RECENT RESEARCH
Acupuncture and TCM
Liu F , Wang Y , Lyu K , Du X , Zhou M , Shi J , Na R , Guo Y , Wang G , Xu W , Zheng T . Acupuncture and its ability to restore and maintain immune homeostasis , QJM : An International Journal of Medicine . 2024 ; 117 ( 3 ): 167 – 176 . https :// doi . org / 10.1093 / qjmed / hcad134
Summary : Immune homeostasis is a steady immune state that not only protects the host from pathogens but also prevents the emergence of pathological self-reactive immune cells . The disruption of immune homeostasis leads to the development of various diseases , such as cancer and autoimmune diseases . An emerging paradigm for the treatment of these diseases with dysfunctional immune systems is the restoration and maintenance of immune homeostasis . However , currently available drugs exert a unidirectional influence on immunity whereby they either augment or inhibit it . This strategy is associated with the drawback of potential adverse effects arising from uncontrolled activation or suppression of the immune system . Fortunately , evidence suggests that acupuncture can bidirectionally regulate the immune system to maintain immune homeostasis . In cases of immunosuppressive diseases ( e . g . cancer ), acupuncture has an enhancing effect on immunity . Conversely , in autoimmune diseases ( e . g . rheumatoid arthritis ), acupuncture has been observed to have an immunosuppressive effect , which helps restore normal immune tolerance . However , there is no publication systematically summarizing the bidirectional regulatory effects of acupuncture on the immune system in the literature . Here , our review provides a comprehensive overview of the various mechanisms through which acupuncture modulates the immune system in a bidirectional manner . These mechanisms include the augmentation of NK and CD8 + T cell function , as well as the restoration of Th1 / Th2 , Th17 / Treg and M1 / M2 balance . Thus , we propose the concept that acupuncture has the potential to alleviate illnesses through the facilitation of immune normalization . Moreover , we further highlight the therapeutic potential of acupuncture .
Wang J , Zhu F , Huang W , Chen Z , Zhao P , Lei Y , Liu Y , Liu X , Sun B , Li H . Therapeutic effect and mechanism of acupuncture in autoimmune diseases . The American Journal of Chinese Medicine . 2022 ; 50 ( 3 ). https :// doi . org / 10.1142 / S0192415X22500252
Autoimmune diseases ( AIDs ) are conditions arising from abnormal immune reactions to autoantigens , which can be defined as the loss of immune tolerance to autoantigens , causing the production of autoantibodies and subsequent inflammation and tissue injury . The etiology of AIDs remains elusive , which may involve both genetic and environmental factors , such as diet , drugs , and infections . Despite rapid progress in the treatment of autoimmune diseases over the past few decades , there is still no approach that can cure AIDs . As an alternative approach , traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) such as acupuncture has been used in an attempt to treat AIDs including multiple sclerosis ( MS ), rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ), and inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD ), and the results have proven to be quite promising , despite the fact that its mechanism is still not fully understood . In this review , the present knowledge regarding mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of AIDs has been summarized , and deeper insights will be provided in order to better understand how acupuncture may regulate immune responses during AIDs .
Novikov YO , Akopyan AP . The value of traditional medicine should not be underestimated — Traditional Chinese Medicine in treatment of autoimmune diseases . Chinese Medicine and Culture . 2024 ; 7 ( 2 ): p 167-173 . DOI : 10.1097 / MC9.0000000000000102
Autoimmune diseases of the nervous system ( ADNS ) are characterized by the formation of a pronounced neurologic deficit and often lead to disability . The attention of doctors and researchers is increasingly attracted by complementary medicine as adjuvant or preventive therapy for various diseases , including autoimmune diseases . Traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) is a combination of treatment methods that include acupuncture , herbal medicine , dietetics , physical exercises , and other methods that are often used in conjunction with recognized approaches of official medical science . The article describes the application of TCM techniques in autoimmune diseases of the nervous system , and demonstrates clinical experience in the use of acupuncture , herbal medicine , diets and physical exercises . Traditional and complementary medicine is an important and often underestimated healthcare resource , especially in the prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases of the nervous system .
Cao R , Zhao W , Shen J , Xi C . Research progress of Chinese medicine regulating intestinal flora in the treatment of autoimmune diseases . International Journal of Frontiers in Medicine . 2024 ; 6 ( 7 ): 64-71 . DOI : 10.25236 / IJFM . 2024.060711
Autoimmune diseases ( AIDs ) are chronic systemic diseases of unknown etiology that predispose to widespread damage to multiple organs and systems . However , their exact pathogenesis is unclear and clinical treatment is difficult . In recent years , intestinal flora and immune regulatory mechanisms have become a research hotspot . Current studies have shown that intestinal flora plays a significant role in maintaining the immune and metabolic homeostasis of the body . With the increasing maturity of metabolomics and immunomics technologies , studies on the effects of traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) on intestinal flora have shown that TCM can play a positive role in the treatment of autoimmune diseases through the regulation of intestinal flora . This article reviewed the research progress of Chinese medicine regulating intestinal flora in the treatment of autoimmune diseases , and explored the mechanism of intestinal
238 | vol30 | no4 | JATMS