Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies

Defining Meridians: A Modern Basis of Understanding

John C. Longhurst — 2010-06-01

Abstract: Acupuncture, one of the primary methods of treatment in traditional Oriental medicine, is based on a system of meridians. Along the meridians lie acupuncture points or acupoints, which are stimulated by needling, pressure or heat to resolve a clinical problem. A number of methods have been used to identify meridians and to explain them anatomically. Thus, tendinomuscular structures, primo-vessels (Bonghan ducts), regions of increased temperature and low skin resistance have been suggested to represent meridians or as methods to identify them. However, none of these methods have met the criteria for a meridian, an entity that, when stimulated by acupuncture can result in clinical improvement. More recently, modern physiologists have put forward the “neural hypothesis” stating that the clinical influence of acupuncture is transmitted primarily through stimulation of sensory nerves that provide signals to the brain, which processes this information and then causes clinical changes associated with treatment. Although additional research is warranted to investigate the role of some of the structures identified, it seems clear that the peripheral and central nervous system can now be considered to be the most rational basis for defining meridians. The meridian maps and associated acupoints located along them are best viewed as road maps that can guide practitioners towards applying acupuncture to achieve optimal clinical results.

Characteristic Features of a Nerve Primo-vessel Suspended in Rabbit Brain Ventricle and Central Canal

Byung-Cheon Lee, Ki Woo Kim, Kwang-Sup Soh — 2010-06-01

Abstract: Bonghan theory was proposed by Bonghan Kim to illustrate the anatomy and physiology of the acupuncture meridian system. One of his astonishing claims was the physical presence of the nerve primo-vessel, which can be involved with a regenerating system of nerves. Our previous work has shown that there is a nerve primo-vessel in brain ventricles and the central canal of the spine of a rabbit. In this study, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high voltage electron microscopy demonstrated that a nerve primo-vessel comprised DNA particles, other microparticles, and rod-shaped nuclei encircled by helix-shaped actins. The nerve primo-vessel had acridine orange-stained DNA particles that varied in size and were in parallel. These characteristics of the nerve primo-vessel are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of their function in the central nervous system, which may be associated with nerve regeneration.

Primo-Vessels as New Flow Paths for Intratesticular Injected Dye in Rats

2010-06-01

Abstract: After intratesticular injection of a chromium hematoxylin and fluorescent nanoparticle solution, we found a novel flow path in the abdominal cavity consisting of primo-vessels and primo-nodes. This flow path formed a network that crossed over the surfaces of abdominal organs, and generally linked to the greater omentum and adjacent visceral peritoneum. Some of these structures terminated at organs such as the small intestine and the urinary bladder; occasionally, the network entered the parenchyma of organs. The semitransparent primo-vessels and nodes were wholly or partially stained dark-blue by chromium hematoxylin. Injected nanoparticles were also observed in primo-vessels and nodes as well as the parenchyma of organs which were the site of primo-vessel termination. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the primo-vessels consist of many sinuses (4–6 μm), surrounded by collagen fibers, specific granules, cellular remnants, immune cells, extracellular matrices, and hematopoietic cells. These histological features are completely different from blood and lymph vessels indicating that primo-vessels are novel structures that allow the flow of dye.

Electrochemical Corrosion of STS304 Acupuncture Needles by Electrical Stimulation

Hye Suk Hwang, Eun Jin Yang, Yeon Hee Ryu, Myeong Soo Lee, Sun-Mi Choi — 2010-06-01

