : Sep 01, 2009

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture for primary insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Abstract Source: Sleep. 2009 Aug 1;32(8):1039-47. PMID: 19725255 Abstract Author(s): Wing-Fai Yeung, Ka-Fai Chung, Shi-Ping Zhang, Tuan-Gee Yap, Andrew C K Law Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of primary insomnia. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group. SETTING: A university-based sleep clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Community sample of 60 Chinese adult volunteers who report having insomnia 3 or more nights per week, whose symptoms meet the DSM-IV criteria for primary insomnia for at least 3 months, and who have an Insomnia Severity Index total score of at least 15. Participants were screened with polysomnography and the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV prior to randomization. INTERVENTION: Electroacupuncture at Yintang (EX-HN3), Baihui (GV20), bilateral ear Shenmen, Sishencong (EX-HN1), and Anmian (EX) 3 times per week for 3 weeks or placebo acupuncture using Streitberger needles at the same points. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Self-reported questionnaires, 1-week sleep diaries, and 3-day actigraphy were collected at baseline and 1 week after treatment. The Insomnia Severity Index was used as the primary outcome measure. Both groups showed significant improvement compared with the pretreatment baseline. One-way analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline scores showed that there were significantly greater improvements in sleep efficiency by sleep diary and actigraphy in the electroacupuncture group. However, no significant between-group differences were observed in the Insomnia Severity Index and other outcome measures. The proportions of subjects having less than 30 minutes of wake after sleep onset and a sleep efficiency of at least 85% at the posttreatment visit were significantly higher in the electroacupuncture group. All adverse events were mild in severity. CONCLUSION: We found a slight advantage of electroacupuncture over placebo acupuncture in the short-term treatment of primary insomnia. Because of some limitations of the current study, further studies are necessary to verify the effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia. Article Published Date : Aug 01, 2009

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture for refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder: a pilot waitlist-controlled trial. Abstract Source: J Nerv Ment Dis. 2009 Aug;197(8):619-22. PMID: 19684500 Abstract Author(s): Zhang-Jin Zhang, Xue-Yi Wang, Qing-Rong Tan, Gui-Xing Jin, Shao-Min Yao Abstract: A large proportion of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients are refractory to pharmacological and cognitive-behavioral therapy. The aim of this pilot, waitlist-controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) as add-on therapy for treatment-resistant OCD. Nineteen patients with treatment-resistant OCD were assigned to EA treatment for 12 sessions (5 sessions per week, n = 10) or waitlist for controls (n = 9) while continuing their current anti-OCD medications. The clinical outcomes were measured using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity at baseline and end point. EA additional treatment produced significantly greater improvements at end point compared with the waitlist group in reducing both Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (10.2 +/- 4.2 vs. 18.8 +/- 7.4, p = 0.004) and Clinical Global Impression-Severity scores (3.0 +/- 1.1 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.1, p = 0.002). As an additional therapy, EA is effective in alleviating OCD symptoms of treatment-resistant patients. A large-scale controlled study is warranted. Article Published Date : Aug 01, 2009

