AUTHOR=Zhang Gezhi , Zhang Tao , Cao Zeng , Tao Zijing , Wan Tianhao , Yao Mengxi , Su Xiaolan , Wei Wei 

TITLE=Effects and Mechanisms of Acupuncture on Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroscience

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2022.918701

DOI=10.3389/fnins.2022.918701

ISSN=1662-453X

ABSTRACT=BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of gut-brain interaction with challenging treatment. According to evidence-based researches, acupuncture is likely to be a promising therapy and subservient adjunct for IBS. Mechanism study of acupuncture based on related clinical trials of high quality, nevertheless, is still vacant. AIM To assess results and qualities of current clinical evidence, conclude the relevant pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic effects of acupuncture on IBS-D. METHODS Literature from four databases included PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Web of Science were systematically searched to obtain eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which contained mechanism research of acupuncture treatment in IBS-D patients. Two independent reviewers completed data extraction as well as quality evaluation with RevMan 5.4.1 software. RESULTS Ten trials covered 19 items related to mechanism research were decide to be included in this review. Acupuncture was reported to improve IBS-D symptoms and quality of life, with positive effects in regulating brain-gut peptides, cerebral activities, neuroendocrine functions, psychological state, inflammatory and hypersensitive intestinal tracts. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture has potential influence on pathophysiology alterations such as regulating brain-gut peptides, altering cerebral connectivity and activity, promoting neuroendocrine functions and mental state, and mitigating inflammation as well as hypersensitivity of bowels in IBS-D patients, but further studies of high quality are still necessary.