Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.001
Wei Song Seetoh , Rachel Qin Rui Lim , Run-bing Xu , Ming-xun Sun , Peng Zhang , Mi-na Wang
Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been popularized worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of acupuncture research, mostly comprised of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that aimed to answer the question on the efficacy of acupuncture. However, poor methodology and low replicability in these acupuncture RCTs have resulted in uncertainty about the efficacy of acupuncture. In this review, current advancements and challenges in acupuncture RCTs, regarding the methodological aspects of randomization, blinding, sham acupuncture and quality of reporting, were discussed. While there have been advancements in various aspects, current acupuncture RCTs still face pressing issues such as inadequate randomization and blinding, unviable sham acupuncture controls, and poor reporting quality. Given these limitations, this review seeks to identify the methodological problems that are responsible for these problems and to suggest solutions that could help to overcome them so as to improve the quality of future studies evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture.
Please cite this article as: Seetoh WS, Lim RQR, Xu RB, Sun MX, Zhang P, Wang MN. Advancements and challenges of acupuncture randomized controlled trials. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 333–343.
针灸是一种古老的中医治疗方法，在世界范围内得到推广。在过去的十年里，针灸研究的数量有所增加，主要是由随机对照试验（rct）组成，旨在回答针灸疗效的问题。然而，在这些针灸随机对照试验中，较差的方法学和较低的可重复性导致了针灸疗效的不确定性。本文综述了针刺随机对照试验在方法学方面的进展和挑战，包括随机化、盲法、假针灸和报告质量。虽然在各个方面都取得了进步，但目前的针灸随机对照试验仍然面临着随机化和盲化不足、假针灸对照不可行、报告质量差等紧迫问题。鉴于这些局限性，本综述旨在找出导致这些问题的方法学问题，并提出有助于克服这些问题的解决方案，以提高评估针灸疗效的未来研究的质量。本文署名：Seetoh WS， Lim RQR, Xu RB, Sun MX, Zhang P, Wang MN。针灸随机对照试验的进展与挑战。集成医学[J]；打印前Epub。
{"title":"Advancements and challenges of acupuncture randomized controlled trials","authors":"Wei Song Seetoh , Rachel Qin Rui Lim , Run-bing Xu , Ming-xun Sun , Peng Zhang , Mi-na Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method used in traditional Chinese medicine and has been popularized worldwide. Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of acupuncture research, mostly comprised of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that aimed to answer the question on the efficacy of acupuncture. However, poor methodology and low replicability in these acupuncture RCTs have resulted in uncertainty about the efficacy of acupuncture. In this review, current advancements and challenges in acupuncture RCTs, regarding the methodological aspects of randomization, blinding, sham acupuncture and quality of reporting, were discussed. While there have been advancements in various aspects, current acupuncture RCTs still face pressing issues such as inadequate randomization and blinding, unviable sham acupuncture controls, and poor reporting quality. Given these limitations, this review seeks to identify the methodological problems that are responsible for these problems and to suggest solutions that could help to overcome them so as to improve the quality of future studies evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Seetoh WS, Lim RQR, Xu RB, Sun MX, Zhang P, Wang MN. Advancements and challenges of acupuncture randomized controlled trials. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(4): 333–343.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 4","pages":"Pages 333-343"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.005
Ya-ting Ai , Shi Zhou , Ming Wang , Tao-yun Zheng , Hui Hu , Yun-cui Wang , Yu-can Li , Xiao-tong Wang , Peng-jun Zhou
Objective
As an age-related neurodegenerative disease, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases with age. Within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine, spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome (SKDS) is recognized as the most frequent MCI subtype. Due to the covert and gradual onset of MCI, in community settings it poses a significant challenge for patients and their families to discern between typical aging and pathological changes. There exists an urgent need to devise a preliminary diagnostic tool designed for community-residing older adults with MCI attributed to SKDS (MCI-SKDS).
Methods
This investigation enrolled 312 elderly individuals diagnosed with MCI, who were randomly distributed into training and test datasets at a 3:1 ratio. Five machine learning methods, including logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), naive Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), and gradient boosting (GB), were used to build a diagnostic prediction model for MCI-SKDS. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, and area under the curve were used to evaluate model performance. Furthermore, the clinical applicability of the model was evaluated through decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
The accuracy, precision, specificity and F1 score of the DT model performed best in the training set (test set), with scores of 0.904 (0.845), 0.875 (0.795), 0.973 (0.875) and 0.973 (0.875). The sensitivity of the training set (test set) of the SVM model performed best among the five models with a score of 0.865 (0.821). The area under the curve of all five models was greater than 0.9 for the training dataset and greater than 0.8 for the test dataset. The DCA of all models showed good clinical application value. The study identified ten indicators that were significant predictors of MCI-SKDS.
Conclusion
The risk prediction index derived from machine learning for the MCI-SKDS prediction model is simple and practical; the model demonstrates good predictive value and clinical applicability, and the DT model had the best performance.
