Correlation Between The Liver Meridian And The Frontal Lobe In Depression By Needling At Taichong (LV3): A Resting-State FMRI Study

ObjectiveUsing Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging by 3.0 T MRI instrument,we observed the changes of brain function by acupuncture Taichong (LV3) point on liver meridian for depression patient , we studied the mechanism of depression treatment by needling Taichong and explored the correlation between the liver meridian and the frontal lobe. To provide more treatable evidence for neurological and mental diseases by TCM.Methods1.Changes in the encephalic region before and after acupuncture depressive patients at Taichong (LV3) were observed. Forty-two patients with mild to moderate depression at the first attack in line with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed) by American Psychiatric Association and fourteen healthy volunteers were assigned to the control group,the fluoxetine group, the acupuncture+fluoxetine group, and the acupuncture group, 14 in each.2.The therapeutic course for them all was one month in accordance with the corresponding treatment methods.3.The severity of depression were assessed before and after treatment by Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17), and do the clinical efficacy assessment.4.Resting fMRI scanning was performed before and after treatment using 3.0 T magnetic resonance. Data were analyzed using fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF). Paired t-test was used forcomparison. 5.Correlation analysis was performed in the fALFF images and Hamilton's depression scale after treatment. Results 1. Changes of brain areas before and after treatment Compared with before treatment, fALFF values in the left frontal lobe (BA6, BA9, BA48), the right frontal lobe (BA4, BA46), the bilateral inferior parietal lobules (BA40, BA48), the precuneus (BA7), the posterior cingutate (BA31), the left occipital lobe (BA17), and the right occipital lobe (BA18) of the acupuncture +fluoxetine group were lowered. fALFF values in the right inferior parietal lobule (BA40) and the right occipital lobe (BA17) of the fluoxetine group were lowered. fALFF values in the left frontal lobe (BA10), the right frontal lobe (BA45), the left occipital lobe (BA19), the right occipital lobe (BA17), the left precuneus (BA7), and the posterior cingutate (BA31) were lowered in the acupuncture group. fALFF values in the right frontal lobe(BA11),the left occipital lobe (BA18) and the right occipital lobe (BA39) were lowered in the health control group.2. Hamilton's depression scaleBefore and after treatment,the HAMD scores for acupuncture +fluoxetine group, fluoxetine group and acupuncture group were: 18.4±2.61/8.0±2.83,19.6±2.51/12.5±3.44,18.9±3.01/12.2±2.75.3. Corralation analysis for HAMD score and brain areasHamilton's depression scale was positively correlated with the fALFF value in the left frontal lobe of the acupuncture +fluoxetine group and the acupuncture group, while Hamilton's depression scale was positively correlated with the fALFF value in the left middle frontal gyrus, the left parietal lobe, and the left occipital lobe in the fluoxetine group.ConclusionThe liver meridian through the frontal lobe, and it exist distribution area in the frontal lob e ( specifically through line is not clear),may be this is the mechanism for treatment depression by acupuncture Taichong regulate cognitive function of frontal lobe.