A preliminary study of the effect of external qigong on lymphoma growth in mice.
Chen KW, Shiflett SC, Ponzio NM, He B, Elliott DK, Keller SE.
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson-Medical School, Newark, NJ 08854, USA. chenke@umdnj.edu
OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of external qigong on the in vivo growth of transplantable murine lymphoma cells in mice. BACKGROUND: Qigong is a traditional Chinese health practice that is believed by many to have special preventive and healing power. Underlying the system is the belief in the existence of a subtle energy (qi), which circulates throughout the body, and when strengthened or balanced, can improve health and ward off or slow the progress of disease. To date, much of the literature showing the effects of qi are presented in the non-Western literature, and as such are viewed with considerable skepticism. In an attempt to demonstrate qi in a controlled setting, the effect of external qigong emission from a qigong healer on the in vivo growth of transplantable murine lymphoma cells in mice was explored in two pilot studies. METHODS: In study 1, 30 SJL/J mice were injected intravenously with lymphoma cells that localize and exhibit aggressive growth in the lymphoid tissues of untreated syngeneic recipients. These tumor-injected mice were divided into 3 groups: (1). qigong treatment (administered by a qigong healer); (2). sham treatment; and (3). no-treatment control. The sham group received the same number of treatments from a person without training in qigong, who imitated the motions of the qigong healer. The control group received no treatment at all. In study 1, the mice were sacrificed on the 9th or 11th days after tumor-cell injection, and in study 2, the mice were sacrificed on the 10th and 13th days. Tumor growth in lymph nodes (LN) was estimated by LN weight expressed as a percentage of total body weight. RESULTS: In study 1, LNs from mice in the qigong-treated group were significantly smaller than LN from mice in either the control group or in the sham treatment group (p < 0.05), suggesting that there was less tumor growth in the qigong-treated mice. In study 2, using the same design as study 1, the same pattern of difference found in study 1 emerged: LN ratio from mice in the qigong-treated group was smaller than that in either the control group or in the sham group. However, these results did not reach statistical significance, partially as a result of larger variances in all groups in this study. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results, while still inconclusive, suggest that qigong treatment from one particular qigong practitioner might influence the growth of lymphoma cells negatively. Further studies with different practitioners, more repeated trials, and/or different tumor models are needed to further investigate the effects of external qigong on tumor growth in mice.
Publication Types:
PMID: 12470443 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Exploratory studies of Qigong therapy for cancer in China.
Chen K, Yeung R.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 671 Hoes Lane, UBHC-D453, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. chenke@umdnj.edu
The authors reviewed more than 50 studies of qigong therapy for cancer in China, in 3 categories: clinical studies on cancer patients, in vitro studies on laboratory-prepared cancer cells, and in vivo studies on cancer-infected animals. Most of the clinical studies involved observation of cancer patients' self-practice of qigong. Although no double-blind clinical trials were found among patient studies, many had a control. The qigong groups showed more improvement or had a better survival rate than conventional methods alone. In vitro studies report the inhibitory effect of qi emission on cancer growth, and in vivo studies find that qigong-treated groups have significantly reduced tumor growth or longer survival among cancer-infected animals. However, there is much room for improvement in these studies, and some require replication to verify the findings. Qigong therapy is an area that is often neglected by mainstream medicine and research, but our review strongly suggests that qigong deserves further study as a supplement to conventional cancer treatment.
Publication Types:
PMID: 14664729 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Chen K, Yeung R.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 671 Hoes Lane, UBHC-D453, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. chenke@umdnj.edu
The authors reviewed more than 50 studies of qigong therapy for cancer in China, in 3 categories: clinical studies on cancer patients, in vitro studies on laboratory-prepared cancer cells, and in vivo studies on cancer-infected animals. Most of the clinical studies involved observation of cancer patients' self-practice of qigong. Although no double-blind clinical trials were found among patient studies, many had a control. The qigong groups showed more improvement or had a better survival rate than conventional methods alone. In vitro studies report the inhibitory effect of qi emission on cancer growth, and in vivo studies find that qigong-treated groups have significantly reduced tumor growth or longer survival among cancer-infected animals. However, there is much room for improvement in these studies, and some require replication to verify the findings. Qigong therapy is an area that is often neglected by mainstream medicine and research, but our review strongly suggests that qigong deserves further study as a supplement to conventional cancer treatment.
Publication Types:
PMID: 14664729 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effects of Qigong on immune cells.
Lee MS, Huh HJ, Jeong SM, Lee HS, Ryu H, Park JH, Chung HT, Woo WH.
Department of Qi-Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two acute Qigong interventions (Qi-training and Qi-therapy) on immune cells. The Qigong interventions were compared with placebo training and placebo therapy in which no attempt was made to gather or move Qi. Immune cell numbers were measured pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 1 or 2 hours post-intervention. White blood cells increased significantly 2 hours after actual Qi-training (p < 0.05) but not sham training compared with pre-intervention There were significant increases in lymphocytes 2 hours after actual but not sham Qi-training (p < 0.05) and monocyte numbers were significantly increased immediately after both actual Qi-training (p < 0.01) and sham training (p < 0.05). NK cell numbers decreased significantly both immediately after Qi-training and after sham movements done without concomitant Qi-training (p < 0.01). There were no significant effects on neutrophils. Actual Qi-therapy but not sham therapy increased monocyte numbers immediately after Qi-therapy, and lymphocytes increased more after real than after sham therapy. Neutrophils were again little changed The data indicate that a single Qigong intervention can increase the monocyte and lymphocyte numbers.
Publication Types:
PMID: 12856872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lee MS, Huh HJ, Jeong SM, Lee HS, Ryu H, Park JH, Chung HT, Woo WH.
Department of Qi-Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two acute Qigong interventions (Qi-training and Qi-therapy) on immune cells. The Qigong interventions were compared with placebo training and placebo therapy in which no attempt was made to gather or move Qi. Immune cell numbers were measured pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 1 or 2 hours post-intervention. White blood cells increased significantly 2 hours after actual Qi-training (p < 0.05) but not sham training compared with pre-intervention There were significant increases in lymphocytes 2 hours after actual but not sham Qi-training (p < 0.05) and monocyte numbers were significantly increased immediately after both actual Qi-training (p < 0.01) and sham training (p < 0.05). NK cell numbers decreased significantly both immediately after Qi-training and after sham movements done without concomitant Qi-training (p < 0.01). There were no significant effects on neutrophils. Actual Qi-therapy but not sham therapy increased monocyte numbers immediately after Qi-therapy, and lymphocytes increased more after real than after sham therapy. Neutrophils were again little changed The data indicate that a single Qigong intervention can increase the monocyte and lymphocyte numbers.
Publication Types:
PMID: 12856872 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Electrodermal measurements for monitoring the effects of a qigong workshop.
Sancier KM.
Qigong Institute, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. matsu@tdl.com
OBJECTIVES: Electrodermal measurements with a Ryodoraku instrument were used to monitor the effects of a 2-day qigong workshop on the body energy of participants. METHODS: Measurements were made of the relative electrical conductivity of 24 acupuncture points on the wrists and feet of 29 subjects. Each subject was measured in the morning and afternoon of each day, and the subjects served as their own control. RESULTS: The standard deviation of the mean values of the Ryodoraku responses of individuals and of the group were less in the afternoons than in the mornings with p-values of 0.004 and 0.0001 for the first and second days, respectively. The decreases in the values of the standard deviations indicate that the balance of the body energy of individuals and the group had improved, presumably as a result of the workshop. We also found that all Ryodoraku responses were significantly greater in the afternoons than in the mornings, a result that is attributed to a circadian rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: The improved balance of qi energy in the body of the participants indicates that qigong practice has the potential to improve health. Electrodermal measurements for monitoring Eastern and Western therapies are discussed.
Publication Types:
PMID: 12804076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Sancier KM.
Qigong Institute, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. matsu@tdl.com
OBJECTIVES: Electrodermal measurements with a Ryodoraku instrument were used to monitor the effects of a 2-day qigong workshop on the body energy of participants. METHODS: Measurements were made of the relative electrical conductivity of 24 acupuncture points on the wrists and feet of 29 subjects. Each subject was measured in the morning and afternoon of each day, and the subjects served as their own control. RESULTS: The standard deviation of the mean values of the Ryodoraku responses of individuals and of the group were less in the afternoons than in the mornings with p-values of 0.004 and 0.0001 for the first and second days, respectively. The decreases in the values of the standard deviations indicate that the balance of the body energy of individuals and the group had improved, presumably as a result of the workshop. We also found that all Ryodoraku responses were significantly greater in the afternoons than in the mornings, a result that is attributed to a circadian rhythm. CONCLUSIONS: The improved balance of qi energy in the body of the participants indicates that qigong practice has the potential to improve health. Electrodermal measurements for monitoring Eastern and Western therapies are discussed.
Publication Types:
PMID: 12804076 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Benefits of external qigong therapy on morphine-abstinent mice and rats.
Mo Z, Chen KW, Ou W, Li M.
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Military Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
OBJECTIVE: To exclude possible psychological effects of qigong therapy in the treatment of addiction effectively, morphine-dependence models need to be established in mice and rats. METHOD: The effects of external qi on withdrawal syndrome were examined in naloxone-precipitated mice and rats in three randomized control experiments: naloxone-precipitated test in morphine-dependent mice (n = 100 in 5 groups, 20 mice each group); conditioned position preference test in morphine-abstinent mice (n = 30 for 3 groups, 10 each); and naloxone-precipitated test with paired box in morphine-dependent rats (n = 40 for 4 groups, 10 each). RESULTS: These experiments showed that morphine-dependent mice, after external qigong (EQ) therapy, had decreased incidence of jumping and lower jumping frequencies, and attenuated loss of body weight. After EQ therapy, morphine-dependent rats had reduced withdrawal scores and body weight loss was inhibited. In the conditioned place preference test, the time spent in the drug-paired box was significantly shorter for the qigong group than for the morphine group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that qigong might have an inhibitory effect on withdrawal syndrome, and reduce the dependence potential in mice. Three different designs confirm that the impact of qigong therapy on morphine-abstinent mice and rats is reliable and substantial. Further research on the effectiveness and the mechanism of qigong therapy on addiction is warranted.
PMID: 14736354 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Mo Z, Chen KW, Ou W, Li M.
Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the First Military Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
OBJECTIVE: To exclude possible psychological effects of qigong therapy in the treatment of addiction effectively, morphine-dependence models need to be established in mice and rats. METHOD: The effects of external qi on withdrawal syndrome were examined in naloxone-precipitated mice and rats in three randomized control experiments: naloxone-precipitated test in morphine-dependent mice (n = 100 in 5 groups, 20 mice each group); conditioned position preference test in morphine-abstinent mice (n = 30 for 3 groups, 10 each); and naloxone-precipitated test with paired box in morphine-dependent rats (n = 40 for 4 groups, 10 each). RESULTS: These experiments showed that morphine-dependent mice, after external qigong (EQ) therapy, had decreased incidence of jumping and lower jumping frequencies, and attenuated loss of body weight. After EQ therapy, morphine-dependent rats had reduced withdrawal scores and body weight loss was inhibited. In the conditioned place preference test, the time spent in the drug-paired box was significantly shorter for the qigong group than for the morphine group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that qigong might have an inhibitory effect on withdrawal syndrome, and reduce the dependence potential in mice. Three different designs confirm that the impact of qigong therapy on morphine-abstinent mice and rats is reliable and substantial. Further research on the effectiveness and the mechanism of qigong therapy on addiction is warranted.
PMID: 14736354 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Qigong reduced blood pressure and catecholamine levels of patients with essential hypertension.
Lee MS, Lee MS, Kim HJ, Moon SR.
Department of Nursing, Mokpo Catholic University, Mokpo, Republic of Korea.
This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of Qigong as a non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension and evaluate the contribution of Qigong in the blood pressure (BP) reduction of essential hypertension patients. Fifty-eight patients volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into either a Qigong group (n = 29), or a wait list control group (n = 29). In response to 10 weeks of Qigong, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were decreased significantly. There was a significant reduction of norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, and stress level by the Qigong. These results suggest that Qigong may reduce BP and catecholamines via stabilizing the sympathetic nervous system. Therefore, Qigong is an effective nonpharmacological modality to reduce BP in essential hypertensive patients.
Publication Types:
PMID: 14602541 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lee MS, Lee MS, Kim HJ, Moon SR.
Department of Nursing, Mokpo Catholic University, Mokpo, Republic of Korea.
This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of Qigong as a non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension and evaluate the contribution of Qigong in the blood pressure (BP) reduction of essential hypertension patients. Fifty-eight patients volunteered to participate in this study and were randomly divided into either a Qigong group (n = 29), or a wait list control group (n = 29). In response to 10 weeks of Qigong, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and rate pressure product (RPP) were decreased significantly. There was a significant reduction of norepinephrine, epinephrine, cortisol, and stress level by the Qigong. These results suggest that Qigong may reduce BP and catecholamines via stabilizing the sympathetic nervous system. Therefore, Qigong is an effective nonpharmacological modality to reduce BP in essential hypertensive patients.
Publication Types:
PMID: 14602541 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
In vitro test of external Qigong.
Yount G, Solfvin J, Moore D, Schlitz M, Reading M, Aldape K, Qian Y.
Research Institute, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco 94115, USA. yount@cooper.cpmc.org
BACKGROUND: Practitioners of the alternative medical practice 'external Qigong' generally claim the ability to emit or direct "healing energy" to treat patients. We investigated the ability of experienced Qigong practitioners to enhance the healthy growth of cultured human cells in a series of studies, each following a rigorously designed protocol with randomization, blinding and controls for variability. METHODS: Qigong practitioners directed healing intentionality toward normal brain cell cultures in a basic science laboratory. Qigong treatments were delivered for 20 minutes from a minimum distance of 10 centimeters. Cell proliferation was measured by a standard colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay and a CFE ratio (CFE for treated samples/CFE for sham samples) was the dependent measure for each experiment. RESULTS: During a pilot study (8 experiments), a trend of increased cell proliferation in Qigong-treated samples (CFE Qigong/sham ratios > 1.0) was observed (P = 0.162). In a formal study (28 experiments), a similar trend was observed, with Qigong-treated samples showing on average more colony formation than sham samples (P = 0.036). In a replication study (60 experiments), no significant difference between Qigong-treated samples and sham samples was observed (P = 0.465). CONCLUSION: We observed an apparent increase in the proliferation of cultured cells following external Qigong treatment by practitioners under strictly controlled conditions, but we did not observe this effect in a replication study. These results suggest the need for more controlled and thorough investigation of external Qigong before scientific validation is claimed.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15102336 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Yount G, Solfvin J, Moore D, Schlitz M, Reading M, Aldape K, Qian Y.
Research Institute, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco 94115, USA. yount@cooper.cpmc.org
BACKGROUND: Practitioners of the alternative medical practice 'external Qigong' generally claim the ability to emit or direct "healing energy" to treat patients. We investigated the ability of experienced Qigong practitioners to enhance the healthy growth of cultured human cells in a series of studies, each following a rigorously designed protocol with randomization, blinding and controls for variability. METHODS: Qigong practitioners directed healing intentionality toward normal brain cell cultures in a basic science laboratory. Qigong treatments were delivered for 20 minutes from a minimum distance of 10 centimeters. Cell proliferation was measured by a standard colony-forming efficiency (CFE) assay and a CFE ratio (CFE for treated samples/CFE for sham samples) was the dependent measure for each experiment. RESULTS: During a pilot study (8 experiments), a trend of increased cell proliferation in Qigong-treated samples (CFE Qigong/sham ratios > 1.0) was observed (P = 0.162). In a formal study (28 experiments), a similar trend was observed, with Qigong-treated samples showing on average more colony formation than sham samples (P = 0.036). In a replication study (60 experiments), no significant difference between Qigong-treated samples and sham samples was observed (P = 0.465). CONCLUSION: We observed an apparent increase in the proliferation of cultured cells following external Qigong treatment by practitioners under strictly controlled conditions, but we did not observe this effect in a replication study. These results suggest the need for more controlled and thorough investigation of external Qigong before scientific validation is claimed.