Abstract Title: [Influence of electroacupuncture of Guanyuan (GV 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) on the immune function of T cells in aging rats]. Abstract Source: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2009 Aug;34(4):242-7. PMID: 19916287 Abstract Author(s): Jian-Min Liu, Feng-Xia Liang, Jia Li, Xi-Quan Liu, Hong-Tu Tang, Song Wu, Hua Wang, Ze-Bin Chen Article Affiliation: College of Acu-moxibution, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hubei College of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) on T cell immunologic function in the aged rats so as to reveal its underlying mechanism in anti-aging effect. METHODS: Fifty SD rats (half male and half female) were randomly divided into normal control (young rats), aging model (model), EA group, immunosuppression (IS), and EA+ IS groups. Aging model (in the late 4 groups) was duplicated by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose for 40 days. Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) were punctured and stimulated electrically (2 Hz, 1 mA), 15 min every time, six times a week and for four weeks. IS model was induced by i. p. i. of cytoxan (60 mg/kg) after 26 and 27 days' EA treatment. Splenetic T lymphocyte proliferation index was assayed by Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) chromatometry. IL-2/IL-2 receptor (R) expression level of T cells was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CD8+ CD28(+) -T cell subset fluorescence intensity was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, the splenetic T lymphocyte proliferation index, IL-2 and IL-2R expression levels, and CD8+ CD28(+) -T cell density in model and IS groups decreased significantly (P<0.01). In comparison with model group, the abovementioned indexes in EA and EA + IS groups increased significantly (P<0.01), and those indexes levels of EA + IS group were also significantly higher than those in IS group ( P<0.05, P<0.01). Comparison between EA and EA+ IS groups showed that CD8+ CD2+ T cell expression of the later group was significantly lower than that in EA group (P<0 05). No significant differences were found between EA and EA + IS groups in T cell proliferation rate and IL-2 and IL-2R expression levels (P>0.05) CONCLUSION: EA of CV 4 and ST 36 induced upregulation of T cell proliferation and IL-2/IL-2R, and CD8+ CD(+)28 -T cell may contribute to its antiaging and immuno-enhancement effects in the aged rats. Article Published Date : Aug 01, 2009

Abstract Title: [Effect of electroacupuncture of "Neiguan" (PC 6) on heart rate and plasma catecholamine contents in ventricular tachycardia rats]. Abstract Source: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu.2009 Jun;34(3):180-2, 187. PMID: 19761112 Abstract Author(s): Hua Wang, Li-xia Deng, Xu-ping Wu, Ji-yang Bai Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Neiguan" (PC 6) on heart rate (HR) and plasma catecholamine (CA) levels in ventricular tachycardia (VT) rats. METHODS: A total of 50 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control, sham-operation (sham), model, EA-PC 6 and EA-LU 7 groups, with 10 cases in each. VT model was established by intravenous injection of cesium chloride (CsCl) via femoral vein. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded. EA (2 Hz/15 Hz, 1 mA) was separately applied to bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Lieque" (LU 7) for 5 minutes, followed by collecting blood samples for detecting plasma norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels with fluorometric method. RESULTS: In comparison with normal control group, plasma NE and E contents in model group increased apparently (P < 0.01). Compared with model group, HR and plasma NE and E contents of EA-PC 6 group reduced significantly (P < 0.01), while those of EA-LU 7 had no apparent change (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA of "Neiguan" (PC 6) can downregulate heart rate and plasma CA level in VT rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving tachycardia. Article Published Date : Jun 01, 2009

Abstract Title: Electroacupuncture relieves pain in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: three-arm randomized trial. Abstract Source: Urology. 2009 May;73(5):1036-41. PMID: 19394499 Abstract Author(s): Sang-Hun Lee, Byung-Cheol Lee Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical effect of electroacupuncture (EA) for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: We recruited 63 participants meeting the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus criteria for CP/CPPS. After the inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, 39 men were randomized to 3 treatment groups: group 1, advice and exercise plus 12 sessions of EA; group 2, advice and exercise plus 12 sessions of sham EA (SEA); and group 3, advice and exercise alone (A&E) for 6 weeks. A total of 6 acupuncture points were used to stimulate the sacral nerve and release the piriformis muscle using an electrical pulse generator. Symptoms related to CP/CPPS were assessed using the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Prostaglandin E(2) and beta-endorphin levels in postmassage urine samples were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: At 6 weeks, the NIH-CPSI total score had decreased significantly in the EA group compared with the SEA and A&E groups (P < .001). On a subscale analysis of the NIH-CPSI, the EA group showed significant decreases in pain-related symptoms compared with the SEA and A&E groups (P < .01). All 12 EA participants experienced at least a 6-point decrease in the NIH-CPSI total score compared with 2 of 12 SEA participants (16.7%) and 3 of 12 A&E participants (25.0%; P < .0001). The mean prostaglandin E(2) level in the postmassage urine samples had significantly decreased in the EA group (P = .023). In contrast, it had increased in the other 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a 3-arm randomized trial investigating the clinical effects of EA on CP/CPPS, EA therapy proved to have independent therapeutic effects, particularly for pain relief superior to SEA or A&E therapy. Article Published Date : May 01, 2009