Please cite this article as: Ai YT, Zhou S, Wang M, Zheng TY, Hu H, Wang YC, Li YC, Wang XT, Zhou PJ. Development of a machine learning-based risk prediction model for mild cognitive impairment with spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome in the elderly. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 390–397.
{"title":"Development of a machine learning-based risk prediction model for mild cognitive impairment with spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome in the elderly","authors":"Ya-ting Ai , Shi Zhou , Ming Wang , Tao-yun Zheng , Hui Hu , Yun-cui Wang , Yu-can Li , Xiao-tong Wang , Peng-jun Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>As an age-related neurodegenerative disease, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases with age. Within the framework of traditional Chinese medicine, spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome (SKDS) is recognized as the most frequent MCI subtype. Due to the covert and gradual onset of MCI, in community settings it poses a significant challenge for patients and their families to discern between typical aging and pathological changes. There exists an urgent need to devise a preliminary diagnostic tool designed for community-residing older adults with MCI attributed to SKDS (MCI-SKDS).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This investigation enrolled 312 elderly individuals diagnosed with MCI, who were randomly distributed into training and test datasets at a 3:1 ratio. Five machine learning methods, including logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), naive Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), and gradient boosting (GB), were used to build a diagnostic prediction model for MCI-SKDS. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, and area under the curve were used to evaluate model performance. Furthermore, the clinical applicability of the model was evaluated through decision curve analysis (DCA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The accuracy, precision, specificity and F1 score of the DT model performed best in the training set (test set), with scores of 0.904 (0.845), 0.875 (0.795), 0.973 (0.875) and 0.973 (0.875). The sensitivity of the training set (test set) of the SVM model performed best among the five models with a score of 0.865 (0.821). The area under the curve of all five models was greater than 0.9 for the training dataset and greater than 0.8 for the test dataset. The DCA of all models showed good clinical application value. The study identified ten indicators that were significant predictors of MCI-SKDS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The risk prediction index derived from machine learning for the MCI-SKDS prediction model is simple and practical; the model demonstrates good predictive value and clinical applicability, and the DT model had the best performance.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Ai YT, Zhou S, Wang M, Zheng TY, Hu H, Wang YC, Li YC, Wang XT, Zhou PJ. Development of a machine learning-based risk prediction model for mild cognitive impairment with spleen-kidney deficiency syndrome in the elderly. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(4): 390–397.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 4","pages":"Pages 390-397"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144530497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.05.005
Chee Ning Wong , Yang Mooi Lim , Kai Bin Liew , Yik-Ling Chew , Ang-Lim Chua , Siew-Keah Lee
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a prominent plant-based catechin predominantly derived from Camellia sinensis and widely available on the market as a health supplement, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review explores the multifaceted role of EGCG in addressing the “ominous octet”—the 8 core pathophysiological defects associated with T2DM. The literature search was carried out using key terms “EGCG” OR “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” OR “epigallocatechin gallate” AND “diabetes” OR “insulin resistance” OR “hyperglycemia” in the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search was constrained to articles published between January 2018 and April 2024, focusing on the document type. Full-text articles published in English and relevant to EGCG that featured a single active ingredient, included clearly explained diabetes relief mechanism, and included ominous octet aspects were included in the final review. The outcomes of the included studies were reviewed and categorized based on 8 core pathophysiological defects, collectively referred to as the ominous octet in T2DM. This review concludes that EGCG is a potent hypoglycemic agent that has beneficial effects against the ominous octet in addition to its pharmacological activities in modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, carbohydrate digestion and metabolism, glucose transporter-mediated intestinal glucose-uptake, endothelial dysfunction, and renal damage that are significantly associated with pathogenesis of T2DM. This extensive scientific evidence suggests that EGCG may offer a novel approach to traditional antidiabetic therapies, potentially improving glycemic control and mitigating complications associated with T2DM. The inhibitory effects of EGCG on sodium-glucose transport proteins and their role in reducing renal glucose reabsorption remain unexplored, highlighting a significant research gap. Future research should also aim to broaden the scope by investigating the “egregious eleven,” which comprise a more comprehensive range of diabetic pathophysiological features. This review underscores the therapeutic promise of EGCG for managing T2DM and encourages ongoing research to fully elucidate its clinical applications.
Please cite this article as: Wong CN, Lim YM, Liew KB, Chew YL, Chua AL, Lee SK. A review on mechanistic actions of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in targeting the ominous octet of type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 344–356.