Publication Types:
- Comparative Study
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
- Validation Studies
PMID: 15102336 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Assessment of immunological parameters following a qigong training program.
Manzaneque JM, Vera FM, Maldonado EF, Carranque G, Cubero VM, Morell M, Blanca MJ.
Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain. manzaneque@uma.es
BACKGROUND: Qigong is a type of Chinese psychosomatic exercise that integrates meditation, slow physical movements, and breathing, and to which numerous physical as well as mental benefits have been classically ascribed. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of a qigong program on various immunological parameters. MATERIAL/METHODS: 29 naive subjects participated in the study, of whom 16 were allocated to the experimental group and the rest to the control group. The experimental subjects underwent a qigong training program, conducted by a qualified instructor, consisting of half an hour of daily practice for one month. The day before the experiment commenced and the day after it finished, blood samples were drawn from all subjects for the quantification of immunological parameters (leukocytes, immunoglobulins, and complement). As statistical analysis, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was carried out. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the control and experimental groups, with the experimental group showing lower numbers of total leukocytes and eosinophils, number and percentage of monocytes, as well as complement C3 concentration. In addition, a similar result with a trend towards significance was observed in the number of eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that after one month of practicing qigong, significant immunological changes occurred between the experimental and control groups, with a consistently lower and broadly significant profile of these measures within the qigong practitioner group.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15173671 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Manzaneque JM, Vera FM, Maldonado EF, Carranque G, Cubero VM, Morell M, Blanca MJ.
Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain. manzaneque@uma.es
BACKGROUND: Qigong is a type of Chinese psychosomatic exercise that integrates meditation, slow physical movements, and breathing, and to which numerous physical as well as mental benefits have been classically ascribed. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of a qigong program on various immunological parameters. MATERIAL/METHODS: 29 naive subjects participated in the study, of whom 16 were allocated to the experimental group and the rest to the control group. The experimental subjects underwent a qigong training program, conducted by a qualified instructor, consisting of half an hour of daily practice for one month. The day before the experiment commenced and the day after it finished, blood samples were drawn from all subjects for the quantification of immunological parameters (leukocytes, immunoglobulins, and complement). As statistical analysis, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was carried out. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the control and experimental groups, with the experimental group showing lower numbers of total leukocytes and eosinophils, number and percentage of monocytes, as well as complement C3 concentration. In addition, a similar result with a trend towards significance was observed in the number of eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that after one month of practicing qigong, significant immunological changes occurred between the experimental and control groups, with a consistently lower and broadly significant profile of these measures within the qigong practitioner group.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15173671 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Impact of qigong exercise on self-efficacy and other cognitive perceptual variables in patients with essential hypertension.
Lee MS, Lim HJ, Lee MS.
Department of Nursing, Mokpo Catholic University, Mokpo, Republic of Korea.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of practicing qigong on middle-age subjects with essential hypertension. Impacts on blood pressure, reported self-efficacy, perceived benefit, and emotion were observed. DESIGN: Thirty-six (36) adult volunteers were assigned to either a waiting list control or a qigong group that practiced two 30-minute qigong programs per week over 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in members of the qigong group after 8 weeks of exercise. Significant improvements in self-efficacy and other cognitive perceptual efficacy variables were also documented in the qigong group compared to the original situation described above. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates the positive effects of practicing qigong on controlling blood pressure and enhancing perceptions of self-efficacy.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15353025 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lee MS, Lim HJ, Lee MS.
Department of Nursing, Mokpo Catholic University, Mokpo, Republic of Korea.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of practicing qigong on middle-age subjects with essential hypertension. Impacts on blood pressure, reported self-efficacy, perceived benefit, and emotion were observed. DESIGN: Thirty-six (36) adult volunteers were assigned to either a waiting list control or a qigong group that practiced two 30-minute qigong programs per week over 8 consecutive weeks. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in members of the qigong group after 8 weeks of exercise. Significant improvements in self-efficacy and other cognitive perceptual efficacy variables were also documented in the qigong group compared to the original situation described above. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study demonstrates the positive effects of practicing qigong on controlling blood pressure and enhancing perceptions of self-efficacy.
Publication Types:
PMID: 15353025 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability during Qi therapy (external Qigong).
Lee MS, Rim YH, Jeong DM, Kim MK, Joo MC, Shin SH.
Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Republic of Korea. drmslee@gmail.com
Heart rate variability (HRV) was compared in 30 subjects receiving external Qi therapy (EQT) or placebo control therapy, in a crossover design experiment. Subjects who received the EQT reported more pleasant and calm emotions than did the placebo group. Qi therapy reduced the heart rate and increased HRV as indicated by a reduced low frequency/high frequency power ratio of HRV. With nonlinear analysis, the Poincaré plot index of HRV and approximate entropy was greater in the EQT group than in the control group. These findings suggest that EQT stabilizes the sympathovagal function and cardiac autonomic nervous system by inducing more positive emotions than the placebo therapy. In conclusion, EQT may act by stabilizing both the autonomic nervous system and the emotional state.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16173532 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lee MS, Rim YH, Jeong DM, Kim MK, Joo MC, Shin SH.
Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, College of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Republic of Korea. drmslee@gmail.com
Heart rate variability (HRV) was compared in 30 subjects receiving external Qi therapy (EQT) or placebo control therapy, in a crossover design experiment. Subjects who received the EQT reported more pleasant and calm emotions than did the placebo group. Qi therapy reduced the heart rate and increased HRV as indicated by a reduced low frequency/high frequency power ratio of HRV. With nonlinear analysis, the Poincaré plot index of HRV and approximate entropy was greater in the EQT group than in the control group. These findings suggest that EQT stabilizes the sympathovagal function and cardiac autonomic nervous system by inducing more positive emotions than the placebo therapy. In conclusion, EQT may act by stabilizing both the autonomic nervous system and the emotional state.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16173532 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Does religious activity improve health outcomes? A critical review of the recent literature.
Coruh B, Ayele H, Pugh M, Mulligan T.
Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
OBJECTIVE: Many Americans use religious activity to cope with stressful life events. Our goal was to review systematically the recent medical literature to assess the role of religion in health outcomes. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE to identify studies published in the English language between January 1999 and June 2003 describing the effect of religion on health outcomes. The search strategy used the medical subject headings (MeSH) of religion; religion AND medicine; religion OR intercessory prayer; prayer; prayer therapy; religious rites; faith; medicine, traditional; religiosity; religion AND psychology; and religion AND health. STUDY SELECTION: Religious, but not spiritual, interventions were selected for inclusion. Thus, papers describing interventions such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and qigong were excluded. Manuscripts describing randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and partnerships with faith-based organizations were included. DATA EXTRACTION: We found five randomized controlled trials, four clinical trials, and seven faith-based partnerships that describe the impact of religious intervention on health outcomes. Papers were analyzed by four reviewers using a modified Delphi technique to reach consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: Religious intervention such as intercessory prayer may improve success rates of in vitro fertilization, decrease length of hospital stay and duration of fever in septic patients, increase immune function, improve rheumatoid arthritis, and reduce anxiety. Frequent attendance at religious services likely improves health behaviors. Moreover, prayer may decrease adverse outcomes in patients with cardiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: Religious activity may improve health outcomes.
PMID: 16781528 [PubMed - in process]
Coruh B, Ayele H, Pugh M, Mulligan T.
Geriatrics and Extended Care Service Line, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA.