Abstract Title: [Observation on the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture of Jiaji (EX-B 2) plus regional encircled needling for herpes zoster]. Abstract Source: Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2009 Apr;34(2):125-7, 135. PMID: 19685728 Abstract Author(s): Xuan Li, Hong-Xing Zhang, Guo-Fu Huang, Yong-Fang Feng, Ron Zou Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of Jiaji (EX-B 2) plus focus-encircled needling for promoting the crust formation of herpes zoster and analgesia. METHODS: Eighty cases of herpes zoster patients were equally randomized into EA group [treated with EA of Ashi-point, Jiaji (EX-B 2), Zhigou (SJ 6) and Houxi (SI 3), once daily for 10 times] and medication group (treated with valaciclovir hydrochloride 300 mg/time, b. i. d. and vitamin B1 10 mg/time, t.i.d., 10 days). The pain severity was evaluated by using visual analogous scale (VAS) method. The time when the cutaneous scabbing area was equal or over 50% was recorded. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 40 cases in EA and medication groups, 30 (75.0%) and 15 (37.5%) were cured, 7 (17.5%) and 12 (30.0%) improved, 3 (7.5%) and 13 (32.5%) failed, with the total effective rates being 92.5% and 67.5%, respectively. The therapeutic effect of EA was significantly superior to that of medication (P<0.01). VAS scores of both groups reduced significantly (P<0.01). Both the VAS score and the crust formation time of EA group were significantly lower than those of medication group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: EA of Jiaji (EX-B 2) in combination with focus-encircled needling is effective in facilitating the crust formation and pain relief in the treatment of herpes zoster, and the effect of acupuncture is superior to that of medication. Article Published Date : Apr 01, 2009

Abstract Title: Electro-acupuncture promotes survival, differentiation of the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as well as functional recovery in the spinal cord-transected rats. Abstract Source: BMC Neurosci. 2009;10:35. Epub 2009 Apr 20. PMID: 19374777 Abstract Author(s): Ying Ding, Qing Yan, Jing-Wen Ruan, Yan-Qing Zhang, Wen-Jie Li, Yu-Jiao Zhang, Yan Li, Hongxin Dong, Yuan-Shan Zeng Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the potential tools for treatment of the spinal cord injury; however, the survival and differentiation of MSCs in an injured spinal cord still need to be improved. In the present study, we investigated whether Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture (EA) could efficiently promote bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) survival and differentiation, axonal regeneration and finally, functional recovery in the transected spinal cord. RESULTS: The spinal cords of adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were completely transected at T10, five experimental groups were performed: 1. sham operated control (Sham-control); 2. operated control (Op-control); 3. electro-acupuncture treatment (EA); 4. MSCs transplantation (MSCs); and 5. MSCs transplantation combined with electro-acupuncture (MSCs+EA). After 2-8 weeks of MSCs transplantation plus EA treatment, we found that the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), cAMP level, the differentiation of MSCs, the 5-HT positive and CGRP positive nerve fibers in the lesion site and nearby tissue of injured spinal cord were significantly increased in the MSCs+EA group as compared to the group of the MSCs transplantation or the EA treated alone. Furthermore, behavioral test and spinal cord evoked potentials detection demonstrated a significantly functional recovery in the MSCs +EA group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EA treatment may promote grafted MSCs survival and differentiation; MSCs transplantation combined with EA treatment could promote axonal regeneration and partial locomotor functional recovery in the transected spinal cord in rats and indicate a promising avenue of treatment of spinal cord injury. Article Published Date : Jan 01, 2009

