Effect of Acupuncture on Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study

Chen, Ying-Ru; Fang, Yigong; Yang, Jinsheng; Wang, Fei; Wang, Yingying; Li, Yang

doi:10.1155/2014/718675

Cited by 27 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…36 EA may play a dual role in the regulation of sex hormones and metabolism. For example, acupuncture can reduce the burden of menopause-related symptoms, 37 increase levels of oestradiol, 38 treat premature ovarian failure 39 and improve diminished ovarian reserve. 40 These effects may be related to upregulation of gene and protein expression of components of the PI3K/Akt/ mTOR signalling pathway.…”

Section: Ea Simultaneously Improved Ovarian Cycle and Glucose Metabolismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture Attenuates Hyperglycaemia and Improves Ovarian Function in Female Rats Subjected to Continuous Light Exposure

Kang

et al. 2017

Acupunct Med

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Objective Exposure to unnatural light cycles is increasingly associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on glucose metabolism and ovarian function in female rats subjected to longterm continuous light exposure. Methods Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were divided into three experimental groups: an LD group that was maintained under a normal light-dark cycle (healthy control); an LL group that was exposed to continuous light for 21 weeks but remained untreated; and an LL+EA group that received EA at ST36 and SP6 during weeks 17 to 21 of continuous light exposure. Results Oestrous cycles of female rats kept in a continuously lit environment for 21 weeks were disordered and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-like changes occurred, accompanied by increased fasting blood glucose (6.23±0.33 vs 5.27±0.40 mmol/L in week 17, p=0.015) and reduced fasting levels of serum testosterone (0.07±0.018 vs 0.12±0.058 ng/L, p=0.043) and insulin (0.89±0.20 vs 1.43±0.46 ng/L, p=0.006). After 5 weeks of EA treatment at ST36 and SP6, ovarian cycle disruption was mitigated and blood glucose levels showed a gradual decline (5.18±0.37 vs 5.80±0.55 mmol/L, p=0.017; and 5.73±0.31 vs 6.62±0.13 mmol/L, p=0.004; in the fourth and fifth weeks of EA treatment, respectively). EA also attenuated the reductions otherwise seen in serum insulin and testosterone levels. Conclusion Prolonged exposure to light can lead to a decline in ovarian and pancreatic function. EA at ST36 and SP6 may reduce abnormally elevated blood glucose levels and improve ovarian and pancreatic hormone levels. InTRoduCTIonHuman circadian rhythms are synchronised to light/dark cycles. Over time, organisms have adapted to diurnal variations in their physiology and metabolism. These rhythms are regulated by molecular circadian clocks. However, in recent years, humans have shifted away from the naturally occurring solar light cycle in favour of artificial, irregular light schedules produced by electrical lighting. Disruption of the core clock genes secondary to interference with these environmental considerations may lead to an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease.1 2 Genetic disruption of clock genes in mice induces metabolic dysfunction at distinct phases of the sleep/ wake cycle.3 Constant exposure to light induces alterations in melatonin levels, food intake, visceral adiposity and circadian rhythms in rats. 4 Exposure of adult female rats to continuous light leads to the gradual development of chronic anovulation.5 6 However, it remains unknown how continuous light exposure affects glucose levels in female rats.As contemporary exposure to artificial light environments is unlikely to change, there may be a potential role for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in allowing humans to enjoy the convenience of artificially lit environments, while reducing the potential side effects of light exposure to a minimum. Acupuncture is now widely practised in both East Asian an...

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Section: Ea Simultaneously Improved Ovarian Cycle and Glucose Metabolismmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acupuncture Attenuates Hyperglycaemia and Improves Ovarian Function in Female Rats Subjected to Continuous Light Exposure