OBJECTIVE: Many Americans use religious activity to cope with stressful life events. Our goal was to review systematically the recent medical literature to assess the role of religion in health outcomes. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using MEDLINE to identify studies published in the English language between January 1999 and June 2003 describing the effect of religion on health outcomes. The search strategy used the medical subject headings (MeSH) of religion; religion AND medicine; religion OR intercessory prayer; prayer; prayer therapy; religious rites; faith; medicine, traditional; religiosity; religion AND psychology; and religion AND health. STUDY SELECTION: Religious, but not spiritual, interventions were selected for inclusion. Thus, papers describing interventions such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and qigong were excluded. Manuscripts describing randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and partnerships with faith-based organizations were included. DATA EXTRACTION: We found five randomized controlled trials, four clinical trials, and seven faith-based partnerships that describe the impact of religious intervention on health outcomes. Papers were analyzed by four reviewers using a modified Delphi technique to reach consensus. DATA SYNTHESIS: Religious intervention such as intercessory prayer may improve success rates of in vitro fertilization, decrease length of hospital stay and duration of fever in septic patients, increase immune function, improve rheumatoid arthritis, and reduce anxiety. Frequent attendance at religious services likely improves health behaviors. Moreover, prayer may decrease adverse outcomes in patients with cardiac disease. CONCLUSIONS: Religious activity may improve health outcomes.
PMID: 16781528 [PubMed - in process]
Qi-training (qigong) enhanced immune functions: what is the underlying mechanism?
Lee MS, Kim MK, Ryu H.
Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea. integmed@chol.com
The authors observed that Qi-training enhances immune function and modulates neurohormone concentrations. The exact signal and priming mechanism for enhanced neutrophil function by Qi-training has not yet been demonstrated. This study investigated the effect of Qi-training on intracellular signaling leading to the enhancement of immune function. The growth hormone (GH) concentrations and O2- production by neutrophils (PMNs) was significantly increased after 1 h of Qi-training compared with the basal state. To verify that endogenous GH mediates the priming of PMNs, serum obtained from elderly subjects in the basal state and after Qi-training was incubated with neutrophils isolated from young subjects for 60 min and triggered with N-formyl-1-methionyl-1-leucyl-1-phenylalanine (fMLP). Significant O2- production was observed in the PMNs incubated with serum collected after a Qi-training (p < .05). On the other hand, the priming effect on the PMNs was abolished in Qi-training sera depleted of endogenous GH with anti-human GH polyclonal antibody (p < .01) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (p < .01). The authors suggest that the endogenous GH released during and immediately after Qi-training mediates the priming events through tyrosine kinase activation in PMNs.
PMID: 16040353 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lee MS, Kim MK, Ryu H.
Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea. integmed@chol.com
The authors observed that Qi-training enhances immune function and modulates neurohormone concentrations. The exact signal and priming mechanism for enhanced neutrophil function by Qi-training has not yet been demonstrated. This study investigated the effect of Qi-training on intracellular signaling leading to the enhancement of immune function. The growth hormone (GH) concentrations and O2- production by neutrophils (PMNs) was significantly increased after 1 h of Qi-training compared with the basal state. To verify that endogenous GH mediates the priming of PMNs, serum obtained from elderly subjects in the basal state and after Qi-training was incubated with neutrophils isolated from young subjects for 60 min and triggered with N-formyl-1-methionyl-1-leucyl-1-phenylalanine (fMLP). Significant O2- production was observed in the PMNs incubated with serum collected after a Qi-training (p < .05). On the other hand, the priming effect on the PMNs was abolished in Qi-training sera depleted of endogenous GH with anti-human GH polyclonal antibody (p < .01) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein (p < .01). The authors suggest that the endogenous GH released during and immediately after Qi-training mediates the priming events through tyrosine kinase activation in PMNs.
PMID: 16040353 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effect of Qi-training on blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate
Correspondence to: Hun-Taeg Chung MD PhD Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, Republic of KoreaAbstract
To examine the physiological effects of Korean traditional Qi-training, we investigated the changes in blood pressure, heart and respiratory rates before, during and after ChunDoSunBup (CDSB) Qi-training. Twelve normal healthy CDSB Qi-trainees (19–37 years old; trained for 1·3 ± 0·2 years; 9 men and 3 women) volunteered to participate in this study. Heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure and rate–pressure product were significantly decreased during Qi-training. From these results, we suggest that CDSB Qi-training has physiological effects that indicate stabilization of cardiovascular system.
Clinical Physiology
Volume 20 Issue 3 Page 173-176, May 2000
To cite this article: Myeong Soo Lee, Byung Gi Kim, Hwa Jeong Huh, Hoon Ryu, Ho-Sub Lee, Hun-Taeg Chung (2000)
Effect of Qi-training on blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate
Clinical Physiology 20 (3), 173–176.
doi:10.1046/j.1365-2281.2000.00242.x
Bilateral frontal activation associated with cutaneous stimulation of elixir field: an FMRI study.
Chan AS, Cheung MC, Chan YL, Yeung DK, Lam W.
Centre for Neurocognitive Function Enhancement, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, China. aschan@psy.cuhk.edu.hk
Elixir Field, or Dan Tian, is the area where energy is stored and nourished in the body according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although Dan Tian stimulation is a major concept in Qigong healing and has been practiced for thousands of years, and while there are some recent empirical evidence of its effect, its neurophysiological basis remains unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study brain activations associated with external stimulation of the lower Elixir Field in ten normal subjects, and compared the results with the stimulation of their right hands. While right-hand stimulation resulted in left postcentral gyrus activation, stimulation of the lower Elixir Field resulted in bilateral activations including the medial and superior frontal gyrus, middle and superior temporal gyrus, thalamus, insula, and cingulate gyrus. These findings suggest that stimulation of the Elixir Field is not only associated with activation of the sensory motor cortex but also with cortical regions that mediate planning, attention, and memory.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16552833 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Chan AS, Cheung MC, Chan YL, Yeung DK, Lam W.
Centre for Neurocognitive Function Enhancement, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, China. aschan@psy.cuhk.edu.hk
Elixir Field, or Dan Tian, is the area where energy is stored and nourished in the body according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although Dan Tian stimulation is a major concept in Qigong healing and has been practiced for thousands of years, and while there are some recent empirical evidence of its effect, its neurophysiological basis remains unknown. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study brain activations associated with external stimulation of the lower Elixir Field in ten normal subjects, and compared the results with the stimulation of their right hands. While right-hand stimulation resulted in left postcentral gyrus activation, stimulation of the lower Elixir Field resulted in bilateral activations including the medial and superior frontal gyrus, middle and superior temporal gyrus, thalamus, insula, and cingulate gyrus. These findings suggest that stimulation of the Elixir Field is not only associated with activation of the sensory motor cortex but also with cortical regions that mediate planning, attention, and memory.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16552833 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
The effects of baduanjin qigong in the prevention of bone loss for middle-aged women.
Chen HH, Yeh ML, Lee FY.
Department of Applied Mathematics, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan, ROC.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 12-week Baduanjin qigong training program in preventing bone loss for middle-aged women. An experimental design was adopted, and subjects were assigned randomly into an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 43). The experimental group received a 12-week Baduanjin qigong training program, whereas the control group did not. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured before and after the intervention. The results showed significant differences in IL-6 (t = -5.19, p < 0.000) and BMD (t = 1.99, p = 0.049) between the groups. Baduanjin reduced IL-6 and maintained BMD in the experimental group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates promising efficacy of Baduanjin in preventing bone loss commonly occurring in middle-aged women. Thus, Baduanjin is valuable for promoting and maintaining the health status of middle-aged women.
PMID: 17080541 [PubMed - in process]
Chen HH, Yeh ML, Lee FY.
Department of Applied Mathematics, Chung-Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li, Taiwan, ROC.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 12-week Baduanjin qigong training program in preventing bone loss for middle-aged women. An experimental design was adopted, and subjects were assigned randomly into an experimental group (n = 44) and a control group (n = 43). The experimental group received a 12-week Baduanjin qigong training program, whereas the control group did not. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and bone mineral density (BMD) were measured before and after the intervention. The results showed significant differences in IL-6 (t = -5.19, p < 0.000) and BMD (t = 1.99, p = 0.049) between the groups. Baduanjin reduced IL-6 and maintained BMD in the experimental group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates promising efficacy of Baduanjin in preventing bone loss commonly occurring in middle-aged women. Thus, Baduanjin is valuable for promoting and maintaining the health status of middle-aged women.
PMID: 17080541 [PubMed - in process]
Effects of the External Qigong on Symptoms of Arteriosclerotic Obstruction in the Lower Extremities Evaluated by Modern Medical Technology
Correspondence to: Dr. Tetsuzo Agishi Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan.Abstract
The modern treatment strategy for arteriosclerotic obstruction (ASO), which symptomatically appears primarily in the lower extremities, consists of drug and interventional therapy. Reported herein are the effects of external qigong, which has been a traditional therapeutic technique in the oriental countries for a long time and is known to bring warmness in the body, evaluated by modern medical technology.
Thirty-seven patients who had been diagnosed as having arteriosclerotic obstruction (ASO) with clinical symptoms in their lower extremities were entered into the study. According to Fontaine's severity classification, 20 belonged to grade II and 17 to grade III. They were 20 males and 17 females with an average age of 68.1 ± 8.9 years ranging from 50 to 85 years.
Discussion
Application of the qi (qigong) as a therapeutic modality was reportedly present even 4,000 years ago in ancient China. Modern scientific analysis of the qi was initiated 20–30 years ago, primarily in China and Japan. Even though explanations of the qi from the standpoint of modern science have not been satisfactorily accumulated, qi therapy (qigong), which currently is nonreimbursed by health insurance in Japan, attracts the public interest and is very popular as evidenced by the existence of many towns of Japan even while various highly advanced medical technologies reimbursed by the health insurance are simultaneously prevailing.
A typical essential maneuver of external qigong is the holding of the qigong therapist's palms bilaterally over the patient's lateral head surface. It is said that the qi, informatory energy or energetic information, is emitted from a meridian point of the therapist's palms and transferred to the patient via a meridian point of the ear auricles. When the patient is susceptive to the qi, he/she feels a slight vertigo-like sensation in the head, a tickling sensation in the finger tips, and warmth starting from the face to the trunk and the lower extremities, primarily accompanied by sweat. When the patient is extremely susceptive, he/she feels irresistible sleepiness with comfort, slowly swings/ sways the trunk, and breathes slowly and deeply. The energy of the qi monitored by modern scientific techniques is measured either as an ultrared ray, an electromagnetic wave, magnetic power, a photon, a particle, etc. (All published data are written in Japanese.) However, the magnitude of each energy form is subordinate to its physiological effect on the human body as far as contemporary physiological information indicates.
Although neither the qi/qigong itself nor the mechanism of its effects is understandable or explainable within any paradigm of modern medical science, its effects on the human body in fact appear and are amazing. Approximately 90% of the patients treated responded favorably with improvement in the subjective symptoms of ASO, evidenced by improvement in the objective findings of regional body temperature, plethysmograph, and regional blood flow. This is the first report about the effect of external qigong on ASO patients evaluated by modern medical technologies as far as Index Medicus isconcerned.
Artificial OrgansVolume 22 Issue 8 Page 707-710, August 1998
To cite this article: Tetsuzo Agishi (1998)
Effects of the External Qigong on Symptoms of Arteriosclerotic Obstruction in the Lower Extremities Evaluated by Modern Medical Technology
Artificial Organs 22 (8), 707–710.
doi:10.1046/j.1525-1594.1998.06093.x
An evaluation of two behavioral rehabilitation programs, qigong versus progressive relaxation, in improving the quality of life in cardiac patients.
Hui PN, Wan M, Chan WK, Yung PM.
Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital, Hospital Authority, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. peggyhui@mail.com
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare two different behavioral rehabilitation programs in improving the quality of life in cardiac patients in Hong Kong. DESIGN AND SETTING: The current study was carried out in the outpatient unit of Occupational Therapy Department in the United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong. Convenience sampling with referral from the cardiac specialty was used in the present study. SUBJECTS: A total of 65 subjects, with a mean age 65 (range, 42 to 76), were recruited in the study. The cardiac diseases included myocardial infarct, postcoronary intervention, valve replacement, and also ischemic heart disease. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were alternately allocated to the two groups. The first group of patients received instructions and practiced on progressive relaxation. The second group of patients underwent training in qigong. A total of eight sessions were conducted and each session lasted 20 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic and clinical data such as gender, age, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded. The psychological and Quality of Life assessment was performed using the Chinese versions of Short Form 36 (C-SF36), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (C-STAI), and General Health Questionnaire (C-GHQ-12). RESULTS: Fifty-nine (59) subjects (44 men and 15 women) completed all eight rehabilitation sessions in the study. Patients allocated to the two treatment groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Progressive relaxation was more effective in reducing blood pressures compared to qigong. Relaxation appeared to be particularly beneficial in somatic domains. qigong group demonstrated greater improvement in psychologic measures in addition to reduction in systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive relaxation and qigong exercise improved the quality of life for cardiac patients with reference to certain physiologic and psychologic measures. The result was supported by previous studies and literature reviews on qigong in terms of its effect on the psychologic dimension.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16722787 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Hui PN, Wan M, Chan WK, Yung PM.
Occupational Therapy Department, United Christian Hospital, Hospital Authority, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong. peggyhui@mail.com
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare two different behavioral rehabilitation programs in improving the quality of life in cardiac patients in Hong Kong. DESIGN AND SETTING: The current study was carried out in the outpatient unit of Occupational Therapy Department in the United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong. Convenience sampling with referral from the cardiac specialty was used in the present study. SUBJECTS: A total of 65 subjects, with a mean age 65 (range, 42 to 76), were recruited in the study. The cardiac diseases included myocardial infarct, postcoronary intervention, valve replacement, and also ischemic heart disease. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were alternately allocated to the two groups. The first group of patients received instructions and practiced on progressive relaxation. The second group of patients underwent training in qigong. A total of eight sessions were conducted and each session lasted 20 minutes. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic and clinical data such as gender, age, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were recorded. The psychological and Quality of Life assessment was performed using the Chinese versions of Short Form 36 (C-SF36), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (C-STAI), and General Health Questionnaire (C-GHQ-12). RESULTS: Fifty-nine (59) subjects (44 men and 15 women) completed all eight rehabilitation sessions in the study. Patients allocated to the two treatment groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Progressive relaxation was more effective in reducing blood pressures compared to qigong. Relaxation appeared to be particularly beneficial in somatic domains. qigong group demonstrated greater improvement in psychologic measures in addition to reduction in systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive relaxation and qigong exercise improved the quality of life for cardiac patients with reference to certain physiologic and psychologic measures. The result was supported by previous studies and literature reviews on qigong in terms of its effect on the psychologic dimension.
Publication Types:
PMID: 16722787 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effects of a Taiji and Qigong intervention on the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults.
Yang Y, Verkuilen J, Rosengren KS, Mariani RA, Reed M, Grubisich SA, Woods JA.
Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. yyang5@uiuc.edu
Previous studies have suggested that Taiji practice may improve immune function. This study was intended to examine whether 5 months of moderate Taiji and Qigong (TQ) practice could improve the immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Fifty older adults (mean age 77.2 +/- 1.3 years) participated in this study (TQ N = 27; wait-list control [CON] N = 23). Baseline pre-vaccine blood samples were collected. All subjects then received the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine during the first week of the intervention. Post-vaccine blood samples were collected 3, 6 and 20 weeks post-intervention for analysis of anti-influenza hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers. We found a significant (p <> 40HI) antibody response (37% TQ vs. 20% CON for the H1N1 strain and 56% TQ vs. 45% CON for the H3N2 strain), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17708626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Yang Y, Verkuilen J, Rosengren KS, Mariani RA, Reed M, Grubisich SA, Woods JA.
Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA. yyang5@uiuc.edu
Previous studies have suggested that Taiji practice may improve immune function. This study was intended to examine whether 5 months of moderate Taiji and Qigong (TQ) practice could improve the immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Fifty older adults (mean age 77.2 +/- 1.3 years) participated in this study (TQ N = 27; wait-list control [CON] N = 23). Baseline pre-vaccine blood samples were collected. All subjects then received the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine during the first week of the intervention. Post-vaccine blood samples were collected 3, 6 and 20 weeks post-intervention for analysis of anti-influenza hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers. We found a significant (p <> 40HI) antibody response (37% TQ vs. 20% CON for the H1N1 strain and 56% TQ vs. 45% CON for the H3N2 strain), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17708626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
External qigong for pain conditions: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, United Kingdom. myeong.lee@pms.ac.uk
The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical evidence of external qigong as a treatment option for pain conditions. Databases were searched up to January 2007. Randomized, clinical trials (RCTs) testing external qigong in patients with pain of any origin assessing clinical outcomes were considered. Trials using any type of control group were included. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by at least 2 reviewers. One hundred forty-one potentially relevant studies were identified and 5 RCTs could be included. All RCTs of external qigong demonstrated greater pain reductions in the qigong groups compared with control groups. Meta-analysis of 2 RCTs showed a significant effect of external qigong compared with general care for treating chronic pain (Pain 100 mm VAS; weighted main differences, 36.3 mm; 95% CI, 22.8 to 49.8; P < .001; heterogeneity: chi(2) = 1.79, P = .18, I(2) = 44.0%, n = 80). The evidence from RCTs testing the effectiveness of external qigong for treating pain is encouraging. Further studies are warranted. PERSPECTIVE: This review of clinical studies focused on the efficacy of qigong, an energy-healing intervention used to prevent and cure ailments. A meta-analysis shows that evidence for the effectiveness of external qigong is encouraging, though further studies are warranted.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17690012 [PubMed - in process]
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, United Kingdom. myeong.lee@pms.ac.uk
The aim of this systematic review was to assess the clinical evidence of external qigong as a treatment option for pain conditions. Databases were searched up to January 2007. Randomized, clinical trials (RCTs) testing external qigong in patients with pain of any origin assessing clinical outcomes were considered. Trials using any type of control group were included. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by at least 2 reviewers. One hundred forty-one potentially relevant studies were identified and 5 RCTs could be included. All RCTs of external qigong demonstrated greater pain reductions in the qigong groups compared with control groups. Meta-analysis of 2 RCTs showed a significant effect of external qigong compared with general care for treating chronic pain (Pain 100 mm VAS; weighted main differences, 36.3 mm; 95% CI, 22.8 to 49.8; P < .001; heterogeneity: chi(2) = 1.79, P = .18, I(2) = 44.0%, n = 80). The evidence from RCTs testing the effectiveness of external qigong for treating pain is encouraging. Further studies are warranted. PERSPECTIVE: This review of clinical studies focused on the efficacy of qigong, an energy-healing intervention used to prevent and cure ailments. A meta-analysis shows that evidence for the effectiveness of external qigong is encouraging, though further studies are warranted.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17690012 [PubMed - in process]
A qualitative review of the role of qigong in the management of diabetes.
Xin L, Miller YD, Brown WJ.
School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia. liuxin@hms.uq.edu.au
OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence relating to the effectiveness of qigong in the management of diabetes. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review of qigong intervention studies published in English or Chinese since 1980, retrieved from English-language databases and Chinese journals. Qigong intervention studies conducted with adults with diabetes, which reported both preintervention and postintervention measures of fasting blood glucose and/or hemoglobin A(1c)(HbA(1c)) were included. Sample characteristics, intervention frequency/duration, and metabolic outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-nine intervention studies were located. Of these, only 11 met the criteria for inclusion. There were consistent and statistically significant positive associations between participation in qigong and fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test results, blood glucose, and triglycerides and total cholesterol. Effects on insulin and HbA(1c) were inconsistent. There was no evidence of any effect of qigong on weight. Most of the studies were of short duration, involved small samples, and did not include a control group. CONCLUSIONS:Although qigong has beneficial effects on some of the metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, methodologic limitations make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the potential beneficial effects of qigong on the management of type 2 diabetes.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17532735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Xin L, Miller YD, Brown WJ.
School of Human Movement Studies, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia. liuxin@hms.uq.edu.au
OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence relating to the effectiveness of qigong in the management of diabetes. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review of qigong intervention studies published in English or Chinese since 1980, retrieved from English-language databases and Chinese journals. Qigong intervention studies conducted with adults with diabetes, which reported both preintervention and postintervention measures of fasting blood glucose and/or hemoglobin A(1c)(HbA(1c)) were included. Sample characteristics, intervention frequency/duration, and metabolic outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Sixty-nine intervention studies were located. Of these, only 11 met the criteria for inclusion. There were consistent and statistically significant positive associations between participation in qigong and fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test results, blood glucose, and triglycerides and total cholesterol. Effects on insulin and HbA(1c) were inconsistent. There was no evidence of any effect of qigong on weight. Most of the studies were of short duration, involved small samples, and did not include a control group. CONCLUSIONS:Although qigong has beneficial effects on some of the metabolic risk factors for type 2 diabetes, methodologic limitations make it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the potential beneficial effects of qigong on the management of type 2 diabetes.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17532735 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
The effect of Qigong on Fibromyalgia (FMS): A controlled randomized study.
Haak T, Scott B.
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Purpose. To evaluate the effect of a 7-week Qigong intervention on subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Methods. The study was a controlled randomized study with repeated measures. Fifty-seven FMS female subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 29) or a waiting-list control group (n = 28). After completion of the experimental part, the control group received the same intervention. Collection of data was made at pre- and post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up for both groups. Results. During the experimental part of the study, significant improvements were found for the intervention group, at post-treatment, regarding different aspects of pain and psychological health and distress. Almost identical results were found for the combined group. At 4-month follow-up, the majority of these results were either maintained or improved. Conclusion. The overall results show that Qigong has positive and reliable effects regarding FMS. A high degree of completion, 93%, and contentment with the intervention further support the potential of the treatment. The results of the study are encouraging and suggest that Qigong intervention could be a useful complement to medical treatment for subjects with FMS.
PMID: 17852292 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Haak T, Scott B.
Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Uppsala, Sweden.
Purpose. To evaluate the effect of a 7-week Qigong intervention on subjects with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Methods. The study was a controlled randomized study with repeated measures. Fifty-seven FMS female subjects were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 29) or a waiting-list control group (n = 28). After completion of the experimental part, the control group received the same intervention. Collection of data was made at pre- and post-treatment and at 4-month follow-up for both groups. Results. During the experimental part of the study, significant improvements were found for the intervention group, at post-treatment, regarding different aspects of pain and psychological health and distress. Almost identical results were found for the combined group. At 4-month follow-up, the majority of these results were either maintained or improved. Conclusion. The overall results show that Qigong has positive and reliable effects regarding FMS. A high degree of completion, 93%, and contentment with the intervention further support the potential of the treatment. The results of the study are encouraging and suggest that Qigong intervention could be a useful complement to medical treatment for subjects with FMS.
PMID: 17852292 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Qigong for hypertension: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK. drmslee@gmail.com
OBJECTIVES: To assess systematically the clinical evidence of qigong for hypertension. METHODS: Databases were searched up to August 2006. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing qigong in patients with hypertension of any origin and assessing clinically relevant outcomes were considered. Trials using any type of control intervention were included. The selection of studies, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by at least two reviewers. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Jadad score. RESULTS: A total of 121 potentially relevant articles were identified and 12 RCTs were included. Seven RCTs tested qigong in combination with antihypertensive drugs compared with antihypertensive drugs alone. The meta-analysis of two trials reporting adequate data suggested beneficial effects in favour of qigong [weighted mean difference, systolic blood pressure (SBP) -12.1 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -17.1 to -7.0; diastolic blood pressure -8.5 mmHg, 95% CI -12.6 to -4.4]. Qigong was compared with waiting list control in two RCTs and was found to reduce SBP significantly (weighted mean difference -18.5 mmHg, 95% CI -23.1 to -13.9). In three further RCTs the comparisons made were: qigong combined with conventional therapy versus muscle relaxation combined with conventional therapy; qigong as a sole treatment versus exercise. All reported positive results in at least some of the relevant outcome measures. The methodological quality of the studies was low. CONCLUSION: There is some encouraging evidence of qigong for lowering SBP, but the conclusiveness of these findings is limited. Rigorously designed trials are warranted to confirm these results.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17620944 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK. drmslee@gmail.com
OBJECTIVES: To assess systematically the clinical evidence of qigong for hypertension. METHODS: Databases were searched up to August 2006. All randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing qigong in patients with hypertension of any origin and assessing clinically relevant outcomes were considered. Trials using any type of control intervention were included. The selection of studies, data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by at least two reviewers. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Jadad score. RESULTS: A total of 121 potentially relevant articles were identified and 12 RCTs were included. Seven RCTs tested qigong in combination with antihypertensive drugs compared with antihypertensive drugs alone. The meta-analysis of two trials reporting adequate data suggested beneficial effects in favour of qigong [weighted mean difference, systolic blood pressure (SBP) -12.1 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -17.1 to -7.0; diastolic blood pressure -8.5 mmHg, 95% CI -12.6 to -4.4]. Qigong was compared with waiting list control in two RCTs and was found to reduce SBP significantly (weighted mean difference -18.5 mmHg, 95% CI -23.1 to -13.9). In three further RCTs the comparisons made were: qigong combined with conventional therapy versus muscle relaxation combined with conventional therapy; qigong as a sole treatment versus exercise. All reported positive results in at least some of the relevant outcome measures. The methodological quality of the studies was low. CONCLUSION: There is some encouraging evidence of qigong for lowering SBP, but the conclusiveness of these findings is limited. Rigorously designed trials are warranted to confirm these results.
Publication Types:
PMID: 17620944 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- Qigong and exercise therapy in patients with long-term neck pain: a prospective randomized trial.
Lansinger B, Larsson E, Persson LC, Carlsson JY.
Göteborg University, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology/Physiotherapy, Göteborg, Sweden. birgitta.lansinger@neurophys.gu.se
STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, controlled, multicenter trial: 1-year follow-up. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of qigong and exercise therapy in subjects with long-term nonspecific neck pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The evidence for the benefit of treatment programs focusing on persons with long-term, nonspecific neck pain is conflicting. Several studies have shown support for exercise therapy, but the efficacy of qigong has not been scientifically evaluated. METHODS: A total of 122 patients were randomly assigned to receive either qigong (n = 60) or exercise therapy (n = 62). Most of them were women (70%), and the mean age was 44 years. A maximum of 12 treatments were given over a period of 3 months. Neck pain frequency and intensity, neck disability (NDI), grip strength, and cervical range of motion were recorded before and immediately after, at 6 months, and at 12 months after the treatment period. Changes in outcome variables were analyzed and dichotomized as improved or unchanged/deteriorated. RESULTS: Clinical and demographic characteristics were similar among groups at baseline. No differences were found between the 2 interventions: qigong and exercise therapy. Both groups significantly improved immediately after treatment and this was maintained at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups in 5 of 8 outcome variables: average neck pain in the most recent week, current neck pain (with exception for immediately after treatment period), neck pain diary, NDI, and cervical range of motion in rotation. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that treatments including supervised qigong or exercise therapy resulting in reduced pain and disability can be recommended for persons with long-term nonspecific neck pain.
Publication Types:- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Spine. 2007 Oct 15;32(22):2415-22.
- PMID: 18090079 [PubMed - in process]
External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells by inhibiting Akt and NF-kappaB pathways.
Yan X, Shen H, Jiang H, Zhang C, Hu D, Wang J, Wu X.
Institute of Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China.
Long-term clinical observations and ongoing studies have shown antitumor effects of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong (YXQG-EQ) that originated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of YXQG-EQ, we investigate the effects of YXQG-EQ on growth and apoptosis in androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 cells. We found that exposure to YXQG-EQ led to G2/M arrest associated with reduced cyclin B1 expression and apoptosis in PC3 cells. YXQG-EQ treatment inhibited constitutive and epidermal growth factor-induced Akt phosphorylation, basal and TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation, and downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. In contrast, exposure to YXQG-EQ increased phosphorylation of Akt and Erk1/2 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and had no cytotoxic effect on either HUVEC or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). These results indicate that YXQG-EQ has profound effects on growth and apoptosis of prostate cancer cells by targeting survival pathways including the Akt and NF-kappaB pathways.
PMID: 18080802 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong differentially regulates the Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways and is cytotoxic to cancer cells but not to normal cells.
Institute of Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, PR China. smkj2006@yahoo.com
Long-term clinical observations and ongoing studies have shown significant antitumor effect of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong which originated from traditional Chinese medicine. In order to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effect of external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong, we have examined its cytotoxic effect on BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells and its effect on the Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. We found that external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong dramatically inhibited basal phosphorylation levels of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinases, epidermal growth factor-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. External Qi of Yan Xin Qigong also inhibited constitutive and inducible activities of nuclear factor-kappa B, a target of the Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor pathways. Furthermore, a single 5min exposure of BxPC3 cells to external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induced apoptosis, accompanied by a dramatic increase of the sub-G1 cell population, DNA fragmentation, and cleavage of caspases 3, 8 and 9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Prolonged treatment with external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong caused rapid lysis of BxPC3 cells. In contrast, treatment of fibroblasts with external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong induced transient activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and Akt, and caused no cytotoxic effect. These findings suggest that external Qi of Yan Xin Qigong may differentially regulate these survival pathways in cancer versus normal cells and exert cytotoxic effects preferentially on cancer cells, and that it could potentially be a valuable approach for therapy of pancreatic carcinomas.
PMID: 16893670 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
- Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006;38(12):2102-13. Epub 2006 Jun 27.
A case study of simultaneous recovery from multiple physical symptoms with medical qigong therapy.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA. chenke@umdnj.edu
BACKGROUND: It is well known that qigong practice is beneficial to human health, but it is less known, even in China, that qigong may also be an effective therapy to treat various diseases. This report documents the story of a 58-year-old Caucasian male patient with a series of chronic conditions, including high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (but not a confirmed cancer), atrial septal defect, asthma, allergies, multiple injuries following an automobile accident, high blood pressure, and edema in the legs. Can medical qigong help such a patient to cure multiple symptoms simultaneously? METHOD: The intensive qigong workshop involved the training and practice of gathering qi, magnifying qi energy and using it for self-healing with visualization and guided imaginary; plus supervised energetic fasting. The patient practiced qigong 4-plus hours per day during intensive training, and approximately 1 to 2 hours daily thereafter. About 10 sessions of external qi healing were performed by a qigong master for his pain and systematic adjustment. Settings/Location: The intensive medical qigong workshop took place in the World Institute for Self-Healing, Inc. (WISH) office at Middlesex, NJ; and the patient practiced qigong at home for the rest of time. RESULTS: After the workshop and qigong therapy, the patient discontinued all medications (8 in total) and lost 35 pounds; his blood pressure dropped from 220/110 with medication to 120/75 without medication (in 2 weeks); pulse rate dropped from 88 beats per minute resting to 68 beats per minute in the mornings and 55 bpm in the evening; the edema in his legs went away; symptoms of asthma or allergies disappeared; the PSA level dropped from 11 to 4 (normal), all without any medications. CONCLUSION: This kind of simultaneous recovery from multiple "incurable" conditions and other documented successes cannot be explained by any known medical theories, and call for formal clinical trials to closely examine the qigong self-healing therapy.
