Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture on Bone Mass in Osteopenic Ovariectomized Rats

Abstract

This study was designed to (1) test the preventive and therapeutic effects of acupuncture on osteopenia in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, and (2) assess whether treatment of different acupuncture points causes different effects on tibiae, femora or lumbar spines. Thirty-five female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Sham (sham-operated, non-acupuncture); Model (OVX, non-acupuncture); Acp-A [OVX, bilateral needling of points Tsu-San-Li (ST-36) and San-Yin- Chiao (SP-6)]; and Acp-B (OVX, bilateral needling of P'i-Shu (Bl-20) and Shen Shu (Bl-23)). Operations were performed at 8 weeks of age, 1 week later the study was started and continued for 16 weeks. Ovariectomy resulted in decreased bone mineral density (BMD) compared to the sham group over time, and Acp-A tended to have higher BMD than the other OVX groups, especially for tibiae. In addition, the bone ash weight of the Acp groups tended to be heavier than the model group. Deoxypyridinoline, the urinary marker of bone resorption, also appeared to be decreased in both acupuncture groups. Similarly, microarchitecture and bone morphometry of lumbar vertebrae and tibiae, such as bone volume, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, mineralizing surface, bone formation rate, mineral apposition rate, number of nodes and number of node-terminus struts, also showed the same improvement in the acupuncture groups as compared to the model control group. Our findings showed that acupuncture may prevent the development of osteopenia in rats induced by ovariectomy. Needling of Tsu-San-Li (ST-36) and San-Yin- Chiao (SP-6) seems more effective than needling of P'i-Shu (Bl-20) and Shen Shu (Bl-23) in bone anabolic regulation.

An exploratory study of gold wire implantation at acupoints to accelerate ulnar fracture healing in rats

“…Acupuncture is believed to be able to stimulate bone healing using points that tonify and move Qi along the meridians that pass through the affected area [13]. Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of acupuncture on bone healing [14][15][16]. In dogs with experimental radial defect, Sharifi et al [14] showed that acupuncture treatment of 14 days, 10 min/day has positive and stimulatory effects on formation of callus, trabecule, and fibrocartilage, compared to a control group.…”

“…In dogs with experimental radial defect, Sharifi et al [14] showed that acupuncture treatment of 14 days, 10 min/day has positive and stimulatory effects on formation of callus, trabecule, and fibrocartilage, compared to a control group. Acupuncture has been reported to increase bone weights, bone strength, trabecular volume, and bone formation rate in osteopenic ovariectomized rats [15][16][17][18]. And it has also been reported that acupuncture at acupoints has stronger effects on bone healing than at nonacupoints, indicating point-specificity on bone healing [17].…”

Local Thermal Therapy Effects on Menopausal Symptoms and Bone Mineral Density

“…4,17,18 For example, BL 23 is an acupoint on the BL, located inferior and lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar spine, used frequently in the management of menopausal hot flashes and osteoporosis. 4,17,18,33,34 Acupuncture at BL 23 has been shown to be effective in promoting bone formation, improving bone architecture, and reversing osteoporosis in the mice model. 33,34 These effects were suggested in relation to some degree of enhancement in the secretion of sex hormone and declining bone turnover by decreased OC levels.…”

“…4,17,18,33,34 Acupuncture at BL 23 has been shown to be effective in promoting bone formation, improving bone architecture, and reversing osteoporosis in the mice model. 33,34 These effects were suggested in relation to some degree of enhancement in the secretion of sex hormone and declining bone turnover by decreased OC levels. 33,34 There has been no report Change from baseline was defined as (score at 10th week -baseline score)/baseline score.…”

Effect of <i>Qing’e Pill</i> plus <i>Salvia</i> on Non-Traumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head of Idiopathic Type in Earlier Stage: A Case Report of a Twelve-Month of Period

“…Fat emboli and/or thrombi may further compromise circulation to the femoral head [5]- [7]. In addition, repair capacity and bone remodeling play important roles in the progression and severity of nontraumatic ONFH [8].…”