Acupuncture effective in preventing drug-induced gastritis

SEOUL, March 13 (Yonhap) -- Acupuncture may help prevent acute gastritis caused
by the taking of common drugs like aspirin, South Korean researchers said Friday.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine said studies conducted on
72 laboratory mice showed that use of acupuncture before injection of
acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) drugs reduced lesions in the stomach.
Pretreatment with acupuncture also boosted the mucosal defense mechanism of the
laboratory animals, which helps prevent damage to stomach tissue, the findings
published in the online issue of World Journal of Gastroenterology said.
ASA is a chemical ingredient widely used in many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), though it has often been cited for causing gastrointestinal
injuries leading to acute gastritis.
The Daejeon-based laboratory, located 164 kilometers south of Seoul, said tests
were conducted with the mice divided into three groups, with one given distilled
water while two were injected with ASA. Of the two groups given the drug, one was
given acupuncture treatment before injection.
Animals treated with acupuncture had lower lesion scores and did not release as
much stomach acid in response to the drug.
The exact link between NSAIDs and stomach pains are unclear, but scientists
around the world have made continued efforts to prevent the discomfort that
affects large numbers of people.
The South Korean team, led by Choi Sun-mi, said the tests clearly showed the
beneficial effects of acupuncture in reducing lesions and ulcerations. Such
findings can open windows onto new treatment possibilities using traditional
medicince.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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