To study the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on patients with osteoarthritis, and to observe the effect of electroacupuncture on the level of IL-1beta and TNFalpha.
Forty-three subjects received electroacupuncture treatment at Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), etc. The intensity of pain, the ability of the movement of legs, the level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in patients were measured before and after treatment.
According to VAS, the intensity of pain was (64.22 +/- 14.55) and (32.50 +/- 10.79) before and after treatment, respectively. The score of movement ability of affected legs was (7.38 +/- 2.01) and (9.05 +/- 1.89) before and after treatment, respectively. Thus, the intensity of pain and the ability of movement were significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.01). The level of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in patients were significantly decreased (both P < 0.05).
The short term therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on patients with osteoarthritis is better, it may result from that the electroacupuncture inhibit the activity of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.