*Corresponding Author:
Zhen Huang
Department of Acupuncture and massage,Zhejiang 310006, China
E-mail: huangzhen780@163.com
This article was originally published in a special issue, “Evolutionary Strategies in Biomedical Research and Pharmaceutical Sciences”
Indian J Pharm Sci 2020:83(3) Spl issue;62-67

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Abstract

To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A total of 102 obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease were randomly divided into control group (n=51) and treatment group (n=51). The patients in control group were given acupoint catgut embedding therapy, once every 2 w, for 3 mo; while the treatment group was given electroacupuncture therapy on the basis of the control group, once a d for 10 min, for 3 mo. The biochemical parameters, body shape parameters, liver imaging indexes, clinical efficacy and adverse reactions of the two groups were observed before and after treatment. After treatment, the basic parameters (body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage), liver fat (controlled attenuation parameters, liver stiffness measurement), liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase), fasting (fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose) and blood lipids (high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol) of the treatment group were significantly improved (p<0.05); the body parameters (body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage), liver fat (controlled attenuation parameters, liver stiffness measurement), liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase), fasting (fasting insulin) and blood lipids (high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol) of the control group were significantly improved (p<0.05) Lipid metabolism (high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total cholesterol) was significantly improved (p<0.05). The improvement of body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, controlled attenuation parameters and alanine aminotransferase in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (p<0.05). Acupoint catgut embedding combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of simple obesity complicated with fatty liver can improve the treatment effect of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, correct the state of fatty liver and improve clinical symptoms, with more exact curative effect and more significant advantages, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Keywords

NAFLD, ACE, electroacupuncture, clinical efficacy

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as a clinicopathological syndrome caused by excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells caused by nonalcoholic excessive intake and other identified liver injury factors, has the characteristics of insulin resistance (IR) and genetic susceptibility [1]. NAFLD covers a wide clinical range from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), pericellular fibrosis of NASH, progression to cirrhosis and finally liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [2]. With the development of urbanization and lifestyle changes in China, obesity and metabolic related diseases in the population are in a pandemic. The incidence rate of NAFLD has increased year by year, which has brought long-term health problems and economic burden to the masses and seriously affected the city’s social and economic progress and development. Therefore, it is urgent to find a long term effective treatment to treat this kind of disease [3,4].

At present, a large number of studies have confirmed that electroacupuncture is effective in the treatment of NAFLD with no side effects and green health, which has become the mainstream method for the treatment of NAFLD [5-7]. Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) therapy is a disease prevention and treatment method extended from the traditional acupuncture method. Its unique function of benign continuous stimulation of acupoints can well treat some chronic diseases [8]. In the treatment of NAFLD, the first choice is lifestyle changes and exercise, through this long-term weight loss to achieve remission and cure of early NAFLD. Therefore, Catgut Embedding at acupoints, which can treat obesity, control body weight (BW), body fat percentage (FP) and reduce BMI, has attracted the attention of many scholars [9,10]. However, there are few studies on the clinical efficacy of the two methods in the treatment of NAFLD, so this study intends to use ACE combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of NAFLD to explore its clinical effect.

General Clinical Data and Methods

General clinical data:

A total of 102 patients with NASH in our hospital from September 2017 to September 2019 were randomly divided into control group (51 cases) and treatment group (51 cases). In the control group, there were 51 cases, 32 females and 19 males, aged from 21 to 55 y, with an average of 36.87±3.61 y; the course of disease was 2 to 15 y, with an average of 4.36±1.89 y. In the treatment group, there were 51 cases, 30 females and 21 males, with an average age of 35±4.37 y (range, 22-54 y) and a course of 3-14 y (range, 4.46±2.15 y). There was no significant difference in gender, age and course of disease between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05).

Diagnostic criteria:

According to the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (updated version in 2018) issued by the fatty liver and alcoholic liver disease group of Hepatology branch of Chinese Medical Association and the fatty liver disease expert committee of Chinese Medical Association [11]-No history of excessive drinking (male alcohol consumption <30 g/d, female alcohol consumption <20 g/d) and other specific causes of fatty liver disease (amiodarone, glucocorticoid) Hormone and other drugs, hepatitis C virus type 3 infection, autoimmune hepatitis, total parenteral nutrition and other specific diseases lead to fatty liver. Pathological significant liver steatosis and imaging diagnosis of fatty liver. According to the above two items, it can be diagnosed as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Inclusive criteria- those who meet the above diagnostic criteria; those who can persist in 4 courses of treatment; those who can complete the examination and complete the medical record. Exclusion criteria- Excluding alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, drug induced liver disease, total parenteral nutrition, hepatolenticular degeneration and other specific diseases that can lead to fatty liver, as well as patients with other serious diseases at the onset stage; Patients who cannot complete the prescribed course of treatment; In pregnancy, lactation, mental illness and poor cooperation.

