Acupuncture's long-term impact on depression prevention in primary dysmenorrhea: A 19-year follow-up of a Taiwan cohort with neuroimmune insights

Chung-Chih Liao; Cheng-Li Lin; Fuu-Jen Tsai; Chi-Hsien Chien; Jung-Miao Li

doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.013

Acupuncture's long-term impact on depression prevention in primary dysmenorrhea: A 19-year follow-up of a Taiwan cohort with neuroimmune insights

J Affect Disord. 2024 Jan 1:344:48-60. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.013. Epub 2023 Oct 9.

Authors

Chung-Chih Liao¹, Cheng-Li Lin², Fuu-Jen Tsai³, Chi-Hsien Chien⁴, Jung-Miao Li⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Post-Baccalaureate Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan; Chuyuan Chinese Medicine Clinic, Taichung 40455, Taiwan.
² Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40459, Taiwan.
³ School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Division of Medical Genetics, China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Post-Baccalaureate Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
⁵ School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447 , Taiwan. Electronic address: jmli@mail.cmu.edu.tw.

PMID: 37816484
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.013

Abstract

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological condition causing depression. Acupuncture is an effective option for PD management but its effects on PD-associated depression remain unclear.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study involving 35,099 propensity score-matched pairs of acupuncture users and non-users with PD was conducted using data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database 2000. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate depression risk, and bioinformatics analyses were performed to uncover underlying molecular mechanisms.

Results: The risk of developing depression was reduced by 64 % in acupuncture users compared with non-acupuncture users during the 19-year follow-up period. The decrease was dose-dependent. Bioinformatics analyses identified 34 co-expressed targets for acupuncture, PD, and depression; and eight hub genes (coding for interleukin 6 and 1B, tumor necrosis factor, albumin, vascular endothelial growth factor A, C-reactive protein, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) potentially involved in the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Several molecular pathways were found to be involved, including cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, serotonergic synapse, and estrogen signaling pathway.

Limitations: Bias in the selection of participants could have been introduced as a consequence of the retrospective nature of the study. Data were derived from a single national database, and acupuncture treatment details were unavailable.

Conclusion: Acupuncture may protect against the development of depression in patients with PD. This study provides insight into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in PD management and depression prevention.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Bioinformatics; Depression; Molecular mechanisms; Prevention; Primary dysmenorrhea.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Acupuncture Therapy*
Depression
Dysmenorrhea / therapy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Retrospective Studies
Taiwan
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

Substances

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A