Abstract Title: Transcutaneous electroacupuncture improves dyspeptic symptoms and increases high frequency heart rate variability in patients with functional dyspepsia. Abstract Source: Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2008 Nov;20(11):1204-11. Epub 2008 Aug 6. PMID: 18694444 Abstract Author(s): S Liu, S Peng, X Hou, M Ke, J D Z Chen Article Affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science&Technology, Wuhan, China. Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic value and possible mechanisms of transcutaneous electroacupuncture (TEA) in a double-blind and cross-over study in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD). Twenty-seven patients with FD were enrolled and the study consisted of two parts: (i) acute effects of TEA at PC6 and ST36 on gastric slow waves and heart rate variability and (ii) chronic (2 weeks) effects of TEA at PC6 and ST36 on dyspepsia symptoms, gastric slow waves, heart rate variability and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and motilin. The results of this study are: (i) The dyspepsia symptom score was decreased by 55% at the end of chronic TEA and the improvement was significant (P<0.01); (ii) the high frequency (HF) assessed from the spectral analysis of heart rate variability was markedly increased with both acute TEA (76% increase, P = 0.01) and chronic TEA (75% increase, P = 0.025); (iii) gastric slow waves were not altered by either acute or chronic TEA; and (iv) the plasma level of NPY but not motilin was increased after chronic TEA. Non-invasive and needleless transcutaenous electroacupuncture at ST36 and PC6 markedly improves dyspepsia symptoms and the improvement may be associated with the increase in HF heart rate variability and the modulation of NPY. Article Published Date : Nov 01, 2008

Abstract Title: A single-blinded, randomized pilot study evaluating effects of electroacupuncture in diabetic patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis. Abstract Source: J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Sep;14(7):833-9. PMID: 18721079 Abstract Author(s): Chung-Pang Wang, Chia-Hung Kao, Wei-Kung Chen, Wan-Yu Lo, Ching-Liang Hsieh Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The current pharmacological management of diabetic gastroparesis remains difficult. Acupuncture has been widely used for gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on solid gastric emptying time, serum gastrin, motilin, pancreatic polypeptide (PP), fasting and postprandial blood glucose, and symptoms in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. INTERVENTIONS: EA at the Zusanli (ST 36) and Hegu (LI 4) points and sham EA as control were administered by an experienced and licensed acupuncturist. DESIGN: This was a pilot study with a randomized, single-blinded design. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Nineteen (19) patients with type 2 diabetes who had had symptoms of gastroparesis for more than 3 months were included in the trial and randomized into two groups. Each group received EA (n = 9) or sham EA (n = 10) consisting of 4 sessions over 2 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptom severity was evaluated using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) at baseline, at the end of treatment, and 2 weeks after the end of the trial; solid-phase gastric half-emptying time was measured by scintigraphy; in addition, serum gastrin, motilin, PP, fasting, and postprandial blood glucose levels were also measured. RESULTS: Gastric half-emptying time in 9 patients with diabetic gastroparesis was significantly shortened by EA treatment (143.8 +/- 55.9 minutes versus 98.8 +/- 28.6 minutes, p < 0.03). Half-emptying time did not change (98.9 +/- 26.4 minutes versus 90.9 +/- 24.8 minutes, p > 0.05) in the sham EA group. Symptom severity, as measured by GCSI total score, improved significantly both at the end of treatment (2.38 +/- 0.56 versus 1.48 +/- 0.19, p < 0.001) and 2 weeks after the end of the trial (2.38 +/- 0.56 versus 1.65 +/- 0.44, p < 0.01) when compared with the baseline in the EA group, but did not change from baseline with sham EA treatment. There were no significant changes in fasting and postprandial blood glucose, serum gastrin, motilin, and PP in both groups. No significant adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that short-term EA at the Zusanli and Hegu points effectively reduces the dyspeptic symptoms of diabetic gastroparesis and accelerates solid gastric emptying. Sustained improvement in dyspeptic symptoms was observed at 2 weeks after the end of the trial. Its potential for treating gastroparesis may be explored, and a larger trial is required to draw definitive conclusions. Article Published Date : Sep 01, 2008

