Acupuncture and moxibustion for vascular dementia and its effect on serum VEGF and AChE

OBJECTIVE To observe the efficacy of Huayu Tongluo moxibustion combined with acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and routine acupuncture for vascular dementia (VD) and its effect on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). METHODS A total of 60 patients with VD were randomized into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the observation group, Huayu Tongluo moxibustion combined with acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and routine acupuncture were adopted, Huayu Tongluo moxibustion was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Dazhui (GV 14) and Shenting (GV 24); acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians was applied at corresponding Jing-well points according to pattern of syndrome; routine acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), etc. Acupuncture and moxibustion were given once a day, 6 times a week for 4 weeks. In the control group, donepezil was prescribed for oral administration, 5 mg each time, once a day for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of mini mental state examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL) were observed, and the serum levels of AChE and VEGF were detected in the two groups. RESULTS Compared before treatment, the MMSE and ADL scores and serum level of VEGF were increased (P<0.05), the serum level of AChE was decreased (P<0.05) after treatment in the two groups. The MMSE and ADL scores after treatment in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Huayu Tongluo moxibustion combined with acupuncture at Jing-well points on the differentiated meridians and routine acupuncture could improve cognitive function and activities of daily living, which may be related to the regulation of serum levels of VEGF and AChE.