A systematic review and meta-analysis of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture in experimental ischemic stroke.
Acupuncture for stroke has been used in China for over 2,000 years and nowadays is increasingly practiced elsewhere in the world. However, previous studies had conflicting findings on the results of acupuncture. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the current evidence for the effect of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture in animal models of focal cerebral ischemia. Six databases from the inception of each database up to June 2013 were electronically searched. Primary outcomes were infarct size and neurobehavioral outcome. Ultimately, 54 studies involving 1816 animals were identified describing procedures. Meta-analysis results showed that twelve studies reported significant effects of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture for improving infarct volume compared with middle cerebral artery occlusion group (P < 0.01), and thirty-two studies reported significant effects of Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture for improving the neurological function score when compared with the control group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, Baihui (GV20)-based scalp acupuncture could improve infarct volume and neurological function score and exert potential neuroprotective role in experimental ischemic stroke.
1] Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China [2].
Wen-wen
WW
Wang
1] Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China [2].
Cheng-long
CL
Xie
Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
Lin
L
Lu
Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.
Guo-qing
GQ
Zheng
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000628:therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D020244:Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D012535:Scalp; D020521:Stroke / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome