Acupuncture and immune function in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized, controlled study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The immune system has been implicated as one mechanism underlying the benefits of acupuncture therapy. Evidence suggests that acupuncture can ameliorate symptoms of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), but the association between clinical response and the immune system has not been investigated.

Design/setting

We investigated 12 CP/CPPS patients participating in a prospective randomized clinical trial comparing acupuncture versus sham acupuncture for effects on cellular immunity. Blood samples were taken before the first needling and after the last of 20 treatment sessions (week 10). Patients also completed questionnaires examining their CP/CPPS symptoms and mood status at the baseline and end of study visits.

Results

At the end of stu

SUBMITTER: Lee SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4254616 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature