Abstract Subcutaneous mast cells (MCs) are vulnerable to mechanical stimulation from external environment. Thus, MCs immune function could be modulated by their mechanosensitivity. This property has been identified as the trigger mechanism of needling acupuncture, a traditional oriental therapy. Previously we have demonstrated the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a stress-responsive signalling molecule, from mechanical-perturbed MCs. The current work explores its underlying mechanisms. We noticed...Weiterlesen

Abstract ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEWith the extensive recent use of warfarin and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in combination, TCM has been found to affect warfarin’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters. Warfarin is a widely used oral anticoagulant, which has a narrow therapeutic window and a high likelihood of interacting with other drugs and resulting in serious adverse reactions. Contrary to widespread public expectations, TCM, despite being natural, is...Weiterlesen

Abstract BackgroundBased on 122 cases reported in China, data mining indicated that Sini Powder (SNP) and the Zuojin Pill (ZJP) are both widely used as the basic recipe for treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). ObjectivesTo evaluate the intervention effects of Sini Zuojin Decoction (SNZJD) in patients with GERD. MethodsA comprehensive collection of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using SNZJD in patients with GERD that were published...Weiterlesen

BackgroundTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gradually drawn the attention of clinicians as an alternative choice for insomniacs and TCM Yangxin Anshen Therapy (TYAT) is a crucial therapy of treating insomniacs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TYAT for insomnia.  MethodsSeven electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2019. Two authors independently identified Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), extracted...Weiterlesen

Abstract OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates applied before and after embryo transfer (ET) among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). MATERIALS AND METHODSIn this randomized controlled trial, 72 infertile women undergoing IVF were randomized to acupuncture (AG; n = 36) and control group (CG; n = 36). Three sessions of acupuncture were applied to AG, the first was one week before ET, the second...Weiterlesen

Abstract This randomized clinical trial investigates the effect of acupuncture vs a sham procedure or usual care for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms. MethodsThis pilot randomized clinical trial compared the effect of 8 weeks of real acupuncture vs sham acupuncture or usual care to treat CIPN. The trial protocol was approved by the institutional review board of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and follows the Consolidated...Weiterlesen

Abstract Acupuncture has many advantages in the treatment of certain diseases as opposed to drug therapy. Besides, adenosine has been revealed to affect cellular progression including proliferation. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the mechanism involving acupuncture stress and adenosine in fibroblast proliferation. The fibroblasts from fascia tissues of the acupoint area (Zusanli) were stimulated by different levels of stress, different concentrations of adenosine, and...Weiterlesen

Abstract BACKGROUND Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture reveal no significant differences between acupuncture and so-called placebo acupuncture. There is a strong tendency to replace the term „placebo“ by the term „sham,“ because any needling stimulates a certain physiological response. However, neither concept accounts for the great diversity of results in RCTs comparing verum acupuncture and sham (placebo) acupuncture. Some trials have shown little...Weiterlesen

Abstract The hypothesis that cutaneous mast cells (MCs) are responsible for skin phenomena in acupuncture was proposed 40 years ago, but very little is known about the correlation of MC distribution with acupuncture systems in human. The aim of this study is to quantify cutaneous mast cells at different body sites and compare them with the distributions of classical acupuncture points and micro-acupuncture systems. Skin...Weiterlesen

Abstract STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of primary insomnia. DESIGN Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group. SETTING A university-based sleep clinic. PARTICIPANTS Community sample of 60 Chinese adult volunteers who report having insomnia 3 or more nights per week, whose symptoms meet the DSM-IV criteria for primary insomnia for at least 3 months, and who have an Insomnia...Weiterlesen