Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian to lower blood uric acid level.

Background: Based on the principle of "spleen governing transportation and transformation", we have found that acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian can remarkably lower the blood uric acid levels in patients with primary hyperuricemia.

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy of the acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian in reducing the blood uric acid level and its relevant mechanism.

Methods: A total of 32 patients with primary hyperuricemia were enrolled in this study. They were allowed to have free access to diets. The initial treatment for the concomitant diseases (but not including the therapy that might affect uric acid metabolism) was kept unchanged. The observation was formally initiated at 8:00 am on day 1. Acupuncture was not performed within the 48 hours, and only the 24-hour urine volume was recorded. The urine uric acid concentration and urinary creatinine concentration were measured from 25 to 48 hours. On the 46th hour, venous blood samples were collected to detect blood uric acid and creatinine concentrations. After the 48th hour, the patients received acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian each morning. Once Qi was encountered, retain the needle for 30 min. The acupuncture was performed once daily for ten consecutive days. The 24-hour urine volume was recorded daily, and the fasting indicators were detected on the morning of the 11th day.

Results: After the acupuncture, the blood uric acid level significantly decreased in patients with increased production (overproduction) of uric acid, decreased excretion (underexcretion) of uric acid, and mixed type (all P<0.01). In the underexcretion type, the urine uric acid concentration significantly increased after the treatment (P<0.01). After the acupuncture, the fraction excretion of uric acid (FEUA) significantly increased in the underexcretion type and mixed type (P<0.01) and decreased in the overproduction type (P<0.01). After the acupuncture, the serum uric acid concentration decreased by 16.32-18.29% whereas the 24-hour urine volume increased by 24.22-29.32%.

Conclusions: Acupuncture of the Five Shu Acupoints in spleen meridian can lower the blood uric acid levels by promoting uric acid excretion the and increasing urine volume.