Abstract Title: [Electroacupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) for treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate: a multi-central randomized controlled study]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2008 Aug;28(8):555-9. PMID: 18767576 Abstract Author(s): Qing-Guo Liu, Chao-Yang Wang, Shuang Jiao, Li-Xin Tang, Ming-Hua Peng, Li-Fang Tian, Wei-Xing Ding, Xia Zhao, Shou-Kang Lu, Yong-Jun Fu, Wei-Lan Tan, Yi Qin Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of Zhongji (CV 3) in treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate. METHODS: Multi-central, randomized, controlled, single bland clinical method was adopted, and 276 cases were divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) group and a medication group, 138 cases in each group. The EA group were treated with EA at Zhongji (CV 3) and the medication group with oral administration of Qianliekang tablets. After treatment of 1 course, their therapeutic effects and changes of international prostate symptom (I-PSS) cumulative score, life quality index (L) cumulative score, nocturia times, urine stream state, lower abdominal symptom, maximal volume of urine flow, residual urine volume, prostatic volume, etc. Were assessed in the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 96.4% in the EA group and 86.2% in the medication group, the former being better than the latter (P<0. 01); the two groups were effective in improvement of international prostate symptom (I-PSS) cumulative score, life quality index (L) cumulative score, nocturia times, urine stream state, hypogastrium symptom, maximal volume of urine flow, residual urine volume, prostatic volume, etc. with the former better than the latter. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) has a significant therapeutic effect for treatment of benign hyperplasia of prostate. Article Published Date : Aug 01, 2008

Abstract Title: [Effects of electroacupuncture at shu-points of the five zang-organs on electrophysiologic function of sciatic nerve in the rabbit of Guillain-Barre syndrome]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2008 Jun;28(6):433-5. PMID: 18630543 Abstract Author(s): Hong-Feng Wang, Gui-Rong Dong Article Affiliation: Changchun University of TCM, Changchun 130117, China. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To probe into the mechanism of electroacupuncture at shu-points of the five zang-organs for treatment of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). METHODS: Eighty healthy giant-ear white rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups, a blank group, a model group, an electroacupuncture (EA) group and an immunoglobulin group, 20 rabbits in each group. The internationally recognized P 2 immune rabbit model was used in the study. The EA group were treated with EA at shu-points of the five zang-organs and the immunoglobulin group with intravenous injection of immunoglobulin 80 mg/kg/day. The sciatic nerve movement conduction velocity (MCV) and F wave incidence rate were investigated respectively at the 7th and 14th days of treatment in the rabbits of GBS. RESULTS: The sciatic nerve MCV significantly reduced in the model group, and it significantly increased (P<0.01) and F wave abnormal cases was significantly reduced (P<0.05) after treatment for 14 days in the EA group as compared with those in the model group. CONCLUSION: EA at shu-points of the five zang-organs can increase the sciatic nerve MCV and decrease the abnormal F wave incidence rate of the sciatic nerve in the rabbit of GBS. Article Published Date : Jun 01, 2008

