Objective

2

To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its effect on gut microbiota.

Methods

2

A total of 62 MCI patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (31 cases

2 cases dropped out) and a control group (31 cases). Both groups received exercise and cognitive training. In addition

the experimental group underwent acupuncture treatment at acupoints including Baihui (GV20)

Sishencong (EX-HN1)

and bilateral Fengchi (GB20)

Xuanzhong (GB39)

Zusanli (ST36)

Yanglao (SI6)

Xinshu (BL15)

and etc.

once every other day

three times per week

for a total of 12 weeks. Before and after treatment

the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores were evaluated in the two groups

changes in gut microbiota were detected using 16S rDNA sequencing technology. The clinical efficacy was assessed after treatment.

Results

2

Compared before treatment

MoCA and MMSE scores were increased in both groups after treatment (

P

<

0.001)

with higher scores in the experimental group than those in the control group (

P

<

0.001

P

<

0.05). After treatment

the relative abundance of

Faecalibacterium

Clostridia

and

Ruminococcaceae

was increased in the experimental group compared with that before treatment (

P

<

0.05). Moreover

the relative abundance of

Faecalibacterium

in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (

P

<

0.05). The total effective rate was 82.8% (24/29) in the experimental group

which was higher than 61.3% (19/31) in the control group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Acupuncture could improve cognitive dysfunction in patients with MCI

and its mechanism may be related to increasing the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria such as

Faecalibacterium

Clostridia

and

Ruminococcaceae

maintaining the intestinal barrier

and inhibiting related inflammatory responses.