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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 14, 2006; 12(14): 2245-2249
Published online Apr 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i14.2245
Hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at acupoint GB34 against CCl4-induced chronic liver damage in rats
Ji-Young Yi, Tae-Han Kim, Byung-Ryul Lee, Young-Il Kim, Kwon-Eui Hong, Hyun Lee, Yun-Kyoung Yim
Yun-Kyoung Yim, Tae-Han Kim, Ji-Young Yi, Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon University, #12407, 96-3, Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon 300-716, South Korea
Hyun Lee, Kwon-Eui Hong, Young-Il Kim, Byung-Ryul Lee, Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Dunsan Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University, 1136 Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-122, South Korea
Correspondence to: Professor. Yun-Kyoung Yim, OMD, PhD, Department of Meridian abd Acupoint, College of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon University, #12407, 96-3, Yongun-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon 300-716, South Korea. docwindy@dju.ac.kr
Telephone: +82-42-2802610 Fax: +82-42-2802610
Received: October 2, 2005
Revised: November 10, 2005
Accepted: December 22, 2005
Published online: April 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at Yanglingquan (GB34) on CCl4-induced chronic liver damage in rats.

METHODS: Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (1 mL/kg) and treated with manual acupuncture using reinforcing manipulation techniques at left GB34 (Yanglingquan) 3 times a week for 10 wk. A non-acupoint in left gluteal area was selected as a sham point. To estimate the hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at GB34, measurement of liver index, biochemical assays including serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol, histological analysis and blood cell counts were conducted.

RESULTS: Manual acupuncture at GB34 reduced the liver index, serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol levels as compared with the control group and the sham acupuncture group. It also increased and normalized the populations of WBC and lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION: Manual acupuncture with reinforcing manipulation techniques at left GB34 reduces liver toxicity, protects liver function and liver tissue, and normalizes immune activity in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

Keywords: Manual acupuncture; Yanglingquan (GB34); CCl4-induced liver damage; Hepatoprotective effect