Abstract Title: Effectiveness of electroacupuncture and interferential eloctrotherapy in the management of frozen shoulder. Abstract Source: J Rehabil Med. 2008 Mar;40(3):166-70. PMID: 18292916 Abstract Author(s): Gladys L Y Cheing, Eric M L So, Clare Y L Chao Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the addition of either electroacupuncture or interferential electrotherapy to shoulder exercises would be more effective in the management of frozen shoulder. DESIGN: A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. METHODS: A total of 70 subjects were randomly allocated to receive either: (i) electroacupuncture plus exercise; (ii) interferential electrotherapy plus exercise; or (iii) no treatment (the control group). Subjects in groups (i) and (ii) received 10 sessions of the respective treatment, while the control group received no treatment for 4 weeks. Each subject's score on the Constant Murley Assessment and visual analogue scale were recorded at baseline, post-treatment session and subsequent follow-up sessions. RESULTS: In both the electroacupuncture and interferential electrotherapy groups, the Constant Murley Assessment score increased and the visual analogue scale score decreased significantly (both p < 0.001). No significant change was found in any outcome of the control group, and no significant difference was found between the 2 intervention groups (all p > 0.05). The observed improvement was well maintained in both intervention groups at least until the 6-month follow-up session. CONCLUSION: Either electroacupuncture or interferential electrotherapy in combination with shoulder exercises is effective in treating frozen shoulder patients. However, no significant difference was found between these types of treatment. Article Published Date : Mar 01, 2008

Abstract Title: [Electroacupuncture warming therapy combined with western medicine for treatment of myasthenia gravis and effect on IL-4 level in the patients]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Dec;27(12):901-3. PMID: 18271233 Abstract Author(s): Shu-Hui Wang, Xing Cui, Jun Feng Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) warming therapy on myasthenia gravis (MG) and effect on IL-4 in the patient. METHODS: Sixty patients with MG were randomly divided into two groups, 30 patients in each group. The observation group were treated with EA warming therapy with Tanzhong (CV 17), Shimen (CV 5), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongwan (CV 12), Yanglingquan (GB 34) selected as main points, and oral administration of Pyridostigmine (90 - 240 mg each day) and Prednisone (30 - 60 mg each day). The control group were treated with oral administration of Pyridostigmine (240-480 mg each day) and Prednisone (60-100 mg each day). Clinical therapeutic effects and serum Interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels before and after treatment were observed. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group, which was better than 70.0% in the control group (P < 0.01); after treatment, the serum IL-4 levels in the two groups significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the decrease of IL-4 in the observation group being significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA warming therapy combined with western medicine has a significant therapeutic effect on myasthenia gravis. One of the mechanisms possibly is to restrain specific immune reaction by regulating the level of IL-4. Article Published Date : Dec 01, 2007

Abstract Title: [Effects of electroacupuncture combined with behavior therapy on intelligence and behavior of children of autism]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Sep;27(9):660-2. PMID: 17926617 Abstract Author(s): Chun-nan Wang, Yan Liu, Xiao-hong Wei, Li-xia Li Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To find out an effective therapy for autism. METHODS: Sixty children of autism were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture (EA) plus behavior therapy group and a behavior therapy group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the two groups were treated with routine behavior, with EA at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Benshen (GB 13), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Naohu (GV 17), Naokong (GB 19), Neiguan (PC 6) and scalp acupuncture at Speech Areas I, II, III added for the EA plus behavior therapy group. Their therapeutic effects were observed, and the picture and vocabulary scale (PPVT) and behavior ability were detected. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 86.7% in the EA plus behavior therapy group which was better than 56.7% of the behavior therapy group, and had significant enhancement in sensation, association, body, and ability of self-care (P<0.05) and was better than the behavior therapy group in sensation, body and self-care factors, with no significantly improvement in the scores of PPVT in the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA combined with behavior therapy can significantly improve clinical symptoms of autism, but does not improve intelligence. Article Published Date : Sep 01, 2007