Abstract: We present the first investigation of electrical corrosion in acupuncture needles after electrical stimulation. Using scanning electron microscopy, we observed the occurrence of electrochemical corrosion on the surface of stainless steel 304 acupuncture needles after electrical stimulation in the tibial muscles of rats. Biphasic pulse electrical stimuli with 10-Hz frequency, 1-mA intensity and 1-ms pulse width were applied to the needles. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method labels fragmented DNA. Positive staining using this test indicates apoptotic cells in electrically stimulated tissues. The risk of electrical corrosion was found to be less in bipolar, short-duration, low-current or voltage and short-period stimulation than in monopolar, long-duration, high-current or voltage and long-period stimulation. Evaluation with a scanning electron microscope revealed that electrical stimulation can increase the electrical corrosion of stainless steel 304 acupuncture needles. In biocompatibility studies of stainless steel 304 acupuncture needles for electrical stimulation, TUNEL-positive cells were detected in the tibial muscle within 5 days after electrical stimulation. The results of this study demonstrate that the corrosion products of stainless steel 304 acupuncture needles might affect the post-electrical stimulation tissue response.

Fifteen-day Acupuncture Treatment Relieves Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Yanqing Tong, Hongyang Guo, Bing Han — 2010-06-01

Abstract: Our study aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We compared 42 cases treated with acupuncture with 21 cases exposed to sham acupuncture and observed the effects on nerve conduction velocity and a variety of subjective symptoms associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Three of the six measures of motor nerves, and two measures of sensory function, demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.05) over the 15-day treatment period in the acupuncture group, while no motor or sensory function significantly improved in the sham acupuncture group. There were also significant differences in vibration perception threshold between the groups (p < 0.05) and when compared to the baseline levels (p < 0.01) in the acupuncture group. Acupuncture was significantly more effective than sham for treatment of numbness of the lower extremities, spontaneous pain in the lower extremities, rigidity in the upper extremities and alterations in temperature perception in the lower extremities after therapy. Our pilot study has, therefore, provided evidence that acupuncture may be clinically useful for the radical treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Effects of Teucrium polium on Insulin Resistance in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Narges Nosrati, Safiyeh Aghazadeh, Razieh Yazdanparast — 2010-06-01

Abstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disorder, is frequently associated with the clinical features of metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance. We aimed to determine the effect of the crude and the ethyl acetate extracts of Teucrium polium on insulin resistance in rats with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Rats were divided into four groups. Group A was fed a normal diet for 11 weeks. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was induced in the remaining groups using a methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet for 8 weeks. After nonalcoholic steatohepatitis development, group B continued with receiving the MCD diet alone; group C rats were given the MCD diet along with crude extract of T. polium (equivalent to 1 g leaves powder/kg body weight/day); group D rats were given the ethyl acetate fraction of T. polium by intragastric administration for 3 weeks. MCD diet led to grade 1 liver steatosis. In group C and D, these factors abated to grade 0 in 80% of the rats. In the groups receiving the extract, lipoprotein profiles were significantly improved relative to those not receiving the extract. Also, a dramatic reduction was observed in sera alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities. In addition, in groups C and D, an increase in the activities of liver superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase enzymes were also associated with a decrease in the malondialdehyde level relative to group B. Moreover, both extracts significantly decreased plasma glucose and insulin levels along with insulin resistance. In conclusion, both extracts of T. polium could reverse the adverse effects of an MCD diet.

Primo-vessels and Primo-nodes in Rat Brain, Spine and Sciatic Nerve

Byung-Cheon Lee, Ki-Hoon Eom, Kwang-Sup Soh — 2010-06-01

Abstract: We report a method using Trypan blue staining to detect primo-vessels in the nervous system on internal organs or in the skin of rat. We applied this technique to visualize the primo-vessels and primo-nodes in the brain, spinal cord and sciatic nerve of a rat. Primo-vessels and primo-nodes were preferentially stained at nerves, blood vessels, or fascia-like membranes and turned blue after the spread and washing of Trypan blue. The physiological role of the primo-vessels within the nervous system is an important question warranting further investigation.

