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Wang X, Ni X, Ouyang X, Zhang Y, Xu T, Wang L, Qi W, Sun M, Zeng Q, Wang Z, Liao H, Gao X, Li D, Zhao L. Modulatory effects of acupuncture on raphe nucleus-related brain circuits in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized neuroimaging trial. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14335. [PMID: 37408438 PMCID: PMC10945396 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acupuncture has shown promise in treating neck pain. Clinical trials have shown mixed results, possibly due to heterogeneous methodologies and the lack of knowledge regarding underlying brain circuit mechanism of action. In this study, we investigated the specific contribution of the serotonergic system in treating neck pain, and the specific brain circuits involved. METHODS A total of 99 patients with chronic neck pain (CNP) were randomized to receive true acupuncture (TA) or sham acupuncture (SA) 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. Patients with CNP in each group were assessed for primary outcomes by measuring the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the duration of each attack; secondary outcomes were measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and the 12-item Short Form Quality Life Scale (SF-12); levels of functional circuits connectivity were assessed using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in the dorsal (DR) and median (MR) raphe nucleus, before and after undergoing acupuncture. RESULTS Patients receiving TA showed more extensive symptom improvement compared with SA. Regarding the primary outcomes, changes observed in the TA group were as follows: VAS = 16.9 mm (p < 0.001) and the duration of each attack = 4.30 h (p < 0.001); changes in the SA group: VAS = 5.41 mm (p = 0.138) and the duration of each attack = 2.06 h (p = 0.058). Regarding the secondary outcomes, changes in the TA group: NDI = 7.99 (p < 0.001), NPQ = 10.82 (p < 0.001), MPQ = 4.23 (p < 0.001), SAS = 5.82 (p < 0.001), SDS = 3.67 (p = 0.003), and SF-12 = 3.04 (p < 0.001); changes in the SA group: NDI = 2.97 (p = 0.138), NPQ = 5.24 (p = 0.035) and MPQ = 2.90 (p = 0.039), SAS = 1.48 (p = 0.433), SDS = 2.39 (p = 0.244), and SF-12 = 2.19 (p = 0.038). The modulatory effect of TA exhibited increased functional connectivity (FC) between the DR and thalamus, between the MR and parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, and insula, with decreased FC between the DR and lingual gyrus and middle frontal gyrus, between the MR and middle frontal gyrus. Furthermore, changes in the DR-related circuit were specifically associated with the intensity and duration of pain, and the MR-related circuit was correlated with the quality of life with CNP. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated the effectiveness of TA in treating neck pain and suggested that it regulates CNP by reconfiguring the function of the raphe nucleus-related serotonergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xixiu Ni
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xu Ouyang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Yutong Zhang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Tao Xu
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Linjia Wang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Wenchuan Qi
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Mingsheng Sun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Qian Zeng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ziwen Wang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Huaqiang Liao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Xiaoyu Gao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Dehua Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
| | - Ling Zhao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medical Research Center of Sichuan ProvinceChengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduSichuanChina
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Qu Y, Peng Y, Xiong Y, Dong X, Ma P, Cheng S. Acupuncture-Related Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review of Neuroimaging Studies. J Pain Res 2024; 17:773-784. [PMID: 38435748 PMCID: PMC10908283 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s450515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture has been widely applied for treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Numerous studies have found that acupuncture can effectively alleviate KOA symptoms. With the advancement of neuroimaging techniques, integrating neuroimaging with in-depth investigations of acupuncture mechanisms has emerged as a hot topic in traditional Chinese medical neuroscience research. This review aimed to analyze the study design and main findings from neuroimaging studies of acupuncture-related therapy for KOA to provide a reference for future research. Original studies were sourced from English databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chongqing VIP database, and Wanfang database). As a result, thirteen articles were ultimately included in this review. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was the most frequently used neuroimaging technique to explore cerebral responses to acupuncture-related therapy for KOA. Findings suggested that acupuncture-related therapy could regulate some brain regions in patients with KOA. Specifically, for acupuncture, it showed that the medial pain pathway and the limbic system were involved in the regulation of KOA. Meanwhile, moxibustion induced a wide range of functional activity throughout the entire brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhu Qu
- Post-Doctoral Scientific Research Workstation of Affiliated Sport Hospital, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Peng
- Medical Aesthetics Department, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Xiong
- Department of Osteoporosis, West China Fourth Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Dong
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peihong Ma
- Medical Technology School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shirui Cheng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
- Acupuncture and Brain Science Research Center, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China
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Liu ZF, Zhang Y, Liu J, Wang YY, Chen M, Liu EY, Guo JM, Wang YH, Weng ZW, Liu CX, Yu CH, Wang XY. Effect of Traditional Chinese Non-Pharmacological Therapies on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review of Clinical Application and Mechanism. Orthop Res Rev 2024; 16:21-33. [PMID: 38292459 PMCID: PMC10826518 DOI: 10.2147/orr.s442025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) stands as a degenerative ailment with a substantial and escalating prevalence. The practice of traditional Chinese non-pharmacological therapy has become a prevalent complementary and adjunctive approach. A mounting body of evidence suggests its efficacy in addressing KOA. Recent investigations have delved into its underlying mechanism, yielding some headway. Consequently, this comprehensive analysis seeks to encapsulate the clinical application and molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese non-pharmacological therapy in KOA treatment. The review reveals that various therapies, such as acupuncture, electroacupuncture, warm needle acupuncture, tuina, and acupotomy, primarily target localized knee components like cartilage, subchondral bone, and synovium. Moreover, their impact extends to the central nervous system and intestinal flora. More perfect experimental design and more comprehensive research remain a promising avenue in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Liu
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yan Wang
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mo Chen
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Er-Yang Liu
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun-Ming Guo
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hua Wang
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Wen Weng
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-Xin Liu
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang-He Yu
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi-You Wang
- Tuina and Pain Management Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Affilliated Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Salazar-Méndez J, Cuyul-Vásquez I, Viscay-Sanhueza N, Morales-Verdugo J, Mendez-Rebolledo G, Ponce-Fuentes F, Lluch-Girbés E. Structural and functional brain changes in people with knee osteoarthritis: a scoping review. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16003. [PMID: 37701842 PMCID: PMC10493091 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Knee osteoarthritis is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that leads to functional disability and chronic pain. It has been shown that not only changes are generated at the joint level in these individuals, but also neuroplastic changes are produced in different brain areas, especially in those areas related to pain perception, therefore, the objective of this research was to identify and compare the structural and functional brain changes in knee OA versus healthy subjects. Methodology Searches in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, WOS, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Health Source, and Epistemonikos databases were conducted to explore the available evidence on the structural and functional brain changes occurring in people with knee OA. Data were recorded on study characteristics, participant characteristics, and brain assessment techniques. The methodological quality of the studies was analysed with Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Results Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. A decrease volume of the gray matter in the insular region, parietal lobe, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, visual cortex, temporal lobe, prefrontal cortex, and basal ganglia was found in people with knee OA. However, the opposite occurred in the frontal lobe, nucleus accumbens, amygdala region and somatosensory cortex, where an increase in the gray matter volume was evidenced. Moreover, a decreased connectivity to the frontal lobe from the insula, cingulate cortex, parietal, and temporal areas, and an increase in connectivity from the insula to the prefrontal cortex, subcallosal area, and temporal lobe was shown. Conclusion All these findings are suggestive of neuroplastic changes affecting the pain matrix in people with knee OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Salazar-Méndez
- Laboratorio de Investigación Somatosensorial y Motora, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca, Chile
| | - Iván Cuyul-Vásquez
- Departamento de Procesos Terapéuticos, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile
- Facultad de las Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco, Chile
| | - Nelson Viscay-Sanhueza
- Unidad de medicina física y rehabilitación, Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Juan Morales-Verdugo
- Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Guillermo Mendez-Rebolledo
- Laboratorio de Investigación Somatosensorial y Motora, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Salud, Universidad Santo Tomás, Talca, Chile
| | - Felipe Ponce-Fuentes
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Kinesiología, Universidad Mayor, Temuco, Chile
| | - Enrique Lluch-Girbés
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Zhang Y, Zha B, Shi H, Cheng L, Fan Y, Zhang W, Rong Z, Jin Z, Gao N, Yang J, Zhang Q. Acupuncture decreases amygdala functional connectivity in subjective tinnitus. Front Neurol 2022; 13:986805. [DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.986805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionSubjective tinnitus is a common and intractable ear disease. The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of subjective tinnitus has been confirmed, but its mechanism of action is not clear. The structures of the amygdala (AMYG) are mainly closely related to emotion in the human brain. This study aimed to investigate the changes in functional connectivity (FC) of AMYG in subjective tinnitus to elucidate the neural mechanism of acupuncture.MethodsCorrelation scale scores of 26 patients with subjective tinnitus were collected, including Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Meanwhile, rs-fMRI data were collected before and after acupuncture treatment in the patients, and in healthy controls (HC) matching the patient's gender and age. Then, AMYG was selected as region of interest to perform FC analysis. Finally, FC patterns of AMYG were first compared between patients with subjective tinnitus and HC, and then within subjects pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture. Simple linear regression models between correlation scale scores and FC-values were established as well.ResultsAcupuncture treatment relieved the severity of tinnitus. With the acupuncture treatment, the total THI score, TEQ score, and VSA score of patients were significantly lower than before (p < 0.05). Compared with HC, FC of tinnitus patients between AMYG and right inferior temporal gyrus and right precuneus significantly decreased before acupuncture (voxel p < 0.001, cluster p < 0.05, corrected with GRF), while FC of tinnitus patients between AMYG and left superior frontal gyrus and right superior temporal gyrus significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment (voxel p < 0.001, cluster p < 0.05, corrected with GRF). FC of tinnitus patients between the AMYG and right superior frontal gyrus and left paracingulate gyrus showed significant decrease after acupuncture treatment (voxel p < 0.001, cluster p < 0.05, corrected with GRF). Besides, the linear regression models of the effect of THI on FC and VAS on FC performed were statistically significant (p < 0.05).DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that acupuncture can decrease FC of AMYG, which could be positively correlated with the relief of tinnitus symptoms. This result suggests that acupuncture stimulation can effectively relieve the severity of tinnitus by decreasing FC of AMYG in subjective tinnitus patients.
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