表没食子儿茶素-3-没食子酸酯（EGCG）是一种重要的植物基儿茶素，主要来源于茶树，作为一种健康补充剂在市场上广泛使用，因其潜在的治疗益处而受到广泛关注，特别是在2型糖尿病（T2DM）的背景下。这篇综述探讨了EGCG在解决与T2DM相关的8个核心病理生理缺陷中的多方面作用。在PubMed和Scopus数据库中使用关键词“EGCG”或“没食子儿茶素-3-没食子酸酯”或“没食子儿茶素没食子酸酯”和“糖尿病”或“胰岛素抵抗”或“高血糖症”进行文献检索。搜索仅限于2018年1月至2024年4月之间发表的文章，重点关注文档类型。最终审评中纳入了与EGCG相关的英文全文文章，这些文章具有单一活性成分，包括明确解释糖尿病缓解机制，包括不祥的八元体方面。对纳入研究的结果进行回顾，并根据8个核心病理生理缺陷进行分类，这些缺陷统称为T2DM的不祥八组。这篇综述得出结论，EGCG是一种有效的降糖剂，除了在调节肠道微生物群失调、碳水化合物消化和代谢、葡萄糖转运体介导的肠道葡萄糖摄取、内皮功能障碍和肾脏损害方面的药理活性外，还对不祥的八糖体有有益的作用，这些与T2DM的发病机制有显著的关系。这一广泛的科学证据表明，EGCG可能为传统的降糖治疗提供一种新的方法，可能改善血糖控制并减轻T2DM相关的并发症。EGCG对钠-葡萄糖转运蛋白的抑制作用及其在减少肾葡萄糖重吸收中的作用仍未被探索，这凸显了一个重大的研究空白。未来的研究还应致力于通过调查“十一个异常”来扩大范围，这些异常包括更全面的糖尿病病理生理特征。这篇综述强调了EGCG治疗T2DM的前景，并鼓励正在进行的研究充分阐明其临床应用。黄春宁，林玉明，刘国宝，周永良，Chua AL, Lee SK.表没食子儿茶素-3-没食子酸酯治疗2型糖尿病的机制研究进展。集成医学[J]；打印前Epub。
{"title":"A review on mechanistic actions of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in targeting the ominous octet of type 2 diabetes mellitus","authors":"Chee Ning Wong , Yang Mooi Lim , Kai Bin Liew , Yik-Ling Chew , Ang-Lim Chua , Siew-Keah Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a prominent plant-based catechin predominantly derived from <em>Camellia sinensis</em> and widely available on the market as a health supplement, has garnered significant attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review explores the multifaceted role of EGCG in addressing the “ominous octet”—the 8 core pathophysiological defects associated with T2DM. The literature search was carried out using key terms “EGCG” OR “epigallocatechin-3-gallate” OR “epigallocatechin gallate” AND “diabetes” OR “insulin resistance” OR “hyperglycemia” in the PubMed and Scopus databases. The search was constrained to articles published between January 2018 and April 2024, focusing on the document type. Full-text articles published in English and relevant to EGCG that featured a single active ingredient, included clearly explained diabetes relief mechanism, and included ominous octet aspects were included in the final review. The outcomes of the included studies were reviewed and categorized based on 8 core pathophysiological defects, collectively referred to as the ominous octet in T2DM. This review concludes that EGCG is a potent hypoglycemic agent that has beneficial effects against the ominous octet in addition to its pharmacological activities in modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis, carbohydrate digestion and metabolism, glucose transporter-mediated intestinal glucose-uptake, endothelial dysfunction, and renal damage that are significantly associated with pathogenesis of T2DM. This extensive scientific evidence suggests that EGCG may offer a novel approach to traditional antidiabetic therapies, potentially improving glycemic control and mitigating complications associated with T2DM. The inhibitory effects of EGCG on sodium-glucose transport proteins and their role in reducing renal glucose reabsorption remain unexplored, highlighting a significant research gap. Future research should also aim to broaden the scope by investigating the “egregious eleven,” which comprise a more comprehensive range of diabetic pathophysiological features. This review underscores the therapeutic promise of EGCG for managing T2DM and encourages ongoing research to fully elucidate its clinical applications.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Wong CN, Lim YM, Liew KB, Chew YL, Chua AL, Lee SK. A review on mechanistic actions of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in targeting the ominous octet of type 2 diabetes mellitus. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(4): 344–356.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 4","pages":"Pages 344-356"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.004
Ya-jie Cai , Jian-hang Lan , Shuo Li , Yue-ning Feng , Fang-hong Li , Meng-yu Guo , Run-ping Liu
Objective
Ulcerative colitis is closely associated with intestinal stem cell (ISC) loss and impaired intestinal mucus barrier. Sinisan (SNS), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction, yet whether SNS can relieve acute experimental colitis by modulating ISC proliferation and secretory cell differentiation has not been studied. Our study tested the effect of SNS against acute colitis and focused on the mechanisms involving intestinal barrier recovery.
Methods
Network pharmacology analysis and blood entry component analysis of SNS were used to explore the underlying mechanism by which SNS affects the acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. RNA-sequencing was used to demonstrate the mechanism. Further, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed in vivo and in the colonic organoids to investigate the cell lineage differentiation-related mechanism of SNS. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS were predicted by network pharmacology analysis.
Results
SNS dramatically suppressed DSS-induced acute colonic inflammation in mice. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed downregulation of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes, and upregulation of lipid metabolism and proliferation-related genes, such as Irf7, Pparα, Clspn and Hspa5. Additionally, ISC renewal and intestinal secretory cell lineage commitment were significantly promoted by SNS both in vivo and in vitro in colonic organoids, leading to enhanced mucin expression. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS that mediated inflammation, lipid metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, stem cells and secretory cells were predicted using a network pharmacology approach.
Conclusion
Our study shed light on the underlying mechanism of SNS in attenuating acute colitis from the perspective of ISC renewal and secretory lineage cell differentiation, suggesting a of novel therapeutic strategy against colitis.
Please cite this article as: Cai YJ, Lan JH, Li S, Feng YN, Li FH, Guo MY, et al. Sinisan, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, alleviates acute colitis by facilitating colonic secretory cell lineage commitment and mucin production. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(4): 429–444.
{"title":"Sinisan, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, alleviates acute colitis by facilitating colonic secretory cell lineage commitment and mucin production","authors":"Ya-jie Cai , Jian-hang Lan , Shuo Li , Yue-ning Feng , Fang-hong Li , Meng-yu Guo , Run-ping Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Ulcerative colitis is closely associated with intestinal stem cell (ISC) loss and impaired intestinal mucus barrier. Sinisan (SNS), a compound Chinese herbal medicine, has a long history in the treatment of intestinal dysfunction, yet whether SNS can relieve acute experimental colitis by modulating ISC proliferation and secretory cell differentiation has not been studied. Our study tested the effect of SNS against acute colitis and focused on the mechanisms involving intestinal barrier recovery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Network pharmacology analysis and blood entry component analysis of SNS were used to explore the underlying mechanism by which SNS affects the acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. RNA-sequencing was used to demonstrate the mechanism. Further, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence staining, and alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining were performed in vivo and in the colonic organoids to investigate the cell lineage differentiation-related mechanism of SNS. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS were predicted by network pharmacology analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SNS dramatically suppressed DSS-induced acute colonic inflammation in mice. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed downregulation of inflammation and apoptosis-related genes, and upregulation of lipid metabolism and proliferation-related genes, such as <em>Irf7</em>, <em>Pparα</em>, <em>Clspn</em> and <em>Hspa5</em>. Additionally, ISC renewal and intestinal secretory cell lineage commitment were significantly promoted by SNS both in vivo and in vitro in colonic organoids, leading to enhanced mucin expression. Furthermore, potential active ingredients from SNS that mediated inflammation, lipid metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis, stem cells and secretory cells were predicted using a network pharmacology approach.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study shed light on the underlying mechanism of SNS in attenuating acute colitis from the perspective of ISC renewal and secretory lineage cell differentiation, suggesting a of novel therapeutic strategy against colitis.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Cai YJ, Lan JH, Li S, Feng YN, Li FH, Guo MY, et al. Sinisan, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, alleviates acute colitis by facilitating colonic secretory cell lineage commitment and mucin production. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(4): 429–444.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 4","pages":"Pages 429-444"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.002
Zhi-han Li , Wen-min Yang , Qi Huang , Guang-xia Shi , Cun-zhi Liu , Yu-qin Zhang
Objective
The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) are influenced by the autonomic nervous system and inflammation. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for AF. This study explored the protective effects of acupuncture in a rat model of paroxysmal AF and investigated its mechanisms.
Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 130) were randomly divided into blank control (Con), sham operation (Sham), AF, and acupuncture treatment (Acu) groups. A paroxysmal AF model was established by rapid atrial pacing through the jugular vein. Rats in the Acu group were immobilized to receive acupuncture treatment at Neiguan acupoint (PC6) for 20 min daily for seven days. The other groups were immobilized for the same duration over the treatment period but did not receive acupuncture. The AF induction rate, AF duration, cardiac electrophysiological parameters, and heart rate variability were evaluated by monitoring surface electrocardiogram and vagus nerve discharge signals. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized, and atrial morphology was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of macrophage F4/80 antigen (F4/80) and cluster of differentiation (CD) 86 in atrial myocardial tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The expression levels or contents of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in atrial myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The role of α7nAChR in acupuncture treatment was verified by intraperitoneal injection of the α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA).
Results
Compared with the AF group, acupuncture significantly reduced AF duration and induction rate, improved cardiac electrophysiology by enhancing vagus nerve activity and regulating autonomic balance. It also decreased the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage proportion, alleviating myocardial injury and infiltration. MLA weakened acupuncture’s electrophysiological improvement and anti-inflammatory effect. Results suggest that acupuncture triggers the α7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway and exerts cardioprotection via neuroimmune regulation.
