Lipid Profile Response to Electroacupuncture in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Patients with Hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is estimated to be one of the most common diseases affecting the liver because of its high prevalence worldwide. Abnormal lipid profile between NAFLD patients has been reported in several studies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid profile response to electroacupuncture in NAFLD patients. Methods: A total of 60 female patients with NAFLD were included in the study with ages ranged from (30-55) years old. They were divided equally into two groups, group A received electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at points of; LR14, LR3, ST36, and GB34. And group B received sham acupuncture application in non-acupuncture points. The demographic data and lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), serum triglycerides (TG), serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL), serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were recorded before and after the study. Results: The study results revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) of LDL, TC, TG after 6 weeks of non-interrupted treatment sessions in group A, However HDL showed no significant improvement (p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between posttreatment values of LDL, TC, and TG between both groups. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture can be an effective, simple, and applicable method for the improvement of elevated lipid profiles in NAFLD patients.

Response of Lipid Profile to Laser Acupuncture along with Diet and Pilates Exercise in Obese Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Furthermore, specific acupoint stimulation amplifies the lipid-lowering effects by modifying inf lammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6) and regulating lipid synthesis and conversion processes (inhibiting the conversion of FFA to TG and enhancing the conversion of proHDL to HDL). Several studies have corroborated these findings, highlighting the beneficial effects of acupoint stimulation on blood lipids [7,18,21,35].…”

“…LAT was administered thrice weekly on selected acupoints according to traditional Chinese medicine principles [17]. Group A was treated at specific acupoints (GB34, GB28, ST25, ST36, ST40, SP6, CV4, CV9, and CV12) with a 2-minute laser at specific settings (a 2-J/cm 2 amplitude, 200-ns pulse period, 5000 Hz, and a 940-nm wavelength) [18][19][20][21][22].…”

Lipid Profile Response to Acupuncture in Obese Patients with Subjective Tinnitus: a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The studies by Draz et al [14] and Taha et al [15] showed that patients with fatty liver who received electroacupuncture at LR14, LR3, ST36, and GB34 acupoints had a significant decrease in TG s levels. Another study conducted in 2018 reported that 8-week electroacupuncture treatment in obese patients' bilateral ST25 and GB28 acupoints significantly decreased their blood lipid levels [13].…”

“…Another study wherein Egyptian women with hyperlipidemia underwent 6-week electroacupuncture at the acupoints LR14, LR3, ST36, GB34 showed significant improvements in C, TG s , and LDL s levels among women who received the therapy at the real acupoints compared to those who did on fake acupoints [15].…”

“…Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicinal modality [9], has long been used as a complementary treatment for tinnitus [10] and dyslipidemia [11][12][13][14][15]; however, studies investigating changes in lipid profile and tinnitus-related quality of life responses to acupuncture therapy (AT) among obese patients with CIST are lacking.…”