Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that electroacupuncture (EA) may benefit AIS recovery, and preclinical studies have demonstrated neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects of EA in ischemic stroke models; however, high-quality clinical evidence from rigorously controlled trials remains scarce, and the underlying central mechanisms are largely unknown. This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA for AIS and to explore its central neurological mechanisms using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods This is a single-centre, randomized, sham-controlled, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel-group superiority trial with an embedded multimodal neuroimaging substudy. A total of 84 eligible AIS patients who also meet the diagnostic criteria for the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) “stasis-toxin interlocking” syndrome will be randomly allocated (1:1) to an EA group or a sham-control group, stratified by eligibility for the MRI substudy. All participants will receive standard medical care plus 10 treatment sessions over 2 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from baseline (Day 1) to Day 14. Secondary outcomes include the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), modified Barthel Index (MBI), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and a TCM symptom observation score, assessed at Days 1, 7 and 14; clinical endpoint events (stroke recurrence, deterioration and death) will be recorded. In the substudy (n = 60), multimodal MRI (3D-T1, resting-state functional MRI, susceptibility-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging) will be performed at Days 1 and 14, and blood samples will be retained for future mechanistic analyses. Imaging parameters will be correlated with clinical outcomes to investigate potential central mechanisms. Discussion By combining a validated sham-controlled, patient-blinded design with longitudinal multimodal MRI, this trial will provide rigorous clinical evidence for EA in AIS and objective neuroimaging insights into its mechanisms. Key limitations include the inherent risk of practitioner unblinding, the single-centre design with a modest sample size, and the absence of long-term follow-up. Trial registration: International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR), a World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP) primary registry, ITMCTR2024000876. Registered prospectively on 11 November 2024, before enrolment of the first participant. https://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn

The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a critical parasympathetic ganglion located beneath the maxillary nerves. Its anatomical structure and function play key roles in the regulation of cerebral blood vessels, the autonomic nervous system, and various headache-related disorders. In recent years, SPG stimulation (SPGS) has been widely applied in both invasive and acupuncture-mediated clinical practice. This paper outlines the current clinical applications of SPGS in treating conditions such as headaches, strokes, and rhinitis, and explores how innovative technologies, including ultrasound-guided techniques and single use sterile electrode acupuncture needles, may enhance therapeutic efficacy. The potential future development of SPGS in the field of neuromodulation is also discussed. Copyright (c) 2026 World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion House. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co. Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )

BackgroundGastrointestinal adverse events (GI AEs) are the main dose-limiting side effects of metformin in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), reducing adherence and compromising long-term glycaemic control. Current strategies (dose adjustment or combination therapy) seldom address both tolerability and sustained metabolic efficacy. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that may modulate gut–brain–metabolic pathways—vagal reflexes, inflammation, intestinal barrier function, and enteroendocrine signaling—and thus improve drug tolerance while preserving glycaemic control.MethodsThis single-center, randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial will enroll 60 T2DM patients with metformin-associated GI AEs, randomized 1:1 to either the taVNS group or the sham control group. The intervention lasts 2 weeks with a follow-up at week 4. Assessments at baseline and follow-up include a validated Metformin Symptom Severity Score (total score 0–50; primary outcome), Bristol Stool Form Scale, bowel urgency, glycaemic/metabolic indices [fasting blood glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial glucose (PG2h), glycated albumin (GA), fasting C-peptide, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, ISI], and mechanistic biomarkers (GLP-1, 5-HT, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, D-lactate, DAO, bile acids). Safety monitoring includes routine hematology, liver and renal function tests.DiscussionBy combining clinical outcomes with targeted biomarker analyses in a randomized design, this pilot study will assess whether taVNS alleviates metformin-associated GI intolerance without impairing glycaemic efficacy, and will provide feasibility data, effect-size estimates, and biomarker selection for future confirmatory trials.Clinical trial registrationTrial registration International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR) http://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/, Identifier: ITMCTR2025001086.

Objective To provide precise treatment protocols for tension-type headaches (TTH) and to establish a transferable methodological framework for the digitization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods Literature was retrieved from seven electronic databases using MeSH terms and relevant keywords to identify clinical studies on TCM external treatment methods with acupoint prescriptions. Descriptive statistics of acupoint usage frequency and meridian attribution were analyzed using Excel. Association rules of acupoints were identified using the Apriori algorithm. Association networks were visualized, and systematic cluster analysis was performed. Equipment testing was conducted according to standards YY 9706.102-2021 and GB/T 25000.51-2016 to confirm the stability and safety parameters of the Shangyi-4 (SY-4) miniaturized meridian regulation robot miniaturized meridian regulation robot. Results A total of 126 studies were analyzed, comprising 102 acupoints used 843 times. The most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and Taichong (LR 3). At the meridian level, the bladder, gallbladder, and Governor Vessel had the highest acupoint representation. Acupoints were predominantly located in the head and neck regions (62.75%). Association rule analysis identified “GV 20 to GB 20” with the highest support (67.46%) and “GB 20 to Touwei (ST 8)” with the highest confidence (94.29%). System clustering categorized the 102 acupoints into four major groups. The SY-4 met all requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and software quality. The safety parameters included a magnetic field strength of 50–150 Gs, force control of 0.5–6 N, and vibration frequency of 50–70 Hz. Conclusion This study defines a quantitative digital prescription for robotic treatment of TTH, identifying a core therapeutic regimen that targets the Governor Vessel, gallbladder meridian, and bladder meridian, principally GV 20, EX-HN 5, ST8, and GB 20, and specifying execution parameters of 50–150 Gs magnetic field intensity, 0.5–6 N force control, and 50–70 Hz vibration frequency.

BackgroundThe sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) plays a pivotal role in regulating various head and facial diseases, such as cluster headaches, allergic rhinitis, and cerebral ischemia, through its neuroregulatory functions. Current interventions targeting SPG, have certain limitations, such as invasiveness and high cost. Acupuncture, which shows unique advantages, lacks standardized animal models for experimental research.ObjectiveTo investigate the spatial anatomical localization of the SPG in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and to establish an effective acupuncture pathway for SPG.MethodsA total of 12 SPF-grade SD rats (6 males and 6 females) were randomly divided into dissection and acupuncture groups. The SPG was microanatomically localized relative to bony landmarks (e.g., sphenopalatine foramen, foramen rotundum). An acupuncture pathway was designed based on anatomical data and validated using digital X-ray fluoroscopy. Serial staining (HE staining, Nissl staining, immunofluorescence staining) was employed to analyze the neural architecture and status within the pterygopalatine fossa region.ResultsThe SPG was located laterally to the sphenopalatine foramen, with coordinates for males being X = +0.05 ± 0.03 mm, Y = −0.62 ± 0.08 mm, and for females X = +0.04 ± 0.01 mm, Y = −0.54 ± 0.06 mm. The acupuncture needle was inserted at the outer canthus, 0.8–1.0 cm from the eye’s lateral canthus, at a sagittal angle of 30–45° and a coronal angle of 45°, reaching a depth of approximately 1 cm. X-ray fluoroscopy confirmed that the needle tip successfully reached the SPG area. Serial staining results indicated a normal distribution of the neural network in this area and showed no significant structural damage caused by the acupuncture intervention.ConclusionThis study successfully established a precise anatomical coordinate system and a reproducible acupuncture pathway for the SPG in SD rats. These findings provide a technical foundation for experimental acupuncture interventions targeting SPG, which may be beneficial for treating head and facial diseases, such as cluster headaches and allergic rhinitis.

The sterile electrode acupuncture needle for single use is an innovative product that combines traditional acupuncture with modern electronic technology, and it has obtained Class Ⅱ medical device registration certificate. This acupuncture device consists of a needle body and a handle. The diameter of the needle body ranges from 0.16 mm to 0.55 mm, and the length from 7 mm to 150 mm. The spiral spray technology is adopted to modify the micron-level insulating coat on stainless steel needle body. The needle holder is connected to the electroacupuncture device (conductive), the micro-film insulated needle body (non-conductive) and the membrane-free needle tip (conductive) can provide a precise electrical stimulation for different tissue layers of acupoints (such as deep nerves and fascia). The intradermal stimulation test, cytotoxicity test and hypersensitivity reaction test have showed a favorable biocompatibility, laying a solid and reliable safety for clinical application. This acupuncture device is suitable for the in-depth invasive stimulation at the sites of human body surface in combination with electroacupuncture equipment in medical institutions.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) play essential roles in lipid metabolism and the inhibition of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation. We aimed to explore the possible association between cerebral Aβ deposition and the development of NAFLD and to investigate the effect of DHA combined with MCTs on delaying NAFLD progression and Aβ accumulation. To this end, 40 three-month-old APP/PS1 male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The mice were fed a control diet, a DHA (2.91 g/kg) diet, an MCTs (100 g/kg) diet, or a DHA + MCTs diet for 8 months. Ten C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet and used as the wild-type (WT) group. The results indicated that APP/PS1 mice exhibited NAFLD and cerebral Aβ accumulation. DHA combined with MCTs decreased blood and liver lipids, relieved hepatic steatosis and fat accumulation, and decreased the level of Aβ in the brain and serum. Moreover, DHA combined with MCTs significantly upregulated the levels of Aβ clearance-related proteins in the liver, modulated the expression of key hepatic lipid metabolism enzymes and upstream hepatic lipid metabolism factors. In conclusion, compared with wild-type mice, APP/PS1 mice may be more sensitive to changes in lipid metabolism due to the accumulation of Aβ. DHA combined with MCTs alleviated NAFLD and decreased brain and serum Aβ levels in APP/PS1 mice compared with the control group. The possible mechanism may involve affecting hepatic fat and cholesterol metabolism and increasing hepatic Aβ clearance by modulating liver lipid metabolism enzymes.

This review examines the impact of combining acupuncture with drug therapy on abnormal glucose metabolism and investigates their underlying mechanisms. Conditions like diabetes pose significant health risks due to irregular glucose metabolism. Traditional drug treatments often encounter challenges related to side effects and drug resistance. Acupuncture, as a non-pharmacological intervention, is thought to enhance glucose metabolism and mitigate medication side effects. We selected the relevant studies of acupuncture or electroacupuncture combined with drugs in the treatment of abnormal glucose metabolism in the past five years, and the results indicate that the combination of acupuncture or electroacupuncture and drug therapy markedly enhances glucose metabolism and mitigates medication-related side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and hypoglycemia. Overall, this review underscores the synergistic benefits of acupuncture and drug therapy in improving treatment efficacy and reducing adverse effects, offering promising new approaches for managing abnormal glucose metabolism. Our review provides evidence for the potential benefits of combining acupuncture with drug therapy for abnormal glucose metabolism, which could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Metalloenzymes are ubiquitously present in the human body and are relevant to a variety of diseases. However, the development of metalloenzyme inhibitors is limited by low specificity and poor drug-likeness associated with metal-binding fragments (MBFs). A generalized drug discovery strategy was established, which is characterized by the property characterization of zinc-dependent metalloenzyme inhibitors (ZnMIs). Fifteen potential Zn2+-binding fragments (ZnBFs) were identified, and a customized pharmacophore feature was defined based on these ZnBFs. The customized feature was set as a required feature and applied to a search for novel inhibitors for histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1). Ten potential HDAC1 inhibitors were recognized, and one of them (compound 9) was a known potent HDAC1 inhibitor. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of our strategy to identify novel inhibitors for zinc-dependent metalloenzymes.

Cinnamomi cortex was applied to mitigate joint injury since ancient China. However, the effect of Cinnamomi cortex on gouty arthritis (GA) was rarely reported. This study aimed to explore the effect of Cinnamomi cortex on monosodium urate (MSU)-induced acute GA (AGA) in rats, and clarify the underlying mechanism. The results showed that Cinnamomi cortex extract (CE) containing rich polyphenols and flavonoids alleviated joint swelling and inflammation by reducing programmed cell death in MSU-induced AGA rats. Network pharmacology analysis showed that CE's predictive inflammatory pathways included nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and necroptosis pathways. CE reduced expression of pyroptosis-related regulators including Gasdermin D and Caspase 1 via regulating NF-κB/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 signaling pathway in AGA rats. In conclusion, this study provided a theoretical basis for Cinnamomi cortex applied as a new veterinary medicine to protect against GA.