PMID: 15025889 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
J Altern Complement Med. 2004 Feb;10(1):159-62.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Genomic profiling of neutrophil transcripts in Asian Qigong practitioners: a pilot study in gene regulation by mind-body interaction.
Microarray Core, Center for Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The great similarity of the genomes of humans and other species stimulated us to search for genes regulated by elements associated with human uniqueness, such as the mind-body interaction. DNA microarray technology offers the advantage of analyzing thousands of genes simultaneously, with the potential to determine healthy phenotypic changes in gene expression. The aim of this study was to determine the genomic profile and function of neutrophils in Falun Gong (FLG, an ancient Chinese Qigong) practitioners, with healthy subjects as controls. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: Six (6) Asian FLG practitioners and 6 Asian normal healthy controls were recruited for our study. The practitioners have practiced FLG for at least 1 year (range, 1-5 years). The practice includes daily reading of FLG books and daily practice of exercises lasting 1-2 hours. Selected normal healthy controls did not perform Qigong, yoga, t'ai chi, or any other type of mind-body practice, and had not followed any conventional physical exercise program for at least 1 year. Neutrophils were isolated from fresh blood and assayed for gene expression, using microarrays and RNase protection assay (RPA), as well as for function (phagocytosis) and survival (apoptosis). RESULTS: The changes in gene expression of FLG practitioners in contrast to normal healthy controls were characterized by enhanced immunity, downregulation of cellular metabolism, and alteration of apoptotic genes in favor of a rapid resolution of inflammation. The lifespan of normal neutrophils was prolonged, while the inflammatory neutrophils displayed accelerated cell death in FLG practitioners as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlating with enhanced immunity reflected by microarray data, neutrophil phagocytosis was significantly increased in Qigong practitioners. Some of the altered genes observed by microarray were confirmed by RPA. CONCLUSION: Qigong practice may regulate immunity, metabolic rate, and cell death, possibly at the transcriptional level. Our pilot study provides the first evidence that Qigong practice may exert transcriptional regulation at a genomic level. New approaches are needed to study how genes are regulated by elements associated with human uniqueness, such as consciousness, cognition, and spirituality.
PMID: 15750361 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Effects of qigong on late-stage complex regional pain syndrome.
Pain Management Center, Newark, NJ, USA.
CONTEXT: Despite the growing popularity of qigong in the West, few well-controlled studies using a sham master to assess the clinical efficacy of qigong have been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of qigong on treatment-resistant patients with late-stage complex regional pain syndrome type I. DESIGN: Block-random placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Pain Management Center at New Jersey Medical School. PATIENTS: 26 adult patients (aged 18 to 65 years) with complex regional pain syndrome type I. INTERVENTIONS: The experimental group received qi emission and qigong instruction (including home exercise) by a qigong master. The control group received a similar set of instructions by a sham master. The experimental protocol included 6 forty-minute qigong sessions over 3 weeks, with reevaluation at 6 and 10 weeks. Assessment included comprehensive medical history, physical exam, psychological evaluation, necessary diagnostic testing. Symptom Check List 90, and the Carleton University Responsiveness to Suggestion Scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thermography, swelling, discoloration, muscle wasting, range of motion, pain intensity rating, medication usage, behavior assessment (activity level and domestic disability), frequency of pain awakening, mood assessment, and anxiety assessment. RESULTS: 22 subjects completed the protocol. Among the genuine qigong group, 82% reported less pain by the end of the first training session compared to 45% of control patients. By the last training session, 91% of qigong patients reported analgesia compared to 36% of control patients. Anxiety was reduced in both groups over time, but the reduction was significantly greater in the experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Using a credible placebo to control for nonspecific treatment effects, qigong training was found to result in transient pain reduction and long-term anxiety reduction. The positive findings were not related to preexperimental differences between groups in hypnotizability. Future studies of qigong should control for possible confounding influences and perhaps use clinical disorders more responsive to psychological intervention.
PMID: 9893315 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Changes in cytokine production in healthy subjects practicing Guolin Qigong : a pilot study.
Division of Clinical Immunology, Pathology Department, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. bmjones@ha.org.hk
BACKGROUND: Guolin Qigong is a combination of meditation, controlled breathing and physical movement designed to control the vital energy (qi) of the body and consequently to improve spiritual, physical and mental health. Practice of Qigong has been reported to alter immunological function, but there have been few studies of its effects on cytokines, the key regulators of immunity. METHODS: Numbers of peripheral blood cytokine-secreting cells were determined by ELISPOT in 19 healthy volunteers aged 27 - 55, before they were taught the practice of Qigong and after 3, 7 and 14 weeks of daily practice. The effect of Qigong on blood cortisol was also examined. RESULTS: Numbers of IL4 and IL12-secreting cells remained stable. IL6 increased at 7 weeks and TNFalpha increased in unstimulated cultures at 3 and 7 weeks but decreased at these times in LPS and SAC-stimulated cultures. Of particular interest, IFNgamma-secreting cells increased and IL10-secreting cells decreased in PHA-stimulated cultures, resulting in significant increases in the IFNgamma:IL10 ratio. Cortisol, a known inhibitor of type 1 cytokine production, was reduced by practicing Qigong. CONCLUSION: These preliminary studies in healthy subjects, although not necessarily representative of a randomized healthy population and not including a separate control group, have indicated that blood levels of the stress-related hormone cortisol may be lowered by short-term practice of Qigong and that there are concomitant changes in numbers of cytokine-secreting cells. Further studies of the effect of Qigong in patients with clinical diseases known to be associated with type 2 cytokine predominance are merited.
PMID: 11696251 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Assessment of immunological parameters following a qigong training program.
Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071 Malaga, Spain. manzaneque@uma.es
BACKGROUND: Qigong is a type of Chinese psychosomatic exercise that integrates meditation, slow physical movements, and breathing, and to which numerous physical as well as mental benefits have been classically ascribed. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of a qigong program on various immunological parameters. MATERIAL/METHODS: 29 naive subjects participated in the study, of whom 16 were allocated to the experimental group and the rest to the control group. The experimental subjects underwent a qigong training program, conducted by a qualified instructor, consisting of half an hour of daily practice for one month. The day before the experiment commenced and the day after it finished, blood samples were drawn from all subjects for the quantification of immunological parameters (leukocytes, immunoglobulins, and complement). As statistical analysis, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was carried out. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found between the control and experimental groups, with the experimental group showing lower numbers of total leukocytes and eosinophils, number and percentage of monocytes, as well as complement C3 concentration. In addition, a similar result with a trend towards significance was observed in the number of eosinophils. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that after one month of practicing qigong, significant immunological changes occurred between the experimental and control groups, with a consistently lower and broadly significant profile of these measures within the qigong practitioner group.
PMID: 15173671 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Biochemical changes after a qigong program: Lipids, serum enzymes, urea, and creatinine in healthy subjects.
Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, Campus de Teatinos, Malaga, Spain.
Background: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of a qigong training program on blood biochemical parameters. Material/Methods: Twenty-nine healthy subjects participated in the study of whom 16 were randomly assigned to the experimental group and 13 to the control. The experimental subjects underwent daily qigong training for one month. Blood samples for the quantification of biochemical parameters (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, phospholipids, GOT, GPT, GGT, urea, creatinine) were taken before and after the training program. As statistical analysis, ANCOVA was performed. Results: Statistically significant differences were found showing that the experimental group had lower serum levels of GOT (glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase), GPT (glutamic-pyruvic transaminase), and urea and that there was a trend towards significance in GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that after practicing qigong for the short period of one month, noteworthy changes in several blood biochemical parameters were induced. While it is tempting to speculate on the relevance and implications of these biochemical variations, further investigation is needed to elucidate the scope of these findings.
PMID: 18049436 [PubMed - in process]
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