Therapeutic methods:

The control group was given catgut embedding therapy. Catgut embedding points- Zhongwan, huaroumen (bilateral), Daheng (bilateral), Guanyuan, Fenglong (bilateral), Ganshu (bilateral). Operation method- ask the patient to lie on his back naturally, expose the catgut embedding part, locate the acupoint and disinfect the local routine. The disposable embedding needle was used. The Laser capture microdissection (LCM) long protein thread was put into the front end of the embedding needle with sterile forceps and the needle was held in the right hand. The embedding needle was inserted vertically into the acupoint and quickly penetrated to the required depth. After getting Qi, the needle tube was withdrawn and the needle core was pushed. The egg thread was embedded in the subcutaneous tissue or muscle layer of the acupoint. At the same time, the stone hand slowly withdrew from the needle tube and the cotton ball pressed the needle hole for a moment. The adhesive tape shall be the same. The covered tape can be removed after 24 h. ACE was performed once every 2 w for 3 mo.

Patients in the treatment group were treated with electroacupuncture on the basis of those in the control group. Acupoints Ganshu, Zusanli, Fenglong and Taichong were selected for electroacupuncture treatment. 0.5-inch filiform needle and g-6805 acupuncture therapeutic apparatus (8-80 Hz, 14 times/ min, 1.5 V, 1mA and 10 min) were used. The treatment lasted for 10 min, once a d. After 6 d of continuous rest, the treatment lasted for 3 mo.

Observation indexes:

Biochemical indicators- Fasting blood samples were collected before and after treatment in both groups and the following biochemical indicators were detected- body liver enzymology, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood lipids, high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS). The collection and detection were completed from the laboratory of our hospital.

Imaging indicators- The controlled attenuation parameters (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were obtained by the same experienced and blinded doctor in the same machine before and after treatment with Fibrotouch controlled attenuation parameter ultrasonic measurement method. CAP and LSM reference value [12]- normal liver fat- CAP<238 db/m, fat content ≤10 %; mild fatty liver- 238 db/m ≤CAP <259 db/m, fat content in 11 % ~33 %; moderate fatty liver- 259 db/m ≤CAP<292 db/m, fat content in 34 % ~66 %; severe fatty liver- CAP>292 db/m, fat content ≥67 %; LSM reference range is 2.8~7.4 kpa, severe fatty liver and liver inflammatory reaction will lead to LSM rise.

Criteria for judging the efficacy of fatty liver: Complete recovery- ultrasound showed that the liver morphology returned to normal; markedly effective- ultrasound showed that the liver light spot was significantly improved and the rear echo was significantly reduced; effective- ultrasound showed that the fatty liver was slightly improved; ineffective- no change or even aggravation compared with before treatment, the total effective rate=cure rate+significant efficiency+effective rate.

Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (FP) of the two groups was measured according to “acupuncture treatment of obesity”.

Omron HBF-306 body fat measuring instrument, the reference range was 12 % -22 % for male and 20 % -30 % for female [10].

The skin redness, swelling, pruritus, ulceration at the sutures, limb weakness, loss of appetite and abdominal pain were observed.

Statistical analysis:

SPSS 20.0 statistical software was used for data analysis. The measurement data were expressed as x±s and the comparison of the rates was performed by χ2 test. The comparison of samples between groups and before and after treatment was performed by t test. *, #p<0.05 and **, ##p<0.01 were considered statistically significant.

Results and Discussion

Before treatment, there was no significant difference in BW, BMI, WC and FP between the two groups (p>0.05). After treatment, BW, BMI, WC and FP of NAFLD patients in the two groups were significantly decreased (p<0.05). After treatment, the improvement of BW, BMI and WC in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group (p<0.05) (Table 1).

