Clinical Research
Effects of warm acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment based on the theory of intestinal flora
Xiao Yaping, Li Xiujuan, Wu Yang, Miao Ziyan, Niu Xianglai, Zhou Yu
Published 2024-01-30
Cite as Int J Trad Chin Med, 2024, 46(1): 37-41. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115398-20221229-00370
Abstract
ObjectiveTo observe the effects of warm acupuncture on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) based on the theory of intestinal flora.
MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. 60 patients with PSCI in the Department of Acupuncture and Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the observation objects, and were divided into 2 groups by random number table, with 30 cases in each group. On the basis of cognitive rehabilitation training, the treatment group was given warm acupuncture treatment, and the control group was given routine acupuncture treatment. 2 groups were treated for 4 weeks as 1 course, and a total of 4 courses were treated. Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) was used to assess patients' cognitive function before and after treatment, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to assess patients' intelligence level. The numbers of bifidobacteria and lactic acid bacteria in fecal samples were calculated, and plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels were detected by ELISA to evaluate the clinical efficacy.
ResultsDuring the study, 1 case was lost in each of the two groups, and finally 29 cases were included in the curative effect statistics. The total effective rate was 79.3% (23/29) in the treatment group and 65.5% (19/29) in the control group, with statistical significance (χ2=43.39，P<0.05). After treatment, MoCA score [(24.23±1.36) vs. (21.26±1.30), t=3.12] and MMSE score [(25.35±1.24) vs. (21.52±1.22), t=3.25] in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05); Bifidobacterium [(9.20±1.25) LgCFU/g vs. (7.23±1.21) LgCFU/g, t=2.98], Lactic acid bacteria [(8.24±1.12) LgCFU/g vs. (6.25±1.22) LgCFU/g, t=2.92], and the level of GABA [(283.80±83.54) mmol/L vs. (264.76±61.38) mmol/L, t=10.54] were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
ConclusionWarm acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively regulate the number of intestinal beneficial bacteria in PSCI patients, increase the level of GABA, promote brain tissue repair and improve cognitive function.
Key words:
Stroke; Cognition disorders; Needle warming therapy; Gamma-aminobutyric acid; Gastrointestinal tract; Probiotics
Contributor Information
Xiao Yaping
Department of Acupuncture and Massage, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
Li Xiujuan
Department of Acupuncture and Massage, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
Wu Yang
Department of Acupuncture and Massage, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
Miao Ziyan
Department of Acupuncture and Massage, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
Niu Xianglai
Department of Acupuncture and Massage, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
Zhou Yu
Department of Acupuncture and Massage, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China
