Current concept for anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture;based on the latest studies

침의 염증 제어 기전에 관한 최근 견해;최신 연구를 바탕으로

Objectives : The acupuncture has been in the classic arsenal of Oriental medicine over inflammatory diseases. Its physiological mechanism is not fully understood but being known better everyday. We reviewed several papers to describe current concepts over anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture. Methods : Some computerized literature searches were done using the key words of 'acupuncture' AND 'Anti-inflammatory' in Medline via Pubmed between March 2007 and December 2007. Only rationally-designed studies were picked among practically associated materials. A well-known hypothesis on acupunctural physiology was adapted for integration. Result : 18 studies were selected. 17 studies were laboratory experiment and 1 was a clinical study. Data was classified into some comprehensive categories. Author's opinion was added at the end of each category. Study results supported the hypotheses on acupunctural physiology; Acupuncture has some influences on autonomic nerve system(ANS). And it stimulates several receptors from target cells like macrophage, and finally inhbits cytokines like TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$ andIL-10 which are inflammation-mediated. Acupuncture increases the opioid releasing therefore relieves inflammation. And acupuncture inhibits cyclooxgenase(COX) but its mechanism is controversial until now. Conclusion : Current concepts over anti-inflammatory mechanism of acupuncture are as follows. Acupucture suppresses inflammation by stimulation of ANS, increasing of opioid releasing and inhibition of COX. But more studies are needed to fully describe the anti-inflammatory effect of acupuncture.