Conclusion
Acupuncture significantly reduced the AF induction rate, shortened AF duration, improved cardiac electrophysiological parameters, enhanced vagus nerve activity, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and inflammatory factors in rats with paroxysmal AF. Its positive effects are related to the activation of the α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, indicating that the interaction between cardiac vagus nerve and macrophages
{"title":"Acupuncture activates vagus nerve-macrophage axis and improves cardiac electrophysiology and inflammatory response in rats with atrial fibrillation via α7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway","authors":"Zhi-han Li , Wen-min Yang , Qi Huang , Guang-xia Shi , Cun-zhi Liu , Yu-qin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The occurrence and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) are influenced by the autonomic nervous system and inflammation. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for AF. This study explored the protective effects of acupuncture in a rat model of paroxysmal AF and investigated its mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Male Sprague-Dawley rats (<em>n</em> = 130) were randomly divided into blank control (Con), sham operation (Sham), AF, and acupuncture treatment (Acu) groups. A paroxysmal AF model was established by rapid atrial pacing through the jugular vein. Rats in the Acu group were immobilized to receive acupuncture treatment at Neiguan acupoint (PC6) for 20 min daily for seven days. The other groups were immobilized for the same duration over the treatment period but did not receive acupuncture. The AF induction rate, AF duration, cardiac electrophysiological parameters, and heart rate variability were evaluated by monitoring surface electrocardiogram and vagus nerve discharge signals. After the intervention, the rats were euthanized, and atrial morphology was assessed using haematoxylin and eosin staining. The expression of macrophage F4/80 antigen (F4/80) and cluster of differentiation (CD) 86 in atrial myocardial tissue was detected using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. The expression levels or contents of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in atrial myocardial tissue were detected using Western blotting, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The role of α7nAChR in acupuncture treatment was verified by intraperitoneal injection of the α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with the AF group, acupuncture significantly reduced AF duration and induction rate, improved cardiac electrophysiology by enhancing vagus nerve activity and regulating autonomic balance. It also decreased the pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage proportion, alleviating myocardial injury and infiltration. MLA weakened acupuncture’s electrophysiological improvement and anti-inflammatory effect. Results suggest that acupuncture triggers the α7nAChR-JAK2/STAT3 pathway and exerts cardioprotection via neuroimmune regulation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture significantly reduced the AF induction rate, shortened AF duration, improved cardiac electrophysiological parameters, enhanced vagus nerve activity, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and inflammatory factors in rats with paroxysmal AF. Its positive effects are related to the activation of the α7nAChR-mediated JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, indicating that the interaction between cardiac vagus nerve and macrophages","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 4","pages":"Pages 398-414"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.004
Jian-feng Tu , Xue-zhou Wang , Shi-yan Yan , Yi-ran Wang , Jing-wen Yang , Guang-xia Shi , Wen-zheng Zhang , Li-na Jin , Li-sha Yang , Dong-hua Liu , Li-qiong Wang , Bao-hong Mi
Objective
Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA.
Methods
This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45–75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The Z test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, P < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, P < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance.
Results
The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m2) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m2). The relative STAs of ST34 (P = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (P < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (P = 0.0006), SP10 (P < 0.0001), BL40 (P = 0.0012) and GB39 (P = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA.
Conclusion
Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA.
Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 289–296.
{"title":"Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study","authors":"Jian-feng Tu , Xue-zhou Wang , Shi-yan Yan , Yi-ran Wang , Jing-wen Yang , Guang-xia Shi , Wen-zheng Zhang , Li-na Jin , Li-sha Yang , Dong-hua Liu , Li-qiong Wang , Bao-hong Mi","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Varied acupoint selections represent a potential cause of the uncertainty surrounding the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Skin temperature, a guiding factor for acupoint selection, may help to address this issue. This study explored thermal sensitization of acupoints used for the treatment of knee OA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional case-control study enrolled cases aged 45–75 years with symptomatic knee OA and age- and gender-matched non-knee OA controls in a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent infrared thermographic imaging. The primary outcome was the relative skin temperature of acupoint (STA), and the secondary outcome was the absolute STA of 11 acupoints. The <em>Z</em> test was used to compare the relative and absolute STAs between the groups. Principal component analysis was used to extract the common factors (CFs, acupoint cluster) in the STAs. A general linear model was used to identify factors affecting the STA in the knee OA cases. For the group comparisons of relative STA, <em>P</em> < 0.0045 (adjusted for 11 acupoints through Bonferroni correction) was considered to indicate statistical significance. For other analyses, <em>P</em> < 0.05 was used as the threshold for statistical significance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis included 308 participants, consisting of 151 cases (mean age: [64.58 ± 6.67] years; male: 25.83%; mean body mass index: [25.70 ± 3.16] kg/m<sup>2</sup>) and 157 controls (mean age: [63.37 ± 5.96] years; male: 26.11%; mean body mass index: [24.47 ± 2.84] kg/m<sup>2</sup>). The relative STAs of ST34 (<em>P</em> = 0.0001), EX-LE2 (<em>P</em> < 0.0001), EX-LE5 (<em>P</em> = 0.0006), SP10 (<em>P</em> < 0.0001), BL40 (<em>P</em> = 0.0012) and GB39 (<em>P</em> = 0.0037) were higher in the knee OA group. No difference was found in the STAs of ST35, ST36, SP9, GB33 and GB34. Four CFs were identified for relative STA in both groups. The acupoints within each CF were consistent between the groups. The mean values of the relative STAs across each CF were higher in the knee OA group. In the knee OA cases, no factors were observed to affect the relative STA, while age and gender were found to affect the absolute STA.