5α-Reductase Inhibitory Components as Antiandrogens From Herbal Medicine

Chul-Ho Cho, Jong-Sup Bae, Yong-Ung Kim — 2010-06-01

Abstract: We investigated medicinal plant sources with 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. These compounds have been used in several remedies against androgen-dependent diseases including benign prostatic hyperplasia. The 50% ethanol extract of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (Polygoni Multiflori Radix; Polygonaceae) showed potent 5α-reductase inhibitory activity. The fraction responsible for this activity was purified, and the active constituent was isolated and identified as emodin, an anthraquinone compound. Although emodin showed considerably less potent inhibitory activity than riboflavin, the inhibitory activity of the compound was more potent than that of alizarin (1,2-dihydroxyanthraquinone), an anthraquinone-type positive control. Also, anthraquinone itself was substantially inactive against 5α-reductase, in dicating that the hydroxyl group on the structure of emodin is an important structural moiety for displaying inhibitory activity.

Advanced Cancer Cases Treated With Cultivated Wild Ginseng Phamacopuncture

Jong-Hoon Lee, Ki-Rok Kwon, Chong-Kwan Cho, Sung Soo R. Han, Hwa-Seung Yoo — 2010-06-01

Abstract: After administering cultivated wild ginseng pharmacopuncture (CWGP) to advanced cancer patients, the response and survival rate were evaluated. This prospective observational pilot study of CWGP was conducted at the East-West Cancer Center of Daejeon University, Dunsan Oriental Hospital from August 2007 to June 2008. Seven patients were recruited for this study. One cycle of treatment consisted of intravenous infusion of CWGP (20 mL/day) for 2 weeks with an expected treatment duration of four cycles (60 days, 2 months). Blood tests were conducted every cycle and computed tomography was performed every second cycle as follow-up. Overall survival was measured from initial administration of CWGP to death. We used the international standards provided by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors for measuring response rate and Kaplan-Meier analysis to determine statistical significance. Seven patients received a total of 55 cycles (1 with 1 cycle, 2 with 2 cycles, 1 with 3 cycles, 2 with 13 cycles, 1 with 20 cycles). One-year survival rate was 57.1%, and the median survival time was 544 days. Among these patients, two non-small cell lung carcinoma patients and one advanced gastric adenocarcinoma patient showed stable disease. Two patients dropped out after the first and second cycles of treatment without receiving a new computed tomography scan. Two patients showed progressive disease. Although a further large scale study is necessary, CWGP showed potential as an effective treatment for two non-small cell lung carcinoma patients and one advanced gastric carcinoma patient.

Possible Applications for Fascial Anatomy and Fasciaology in Traditional Chinese Medicine

2010-06-01

Abstract: Research using medical imaging instruments such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has led to the proposal that the fascial network distributed over the human body is the anatomical basis for the acupoints and meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, we put forward a new theory of anatomy called fascial anatomy. In fascial anatomy, a human body is divided into two major systems. One is the supporting-storing system of unspecialized connective tissues. The other is a functional system. An undifferentiated non-specific connective tissue network, with the participation of the nervous and the immune systems, constitutes the supporting-storing system of the human body. The various differentiated functional cells in the body that are supported and surrounded by the supporting-storing system constitute the functional system. The discipline that studies the supporting-storing system and the mutual relationship between this system and the functional system in a living human body is called fasciaology. The establishment of fascial anatomy and fasciaology opens a new research field in anatomy; consequently, fasciaology will play a significant role in biological medicine and traditional Chinese medical research, as well as future clinical practice.

Journal of Meridian and Acupoint

2010-06-01

In this issue of the journal, recommended articles are selected from the Journal of Meridian and Acupoint (ISSN: 1229-7933) and from the Journal of Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute (ISSN: 1226-4849), which were published in the Korean language.

Journal of Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute

2010-06-01

(6) Journal of Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute, Vol 12, No. 4, 5–32, 2009 Study of Single Dose Test of Sweet Bee Venom in Rats

Editorial Announcement on Nomenclature

2010-06-01

In consideration of the nomenclature adopted by the Organizing Committee of the International Symposium on the Primo Vascular System (ISPS2010), the Editorial Office has decided to change the nomenclature for the anatomical structures corresponding to the acupuncture meridian system. Contributors are advised to use the following new terminology adopted by the ISPS2010: