Effekte der Akupunktur auf die metabolisch induzierte Vasodilatation bei chronischen Rauchern - Untersuchung mittels Venenverschlussplethysmographie

Background: Chronic smoking is the primary risk factor for the
development of atherosclerosis. The early adverse events of smoking
are reflected by a functional impairment of vasomotor function
known to precede and predict the formation of vascular lesion. We
investigated the effects of acupuncture on flow mediated
vasodilation (FMD) as a measure of vascular function in chronic
smokers. Methods and Results: Otherwise healthy male chronic
smokers (n=20) were compared with healthy volunteers (n=11). All
patients received 5 sessions of systemic acupuncture over 3 weeks.
FMD was determined by venous occlusion plethysmography. Soluble
P-selectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and high
sensitive CRP levels were measured on each visit. In chronic
smokers FMD was impaired when compared to controls. In addition,
plasma P-selectin and PAI-1 levels were found to be higher compared
to controls. 5 consecutive acupuncture sessions significantly
improved impaired FMD of forearm resistance vesselsin chronic
smokers. This was associated with significant reduction of enhanced
soluble P-selectin and plasma PAI-1 antigen levels. Conclusions:
The results demonstrate for the first time that acupuncture
improves impaired flow mediated vasodilation of the forearm
vasculature in otherwise healthy chronic smokers. Acupuncture may
be a therapeutic tool to restore flow mediated vasodilation in
chronic smokers with impaired vascular function.