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BACKGROUND: The researchers noted that upon embedding clinical-grade catgut and polyglycolide-co-lactide threads in the normal human “Zusanli” (ST36) acupoint, the local area displayed temporal and inflammatory stimulatory effects, resulting in thread differentiation. However, the underlying mechanism behind thread involvement remains to be studied. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide, 5-hydroxytryptamine, leukotriene B4, and bradykinin at point “Zusanli” (ST 36) in rats after embedding catgut and polyglycolide-co-lactide respectively at different time points. METHODS: 110 male SD rats were divided into a blank group (10 rats), a catgut embedding group (50 rats), and a polyglycolide-co-lactide embedding group (50 rats) according to the random number table method. In the blank group, no thread was embedded. In catgut embedding group and the polyglycolide-colactide embedding group, the thread was embedded in the left side of the ST36 acupoint once. Tissue was collected from the left side of the ST36 acupoint area 8 hours, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after embedding. The expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and 5-hydroxytryptamine were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the contents of leukotriene B4 and bradykinin were detected by ELISA. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with the blank group, the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide, 5-hydroxytryptamine, bradykinin, and leukotriene B4 was significantly increased in the 8 hours, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of the catgut embedding group (P < 0.05); calcitonin gene-related peptide expression was significantly increased in 8 hours, 3, 7, and 14 days in the polyglycolide-co-lactide embedding group (P < 0.05); the expression of bradykinin was significantly increased in 8 hours, 3, and 7 days (P < 0.05); the expression of leukotriene B4 was significantly increased at 8 hours, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the polyglycolide-co-lactide embedding group, the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide was increased at 7, 14, 21 days after thread embedding (P < 0.05), and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine was increased at 8 hours, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after thread embedding (P < 0.05); contents of leukotriene B4 and bradykinin in tissues were increased at 8 hours, 3, 14 and 21 days after embedding (P < 0.05) in the catgut embedding group. (3) The results show that calcitonin gene-related peptide, 5-hydroxytryptamine, leukotriene B4, and bradykinin in the acupoint region alter after catgut embedding in the ST36 of rats, as well as the alteration of calcitonin gene-related peptide, leukotriene B4, and bradykinin is found in the acupoint region after polyglycolide-colactide embedding in rats, which may be one of the mechanisms involved in the local time sensitive stimulus effects caused by embedding threads at acupoints. Moreover, there is a discernible difference between the two thread types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study sought to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint on modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: C57BL/6 mice were administrated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to construct the IBD model. DSS mice were then administrated with EA (10 Hz, 1.5 mA) at ST36 for 7 days or intragastric administration of sulfasalazine (SASP) each day during the entire course. The control group animals were administered with distilled water. Then, partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed differences in the relative content of metabolites. The pathological changes of colon and spleen tissues were observed by H&E and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. qPCR determined the mRNA expression levels, while ELISA and western blot analysis determined the protein expression. Results: Compared with the control groups, DSS‐induced decreases of body weight were reversed after EA stimulation at ST36 or SASP treatment. The DAI of DSS mice was significantly higher relative to the control groups, whereas the DAI of DSS mice were decreased after EA stimulation at ST36 or SASP treatment. The intestinal weight/length ratio increased significantly in DSS groups; however, EA at ST36 significantly improved the macroscopic/microscopic characteristics and the weight and length of the colon. EA reversed inflammation and leukocyte infiltration and normalized the elevated levels of IL‐1β, IL‐18, and NLRP3. Furthermore, EA improved the expression levels of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin 1, exhibiting normalization of the colon's tight junctions. Conclusions: EA at Zusanli acupoint of colon tissue significantly improved the pathological phenotype, showing a therapeutic effect on IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective We aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Taichong" (LR3) on gastrointestinal motility, gastrointestinal hormones, and brain-gut axis in rats with functional dyspepsia (FD). Methods 48 SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a model group, a cisapride group, and an electroacupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. A mild tail pinch stimulation combined with intermittent food deprivation was used to establish the FD rat model. Body mass, food intake, and sucrose preference rate were recorded before and after modeling to verify the success of the FD model. After modeling, the normal control group and the model group received no intervention; the cisapride group rats were administered cisapride [0.4 g/(kg·d)] by intragastric perfusion for 6 consecutive days as one course of treatment, with a rest day between each course; the electroacupuncture group rats received electroacupuncture stimulation at bilateral "Zusanli" and "Taichong" (DC, dense-sparse wave, 2/100 Hz, 2-5 mA. Electricity was applied for 30 min), with stimulation every 24 h for 6 consecutive times as one course of treatment, with a rest day between each course. After two courses of treatment, samples were collected to compare gastrointestinal motility indices, blood levels of gastrointestinal hormones [motilin, gastrin, serotonin (5-HT), nitric oxide (NO)], serum and tissue levels of endogenous brain-gut peptides [cholecystokinin (CCK), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY)] in the hypothalamus, gastric antrum, duodenum, colon, and protein expressions of ghrelin and substance P in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, gastric antrum, and colon. Results Body mass, food intake, and sucrose preference rate were lower of the model rats than those of the normal rats (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, rats in the electroacupuncture group and cisapride group had (i) lower gastric residual rates, higher rates of small intestinal propulsion and gastric slow wave main frequency and power (P < 0.05); (ii)levels of motilin, gastrin, and 5-HT increased, while NO level decreased (P < 0.05); (iii) serum CCK content increased, while CGRP and NPY levels decreased (P < 0.05); (iv) CCK protein positive expression increased, while CGRP and NPY protein positive expression decreased in the hypothalamus, gastric antrum, duodenum(P < 0.05); (v)ghrelin protein expressions increased, and substance P protein expression decreased in the hypothalamus, spinal cord, gastric antrum, and colon (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in these indicators between the electroacupuncture group and the cisapride group. Conclusion Electroacupuncture at "Zusanli" and "Taichong" can effectively alleviate gastrointestinal motility disorders in FD rats, regulate gastrointestinal hormone levels, reverse abnormal brain-gut peptide expression, and regulate brain-gut interaction balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background This study sought to explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) intervention at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint on modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods C57BL/6 mice were administrated with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to construct the IBD model. DSS mice were then administrated with EA (10 Hz, 1.5 mA) at ST36 for 7 days or intragastric administration of sulfasalazine (SASP) each day during the entire course. The control group animals were administered with distilled water. Then, partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed differences in the relative content of metabolites. The pathological changes of colon and spleen tissues were observed by H&E and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. qPCR determined the mRNA expression levels, while ELISA and western blot analysis determined the protein expression. Results Compared with the control groups, DSS‐induced decreases of body weight were reversed after EA stimulation at ST36 or SASP treatment. The DAI of DSS mice was significantly higher relative to the control groups, whereas the DAI of DSS mice were decreased after EA stimulation at ST36 or SASP treatment. The intestinal weight/length ratio increased significantly in DSS groups; however, EA at ST36 significantly improved the macroscopic/microscopic characteristics and the weight and length of the colon. EA reversed inflammation and leukocyte infiltration and normalized the elevated levels of IL‐1β, IL‐18, and NLRP3. Furthermore, EA improved the expression levels of ZO‐1, occludin, and claudin 1, exhibiting normalization of the colon's tight junctions. Conclusions EA at Zusanli acupoint of colon tissue significantly improved the pathological phenotype, showing a therapeutic effect on IBD.

Objective To investigate the effect of acupoint application of Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis powder on promoting the recovery of gastrointestinal function after abdominal surgery. Methods Totally 60 patients undergoing abdominal surgery were randomly divided into the study group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received routine nursing after surgery, and those in the study were given acupoint application of Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis powder on Zusanli (ST36) in addition to routine nursing. The time to first passing gas and defecation after operation and the bowel sounds were compared between two groups. A self-made questionnaire was used evaluate patient’s satisfaction with nursing service. Results The time to recovery of bowel sounds, first passing gas and defecation after operation in the study group were shorter than those in the control group(P＜0. 01). The overall satisfaction rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P＜0. 01). Conclusion The acupoint application of Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis powder is effective to promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function and reduce the discomfort symptoms after abdominal surgery. (目的 探究中药厚朴粉足三里穴位贴敷促进腹部手术患者术后胃肠功能恢复的效果。方法 选取2022年7月—2023年7月医院收治的行腹部手术的60例患者为研究对象, 随机分为研究组和对照组, 各30例。对照组接受常规术后护理, 研究组在对照组基础上开展穴位贴敷治疗。对比两组患者肠鸣音恢复时间、首次排气和排便时间, 评价护理满意度。结果 研究组患者术后首次排气时间、排便时间、肠鸣音恢复时间均较对照组患者缩短, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 01)。研究组总满意率高于对照组, 差异有统计学意义(P＜0. 01)。结论 厚朴粉足三里穴位贴敷可有效促进腹部手术患者术后胃肠功能的恢复, 减少术后不适症状。)

Background: The efficacy of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in alleviating lower-limb pain is widely acknowledged in clinical practice, while its underlying mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Our previous research had revealed that the prompt analgesia induced by needling-ST36 was accompanied by expression alterations in certain exco-nucleotidases within the sciatic nerve. Building upon this finding, the current work focused on NTPDase1, the primary ecto-nucleotidase in the human body, which converts ATP into AMP. Methods: A 20-min acupuncture was administered unilaterally at the ST36 on rats with acute ankle arthritis. The pain thresholds of the injured hind paws were determined. Pharmacological interference was carried out by introducing the corresponding reagents to the sciatic nerve. ATP levels around the excised nerve were measured using a luciferase-luciferin assay. Live calcium imaging, utilizing the Fura 2-related-F340/F380 ratio, was conducted on Schwann cells in excised nerves and cultured rat SCs line, RSC96 cells. Results: The analgesic effect induced by needling-ST36 was impaired when preventing ATP degradation via inhibiting NTPDase1 activities with ARL67156 or Ticlopidine. Conversely, increasing NTPDase1 activities with Apyrase duplicated the acupuncture effect. Similarly, preventing the conversion of AMP to adenosine via suppression of NT5E with AMP-CP hindered the acupuncture effect. Unexpectedly, impeded ATP hydrolysis ability and diminished NTPDase1 expression were observed in the treated group. Agonism at P2Y2Rs with ATP, UTP, or INS365 resulted in anti-nociception. Contrarily, antagonism at P2Y2Rs with Suramin or AR-C 118925xx prevented acupuncture analgesia. Immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated that the treated rats expressed more P2Y2Rs that were predominant in Schwann cells. Suppression of Schwann cells by inhibiting ErbB receptors also prevented acupuncture analgesia. Finally, living imaging on the excised nerves or RSC96 cells showed that agonism at P2Y2Rs indeed led to [Ca2+]i rise. Conclusion: These findings strongly suggest that the analgesic mechanism of needling-ST36 on the hypersensation in the lower limb partially relies on NTPDase1 activities in the sciatic nerve. In addition to facilitating adenosine signaling in conjunction with NT5E, most importantly, NTPDase1 may provide an appropriate low-level ATP milieu for the activation of P2Y2R in the sciatic nerve, particularly in Schwann cells.