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Among patients with knee OA, thermal sensitization occurs in the acupoints of the lower extremity, exhibiting localized and regional thermal consistencies. The thermally sensitized acupoints that we identified in this study, ST34, SP10, EX-LE2, EX-LE5, GB39 and BL40, may be good choices for the acupuncture treatment of knee OA.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Tu JF, Wang XZ, Yan SY, Wang YR, Yang JW, Shi GX, Zhang WZ, Jing LN, Yang LS, Liu DH, Wang LQ, Mi BH. Thermal sensitization of acupoints in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 289–296.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 289-296"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023381","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.003
Wei Xie , Xin-yang Liu , Xia Li , Yong-sheng Jin
Cynanchum atratum Bunge (C. atratum) and Cynanchum versicolor Bunge (C. versicolor) are two related species that have been used as “Baiwei” (Cynanchi Atrati Radix Et Rhizoma) in traditional medicine in China and other Asian countries for a long time. However, to date, no comprehensive review of C. atratum and C. versicolor has been published. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology of Baiwei; The authors focus especially on the revision of errors in previous articles and reviews, updating information and providing a comparison of C. atratum and C. versicolor. Furthermore, current research reveals significant disparities in the chemical composition and pharmacological effects between C. atratum and C. versicolor. Up to November 2023, 178 compounds have been isolated from C. atratum and C. versicolor, including C21 steroids, acetophenones, alkaloids and volatile oils. These compounds and extracts have been proven to exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-virus, anti-fungal, memory-enhancing and anti-pyretic action, immune modulatory effects, reducing blood lipid, inhibition of melanin production, and anti-parasitic effects. Therefore, this review presents new insights into these two herbs used as “Baiwei” and further study is warranted to enhance their clinical application.
Please cite this article as: Xie W, Liu XY, Li X, Jin YS. Cynanchum atratum Bunge and Cynanchum versicolor Bunge for Baiwei: An updated review of their botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 230–255.
{"title":"Cynanchum atratum Bunge and Cynanchum versicolor Bunge for Baiwei: An updated review of their botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities","authors":"Wei Xie , Xin-yang Liu , Xia Li , Yong-sheng Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cynanchum atratum</em> Bunge (<em>C. atratum</em>) and <em>Cynanchum versicolor</em> Bunge (<em>C. versicolor</em>) are two related species that have been used as “Baiwei” (Cynanchi Atrati Radix Et Rhizoma) in traditional medicine in China and other Asian countries for a long time. However, to date, no comprehensive review of <em>C. atratum</em> and <em>C. versicolor</em> has been published. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacology of Baiwei; The authors focus especially on the revision of errors in previous articles and reviews, updating information and providing a comparison of <em>C. atratum</em> and <em>C. versicolor</em>. Furthermore, current research reveals significant disparities in the chemical composition and pharmacological effects between <em>C. atratum</em> and <em>C. versicolor</em>. Up to November 2023, 178 compounds have been isolated from <em>C. atratum</em> and <em>C. versicolor</em>, including C<sub>21</sub> steroids, acetophenones, alkaloids and volatile oils. These compounds and extracts have been proven to exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-virus, anti-fungal, memory-enhancing and anti-pyretic action, immune modulatory effects, reducing blood lipid, inhibition of melanin production, and anti-parasitic effects. Therefore, this review presents new insights into these two herbs used as “Baiwei” and further study is warranted to enhance their clinical application.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Xie W, Liu XY, Li X, Jin YS. <em>Cynanchum atratum</em> Bunge and <em>Cynanchum versicolor</em> Bunge for Baiwei: An updated review of their botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological activities. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 230–255.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 230-255"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144080600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.007
Ke-jia Liu , Rui-min Jiao , Jing Ji , Wei-wei Yao , Chao-ru Han , Xin-yu Zhao , Jing-jie Zhao
Background
Acupuncture has shown potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with simple obesity. However, some researchers argue that some of the effectiveness of acupuncture may be due to the placebo response.
Objective
To understand the placebo response of acupuncture treatment in simple obesity, a systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the comparison between sham acupuncture before and after treatment.
Search strategy
Eight databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database) were searched from inception to August 1, 2023. The MeSH search terms comprised obesity and acupuncture.
Inclusion criteria
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using sham or placebo acupuncture as a control in treating obesity were enrolled.