Hyperuricemia is with growing incidence and of high risk to develop into gout and other metabolic diseases. The key enzyme catalyzing uric acid synthesis, xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a vital target for anti-hyperuricemic drugs, while XOR inhibitors characterized as both potent and safe are currently in urgent need. In this study, a novel small molecule compound, CC15009, was identified as a specific XOR inhibitor. CC15009 exerted strongest in vitro XOR inhibitory activity among current XOR inhibitors. It also showed favorable dose-dependent uric acid-lowering effects in two different XOR substrate-induced hyperuricemic mouse models, which was significantly superior than the current first-line drug, allopurinol. Mechanically, the direct binding of CC15009 against XOR was confirmed by molecular docking and SPR analysis. The inhibition mode was competitive and reversible. Besides, the potential antioxidant activity of CC15009 was indicated by its strong inhibitory activity against the oxidized isoform of XOR, which reduced ROS generation as the byproduct. Regarding the safety concerns of current XOR inhibitors, especially in cardiovascular risks, the safety of CC15009 was comprehensively evaluated. No significant abnormality was observed in the acute, subacute toxicity tests and mini-AMES test. Notably, there was no obvious inhibition of CC15009 against cardiac ion channels, including hERG, Nav1.5, Cav1.2 at the concentration of 30 μM, indicating its lower cardiovascular risk. Taken together, our results supported CC15009 as a candidate of high efficacy and safety profile to treat hyperuricemia through direct XOR inhibition.

BackgroundCurrent literature extensively covers the use of sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (SPGs) in treating a broad spectrum of medical conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, cluster headaches, and strokes. Nevertheless, a discernible gap in the systematic organization and analysis of these studies is evident. This paper aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of existing literature on SPGs across various medical conditions.MethodsThis study meticulously constructed a comprehensive database through systematic computerized searches conducted on PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM up to May 2022. The inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in either Chinese or English, focusing on the therapeutic applications of SPGs for various medical conditions. Both qualitative and quantitative outcome indicators were considered eligible for inclusion.ResultsThis comprehensive study reviewed 36 publications, comprising 10 high-quality, 23 medium-quality, and three low-quality articles. The study investigated various diseases, including allergic rhinitis (AR), ischemic strokes (IS), cluster headache (CH), primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN), pediatric chronic secretory otitis (PCSO), refractory facial paralysis (RFP), chronic tension-type headache (CTTH), as well as the analysis of low-frequency sphenopalatine ganglion stimulation (LF-SPGs) in chronic cluster headache (CCH) and the impact of SPGs on Normal nasal cavity function (NNCF). SPGs demonstrate efficacy in the treatment of AR. Regarding the improvement of rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores, SPGs are considered the optimal intervention according to the SUCRA ranking. Concerning the improvement in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Conventional Acupuncture Combined with Tradiational Chinese Medicine (CA-TCM) holds a significant advantage in the SUCRA ranking and is deemed the best intervention. In terms of increasing Effective Rate (ER), SPGs outperformed both conventional acupuncture (CA) and Western Medicine (WM; P < 0.05). In the context of SPGs treatment for IS, the results indicate a significant improvement in the 3-month outcomes, as evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) in the context of Cerebral Cortical Infarction (CCI; P < 0.05). In the treatment of CH with SPGs, the treatment has been shown to have a statistically significant effect on the relief and disappearance of headaches (P < 0.05). The impact of SPGs on NNCF reveals statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) in nasal airway resistance (NAR), nasal cavity volume (NCV), exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). SPGs treatments for PCSO, RFP, and CTTH, when compared to control groups, yielded statistically significant results (P < 0.05).ConclusionSPGs demonstrate significant effectiveness in the treatment of AR, IS, and CH. Effective management of CCH may require addressing both autonomic dysregulation and deeper neural pathways. However, additional high-quality research is essential to clarify its effects on NNCF, PTN, PCSO, RFP, and CTTH.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier CRD42021252073, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=312429.

INTRODUCTION:Tension-type headache (TTH) is common but challenging to manage due to limited effectiveness of conventional treatments. This study examines six complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions through network meta-analysis to identify effective TTH management strategies. METHODS:We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OVID, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBM databases for randomized controlled trials on CAM for TTH treatment. Headache frequency and intensity were the primary outcomes. Methodological quality was evaluated on the basis of the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used R software to conduct this Bayesian network meta-analysis. We used mean difference (MD) with 95% credible intervals (CI) to calculate the continuous outcomes and analyzed the percentages of the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve. RESULTS:In total, 32 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2405 participants were analyzed. For reducing headache intensity, the network meta-analysis shows that acupuncture therapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine (AT_TCM), manual therapy (MT), psychological treatment (PT), and traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and manual therapy (TCM_AT_MT) are superior to Western medicine (WM). In the SUCRA curve, TCM_AT_MT is the best for reducing headache frequency (HF). CONCLUSIONS:This review, assessed as low-quality evidence by GRADE, cautiously suggests potential benefits of PT over other CAM interventions for TTH and indicates TCM_AT_MT might better reduce HF. It proposes that combining CAM interventions could enhance outcomes. Due to the preliminary nature of these findings, further high-quality RCTs are essential to confirm these suggestions and provide clearer clinical guidance. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER:CRD42021252073.

BACKGROUND:Natural compounds are invaluable for their therapeutic effects in treating various diseases. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) stands out due to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, offering significant therapeutic effects in many diseases. However, there is currently no existing literature on the role of ISL in neuropathic pain treatment. METHODS:We used lipopolysaccharide to stimulate BV-2 microglia in order to evaluate the inhibitory effects of ISL on neuroinflammation. Proteomics data and protein-protein interaction network analysis were used to identify differential proteins expressed in BV-2 microglia treated with ISL. This allowed for the identification of targets impacted by ISL action. Additionally, we assessed the analgesic efficacy of ISL in a mouse model of chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI) and investigated its inhibitory influence on pro-inflammatory cytokine production and spinal microglia activation. RESULTS:Our results indicate that ISL efficiently inhibits BV-2 microglia activation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Furthermore, CEBPB has been recognized as a possible target for ISL activity. Crucially, microglia activation was successfully reduced by CEBPB knockdown. Functional recovery tests carried out later on validated that ISL works by specifically inhibiting the ERK/CEBPB signaling pathway. In vivo studies showed that giving mice ISL reduces the mechanical and thermal pain caused on by chronic contraction injuries. CONCLUSION:The analgesic effect of ISL on neuropathic pain primarily stems from its ability to inhibit the activation of spinal microglia and neuroinflammation. This mechanism may be attributed to the capacity of ISL to suppress microglial activation, reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway, and decrease transcriptional expression of CEBPB.

INTRODUCTION:Despite the available secondary preventive treatments, the management of stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) remains challenging. Intermediate coronary lesion (ICL), defined as luminal stenosis between 50% and 70%, is a key stage of SCAD. However, existing therapeutic strategies are limitated in delaying plaque progression and associated with various adverse effects and economic burdens. Qing-Xin-Jie-Yu Granules (QXJYG) with proven anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering effects may compensate for the drawbacks of current treatments and can be tested as a complementary therapy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of QXJYG in treating ICL, with a particular focus on its impact on myocardial ischemia and plaque progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 120 participants with ICL will be randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. In addition to basic medications, the intervention group will receive QXJYG, while the control group will receive a placebo for over 6 months, followed by a 12-month follow-up. The primary efficacy outcome is computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve. The secondary outcomes include the degree of coronary stenosis, coronary artery calcification score, Gensini score, Seattle Angina Questionnaire score, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase-9, blood lipids, and carotid artery ultrasound parameters. Major adverse cardiovascular events are recorded as endpoints. The safety outcomes include composite events of bleeding, laboratory test results, and adverse events. Clinical visits are scheduled at baseline, every 2 months during the treatment, and after a 12-month follow-up. DISCUSSION:This trial is anticipated to yield reliable results to verify the efficacy and safety of QXJYG in the treatment of ICL, which will provide novel insights to help address the prevailing therapeutic dilemma of ICL, thereby facilitating for the management of SCAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200059262. Registered on April 27, 2022.

Introduction Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache disorder worldwide. Although current treatments for TTH are beneficial, they are not without adverse effects. Chaixiong Qiwei granule (CXQW) is an experienced prescription medicine for TTH management. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of CXQW for the treatment of TTH.Methods and analysis This study will be a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 148 eligible participants will be divided into the intervention (CXQW treatment) and control (placebo treatment) groups. The primary outcome will be the reduction in the number of headache days (headache-days reduction) within 9–12 weeks after randomisation, while secondary outcomes will include the number of headache days, headache intensity, responder rate, drug consumption for acute treatment, quality of life and symptoms related to traditional Chinese medicine use based on a symptom-observation table. This protocol describes the design of the randomised controlled trial.Ethics and dissemination The study design was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Human Research at Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (No. 2020XLA030-2).Trial registration number ChiCTR2100042514.

Purpose of ReviewOver the past few years, there have been many systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) used to assess the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine. Our aim is to assess the methodological and reporting quality of SRs/MAs and make an evaluation about the available evidence of the safety and efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine.Recent FindingsMigraine is one of the most common primary headaches, with various symptoms, threatening human health. Acupuncture is a specific treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and a validated non-pharmaceutical option as well, widely used in the treatment of migraine, and has gained remarkable therapeutic effect. An overview can evaluate research methods and evidence for SRs/MAs in evidence-based medicine, although there is much relevant research, it's still a hard work to synthesis all the evidence or to make robust conclusions, the variation in the methodological and quality evidence in such SRs/MAs play a significant role. For this overview, we searched six electronic databases from inception until 8 September 2022, and without languages restrictions, the results showed that, acupuncture as a more safety and more convenient therapeutic, and it has been shown to be effective in the treatment of migraine, that is worthy of clinical promotion. However, there are also some limitations because of the low-quality evidence of most of the studies.In conclusion, most included SRs/MAs suggested that acupuncture was more effective than the control group in the treatment of migraine. However, the quality evidence of most of the studies still needs to be improved.

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to investigate the effect of electro‐nape‐acupuncture (ENA) on the differentiation of microglia and the secondary brain injury in rats with acute‐phase intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) through the programmed cell death protein‐1/ligand‐1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) pathway. Methods A total of 27 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group, ICH group, and ENA group. The autologous blood infusion intracerebral hemorrhage model was used to study the effects of ENA by administering electroacupuncture at GB20 (Fengchi) and Jiaji (EX‐B2) acupoints on 24 h after the modeling, once per day for 3 days. The neurological function damage, hematoma lesion, and inflammatory cell infiltration were measured by the beam walking test and hematoxylin‐eosin staining. The expression of PD‐1, PD‐L1, CD86, CD206, and related cytokines around the hematoma was measured by western blot, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence. Results The ICH group had significant neurological deficits (p < .001), hematoma lesions, and inflammatory cell infiltration. The levels of CD86 protein, inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factors (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐6 were increased (p < .001), while CD206 protein was reduced (p < .01), and the number of CD86+/CD11b+ cells was also increased (p < .001) compared to the sham group. However, after ENA intervention, there was a significant reduction in neurological function damage (p < .05), infiltration of inflammatory cells, and the expression levels of CD86+/CD11b+ cells (p < .05), resulting in the increased expression of PD‐1 protein and differentiation of M2 phenotype significantly (p < .001). Conclusion The study concludes that ENA could reduce neurological function damage, inhibit the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and improve the infiltration of inflammatory cells to improve secondary brain injury in acute‐phase intracerebral hemorrhage rats. These effects could be related to the increased expression of PD‐1 around the lesion, promoting the differentiation of microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype.

Objectives: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods: Eight databases (4 in English and 4 in Chinese) were searched from beginning to August, 2022. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for AD treatment were included. Two reviewers selected studies and extracted data. The outcomes were calculated by mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the outcomes between experimental (acupuncture / acupuncture plus Chinese medicine) and control (non-treatment / sham acupuncture / Chinese medicine) groups.Results: Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included 633 participants in this systematic review were used to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture. Compared with non-treatment, acupuncture had an advantage in dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and pruritus visual analogue scale (VAS). Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture had an advantage in scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD), eczema area and severity index (EASI) and pruritus/insomnia (VAS). Besides, under the same treatment of Chinese medicine, acupuncture significantly reduced SCORAD and pruritus (VAS). No severe adverse events were reported in these trials. Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment may more effective in reducing pruritus severity, severity of AD, improve insomnia, and quality of life of patients.