Abstract Title:

[Randomized controlled study on ear-electroacupuncture treatment of endometriosis-induced dysmenorrhea in patients].

Abstract Source:

Free Radic Res. 2008 Jan;42(1):94-102. PMID: 19761114

Abstract Author(s):

Ya-bei Jin, Zhan-ling Sun, Hui-fang Jin

Article Affiliation:

Department of Acu-moxibustion, Zhejiang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China. [email protected]

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of ear-electroacupuncture (Ear-EA) on dysmenorrhea in patients with endometriosis and to explore its underlying mechanism.

METHODS: A total of 80 endometriosis patients were randomly and equally divided into ear-EA group and body-EA group. EA (50 Hz, 0.5-0.8 mA) was applied to auricular points (Uterus, Subcortex, Shenmen, Endocrine, etc.) and body acupoints [Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Diji (SP 8), Uterus (EX-CA 1), etc.] respectively for 30 min, once every other day for 3 months. Dysmenorrhea severity score (DSS) was assessed and plasma prostaglandin (PGE2) and 6-Keto-PGF1alpha levels detected by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS: Compared with pre-treatment, DSS lowered significantly during the 1st and 2nd menstrual cycle in body-EA group, and during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstruation in ear-EA group; and the DSS of ear-EA group during the 3rd menstruation was evidently lower than that of body-EA group (P<0.05). During the 3rd menstrual onset after the treatment, plasma PGE2 contents in both groups decreased obviously (P<0.01), and plasma 6-Keto-PGF1alpha, levels increased considerably in comparison with pre-treatment (P<0.01). Comparison between two groups during the 3rd menstruation showed that plasma PGE2 level of ear-EA group was markedly lower than that of body-EA group, and 6-Keto-PGF1alpha, level of ear-EA group was significantly higher than that of body-EA group (P<0.05). No significant difference was found between two groups in clinical therapeutic effect (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: Both ear-EA and body-EA can effectively relieve endometriosis-induced dysmenorrhea, and the former is superior to the later in reducing pain severity, which may be closely related to their effects in reducing plasma PGE2 and raising 6-Keto-PGF1alpha level.

Study Type : Human Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.