Data extraction and analysis
Two researchers independently extracted data, and the results were cross-checked after completion. Each RCT’s detailed sham/placebo acupuncture treatment protocol was assessed according to the SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system were used to determine the risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was defined as the primary outcome. Anthropometric parameters and laboratory test parameters related to obesity were defined as secondary outcomes. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to calculate treatment effects of outcomes.
Results
Fifteen RCTs with a total of 1250 patients were included. The BMI significantly decreased after treatment in the sham acupuncture group compared to baseline (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.09–0.66; I2 = 81%, random model; P < 0.01). Treatment duration (P = 0.02) and other interventions significantly impacted the placebo response rate (P = 0.00).
Conclusion
The placebo response of sham acupuncture was strong in the RCTs for simple obesity, and the effect sizes differed between various outcomes. The treatment duration and other interventions emerged as potential influencing factors for the placebo response of sham acupuncture.
Please cite this article as: Liu KJ, Jiao RM, Ji J, Yao WW, Han CR, Zhao XY, Zhao JJ. Placebo response in sham acupuncture therapy trials for simple obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 264–273.
背景：针灸对单纯性肥胖患者有潜在的治疗效果。然而，一些研究人员认为，针灸的一些有效性可能是由于安慰剂反应。目的：为了解针灸治疗单纯性肥胖患者的安慰剂效应，对假针灸治疗前后进行系统评价和meta分析。检索策略：检索自成立至2023年8月1日的8个数据库（PubMed、Web of Science、Cochrane Library、Embase、中国国家知识基础设施、万方数据库、中国生物医学数据库、中国科学期刊库）。MeSH搜索词包括肥胖和针灸。纳入标准：随机对照试验（rct）采用假针灸或安慰剂针灸作为治疗肥胖的对照。数据提取与分析：两位研究者独立提取数据，完成后对结果进行交叉核对。每个RCT的详细假/安慰剂针灸治疗方案根据假针灸报告指南进行评估。修订后的Cochrane随机试验偏倚风险工具和分级推荐评估、发展和评价（GRADE）系统分别用于确定偏倚风险和证据质量。身体质量指数（BMI）被定义为主要终点。与肥胖相关的人体测量参数和实验室测试参数被定义为次要结局。我们使用95%可信区间（CI）的标准化平均差（SMD）来计算结果的治疗效果。结果：纳入15项随机对照试验，共1250例患者。与基线相比，假针组治疗后BMI显著降低(SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.09-0.66；I2 = 81%，随机模型；结论：在单纯性肥胖的随机对照试验中，假针灸的安慰剂效应较强，且不同结局间的效应量存在差异。治疗时间和其他干预措施是影响假针灸安慰剂反应的潜在因素。本文署名：刘建军，焦荣，季军，姚文文，韩荣，赵学勇，赵建军。单纯性肥胖的假针灸治疗试验中的安慰剂反应：系统回顾和荟萃分析。集成医学[J]；打印前Epub。
{"title":"Placebo response in sham acupuncture therapy trials for simple obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Ke-jia Liu , Rui-min Jiao , Jing Ji , Wei-wei Yao , Chao-ru Han , Xin-yu Zhao , Jing-jie Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Acupuncture has shown potential therapeutic benefits for individuals with simple obesity. However, some researchers argue that some of the effectiveness of acupuncture may be due to the placebo response.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To understand the placebo response of acupuncture treatment in simple obesity, a systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the comparison between sham acupuncture before and after treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Search strategy</h3><div>Eight databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Biology Medicine Database, and Chinese Scientific Journals Database) were searched from inception to August 1, 2023. The MeSH search terms comprised obesity and acupuncture.</div></div><div><h3>Inclusion criteria</h3><div>Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using sham or placebo acupuncture as a control in treating obesity were enrolled.</div></div><div><h3>Data extraction and analysis</h3><div>Two researchers independently extracted data, and the results were cross-checked after completion. Each RCT’s detailed sham/placebo acupuncture treatment protocol was assessed according to the SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system were used to determine the risk of bias and quality of evidence, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) was defined as the primary outcome. Anthropometric parameters and laboratory test parameters related to obesity were defined as secondary outcomes. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) to calculate treatment effects of outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifteen RCTs with a total of 1250 patients were included. The BMI significantly decreased after treatment in the sham acupuncture group compared to baseline (SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.09–0.66; <em>I</em><sup>2</sup> = 81%, random model; <em>P</em> < 0.01). Treatment duration (<em>P</em> = 0.02) and other interventions significantly impacted the placebo response rate (<em>P</em> = 0.00).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The placebo response of sham acupuncture was strong in the RCTs for simple obesity, and the effect sizes differed between various outcomes. The treatment duration and other interventions emerged as potential influencing factors for the placebo response of sham acupuncture.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Liu KJ, Jiao RM, Ji J, Yao WW, Han CR, Zhao XY, Zhao JJ. Placebo response in sham acupuncture therapy trials for simple obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 264–273.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 264-273"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.005
Saikrupa Adarthaiya , Vishnu Kirthi Arivarasan
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that significantly increase the chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Since current anti-MetS medications like statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, insulin sensitizers and diuretics have been reported to cause unwanted side effects, researchers are exploring promising alternatives. One such alternative relies on the potential of spices and condiments, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Among them, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume stands out as a popular spice worldwide for its unique taste, aroma, and delicate sweetness compared to other cinnamon varieties. This narrative review aims to summarize the in vivo and clinical evidence concerning the efficacy of C. zeylanicum against MetS indices. Relevant articles from PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases were reviewed. In vivo results suggested that C. zeylanicum preparations (extracts, essential oil, crude powder, bioactive compounds, and biosynthesized nanoparticles) were remarkably efficient in ameliorating MetS indices, while the clinical data were less and with several methodological limitations. Further robust clinical studies are warranted to definitively establish C. zeylanicum as a promising functional food for mitigating MetS, potentially leading to its dietary integration as a natural approach to improve metabolic health.
Please cite this article as: Adarthaiya S, Arivarasan VK. Potential of Cinnamomum zeylanicum for metabolic syndrome management: insights from in vivo and human studies. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 218–229.
{"title":"Potential of Cinnamomum zeylanicum for metabolic syndrome management: insights from in vivo and human studies","authors":"Saikrupa Adarthaiya , Vishnu Kirthi Arivarasan","doi":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.joim.2025.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that significantly increase the chances of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Since current anti-MetS medications like statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, insulin sensitizers and diuretics have been reported to cause unwanted side effects, researchers are exploring promising alternatives. One such alternative relies on the potential of spices and condiments, which have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Among them, <em>Cinnamomum zeylanicum</em> Blume stands out as a popular spice worldwide for its unique taste, aroma, and delicate sweetness compared to other cinnamon varieties. This narrative review aims to summarize the in vivo and clinical evidence concerning the efficacy of <em>C. zeylanicum</em> against MetS indices. Relevant articles from PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases were reviewed. In vivo results suggested that <em>C. zeylanicum</em> preparations (extracts, essential oil, crude powder, bioactive compounds, and biosynthesized nanoparticles) were remarkably efficient in ameliorating MetS indices, while the clinical data were less and with several methodological limitations. Further robust clinical studies are warranted to definitively establish <em>C. zeylanicum</em> as a promising functional food for mitigating MetS, potentially leading to its dietary integration as a natural approach to improve metabolic health.</div><div>Please cite this article as: Adarthaiya S, Arivarasan VK. Potential of <em>Cinnamomum zeylanicum</em> for metabolic syndrome management: insights from in vivo and human studies. <em>J Integr Med</em>. 2025; 23(3): 218–229.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48599,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Integrative Medicine-Jim","volume":"23 3","pages":"Pages 218-229"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144054661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.003
Yue Li , You-ning Liu , Zhen Guo , Mu-en Gu , Wen-jia Wang , Yi Zhu , Xiao-jun Zhuang , Li-ming Chen , Jia Zhou , Jing Li
Background
Modern acupuncture anesthesia is a combination of Chinese and Western medicine that integrates the theories of acupuncture with anesthesia. However, some clinical studies of acupuncture anesthesia lack specific descriptions of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding processes, with subsequent systematic reviews indicating a risk of bias.
Objective
Clinical trial registration is essential for the enhancement of the quality of clinical trials. This study aims to summarize the status of clinical trial registrations for acupuncture anesthesia listed on the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP).
Search strategy
We searched the ICTRP for clinical trials related to acupuncture anesthesia registered between January 1, 2001 and May 31, 2023. Additionally, related publications were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Data. Registrations and publications were analyzed for consistency in trial design characteristics.
Inclusion criteria
Clinical trials that utilized one of several acupuncture-related therapies in combination with pharmacological anesthesia during the perioperative period were eligible for this review.
Data extraction and analysis
Data extracted from articles included type of surgical procedure, perioperative symptoms, study methodology, type of intervention, trial recruitment information, and publication information related to clinical enrollment.
Results
A total of 166 trials related to acupuncture anesthesia from 21 countries were included in the analysis. The commonly reported symptoms in the included studies were postoperative nausea and vomiting (19.9%) and postoperative pain (13.3%). The concordance between the publications and the trial protocols in the clinical registry records was poor, with only 31.7% of the studies being fully compatible. Inconsistency rates were high for sample size (39.0%, 16/41), blinding (36.6%, 15/41), and secondary outcome indicators (24.4%, 10/41).
Conclusion
The volume of acupuncture anesthesia clinical trials registered in international trial registries over the last 20 years is low, with insufficient disclosure of results. Postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as postoperative pain, are the most investigated for acupuncture intervention.
Please cite this article as: Li Y, Liu YN, Guo Z, Gu ME, Wang WJ, Zhu Y, Zhuang XJ, Chen LM, Zhou J, Li J. Current situation of clinical trial registration in acupuncture anesthesia: A scoping review. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 256–263.
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