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST36)" on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced renal injury in colorectal cancer-bearing mice, and to further investigate its effects on oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis in mouse renal tissue. Thirty-five male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups of seven mice each, namely the control, CT26, 5-FU, sham point (SP), and ST36 (which received EA at the "ST36") groups. With the exception of the control group, each group was subjected to establishment of a subcutaneous implantation tumor model using the murine CT26 colorectal cancer cell line. Once the models were successfully established, the 5-FU, SP, and ST36 groups received 5-FU injection solution intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/mL once every three days over a 21-day period. Mice in the SP and ST36 groups additionally received an EA intervention after each intraperitoneal 5-FU injection. EA were performed on mice of the SP group at bilateral sham acupoints and on mice of the ST36 group at the bilateral "ST36" using the continuous wave mode at a frequency of 2 Hz for a duration of 5 min, intervention was administered once every two days for a duration of 21 days. Samples were collected from the mice at the end of the experiment. The pathological morphology of the renal tissue was observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; the contents of creatine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured using biochemical assays; the expression and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit (NF-κB p65) were measured by immunofluorescence; the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in serum were measured by ELISA; cell apoptosis in renal tissue was detected using the TUNEL assay; and the expression levels of the anti-B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cytochrome C (cyt c) in renal tissue were measured by Western blotting. Compared with the control group, mice of the CT26 group showed a significant increase in serum Cre content (P <0.01), but the difference in BUN content was not statistically significant (P >0.05). HE staining of renal tissue revealed clear structures with normal glomerular and renal tubular morphology. SOD activity was decreased (P <0.01); MDA content was increased, but the increase was not statistically significant (P >0.05). Differences in NF-κB p65 protein expression in the cytoplasm of renal tissue and serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were not statistically significant (all P >0.05). Results of immunofluorescent TUNEL staining indicated an absence of significant cell apoptosis. In the renal tissue, Bcl-2 protein expression was slightly increased (P <0.05), and the expression levels of Bax (P <0.01), cleaved caspase-3 (P >0.05), cleaved caspase-9 (P <0.01), and cyt c (P >0.05) were increased. Compared with the CT26 group, mice of the 5-FU group exhibited an increase in Cre (P <0.01) and BUN (P <0.05) content. HE staining of renal tissue revealed the presence of glomerular atrophy and dilated Bowman's capsular spaces. SOD activity was significantly decreased (P <0.01), while the increase of MDA content was not significant (P >0.05). The expression of NF-κB p65 in the nucleus and serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels showed significant increases (P <0.05). The cell apoptosis level was significantly increased. The protein expression of Bcl-2 (P <0.05), Bax (P <0.01), cleaved caspase-9 (P <0.01), and cyt c (P <0.05) was significantly increased. Compared with the 5-FU group, the ST36 group showed decreased serum Cre and BUN levels (both P <0.01). HE staining of renal tissue showed less renal tissue injury and less dilation of renal capsular cavities. SOD activity was significantly higher (P <0.01), while MDA content was lower (P <0.05). Nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 and serum TNF-α (P <0.05), IL-6 (P <0.05), and IL-1β (P <0.01) levels were lower. The cell apoptosis level was decreased relative to the 5-FU group. Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased (P <0.01), while the protein expression levels of Bax (P <0.01), cleaved caspase-3 (P <0.01), cleaved caspase-9 (P <0.01), and cyt c (P <0.05) also were reduced. EA at "ST36" attenuated 5-FU-induced renal injury in colorectal cancer-bearing mice. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of renal oxidative stress, alleviation of inflammatory responses, and inhibition of cell apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of electroacupuncture on Zusanli acupoint on the inflammatory changes of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) in spleen and spinal dorsal horn of mice with paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain (PINP) .MethodsA total of sixty adult male C57BL/6 mice with the body weight of 18-22 g were selected and randomly divided into control group, model group, electroacupuncture group, intraperitoneal antagonist group and intrathecal antagonist group according to random number table, with 12 mice in each group. The model group, electroacupuncture group, intraperitoneal antagonist group and intrathecal antagonist group were injected with paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) every other day for a total of 4 times to establish the PINP model, while the control group was given the same amount of normal saline. After the model was established, the electroacupuncture group, intraperitoneal antagonist group and intrathecal antagonist group received electroacupuncture intervention once every other day from the first day, for 7 times in total. The intraperitoneal antagonist group and intrathecal antagonist group received intraperitoneal and intrathecal injection of α7nAChR receptor antagonist α-bungarotoxin (α-BGT) on day 1, 7 and 13, respectively. The changes of mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) of mice at day 0, 7 and 14 were measured by Von Frey painometer and a plantar algesia meter, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of α7nAChR protein in spleen and spinal dorsal horn of mice on day 14. RT-qPCR and ELISA were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α in spleen and spinal dorsal horn of mice on day 14.Results1) Behavioral test: There was no significant difference in PWT and PWL before the model was established in the five groups (P>0.05); PWT and PWL in the model group were significantly lower than those in the control group at day 7 and 14 (PPPPPPPP

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the common pathological manifestations of metabolic-related diseases, and the prevalence of relevant diseases is high. Acupuncture is beneficial to IR patients, but the central mechanism underlying this treatment remains unclear. This study provides mechanistic insights into how electroacupuncture (EA) improves IR through the response of Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to adiponectin (Adipo). Methods: Glucose tolerance tests (GTT), Insulin tolerance tests (ITT) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were detected by glucometer. Serum insulin, Adipo and skeletal muscle adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) protein levels were examined by ELISA. Homeostasis model assessment estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated using the following formula: HOMA-IR = fasting insulin (FINS) (mU/L) × FBG (mmol/L)/22.5. The expression levels of AdipoR1 and Adipo mRNA in skeletal muscle were detected by real-time PCR quantification. The co-marking of c-Fos/AdipoR1 and POMC neurons were investigated using immunofluorescence. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) of POMC neurons and the response of POMC neurons to Adipo were detected via electrophysiology. Results: EA significantly ameliorated HFD-induced impairment of GTT, ITT, FBG, and HOMA-IR which was correlated with recovery of the expression level of AdipoR1 and Adipo in skeletal muscle. The improved response of POMC neurons to Adipo in the hypothalamus may be a key factor in correcting abnormal glucose tolerance and improving IR. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that EA can ameliorate HFD-induced impaired glucose tolerance through improved response of POMC neurons to Adipo in the hypothalamus, providing insight into the central mechanism of improving IR through EA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although the relationship between deqi sensations and curative effect has always been controversial, deqi sensations has been regarded as the key indicator of clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy. There is little evidence for standardization or visualization of the mechanism of acupuncture’s therapeutic effect. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of needling at Zusanli (ST36) on antral contraction function as visualized by ultrasound. Methods This is a two-arm, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 116 acupuncture-naïve healthy subjects will be randomly allocated to the acupuncture group or sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the acupuncture group will receive manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) with the needling depth at crural interosseous membrane. Those in the sham acupuncture group will be given penetrating needling depth at the superficial fascia layer. The primary outcome will be the changes in antral contraction frequency (ACF) before and after acupuncture. The secondary outcomes will be the changes in the thermal infrared spectrum of gastric area skin, the antral contraction amplitude (ACA), the antral movement index (AMI), and the scores on the Chinese version of Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (C-MASS). The adverse events will be evaluated and recorded in detail. Discussion This study may provide visual and objective evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36). In addition, the results of this study will help to identify the role of Zusanli (ST36)in the inducing deqi. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040686 . Registered on 8 December 2020

BACKGROUND: Insufficient gastrointestinal motility in patients with rheumatoid arthritis has been gradually concerned. As a treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, whether acupuncture can improve insufficient gastrointestinal motility is worthy of further exploration. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at Zusanli (ST 36) on gastrointestinal motility in a rat model of adjuvant arthritis. METHODS: A total of 60 clean and healthy 3-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, acupuncture group, moxibustion group, and acupuncture plus moxibustion group, with 12 rats in each group. Adjuvant arthritis models were established in the latter four groups using Freund’s complete adjuvant. The acupuncture group, moxibustion group, and acupuncture plus moxibustion group were treated with acupuncture, moxibustion or both at Zusanli on the 1st day of modeling, for 15 minutes per day, for 14 continuous days. At the end of the corresponding treatment, all rats were measured for plantar circumference. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the knee joint. The number of peristaltic waves in the rat intestine was measured by the method of colonic peristaltic wave. The first black stool discharge time was observed after gavage with activated carbon suspension, to calculate the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate. The contraction degree of jejunum smooth muscle strips of rats was detected by an in vitro perfusion device, and the distribution of jejunal nerve fibers were observed by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli, sacroiliac joint swelling in rats was significantly reduced, cartilage destruction and inflammatory cells decreased, the number of intestinal peristaltic waves was increased, the total gastrointestinal activated carbon discharge time was shortened, gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate were improved, the contraction of the jejunal smooth muscle strip increased, and the amount of jejunal nerve fibers decreased. The combination of acupuncture and moxibustion achieved the best results. To conclude, acupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli can prevent and treat bowel dysfunction in adjuvant arthritis rats, and acupuncture combined with moxibustion method is better than acupuncture or moxibustion used alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy of Zusanli(ST36) acupoint injection of Neostigmine in the treatment of postoperative abdominal distention, and to provide evidence-based basis for the nursing and treatment of postoperative abdominal distention. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of Zusanli acupoint injection of Neostigmine for postoperative abdominal distention was searched in CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Embase. After literature screening, data extraction and quality evaluation were completed by two researchers independently, the Review Manager 5. 3 software was used for Meta analysis. Results A total of 1622 patients were enrolled in 17 RCT studies. Meta analysis showed that the total effective rate of Zusanli acupoint injection of Neostigmine was higher than that in the control group(OR= 7. 49, 95%CI［4. 66, 12. 05］, P

BACKGROUND: Synovitis is one of the main pathological features of knee osteoarthritis. Previous studies have shown that acupuncture has a significant effect on knee osteoarthritis. Whether acupuncture can relieve the symptoms by regulating the related proteins in synovium is worthy of further study. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of acupuncture combined with moxibustion on circadian clock proteins (Clock, Bmal1), TRPV4, and interleukin-1β in the synovium of rats with osteoarthritis. METHODS: Eighty 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, model group, acupuncture group and acupuncture combined with moxibustion group (n=20 per group). Rat models of osteoarthritis were prepared by surgery in the latter three groups. Rats in the acupuncture group were treated with manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Dubi (ST35), and Neixiyan (EX-LE5) acupoints on the 7th day of modeling, at a depth of 5 mm, 15 minutes once a day, totally for 21 days. Rats in the acupuncture combined with moxibustion group were treated with acupuncture (same as that in the acupuncture group) combined with moxibustion. After corresponding treatments, the spontaneous activity ability of the rats was measured by an open field test. The pathological structure of the synovium was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of Clock, Bmal1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in the synovium was detected by western blot. The expression of interleukin-1β in the synovium was detected by immunofluorescence labeling. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, the expression of Clock and Bmal1 in the synovium was significantly decreased (P< 0.01), the levels of interleukin-1β and TRPV4 in the synovium were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and moreover severer loss of synovial epithelium was observed in the model group. Compared with the model group, acupuncture and acupuncture combined with moxibustion could significantly improve the spontaneous activity ability of the rats, increase the expression of Clock and Bmal1 (P < 0.05), decrease the levels of interleukin-1β and TRPV4 in the rat synovium (P< 0.05), and relieve the loss of synovial epithelium. Compared with the acupuncture group, these changes were more obvious in the acupuncture combined with moxibustion group (P < 0.05). To conclude, relative to acupuncture alone, acupuncture combined with moxibustion can effectively regulate arthritic injury in knee osteoarthritis rats, reduce the expression of TRPV4 in synovial cells, promote the expression of Clock and Bmal1 in the synovium, thereby regulating the circadian clock in synovial cells, reducing the expression of inflammatory factors and slowing the degeneration of knee osteoarthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the relationship between deqi sensations and curative effect has always been controversial, deqi sensations has been regarded as the key indicator of clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy. There is little evidence for standardization or visualization of the mechanism of acupuncture's therapeutic effect. This trial aims to evaluate the effect of needling at Zusanli (ST36) on antral contraction function as visualized by ultrasound.Methods: This is a two-arm, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 116 acupuncture-naïve healthy subjects will be randomly allocated to the acupuncture group or sham acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the acupuncture group will receive manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) with the needling depth at crural interosseous membrane. Those in the sham acupuncture group will be given penetrating needling depth at the superficial fascia layer. The primary outcome will be the changes in antral contraction frequency (ACF) before and after acupuncture. The secondary outcomes will be the changes in the thermal infrared spectrum of gastric area skin, the antral contraction amplitude (ACA), the antral movement index (AMI), and the scores on the Chinese version of Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (C-MASS). The adverse events will be evaluated and recorded in detail.Discussion: This study may provide visual and objective evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of manual acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36). In addition, the results of this study will help to identify the role of Zusanli (ST36)in the inducing deqi.Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040686 . Registered on 8 December 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) in alleviating lower-limb pain is widely acknowledged in clinical practice, while its underlying mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Our previous research had revealed that the prompt analgesia induced by needling-ST36 was accompanied by expression alterations in certain exco-nucleotidases within the sciatic nerve. Building upon this finding, the current work focused on NTPDase1, the primary ecto-nucleotidase in the human body, which converts ATP into AMP. A 20-min acupuncture was administered unilaterally at the ST36 on rats with acute ankle arthritis. The pain thresholds of the injured hind paws were determined. Pharmacological interference was carried out by introducing the corresponding reagents to the sciatic nerve. ATP levels around the excised nerve were measured using a luciferase-luciferin assay. Live calcium imaging, utilizing the Fura 2-related-F 340 /F 380 ratio, was conducted on Schwann cells in excised nerves and cultured rat SCs line, RSC96 cells. The analgesic effect induced by needling-ST36 was impaired when preventing ATP degradation via inhibiting NTPDase1 activities with ARL67156 or Ticlopidine. Conversely, increasing NTPDase1 activities with Apyrase duplicated the acupuncture effect. Similarly, preventing the conversion of AMP to adenosine via suppression of NT5E with AMP-CP hindered the acupuncture effect. Unexpectedly, impeded ATP hydrolysis ability and diminished NTPDase1 expression were observed in the treated group. Agonism at P2Y2Rs with ATP, UTP, or INS365 resulted in anti-nociception. Contrarily, antagonism at P2Y2Rs with Suramin or AR-C 118925xx prevented acupuncture analgesia. Immunofluorescent labeling demonstrated that the treated rats expressed more P2Y2Rs that were predominant in Schwann cells. Suppression of Schwann cells by inhibiting ErbB receptors also prevented acupuncture analgesia. Finally, living imaging on the excised nerves or RSC96 cells showed that agonism at P2Y2Rs indeed led to [Ca2+] i rise. These findings strongly suggest that the analgesic mechanism of needling-ST36 on the hypersensation in the lower limb partially relies on NTPDase1 activities in the sciatic nerve. In addition to facilitating adenosine signaling in conjunction with NT5E, most importantly, NTPDase1 may provide an appropriate low-level ATP milieu for the activation of P2Y2R in the sciatic nerve, particularly in Schwann cells. [Display omitted] • Acupuncture (AP) at ST36 generated immediate analgesia in adjuvant arthritis rats. • NTPDase1 and Nt5E actively contributed to AP analgesia. • While AP suppressed the sciatic nerve to hydrolyze ATP and express NTPDase1. • ATP-sensitive P2Y2Rs in the sciatic nerve were actively involved in AP analgesia. • Schwann cells expressed NTPDase1 and P2Y2Rs, and also contributed to the AP effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Quchi acupoints on focal ischemic brain injury in rats from the behavioral, histological and molecular levels, respectively, and to provide experimental evidence for the clinical application of electroacupuncture in the treatment of cerebral infarction.Methods:A total of 144 male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats weighing(250±30)g were selected and randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated group, electroacupuncture(EA)group and model group. The common carotid artery, internal carotid artery and external carotid artery of the rats in the sham-operated group were separated after anesthesia without ligation or thread insertion. In the EA and model groups, the middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)models were achieved by Zea-Longa sutured-occluded method. According to Bederon and Longa scoring methods, simple neurobehavioral scoring was performed on the rats after the model was established. Rats with 0 and 4 scoring points were excluded. One day after the operation, the rats in the EA group were electroacupunctured at Zusanli and Quchi acupoints. The appropriate depth of needling was slight shaking of affected limbs in rats after electrification. Simulation parameters: dilatational wave, frequency of sparse wave 4 Hz and dense wave 20 Hz, pulse width 0.5 ms, output voltage 2 V, output current 0.5 mA, 20 min/(time·day).In the model group, except no acupuncture, the rest of the process was the same as that of the EA group. The changes in walking, hind limb standing and licking behaviors of the rats were observed with Homecage Scan monitoring system 1, 7 and 14 days after the cerebral ischemia reperfusion. The rats were also sacrificed 1, 7 or 14 days after operation, with the volume of cerebral infarction in rats determined by the 2, 3, 5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining method. In addition, BrdU-positive cells, double positive cells of BrdU/DCX and double positive cells of BrdU/NeuN were used as markers of proliferation, migration and differentiation of neural stem cells, respectively. The proliferation, migration and differentiation of neural stem cells in rats were observed by double immunofluorescence staining at the 1st, 7th and 14th day after cerebral ischemia reperfusion of the rats.Results:1.No neurologic impairment was observed in the sham-operated group in the research. In the EA and model groups, the impairment was the severest one day after the operation, and the nerve function was recovered gradually as time went on, but it could not recover to the level of the sham-operated group until 14 days after the operation. In addition, there was no significant difference between the EA group and model group on the first day after the operation(P>0.05). The behavior scores of the rats in the EA group was higher than that of the model group(PP>0.05). The infarct sizes detected by TTC staining were smaller in the EA group than in the model group after 7 and 14 days(PP>0.05), however, at the 7th and 14th day, the population in the EA group increased more significantly compared with the model group(PP>0.05), while, at the 7th and 14th day, the number of BrdU/DCX positive cells in the EA group was significantly higher than that in the model group(PP>0.05).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Quchi acupoints has been proved to improve the neurological function of rats with cerebral infarction and reduce the volume of cerebral infarction. Besides, it also improved the expression of DCX but not NeuN. Therefore, the electroacupuncture treatment can also promote the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells but not induce a great change in the differentiation.

目的 探讨电针足三里穴治疗对卒中后并发胃肠功能紊乱患者的临床效果，发挥中医优势，为中西医 结合治疗卒中提供临床依据。 方法 选取2014年10月-2015年12月入住我院神经科并且病程超过2个月的卒中后并发胃肠功能紊乱 的80例患者，随机将分为观察组和对照组，每组有40例。给对照组给予西医常规治疗及护理，而观 察组在对照组治疗基础上给予双侧足三里穴电针治疗。 结果 对照组的总有效率75%，观察组的总有效率92.5%，比较差异有显著性（P＜0.05）。观察组肠 鸣音恢复时间，肛门排便、排气时间短于对照组（P＜0.05）。经治疗后两组胃泌素、胃动素水平均较 治疗前升高（P＜0.05），且观察组水平明显高于对照组，比较差异有显著性（P＜0.05）。 结论 常规治疗基础上加用足三里穴电针治疗可有效促进卒中患者胃肠功能恢复，改善胃肠动力， 调节胃肠激素的分泌，临床疗效显著。 Abstract: Objective To explore the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at Zusanli in patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction after stroke, so as to provide clinical evidence for stroke treated with combination of TCM and Western medicine by taking advantage of traditional Chinese medicine. Methods A total of 80 patients who were admitted in neurology department of our hospital during October 2014 and December 2015and diagnosed as gastrointestinal dysfunction after stroke with more than 2 months were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was given conventional western medicine treatment and nursing, while the observation group was treated by Zusanli electroacupuncture on the basis of control treatment. Results The total effective rate was 92.5% in observation group, better than the 75% in control group (P

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese medicine has proposed the theory of “treatment for flaccidity aims at Yangming meridian” in the Internal Canon of Medicine. However, there have been relatively few reports on electroacupuncture at the stomach channel of Foot Yangming in the treatment of spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of Zusanli and Futu on Caspase-3 expression in injured segments of spinal cord injury rats. METHODS: Sixty-four Sprague-Dawley female rats, SPF grade, were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., control group, pre-labeling group, post-injury labeling group and electroacupuncture group, with 16 rats in each group. The control group and the pre-labeling group were intraperitoneally given Brdu (50 mg/kg) for 10 days before the operation. The control group was given a bite to remove the lamina on the 11th day, which did not damage the spinal cord. A model of spinal cord injury was made in the pre-labeling group on the 11th day. The post-injury labeling group and the electroacupuncture group were injected intraperitoneally with Brdu for 10 days after the spinal cord injury was made, and the post-injury labeling group was not treated. The electroacupuncture group started electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Futu acupoints on the 3rd day after the model was established. Spinal cord specimens were taken at 3, 10, 17, and 24 days after injury in each group, and the changes in the number of neurons were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression of Brdu positive cells was observed by immunohistochemistry. The changes in Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The study protocol was approved by the Animal Ethic Committee of Guangxi Medical University, with an approval No. 201712001. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and protein after spinal cord injury was higher than that of the control group without spinal cord injury, and the number of neurons after spinal cord injury was significantly lower than that of the control group. With the passage of time, the mRNA and protein expression of Caspase-3 gene in the pre-labeling, post-injury labeling and electroacupuncture groups increased first and then decreased, while the Caspase-3 expression in the electroacupuncture group decreased significantly, which was significantly different from that in the pre-labeling and post-injury labeling groups (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin-eosin staining results showed that the number of neurons in the electroacupuncture group was significantly higher than that in pre-labeling and post-injury labeling groups, and gradually approached the number of neurons in the control group on the 24th day. Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive protein expression in the electroacupuncture group increased first and then decreased, reaching the highest on the 17th day and the lowest on the 24th day. The overall positive protein expression was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P < 0.05). To conclude, electroacupuncture stimulation of Zusanli and Futu acupoints can reduce the expression of Caspase-3 mRNA and protein, reduce the apoptosis of nerve cells, and promote the number of neurons, thus promoting the regeneration and repair of nerve cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the major current public health problems. Electro-acupuncture at ST-36 showed a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats. There are lacks of studies reporting its hypoglycemic effect in humans and thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of needling at ST-36 (Zusanli) on blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Sixty T2DM participants were recruited and randomized into acupuncture group (n=30) and placebo control group (n=30). The participants of the acupuncture group received needling at ST-36 (one finger breadth lateral to the inferior border of the tibial tuberosity), and the participants those in the placebo control group received needling at placebo point (midpoint between the apex of the patella and tibial tuberosity). For both the groups, needles were retained for 30 min. Baseline and post-test assessments were performed prior to and after each intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The present study showed a significant reduction in random blood glucose levels in the acupuncture group compared to the placebo control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that 30 min of bilateral acupuncture needling at ST-36 with manual stimulation is effective in reducing blood glucose levels in T2DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Electroacupuncture (EA) has been applied to treat and prevent diseases for years. However, molecular events happened in both the acupunctured site and the internal organs after EA stimulation have not been clarified. Methods Here we applied transcriptomic analysis to explore the gene expression signatures after EA stimulation. Mice were applied EA stimulation at ST36 for 15 min and nine tissues were collected three hours later for microarray analysis. Results We found that EA affected the expression of genes not only in the acupunctured site but also in the internal organs. EA commonly affected biological networks involved in cytoskeleton and cell adhesion, and also regulated unique process networks in specific organs, such as γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurotransmission in brain and inflammation process in lung. In addition, EA affected the expression of genes related to various diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases in brain and obstructive pulmonary diseases in lung. Conclusions This report applied, for the first time, a global comprehensive genome-wide approach to analyze the gene expression profiling of acupunctured site and internal organs after EA stimulation. The connection between gene expression signatures, biological processes, and diseases might provide a basis for prediction and explanation on the therapeutic potentials of acupuncture in organs.

