This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) in alleviating vascular dysfunction caused by high-salt diets, with a focus on gut microbiota modulation. We randomly divided 21 rats into Normal Control, High-Salt Model, and EA Intervention groups (n = 7 per group). The "high-salt blood stasis syndrome" model in Wistar rats was induced by intragastric perfusion of 12% NaCl. Treatments were performed between 17:00 and 19:00 Beijing time: rats were restrained with a soft cloth, followed by 20-min EA stimulation at BL23 and KI3. After the experiment, rat blood, blood vessels, and fecal samples were collected. Vascular effects were evaluated via coagulation function test, hemorheological analysis, and arterial histopathological assessment. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the composition and abundance changes of gut microbiota. The findings revealed that chronic high-salt intake disrupted blood viscosity, damaged vascular endothelial integrity, and caused gut microbial dysbiosis. Remarkably, EA treatment effectively reversed these pathological changes. Correlation analysis further identified specific gut microbiota (e.g., Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae) that strongly correlated with altered blood viscosity parameters (P < 0.05). Therefore, the present study concludes that high-salt diet-induced vasculopathy can be reversed by EA treatment, which may be attributed to EA's ability to regulate gut microbiota involved in bile acid metabolism and short-chain fatty acid synthesis.

BACKGROUND:In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely utilized assisted reproductive technology, but its success rates remain suboptimal due to various physiological and psychological factors. Acupuncture, as a complementary therapy, has been proposed to improve reproductive outcomes and alleviate associated pain and anxiety. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for women undergoing IVF, focusing on reproductive outcomes, pain reduction, and anxiety alleviation. METHODS:Five English databases were searched up to June 20th, 2024. Manual acupuncture or electro-acupuncture was used solely as a complementary adjuvant in the experimental groups, and control interventions were sham acupuncture or blank (wait-list) control. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were conducted based on the Cochrane systematic review method, and trial sequential analyses were performed. Meta-influence analyses, meta-regression and subgroup-analyses were performed for exploration of heterogeneity and related variables. Egger's together with trim and fill tests were conducted for evaluation of publication bias. The quality of the results was assessed, and correlation coefficient and cluster analyses were also performed. RESULTS:Finally, 42 trials identified from 37 published articles, involving 7400 participants, were included, representing diverse populations worldwide. Compared to sham acupuncture and blank controls, acupuncture significantly (P < 0.05) improved biochemical pregnancy rate (RR = 1.28, 95 % CI: 1.04-1.57) and clinical pregnancy rates (RR = 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.06-1.34). Additionally, acupuncture was associated with better pain management during surgery and reduced anxiety levels. Acupuncture-specific adverse events were reported in eight of 42 trials, primarily mild to moderate local reactions. However, a significantly higher early miscarriage rate was observed in the acupuncture groups (RR = 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.10-2.08). CONCLUSIONS:Acupuncture may improve certain reproductive outcomes and alleviate pain and anxiety in women undergoing IVF. However, the potential risk of early miscarriage warrants caution, and further rigorous trials are needed to confirm these findings. REGISTRATION:PROSPERO registration number CRD42020206012.

DNA methylation is the first epigenetic modification found in humans. Abnormal changes in DNA methylation are closely associated with the development and progression of diseases. Acupuncture, an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have significant therapeutic efficacy. The mechanisms underlying acupuncture are complex, involving physiological and pathological processes of integrated interactions across multiple targets. However, current research mostly focuses on a single target, highlighting the need for a more upstream approach to the investigation of the mechanisms. Herein, we reviewed studies on the direct or indirect regulation of DNA methylation via acupuncture. We also discussed its mechanisms of action in pain, obesity, depression, and Alzheimer disease, in order to provide a new perspective on the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture and the role of DNA methylation in the field of acupuncture research. Future research should concentrate on the effect of acupuncture on the DNA methylation of specific genes, the quantification of changes in DNA methylation at different acupoints, the development of individualized acupuncture prescriptions, further investigation of the specificity of the effects at different acupoint, and the expansion of the research to integrate epigenetics and genomics. This will provide a theoretical basis for the internationalization and the promotion of clinical application of acupuncture.

