Regularities of acupoint selection in adjuvant interventions with acupuncture-moxibustion for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer based on complex network technology: 基于复杂网络技术探讨针灸辅助体外受精-胚胎移植选穴规律

Objective

To analyze the rules of acupoint selection in adjuvant interventions for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) with acupuncture and moxibustion, with the use of complex network technology.

Methods

Articles on clinical trials of acupuncture and moxibustion for IVF-ET were searched in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 31, 2020. A database of acupoint prescriptions has been established. Descriptive analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel 2019, association rule analysis was conducted using SPSS Modeler 18.0 Apriori algorithm, clustering analysis of high-frequency acupoints was performed using SPSS 25.0 Ward, and complex network analysis of acupoints was performed by using Gephi 0.9.2.

Results

A total of 124 clinical trials were included, and 187 acupoint prescriptions were extracted, for a total of 91 acupoints. The total frequency of using these acupoints was 1,296 times, with Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP6) used the most frequently. The acupoints were generally located around the conception vessel, spleen meridian, and stomach meridian, and they were mainly distributed in the lower extremities, chest, and abdomen. Considerable consideration was paid to the specific points. The association rule analysis showed that the highest correlation presented between Guānyuán (关元CV4) and Zĭgōng (子宫EX-CA1). Complex network k-core hierarchical analysis discovered that CV4, SP6, Xuèhăi (血海SP10), Hégŭ (合谷LI4), Tàichōng (太冲LR3), Qìhăi (气海CV6), and EX-CA1 were the core acupoints in adjuvant interventions with acupuncture-moxibustion for IVF-ET.

Conclusion

In adjuvant interventions with acupuncture-moxibustion, acupoints were commonly located around the conception vessel, spleen meridian, and stomach meridian, and the convergent point was particularly used as a specific point. The acupoints were selected to smooth the liver qi, remove stagnation, activate blood circulation, resolve stasis, and benefit the liver and kidney. “CV4→SP6→EX-CA1→ST36” were the core points, and CV4 was the core prescription in adjuvant treatments with acupuncture-moxibustion in IVF-ET.

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