The Possible Role of Stem Cells in Acupuncture Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Literature Review of Basic Studies

Tsung-Jung Ho; Tzu-Min Chan; Li-Ing Ho; Ching-Yuan Lai; Chia-Hsien Lin; Iona Macdonald; Horng-Jyh Harn; Jaung-Geng Lin; Shinn-Zong Lin M.D., Ph.D.; Yi-Hung Chen Ph.D.

doi:10.3727/096368914X678463

Cell Transplantation (May 2014)

The Possible Role of Stem Cells in Acupuncture Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Literature Review of Basic Studies

Tsung-Jung Ho,
Tzu-Min Chan,
Li-Ing Ho,
Ching-Yuan Lai,
Chia-Hsien Lin,
Iona Macdonald,
Horng-Jyh Harn,
Jaung-Geng Lin,
Shinn-Zong Lin M.D., Ph.D.,
Yi-Hung Chen Ph.D.

Affiliations

Tsung-Jung Ho: Division of Chinese Medicine, Tainan Municipal An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan
Tzu-Min Chan: Everfront Biotech Inc., New Taipei City, Taiwan
Li-Ing Ho: Department of Respiratory Therapy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
Ching-Yuan Lai: Department of Emergency Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Chia-Hsien Lin: Department of Health Industry Management, Kainan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
Iona Macdonald: Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
Horng-Jyh Harn: Department of Pathology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
Jaung-Geng Lin: School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
Shinn-Zong Lin M.D., Ph.D.: Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
Yi-Hung Chen Ph.D.: Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3727/096368914X678463
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 23

Abstract

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This review reports on recent findings concerning the effects of acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA) on stem cell mobilization and differentiation, in particular with regard to neurogenesis. Traditional Chinese acupuncture has a history of over 2,500 years and is becoming more popular worldwide. Evidence has demonstrated that acupuncture may be of benefit in stroke rehabilitation, parkinsonism, dementia, and depression. This article reviews recent studies concerning the effects of acupuncture/EA on stem cell mobilization and on progenitor cell proliferation in the CNS. The reviewed evidence indicates that acupuncture/EA has beneficial effects in several neurodegenerative diseases, and it may prove to be a nondrug method for mobilizing stem cells in the CNS.

Published in Cell Transplantation

ISSN: 0963-6897 (Print); 1555-3892 (Online)
Publisher: SAGE Publishing
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Medicine
Website: http://journals.sagepub.com/home/cll

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