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) plays an important role in modulating inflammation and fibrosis, but information is limited whether Zusanli (ST36) can inhibit inflammation and fibrosis by regulating P2X7R. Isoprenaline at 5 mg/kg was subcutaneously injected to wild-type and P2X7R knockout mice for 7 days, while treatment groups received electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at ST36 for 7 sessions. Following 7-session treatment, Masson’s trichrome staining was performed to assess the fibrosis. Morphology, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography were carried out to evaluate the cardiac function and structure. Western blotting, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis of inflammatory cytokine and transmission electron microscopy were carried out to characterize the effect of ST36 on inflammation. P2X7R was overexpressed in ISO-treated mice. EA at ST36, but not at non-points, reduced ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis, increases in HW/BW, R+S wave relative to mice in ISO groups. In addition, EA at ST36 downregulated ISO-upregulated P2X7R and NLRP3 in ventricle. Moreover, EA reduced cytokines of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 in serum, and inhibited foam cell gathering, inflammatory cell infiltration, and autophagy. However, EA at ST36 failed to attenuate the cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in P2X7R knockout mice. In conclusion, EA at ST36 attenuated ISO-induced fibrosis possibly via P2X7R.

The performance of biological-originated blood vessels in clinical remains disappointing due to fast occlusion caused by acute thrombosis or long-standing inflammation. How to prevent rapid degradation and inhibit acute inflammation but maintain their high bioactivity is still a significant challenge. As a bioactive polyphenol in various traditional Chinese medicine, Corilagin (Cor) exhibits excellent anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and rapid ROS consumption properties. Inspired by abundant supramolecular interactions in organisms, we selected it to crosslink tissues via purely H-bonds to simulate these natural interactions without introducing potential toxic aldehyde or carboxyl groups. Results show that 2 mg/ml was selected as the optimal Cor concentration to form a stable crosslinking network (FI > 95%) and effectively delay their degradation. Cor modification not only enhances ECs adhesion and monolayer function via accelerating VEGF and TGF-beta secretion but also promotes macrophage transformation from pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to anti-inflammatory M2 ones. In vitro and ex-vivo studies implied that Cor-crosslinked samples exhibited low platelet accumulation and decreased thrombin generation. In vivo evaluation further confirmed that Cor-introducing could effectively consume ROS, thus exhibiting rapid endothelialization, suppressed inflammation and reduced mineral deposition. Overall, Cor crosslinking provided a bright future for blood vessels' long-term patency and adapted to various blood-contacting surfaces.

Acupuncture has already been extensively utilized to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) in several nations. Nevertheless, the bibliometric research on the worldwide usage of acupuncture for hypertension is mostly unclear. As a result, our objective for the research aimed to investigate the present state as well as developments in the global usage of acupuncture on hypertension during the last 20 years using CiteSpace (5.8.R2). The Web of Science (WOS) database examined papers on acupuncture treatment of hypertension from 2002 to 2021. We examined the number of publications, cited journals, nations/regions, organizations, authors, cited authors, cited references, and keywords utilizing CiteSpace. The record of 296 documents was obtained between 2002 and 2021. The quantity and frequency of annual publications rose gradually. Regarding frequency and centrality of citations, Circulation and Clin Exp Hypertens (Clinical and Experimental Hypertension) scored top and second respectively. China had the most publications among countries/regions, as well as the five largest institutions were also in China. Cunzhi Liu was the most productive author, while P Li was the most referenced author. XF Zhao produced the first article inside the quantity of cited references classification. 'Electroacupuncture' had a significant frequency with centrality for the keywords, which suggested electroacupuncture is a popular treatment in this field. In the treatment of hypertension, electroacupuncture has a beneficial effect on reducing blood pressure. However, because of the many different applications of electroacupuncture frequencies in research, whether the electroacupuncture frequency is connected to the therapeutic impact should be given more significant consideration. The findings of this bibliometric analysis give an overview of the present state as well as developments of clinical studies on acupuncture for hypertensive patients during the last two decades, which could assist researchers in identifying hot subjects and exploring novel directions in further study within the field.