Background: Nosocomial infection is a current medical issue, particularly in patients with acute cerebrovascular accident. The present study purpose isto evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and moxibustion in prophylaxis of nosocomial infections in patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. Material and methods: The study was carried out on a group of 100 patients. Valuing the efficiency of acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbs in the prevention of nosocomial infections in patients with acute cerebrovascular accident, 50 patients (treatment group) with acute cerebrovascular accident received acupuncture and moxibustion treatment on points Zusanli (ST36) and Guanyuan (CV4) and per os – decoction Banqingheji. The control group (50 patients) did not receive any prophylactic treatment of nosocomial infection. Results: In Acupuncture-moxibustion group infection rate was 2% (50/1) and 18% in the control group (50/9). In the control group were recorded 9 cases of infection, 7 cases (14%) constituted respiratory tract infections and 2 (4%) urinary tract infections. Acupuncture-moxibustion group revealed 1 case of respiratory tract infection. Conclusions: Acupuncture, moxibustion on Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4) points and decoction Banqingheji are efficient in the prevention of nosocomial infections in patients with acute cerebrovascular accident.The study demonstrates that in case of nosocomial infection of patients with acute cerebrovascular accident prevalent is nosocomial infection of the respiratory tract.

Abstract Background The effect of electroacupuncture (EA) is affected by both the acupuncture point selection and the frequency of stimulation. However, little is known regarding acupuncture point and simulation frequency selection. Neuronal activation of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is one of the important targets of EA for modulating gastrointestinal function. This study investigated the effects of various combinations of EA frequencies and acupuncture points on NTS neurons. Methods Rats were randomly divided into normal, 2 Hz EA, 100 Hz EA and the alternate 2/100 Hz EA groups. Then rats in each group were randomly divided into the following two subgroups according to the acupuncture point: ST 36 group and ST 25 group. All the rats underwent electrode implantation surgery. Rats in all EA groups received one treatment with EA (a constant square wave at, 2 Hz,100 Hz or 2/100 Hz frequencies with intensities ranging from 1 to 2 mA), and NTS neuronal activation was recorded before and after EA treatment. Finally, to confirm the effect of EA on the NTS, minimal acupuncture was administered and its effect on NTS was detected. Results ST 36 stimulated with 2 Hz EA significantly increased the population of excited NTS neurons and spike frequency. However, ST 36 stimulated with 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz EA produced only a transient effect on the activity of NTS neurons and did not induce any effect on the spike frequency. Furthermore, the excitatory effect of 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz EA on NTS neurons in the ST 36 group was lower than 2 Hz EA at the same point. When applied to ST 25, 2 Hz EA had no significant excitatory effect on NTS neurons or spike frequency. However, 100 Hz EA or 2/100 Hz EA at ST 25 decreased both NTS neuronal excitability and spike frequency. By comparing the effects of different EA combinations, it was shown 2 Hz EA applied to ST 36 had the strongest excitatory effect on NTS neurons, while 100 Hz EA applied to ST 25 had the greatest inhibitory effect. Minimal acupuncture stimulation produced no effect on NTS neurons. Conclusion EA’s effects on NTS were mainly affected by the acupuncture point selection, but the frequency of EA also played a role. Different combinations of acupuncture points and frequency selection may lead to different EA effects on NTS neuronal excitability.

