Mechanism of electroacupuncture-induced tissue repair

Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at some immune acupoints such as L14, LI11, DU20, DU14, ST36 and LV3 in both humans and rats activated hypothalamus and enhanced sympathetic nervous system (SNY) function, leading to mobilization of mesenchyals stem cells (MSC). EA-induced mobilization of circulating MSC increased anti-inflammation products; markedly reduced pain sensitivity and enhanced tissue repair. The study was published in journal of Stem Cells recently.

Recently a collaboration of acupuncture study by many research groups in the United States investigated the mechanism responsible for the beneficial systemic effects and healing associated with acupuncture in both humans and models.

First, the fMRI studies in both humans and models found that EA stimulation at L14, LI11, DU20, DU14 acupoints increased functional connectivity between the anterior hypothalamus and the amygdala and mobilized MSC into the systemic circulation. MSC were characterized as adipocyte-derived MSC in human, whereas, MSC were considered more heterogeneous in models.

Then, Pharmacological disinhibition of model hypothalamus by administration of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline enhanced SNS activation and similarly resulted in a release of MSC into the circulation.

Finally, in models with partial rupture of the Achilles tendon, EA stimulation reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, increased anti-inflammation products such as serum IL‐10 and enhanced tendon remodelling and tissue repair.

The study suggested that EA may serve as way of facilitating tissue repair following by supplying high level of circulating MSC into the circulation and could be used to treat acute or chronic conditions associated with inflammation.

 Reference

Salazar TE et al., Electroacupuncture Promotes CNS-Dependent Release of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells. 2017 Mar 16. doi: 10.1002/stem.2613.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28299842

Acupuncture improved the symptoms and quality of life in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Acupuncture treatment showed that it could relieve pain and improve quality of life in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LLS). The report was published in Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies.

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, known as lumbar area. This usually happens when bone or tissue-or both-grow in the opening of the spinal canal, caused commonly by spondylosis or degenerative arthritis. Neurogenic pain of LLS is normally exacerbated by walking, standing and/or maintaining certain postures and relieved with sitting or lying. Other symptoms of LLS include sensory loss and weakness of legs, reflecting involvement of spinal nerve roots within lumbar spinal canal. Although medication is effective in relieving symptoms temporarily and surgical procedures will improve the conditions in some cases, none of the treatments is curative.

Dr. MJ Hadianfard and colleagues in Iran conducted a clinical study to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture on patients with LLS. Twenty-four patients with LLS were recruited for the study and were given acupuncture on following acupoints: bilateral BL-23, BL-25, BL-26, BL-37, BL-40, BL-54, BL-57, LI-4, BL-60, DU-3, DU-4, and DU-20 for 30 minutes per session, three sessions a week and 10 sessions in total. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) were monitored for pain and quality of life before treatment, immediate after final treatment and 6-week follow-up. Patients did not receive other treatments during the course of acupuncture treatment.

It was shown that acupuncture treatment significantly improved pain and quality of life such as emotions, vitality, general health, bodily pain, and physical well-being not only immediate after final treatment and but maintained 6-week after treatment. There was no adverse effect reported.

The study demonstrated that acupuncture was able to relieve pain and improve the quality of life of patients with LLS.

Reference:

Hadianfard MJ et al., Effect of Acupuncture on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Case Series Study. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2016 Aug;9(4):178-82.    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27555222