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Progress in understanding mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of acupuncture on functional constipation
Chi Ren, Si-Yuan Zhou, Jian-Jiao Mu, Ying Li
Chi Ren, Si-Yuan Zhou, Jian-Jiao Mu, Ying Li, Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, China
Supported by: the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program), No. 2011CB505205; Fundation of Science and Technology Project in Sichuan Province, No. 2012jY0039.
Correspondence to: Ying Li, Professor, Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, Sichuan Province, China. jialee@mail.sc.cninfo.net
Received: March 24, 2012 Revised: May 2, 2012 Accepted: June 16, 2012 Published online: July 8, 2012
Functional constipation is a common and frequently-occurring disease whose etiology and pathogenesis are still not very clear. Experimental studies using animal models of cathartic colon have shown abnormalities in ultrastructural plexus of enteric nervous system (ENS), expression of multiple receptors, and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Currently, there has been no consensus reached yet with regard to the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of acupuncture therapy on functional constipation, and the interaction among different regulatory mechanisms is not examined in depth. Future research should address this issue to better understand how acupuncture exerts therapeutic effects against functional constipation.
Citation: Ren C, Zhou SY, Mu JJ, Li Y. Progress in understanding mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of acupuncture on functional constipation. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012; 20(19): 1758-1762
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