Group n BW (kg) BMI WC (cm) FP (%)
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
Treatment 51 80.09±10.34 70.56±8.27**, ## 29.28±2.35 26.09±2.24*, # 96.72±7.28 87.30±5.49**, # 34.11±6.37 30.15± 3.73*, #
Control 51 82.15±11.22 79.58±10.08 29.11±2.17 27.31±2.03 97.57±7.45 91.10±5.88 33.86±6.52 32.25±3.29

Table 1: Comparison of Basic Parameters Between the Two Groups Before and after Treatment

As shown in Table 2, there was no significant difference in CAP and LSM between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05). After treatment, CAP and LSM were significantly decreased in the two groups (p<0.05). After treatment, the improvement of CAP in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (p<0.05).

Group n CAP LSM
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
Treatment 51 288.08±24.45 267.15±28.49**, # 7.43±2.03 6.11±1.54**
Control 51 289.12±25.37 276.23±30.33* 7.88±2.57 6.89±1.78**

Table 2: Comparison of Liver Fat Index Between Two Groups Before and after Treatment

ALT and AST were compared between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05). Compared with before and after treatment, ALT and AST in two groups were significantly decreased (p<0.05). After treatment, the improvement of ALT in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (p<0.05) (Table 3).

Group n ALT(U/L) AST(U/L)
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
Treatment 51 36.67±16.91 24.48±8.29** 27.18±12.28 20.78±4.68*
Control 51 38.87±17.58 27.56±7.97* 28.71±13.09 21.54±6.77*

Table 3: Comparison of Liver Enzyme Indexes Between the Two Groups before and after Treatment

There was no significant difference in fasting FPG and fins between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05). After treatment, FPG and fins in the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment (p<0.05), as shown in Table 4.

Group n FPG (mmol.L-1) FINS(mU.L-1)
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
Treatment 51 5.76±0.71 5.54±1.14* 19.09±9.17 12.34±5.29**
Control 51 5.87±0.65 5.71±1.37 19.93±9.08 15.93±5.91*

Table 4: Comparison of the Changes of Fasting Blood Glucose and Insulin Between the Two Groups before and after Treatment

There was no significant difference in HDL-C, LDL-C, TG and TC between the two groups before treatment (p>0.05). After treatment, LDL-C, TG and TC in the treatment group were significantly lower than those before treatment (p<0.05) and HDL-C was significantly higher than that before treatment (p<0.05). In the control group, LDL-C and TG decreased significantly after treatment (p<0.05) and HDL-C increased significantly after treatment (p<0.05). As shown in Table 5.

Group n HDL-C (mmol/L) LDL-C (mmol/L) TG (mmol/L) TC (mmol/L)
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
Treatment 51 1.22±0.29 1.39±0.38* 3.07±0.76 2.73±0.54* 2.68±1.13 1.73±0.39** 5.52±0.74 4.98±0.27**
Control 51 1.19±0.33 1.31±0.44* 3.01±0.78 2.77±0.55* 2.74±1.38 1.78±0.46** 5.49±0.71 5.39±0.33

Table 5: Comparison of Blood Lipid Metabolism Indexes Between the two Groups Before and After Treatment

As shown in Table 6, after the treatment, 7 cases were cured, 4 cases were markedly effective, 30 cases were effective and 10 cases were ineffective in the treatment group. The total number of cases in the treatment group was 51 and the total effective rate was 80.39 %. In the control group, 2 cases were cured, 4 cases were markedly effective, 29 cases were effective and 16 cases were ineffective. The total number of cases in the control group was 51 and the total effective rate was 68.63 %. The total effective rate of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (p<0.05).

Group n Complete cure Remarkable effect Effective Ineffective Total effective rate
Treatment 51 7 4 30 10 41 (80.39 %)#
Control 51 2 4 29 16 35 (68.63 %)

Table 6: Comparison of Curative Effect Between the Two Groups after Treatment

As shown in Table 7, in the whole process of treatment, the adverse reactions in the treatment group- 2 cases of skin swelling or itching, 1 case of limb fatigue and 1 case of anorexia, the adverse reaction rate was 7.84 %; the adverse reactions in the control group- 3 cases of skin swelling or itching, 2 cases of abdominal pain, 4 cases of anorexia and 1 case of wound ulceration, the adverse reaction rate was 19.61 %. The difference was significant (p<0.05).

Group n Skin redness or itching Limb weakness Loss of appetite The wound was ulcerated by suture Abdominal distension Adverse reaction rate
Treatment 51 2 1 1 0 0 4 (7.84 %)#
Control 51 3 0 4 1 2 10 (19.61 %)

Table 7: The Occurrence of Adverse Reaction Symptoms in the Two Groups

In recent years, with the development of society, great changes have taken place in people’s life style, high oil and high sugar, high energy diet structure can be seen everywhere and physical activity is significantly reduced. These excess calories are stored in the body in the form of fat. When they reach a certain value and there is no other cause, they are called simple obesity. Studies have shown that obesity is closely related to environmental genetics, gender, race, nutritional status and marital relationship [13,14]. In China, the rising trend of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity is parallel, which has become one of the main factors of chronic liver injury and end-stage liver disease in China [15]. Therefore, the treatment of simple obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease [16,17] has become a public health problem that cannot be ignored.

Electroacupuncture is to stimulate the filiform needle with pulse current on the basis of acupuncture, so as to enhance the curative effect and continuously stimulate the acupoints. To a certain extent, it can replace the acupuncture technique. A large number of clinical and experimental studies have confirmed that electroacupuncture can effectively treat NAFLD. Catgut embedding at acupoints refers to the compound therapy of embedding absorbable catgut into acupoints to stimulate acupoints permanently. When the human body is active, the catgut entering the acupoints and the tissues move relatively, producing a lasting sense of acid swelling and continuously stimulating the acupoints [18]. Studies have shown that Catgut Embedding at acupoints can accelerate metabolism, promote fat decomposition, enhance human immunity and play a benign regulatory role in the body’s neuroendocrine system [19-21]. Compared with electroacupuncture therapy, the impact on the body is more complex. At present, it is very rare to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the two methods in the treatment of NAFLD. Therefore, on this basis, we combined the two different methods in the treatment of NAFLD for clinical efficacy and impact on liver function. Japanese scholar Dai Tian Wenyan’s research results show that Ganshu is often used in acupuncture for liver diseases [22]. Zusanli and Fenglong are acupoints of the stomach meridian of Foot Yangming. The stomach meridian of Foot Yangming is the meridian of multi Qi and multi blood. The acupoints of Zusanli and Fenglong are good at treating spleen and stomach diseases, Qi and blood, blood and other diseases. It has been proved that stimulation of Zusanli (ST36) can cause multi system reactions, especially the effects of digestive system and blood biochemistry. Taichong is the original point of the liver meridian, which has the effect of strengthening the body and eliminating pathogenic factors. It can be used for the deficiency and excess syndrome of the liver. The results showed that the curative effect of the treatment group was significantly better than that of the control group (p<0.05) After treatment, the body parameters (BW, BMI, WC, FP), liver fat (CAP, LSM), liver enzymes (ALT, AST), fasting (FINS, FPG) and blood lipids (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, TC) of the treatment group were significantly improved (p<0.05); the body parameters (BW, BMI, WC, FP), liver fat (CAP, LSM), liver enzymes of the control group were significantly improved (p<0.05) ALT, AST, fins and blood lipid metabolism (HDL-C, LDL-C, TG, TC) were significantly improved (p<0.05). After treatment, the improvement of BW, BMI, WC, CAP and ALT in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group (p<0.05), that is, electroacupuncture can further improve the BW, BMI, WC, CAP and ALT of obese NAFLD patients on the basis of ACE therapy, indicating that electroacupuncture has good effects on reducing blood lipid, reducing intrahepatic lipid deposition, improving liver function and anti-liver fibrosis. The mechanism of action may be as follows- Acupuncture at Fenglong can transform both visible and invisible phlegm, regulate the spleen and stomach, promote transportation, eliminate phlegm turbidity and eliminate the source of phlegm; Zusanli can regulate the function of spleen and stomach. The experimental study found that after electroacupuncture at Zusanli, the hemorheological indexes of the patients were improved and the TC and TG were also decreased. Acupuncture at Fenglong could reduce the content of TC in serum. In addition, acupuncture and moxibustion can enhance the sympathetic nerve function, increase the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the blood, activate the adenylate cyclase on the cell membrane, increase the cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the cell and produce the effect of lipolysis, so as to achieve the lipid-lowering effect. The improvement effect of CAP and ALT on ultrasound image characteristics is better, which may be that the stimulation of electroacupuncture therapy is more lasting and intense than catgut embedding therapy and the liquefaction and absorption process of catgut in the body will produce a series of biochemical reactions, so as to regulate the metabolic state.

In conclusion, ACE combined with electroacupuncture in the treatment of simple obesity complicated with fatty liver can improve the treatment effect of NAFLD, correct the state of fatty liver, improve the clinical symptoms, the curative effect is more exact and the advantages are more significant, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Acknowledgement:

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Planning Project of Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. 2012ZB126).

Conflicts of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest.

References