Kang

et al. 2017

Acupunct Med

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“…In another study, acupunctures were used for 31 patients presenting with idiopathic POF at the same points used in the current study. In that study duration of acupuncture between 20-30 minutes, once every other day for three months [25], the baseline serum concentrations of FSH and LH before acupuncture were 63.7 ±23.3 and 48.6 ±18.7 IU/L, respectively, after acupuncture, FSH significantly decreased to 48 ±16.6IU/L(p=0.001) and LH significantly decreased to 17.01 ±11.66 IU/L(p=0.001). Serum concentration of E2 significantly increased from 49.5 ± 30.5 to 68.24 ±36.15 pmol/L (p = 0.001).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…For instance, normalization of hormones after acupuncture might be due to modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis [25]. Improvement in symptoms of patients was also related to improved mental state including rhythmic secretions of pituitary gonadotropin.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bee Stings at Sites of Acupuncture as a Potential Therapy for Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study

Shehata¹,

El-Dorf²,

Hussien³

et al. 2016

MOJWH

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Objectives: To evaluate administration of bee stings at sites of acupuncture on the hormonal profile of patients with idiopathic premature ovarian failure (POF).Study design: A pilot study carried at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Tanta University Hospital, and at the Entomology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University from June 2015 to December 2015.Patients and Methods: 20 patients aged 18 to 40 years with idiopathic POF were included in a case series study. Measurement of serum concentrations of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), 17β-estradiol (E2) and Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) with calculation of Antral Follicles Count (AFC) and volume of ovaries was done before and after bee stings that were administered for 3 months, 2 sessions per week. Every session was 15 minutes with a range of 3-8 stings per session at the site of acupuncture. The outcome measures were changes in estimated variables within one month after bee stings.Results: FHS and LH significantly decreased from 54.5 ± 3.2 to 27.1 ± 5 mIU/ mL and from 53.8 ± 2.7 to 25.2 ± 4.1 mIU/mL respectively (P value< 0.001). E2 significantly increased from 38.7 ± 3.3 to 92.5 ± 2.9 Pg/mL (P value< 0.05). Ovarian volume, AFC and AMH were not specifically different after bee stings. Conclusion:Bee stings at the sites of acupunctures significantly reduced the serum levels of both FSH and LH and increased serum concentrations of E2 with improvement in hot flushes and vaginal dryness. Bee stings had no effect on AFC, AMH or ovarian volume. The use of bee venom (stings) therapy at the sites of acupunctures for patients with idiopathic POF is recommended.

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“…Currently, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of non-hormonal treatment options such as complementary therapies, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Venlafaxine, or Gabapentin. In a study of 31 POI patients investigating the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture, three months of acupuncture administered three times a week resulted in significant reductions in average serum FSH (p < 0.01) and LH (p < 0.01), as well as a significant increase in average serum estradiol (p < 0.01) [41]. Significant reductions in Self-Rated Anxiety Score following treatment were also reported (p < 0.001).…”

Section: Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Update on primary ovarian insufficiency

Hewlett

Mahalingaiah

2015

Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes &Amp; Obesity

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Purpose of Review Despite an incidence of one percent among women under the age of forty, primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is still poorly understood. As the variable etiology and presentation of POI complicate its management, a standard regimen for treatment remains to be established. However, emerging research has provided new insight on current mainstays of treatment as well as novel management approaches and therapeutic interventions. Recent findings Recent clinical trials in women with POI indicate that the widely-used regimen of transdermal estradiol and medroxyprogesterone acetate restores bone mineral density (BMD) to a level equal to women with normal ovarian function. Further research verifies that compounded bioidentical hormones and androgen supplementation are inadequate in treating POI and lowering risk for long-term sequelae. Additionally, assessing changes in bone turnover markers may be useful for monitoring BMD. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, DHEA, and buproprion may be effective in treating the effects of estrogen deficiency at some level, but require further investigation. Summary Recent updates show promise in improving management methods and reducing risk of long-term sequelae. Additional research that expands upon the most current literature is critical in order to achieve an evidence-based standard of best practice.

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Effect of Acupuncture on Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study

Cited by 27 publications

References 25 publications

Acupuncture Attenuates Hyperglycaemia and Improves Ovarian Function in Female Rats Subjected to Continuous Light Exposure

Acupuncture Attenuates Hyperglycaemia and Improves Ovarian Function in Female Rats Subjected to Continuous Light Exposure

Bee Stings at Sites of Acupuncture as a Potential Therapy for Idiopathic Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study

Update on primary ovarian insufficiency

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