OBJECTIVES:To observe the similarities and differences of effects of moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST36) on target tissues and macrophages polarization in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to summarize its efficacy and characteristics.METHODS:Thirty rats were equally and randomly divided into control, KOA, RA, KOA+Moxi and RA+Moxi groups. The KOA model and RA model were induced by injection of sodium monoiodoacetate or Freund's complete adjuvant into the rats' knee joints, respectively. Rats of the KOA+Moxi and RA+Moxi groups received moxibustion stimulation at bilateral ST36 for 30 min, once a day for 21 days, beginning from the 7th day on after modeling. The contents of serum interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. Histopathological changes (Markin score of the knee cartilage and synovial pathology score) of the knee joints were observed after HE staining. The polarization state of M1 and M2 macrophages in the synovial tissue of the knee joints was assessed by detecting the expression of CD86 and CD206 after immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the content of serum IL-1β, synovial pathology score, and synovial CD86 expression were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), while the content of serum IL-10 and synovial CD206 expression markedly decreased (P<0.01) in both KOA and RA groups；the Markin score was increased (P<0.01) in the KOA group. In comparison with the KOA group, the Markin score was obviously decreased (P<0.01), while the content of serum IL-10 and CD206 expression were apparently increased (P<0.01) in the KOA+Moxi group. No significant changes were found in the content of serum IL-1β, synovial pathology score and CD86 expression in the KOA+Moxi group relevant to the KOA group. In comparison with the RA group, the content of serum IL-1β, synovial pathology score, and CD86 expression were considerably decreased (P<0.01) in the RA+Moxi group. No marked differences were found in the serum IL-10 level, Markin score, and CD206 expression between RA+Moxi and RA model groups. The increased Markin score was significantly higher in the KOA group than in the RA group (P<0.01), but the increased synovial pathology score was significantly lower in the KOA group than in the RA group (P<0.01). Correspondingly, the effect of moxibustion at ST36 was significantly better in RA model than in KOA model in reducing serum IL-1β (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:Moxibustion at ST36 can effectively reduce cartilage injury of knee joint in rats with KOA and reduce synovial injury in rats with RA, which may be related with its effects in lowering IL-1β level in RA model by inhibiting the polarization of M1 macrophages, and up-regulating level of IL-10 in KOA model by promoting the polarization of M2 macrophages. However, the relevant mechanism needs to be further studied.

Background：As a result of changing lifestyles and ageing populations, diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a worldwide public health issue and a significant drain on the global health economy. Acupuncture had definite clinical efficacy in treating DM and plenty of advantages of low cost, few adverse effects, and the ability to prevent and treat complications in combination. Research on acupuncture treatment of DM has been a growing trend in recent years. Nonetheless, no bibliometric study has been conducted to characterize the research development and hotspots in this topic comprehensively. Consequently, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature to explore acupuncture's current status and further development in treating diabetes.Methods：Searched for articles (2002 to 2021) on acupuncture therapy for DM on the Web of Science Core Collection database. Combining with network diagrams representing the number of publications, cited journals, nations, organizations, authors, cited authors, cited references, and keywords were created and analyzed using CiteSpace 5.7 R5.Results：Through 320 known studies from 35 countries and territories, the study proved that publication rates were still rising, with the People 's Republic of China, the United States, Taiwan, South Korea, and Italy occupying the top five. The most prolific institutions and writers were Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Professor Liu Shi. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine published the most publications. The most cited author was CHANG SL from China Medical University, and the most cited author was Boulton AJM from Manchester University. Diabetes care was the most frequently cited professional journal on this topic. Three research frontiers and hotspots were identified through keyword co-occurrence analysis, keyword citation burst, and keyword cluster analysis of cited literature: acupuncture treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture treatment of diabetic gastroparesis, and electroacupuncture treatment of diabetes mellitus.Conclusion：In the past 20 years, the application of acupuncture in treating diabetes has attracted more and more attention. Especially after 2019, the number of publications has increased significantly. After analyzing the three research hotspots: acupuncture in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, acupuncture in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis, and electroacupuncture in the treatment of diabetes, several studies have demonstrated the exact efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic gastroparesis. At the same time, several studies have provided evidence of the mechanism of action of electroacupuncture in alleviating insulin resistance and promoting normal insulin secretion. We also found that electroacupuncture can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and the risk of diabetes complications by improving obesity, which is a massive benefit for people at risk of type 2 diabetes globally. Based on this analysis, we suggest that future researchers can demonstrate more clinical research results of acupuncture, improve ethnic diversity and clinical heterogeneity, go hand in hand with animal research development, and conduct research and in-depth research on other rare diabetes complications, optimal acupoint combinations, experimental method optimization, and long-term advantages of a

目的 通过分析针灸治疗过敏性鼻炎的相关研究,梳理知识结构,总结针灸治疗过敏性鼻炎的现状和发展趋势.方法 检索中国知网(CNKI)数据库中针灸治疗过敏性鼻炎的相关文献,经Refworks格式转换后,运用CiteSpace科学知识图谱工具绘制相应图谱.通过对合作网络、关键词共现、突现词等的分析,判断研究机构、作者、研究热点与未来趋势.结果 共纳入文献501篇,纳入作者487位,其中发文量最多的为叶永铭,发表5篇文章.发文量最多的机构为成都中医药大学.共有9个关键词出现频次≥30,形成8个关键词聚类标签,出现11个突现词.结论 针灸治疗过敏性鼻炎的方法丰富,疗效确切.针灸治疗过敏性鼻炎的研究主要集中在疗效观察,临床研究和机制研究较少.需要增加作者间的学习交流,加强机构间合作,完善基础研究,开展更多高质量的循证医学研究.

