ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of moxibustion in the treatment of model rabbits with knee osteoarthritis (KOA).MethodsCNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, EMbase and The Cochrane Library databases were electronically searched to collect animal experiments on moxibustion in the treatment of model rabbits with KOA from inception to January 31st, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 13 articles involving 226 model rabbits were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that moxibustion could reduce Mankin score (MD=−6.47, 95%CI −7.63 to −5.32, P<0.000 01), positive expression rate of chondrocyte apoptosis (MD=−22.21, 95%CI −23.22 to −21.21, P<0.000 01), level of IL-1β in joint fluid (SMD=−8.40, 95%CI −15.09 to −1.72, P=0.01), NO content in joint fluid (SMD=−11.03, 95%CI −17.87 to −4.19, P=0.002), the level of serum IL-1β (MD=−19.94, 95%CI −23.61 to −16.27, P<0.05), and serum NO content (MD=−22.69, 95%CI −28.77 to −16.61, P<0.05) of model rabbits with KOA.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that moxibustion can improve articular cartilage injury, strengthen chondrocyte activity, inhibit the inflammatory response, and inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis of model rabbits with KOA. Due to the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy of acupuncture for PCOS infertility.MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for PCOS infertility from inception to January 5th, 2020. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsA total of 28 RCTs involving 2 192 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with western medicine alone, acupuncture could increase the pregnancy rate (RR=1.80, 95%CI 1.45 to 2.23, P<0.000 01) and ovulation rate (RR=1.33, 95%CI 1.15 to 1.54, P=0.000 1), and reduce levels of LH (SMD=−0.62, 95%CI −0.96 to −0.28, P=0.000 4) and LH/FSH (SMD=−0.65, 95%CI −1.02 to −0.29, P=0.000 5). Acupuncture combined with western medicine could increase the pregnancy rate (RR=1.75, 95% CI 1.50 to 2.03, P<0.000 01) and ovulation rate (RR=1.29, 95%CI 1.18 to 1.41, P<0.000 01), decrease levels of LH (SMD=−1.09, 95%CI −1.64 to −0.53, P=0.000 1), LH/FSH (SMD=−1.30, 95%CI −2.35 to −0.25, P=0.02), and levels of T (SMD=−1.13, 95%CI −1.59 to −0.66, P<0.000 01).ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that acupuncture alone or combined with western medicine can significantly improve ovulation rate, pregnancy rate and reduce hormone level. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the efficacy and safety of fire needle in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia. MethodsPubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, and CBM databases were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of fire needle for post-herpetic neuralgia from inception to June 5th, 2021. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies; then, meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. ResultsA total of 31 RCTs involving 2 755 patients were included. The results of meta-analysis showed that compared with western medicine, fire needle could reduce VAS score (SMD=−1.00, 95%CI −1.36 to −0.63, P<0.000 01). Fire needle combined with western medicine could improve the total efficiency (RR=1.15, 95%CI 1.06 to 1.23, P=0.000 3), reduce VAS score (SMD=−1.92, 95%CI −2.87 to −0.97, P<0.000 1), and SAS rating (SMD=−0.89, 95%CI −1.20 to −0.59, P<0.000 01). Compared with conventional acupuncture, fire needle could reduce VAS score (SMD=−1.37, 95%CI −2.35 to −0.39, P=0.006), and immediate analgesic time (SMD=−0.64, 95%CI −0.88 to −0.39, P<0.000 01). Compared with the traditional Chinese medicine, fire needle could reduce VAS score (SMD=−1.00, 95%CI −1.53 to −0.47, P=0.000 2), SDS rating (SMD=−1.59, 95%CI −1.18 to −1.31, P<0.000 01), SAS rating (SMD=−1.79, 95%CI −2.08 to −1.49, P<0.000 01). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions in experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group. ConclusionCurrent evidence shows that fire needle can significantly reduce pain intensity, relieve anxiety, and improve the quality of life of post-herpetic neuralgia patients. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high-quality studies are required to verify the above conclusion.