Objective:To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the Quchi (LI11) and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints on peri-infract striatal neural autophagy in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) -induced ischemia and reperfusion injured rats.Methods:Thirty-six SD rats were divided into the sham group, the MCAO group and the EA group by a random number table, 12 rats in each group. After the MCAO models were established according to the Koizumi method, the rats in the EA group received EA at the LI11 and ST36 acupoints intervention with 3 days. The infract volume of cerebral ischemia were measured by TTC staining. The number of autophagosome and the structure of mitochondria were evaluated by electron microscope (EM). The expression of autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein 1ight chain 3B (LC3B) were detected.Results:TTC staining showed that the infarct volumes of rats in the EA group were reduced compared to the sham group (PP

Background: Acupuncture point (acupoint) injection is a common practice in China. Some trials showed that Chinese herbal extracts and/or conventional medication are injected at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). The study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupoint injection for DPN at the ST36 by systematically evaluating the evidence published to date. Methods: Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ST36 injection for DPN with primary outcome of pain, global symptom improvement, and quality of life. Methodological quality was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.3. Results: Fourteen RCTs involving 1,071 participants with DPN were included. All RCTs were assessed as unclear or high ROB. Few RCTs adequately reported methodology-related items and needling details according to Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) statement. Medications injected at ST36 included conventional medications (11 RCTs) and Chinese herbal extracts (3 RCTs). The authors of this study did not perform any meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of medications used for injections. Two individual RCTs favored ST36 injection in relieving pain compared with intramuscular injection of the same medication. For global symptom measured by Toronto clinical scoring system, one RCT showed that ST36 injection of Fufang Danggui was more effective than intramuscular injection of vitamin B12, two RCTs demonstrated that ST36 injection of mecobalamin or Danhong with cointervention was superior, while one RCT showed no significant differences between ST36 injection and intramuscular injection of mecobalamin. For improving nerve conduction velocity (NCV), three of four individual RCTs showed that ST36 injection was better than intramuscular or intravenous injection of the same medication, two RCTs favored ST36 injection with cointervention, and one RCT favored ST36 injection without cointervention. Four RCTs reported monitoring adverse events, all of which showed no significant difference between groups. Conclusions: Limited evidence suggests that ST36 injection appears to be safe, and potentially effective in reducing pain score and improving NCV compared with intramuscular injection of the same medication. However, poor methodological and reporting quality reduced confidence in the findings. Rigorously designed and well-reported RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of ST36 injection for DPN are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and objective Electrical stimulation and acupuncture points as nonpharmacological methods have been the focus of pain reduction in different patients. This study is aimed at determining the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on the acupuncture points of pain in patients under mechanical ventilators. Materials and methods This randomized double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 50 patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in intensive care units of Imam Reza hospital in Kermanshah, Iran, in 2017. The patients were randomly allocated into intervention and placebo groups. In the intervention group, TENS electrodes were placed on points Hegu and Zusanli. Pain severity was measured using the Care Pain Observation Tool scale, and the dosages of narcotics and sedation intake were recorded. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 19. Results The level of pain in patients decreased in the intervention group in comparison with the sham group, and this decline was significant during certain hours (p < 0.05). The amount of analgesic and sedation drugs used was less significant in the intervention group than in the sham group (p = 0.01; p = 0.04). Conclusion The results showed that the use of TENS on acupuncture points can decrease the level of pain and opioid consumption in intubated patients under a mechanical ventilator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acupuncture has shown beneficial effect in the treatment of multiple dermatologic conditions including dermatitis, pruritus, urticaria, and hyperhidrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms are still kept unclear. This study aimed to investigate if electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment prevents 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in rats and explore its underlying mechanisms. ACD was induced by sensitizing and challenging with DNFB topically. Rats were treated daily following bilateral subcutaneous stimulation of EA at Zusanli acupoint (ST36) for 1 week. Ear swelling and serum IgE levels were measured. The ear biopsies were obtained for histology. Inflammatory cytokines on the dermatological ear and local acupoint tissue were assayed. Spleen lymphocytes and the homogenized supernatant of local acupuncture area were used to co-culture for flow cytology and immune analysis, respectively. EA treatment at ST36 notably inhibited ear swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration on DNFB-induced ACD. EA also decreased serum IgE concentrations and alleviated the production of inflammatory cytokines in dermatological ear. Additionally, EA treatment attenuated the percentage of CD4IFN-γ and CD4IL-4 T cells associated with ACD. Interestingly, secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 in the local acupoint tissue following EA stimulation was increased and showed suppressive function when co-cultured with the spleen lymphocytes from DNFB group. Lastly, EA treatment demonstrably suppressed p38 MAPK activation in DNFB-treated rats. Our findings suggest that EA treatment at ST36 may ameliorate inflammation associated with DNFB-induced ACD via triggering local IL-10 production and inhibiting p38 MAPK activation, which provide an alternative and promising therapy for ACD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence indicates anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects of electro-acupuncture (EA) therapy. However, its underlying mechanism on delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), a classic allergic inflammatory disease, still remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the immunomodulatory mechanism of EA intervention in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced DTH. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control, OVA-DTH, DTH + EA, DTH + Sham. 'Zusanli' acupoint (ST36) was used for DTH + EA, whereas a non-acupoint (localized 5 mm below the 'Zusanli' acupoint) was selected for DTH + Sham. Footpad thickness was checked, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was estimated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of IgG and IgE in serum of different groups and inflammatory cytokines in the supernatants from homogenized footpads, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-5, were determined by ELISA. Cell proliferation of spleen lymphocytes was assayed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The frequency of CD4IFN-γ and CD4IL-4 T cells was analyzed with flow cytometry. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of T-bet and GATA-3 were evaluated by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Our data showed EA treatment at acupoint ST36 relieved the pathological progression of DTH responses via reduction in footpad swelling, infiltration of inflammatory cells, levels of IgG and IgE as well as decreased production of IFN-γ and TNF-α in homogenized footpad tissue. Moreover, detailed studies were performed revealing that EA attenuated the percentage of CD4IFN-γ T cells and prevented Th cells differentiation into Th1 cells, and this results from inhibiting secretion of IFN-γ and suppressing expression of T-bet, an IFN-γ transcription factor. The results indicated that EA treatment improved Th1-mediated allergic skin inflammation via restoring Th1/Th2 balance by curbing Th1 differentiation. These findings suggested that EA at acupoint ST36 might be a useful and promising therapeutic for allergic inflammatory as well as Th1-mediated inflammation response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]