郁证属于现代医学精神疾患中的一种重要疾病,治疗以抗抑郁、抗焦虑为主,多采用精神药物为主要治疗手段.中医学对于该病的治疗有丰富的经验,从针灸四大古籍出发,梳理在四大古籍中治疗郁证的治法特点,以期推动郁证治疗方法的多样性,为临床治疗提供更多的理论参考,从而扩大针灸疗法的临床应用范围.

目的 探讨NICU高胆红素血症患儿在蓝光治疗前、中、后及不同血清总胆红素(total serum bilirubin,TSB)浓度下,不同体表部位经皮胆红素(transcutaneous bilirubin,TcB)测定结果的准确性和可靠性.方法 便利选取2021年3月-10月成都市某三级甲等医院NICU收治的高胆红素血症患儿作为调查对象,在采集其TSB标本前15 min内,依次测量其前额、眉心、肩胛、胸骨、腰背部及臀部的TcB.采用配对样本t检验、Pearson相关分析、Bland-Altman一致性分析、灵敏度、特异度和约登指数,评价蓝光治疗前、中、后及不同TSB浓度下,各体表部位TcB测定结果的准确性和可靠性.结果 共纳入196例患儿,获得310组TSB与TcB的配对数据.其中,蓝光治疗前131组,蓝光治疗中78组,蓝光治疗后101组;TSB<15 mg/dl(1 mg/dl=17.1μmol/L)有212组,15～20 mg/dl有83组,>20 mg/dl有15组.蓝光治疗前,前额、眉心、胸骨部TcB的准确性较高;蓝光治疗期间,仅眉心TcB的准确性较高;蓝光治疗后,前额、眉心、肩胛以及腰背部TcB的准确性均较高.TSB<15 mg/dl时,前额、眉心、肩胛及胸骨部的TcB较准确、可靠;TSB为15～20 mg/dl时,仅眉心和胸骨部的TcB较准确、可靠;TSB>20 mg/dl时,各体表部位TcB测定结果的准确性和可靠性均较差.结论 在不同治疗时期及TSB浓度下,NICU高胆红素血症患儿各体表部位TcB测定结果的准确性和可靠性有所差异,当TSB>20 mg/dl时,不建议将TcB作为临床决策的参考依据.

任督二脉灸疗法是集艾灸与药物于一身并对经络进行刺激的一种综合治疗方法,其具有施灸面积大、灸量足、渗透力强,治疗范围广泛的特点.区别于其他艾灸疗法,任督二脉灸疗法贯通任督,调和阴阳的整体调节作用尤为突出.通过分析任督二脉循行路线的贯通性,任督二脉与阴阳和三焦的整体关系以及任督灸疗法"穴、药、灸"三位一体的综合治疗方式,进而阐明任督二脉灸疗法"整体调节"优势的理论基础.

该文通过探讨"远""近"概念、指导理论及标本根结的内容,认为远近配穴不仅是以病变部位局部以定远端的相对关系,其深层含义在于标本同治的思想,从而扩大经络及腧穴临床疾病范围.标本根结理论可作为远近配穴的理论依据,其标本同治的思想是针灸应用中应贯彻的理念.

不健康的生活及工作方式可导致颈型颈椎病,近年来其发病率逐年上升,严重影响人们的正常生活,因此防治颈型颈椎病尤为重要.《黄帝内经》中提出的整体观、辨证思维、筋骨并重理念、经络理论等思想为治疗颈型颈椎病提供了重要的临床参考.故本文从《黄帝内经》中挖掘颈型颈椎病的病因、病机、治法等相关记载,并结合现代研究成果,对其进行总结与探讨,为临床治疗颈型颈椎病提供借鉴.