Abstract Title: [Electroacupuncture for treatment of acute pancreatitis and its effect on the intestinal permeability of the patient]. Abstract Source: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Jun;27(6):421-3. PMID: 17663105 Abstract Author(s): Xin-yu Wang Article Affiliation: Section of Acupuncture&Moxibustion, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To probe into effect of electroacupuncture on intestinal permeability in the patient with acute pancreatitis and the mechanism. METHODS: Sixty-eight cases of acute pancreatitis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The control group and the treatment group were treated with anti-infection, inhibiting secretion of pancreas, improving microcirculation and protective agent of gastric mucosa, with electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Gongsun (SP 4), Taichong (LR 3) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) added, twice daily for 3 days, in the treatment group. Their clinical therapeutic effects and changes of endothelin (ET), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and lactulose/mannose ratio (L/M) before and after treatment were compared. RESULTS: The total effective rate of 86.7% in the treatment group was better than 76.3% in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, ET, NO, TNF-alpha contents and L/M all were higher than those before treatment, with those in the treatment group being significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electroacupuncture can significantly decrease permeability of intestinal mucosa in the patient with acute pancreatitis, reduce accumulation of endogenous inflammatory mediators (ET, TNF-alpha) and vascular active substance (NO) in intestinal mucosa, so as to alleviate necrosis of intestinal epithelial cells and protect the barrier of gastro-intestinal mucosa. Article Published Date : Jun 01, 2007

Abstract Title: [Treatment of trigeminal neuralgia with electroacupuncture. Experience with 104 cases]. Abstract Source: Ann Ital Chir. 1995 May-Jun;66(3):373-8. PMID: 8526306 Abstract Author(s): D Costantini, C Tomasello, C E Buonopane, D Sances, M Marandola, G Delogu Abstract: The essential or secondary trigeminal neuralgia is a very frequent and invalidant disease. In this forms, the medical or surgical conventional therapies are often inadequate. In this study we evaluated the effects of the acupunctural therapy on 104 patients (mean age 52.3 +/- 13 years) with idiopathic or secondary trigeminal neuralgia. Utilizing cycles of twelve sessions, the acupunctural treatment was performed with an electrostimulator on local points and a distance or on aching points, in the secondary forms. The results was evaluated on the basis of three parameters (reappearance of the symptomatology, absence of pain in months and preceding treatments) and was defined using this scale: very well, well, fair and null. In conclusion we can say that acupuncture is an elective treatment in all kinds of secondary tregeminal neuralgia, while, in the idiopathic form, its validity is conditioned by preceding medical treatments and by beginning of the disease. Article Published Date : May 01, 1995

Abstract Title: [A comparison between the pain relief effect of electroacupuncture, regional never block and electroacupuncture plus regional never block in frozen shoulder]. Abstract Source: Acta Anaesthesiol Sin. 1994 Dec;32(4):237-42. PMID: 7894919 Abstract Author(s): M L Lin, C T Huang, J G Lin, S K Tsai Article Affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Municipal Chung-Hsing Hospital. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Frozen shoulder is a kind of spontaneous, progressive peri-arthritis over the shoulder joint. The etiology is not yet clear. Traditional treatments for frozen shoulder included conservative medical therapy, physical therapy, nerve block and acupuncture and so on. The purpose of our study is to determine the pain relief effect of electroacupuncture (EAP), regional nerve block (RNB) and the combination of EAP + RNB for frozen shoulder. MATERIALS&METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients with fresh frozen shoulder were, randomly divided into 3 groups. Group I patients (n = 50) had RNB with stellate ganglion block and suprascapular nerve block by 1% xylocaine 10 ml. Group II patients (n = 50) had EAP with local acupoint--Chien-Yu, Chien-Ching, Chien-Nei-Ling, Ah-Shih Hsueh treatment and Group III (n = 50) patients had RNB+EAP performed with acupuncture first, then followed by the regional nerve block. Six vectors of movements were checked in all methods. Four graded Bromage score was used for pain assessment, Grade 1 means complete painless; Grade 2 means slight pain (i.e. pain on motion); Grade 3 means moderate pain (i.e. pain on silence); Grade 4 means severe pain (i.e. need analgesics). The range of shoulder joint was also recorded. Patients were requested for second treatment if pain recurred. The onset (time from injection to maximal pain relief), duration (time from injection to grade 3) Bromage score and side effects were recorded. RESULTS: The results showed that the combined EAP and RNB method had significant high pain control quality, longer duration, and better range of movement of the shoulder joint than that of EAP or RNB performed alone. Article Published Date : Dec 01, 1994