心衰病多继发于胸痹心痛、心悸、心痹等疾病,是各种心脏疾病的最终转归,亦见于其他脏腑疾病的危重阶段,每因外感、劳倦和情志等因素使病情加重,临床预后差,药物治疗不理想,可发生猝死.心衰病的治疗以提高生活质量,延长生存周期为目标,西医治疗心力衰竭存在心率偏慢导致β受体阻断药和强心药使用禁忌,利尿剂抵抗,醛固酮逃逸现象,ACEI类药物引起的咳嗽或血管性水肿,电解质紊乱等不良反应.中医药在延缓心力衰竭、改善患者临床症状、对抗心力衰竭西药的不良反应上有独特疗效,并具有一定的优势,名老中医是中医学术造诣最深、临床水平最高的群体,研究名老中医治疗心衰病的经验总结具有重要意义.

目的:探讨万州地区新型冠状病毒肺炎患者的中医临床证候特征和用药规律,为新型冠状病毒肺炎中医临床辨治提供参考.方法:收集2020年1月-2020年3月万州地区确诊新冠肺炎的患者,记录患者症状特点,采集用药处方,记录胸部CT、白细胞、淋巴细胞、CRP变化,分析并总结新冠肺炎患者中医证候特征和用药规律.结果:收集万州地区196例新型冠状病毒肺炎患者,患者症状发生频率前5位的是:纳差(82.14％),咳嗽(65.31％),乏力(17.86％),恶寒(16.84％)(发热17.35％).处方频率前5位的是:沙参麦冬汤(38.22％),四君子汤(37.7％),麻杏石甘汤(31.94％),三仁汤(15.71％),小柴胡汤(12.04％).中医证候评分出院前较入院时下降(P＜0.05),CT有效率为72.4％,出院前与入院时中医症候评分、白细胞、淋巴细胞、CRP前后比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论:万州地区新型冠状病毒肺炎患者临床症状以纳差、咳嗽、乏力为主,处方用药多以沙参麦冬汤、四君子汤、麻杏石甘汤、三仁汤、小柴胡汤加减为主.疾病发展过程为外感初期邪热壅肺,中期邪在少阳,后期耗气伤阴,湿邪热化为万州地区新冠肺炎患者重要特征.

古代医家有"头部不可多灸"的说法,但现代临床实践发现头部可灸且可多灸,并能取得较好的治疗效果.醒脑开窍灸法是施术于头部的一种透灸法,也是罗玲副教授临床上治疗头部疾病的方法.该法操作简便、安全性高、温通及温补效果显著,可通过增加艾条的粗细及施灸时间的长短、调整施灸距离的远近以显著提高艾灸的治疗效果,利用其在头部较大面积深透的温热刺激作用,疏通头面部经络,调节阴阳气机,从而达到醒神开窍、扶正祛邪、防治疾病的目的.该文介绍醒脑开窍灸法的理论基础、施术部位、操作方法、治疗机制等,为醒脑开窍灸法在临床治疗疾病的应用和推广提供理论依据.

目的 围绕足三里穴(ST36)进行文献可视化分析,探索近20年来有关足三里穴的研究进程、热点以及未来发展趋势.方法 以中国知网(CNKI)为数据来源,利用citespace软件对检索出的2000年1月至2021年11月收录的基础研究和临床研究文献分别进行可视化分析,绘制关键词、作者、机构相关图谱.结果 基础研究纳入1030篇文献,得到9个关键词聚类,电针中心度最高(0.53),发文量最多的作者是胡森(22篇),发文量最大的机构是北京中医药大学针灸推拿学院(23篇).临床研究纳入2067篇文献,得到9个关键词聚类,穴位注射和针刺中心度最高(0.27),发文量最多的作者是张波(7篇),发文量最大的机构是浙江中医药大学附属第一医院(8篇).结论 足三里穴在基础和临床的研究重点、热点和趋势不一致.并且在基础研究和临床研究之间,针刺镇痛、电针疗法、胃肠功能这三个内容是同步的,而关于代谢组学、穴位注射、温针灸和揿针的内容则是脱节的.

颅骨骨缝处肌肉浅薄,且没有致密的骨组织覆盖,故正气亏虚时骨缝更易受寒,本文试从颅骨解剖结构出发,从骨缝的角度探讨外寒侵入机体的过程、表现,介绍与颅骨骨缝重合的经络、穴位,通过在头部运用大直径艾条灸法,将寒邪从骨缝逐出的方法、机理、施灸注意事项,并详述了笔者运用灸法治疗五官疾病的两则医案,希望为临床中寒邪的诊治提供一种新的思考,供同行参考.

该文基于新型冠状病毒肺炎的病因病机,结合艾灸防疫的历史,对艾灸的热、光、烟因素的防疫作用进行分析和阐述,探讨艾灸防治新型冠状病毒肺炎的作用机制,为新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情的防治提供新的思路.