Diabetes affects one in eleven adults globally, with rising cases in the past 30 years. Type 1 and type 2 cause blood sugar problems, increasing cardiovascular risks. Dietary control, including chickpeas, is suggested but needs more research. Comprehensive searches were conducted across multiple databases for the randomized controlled trial efficacy of chickpea consumption to lower blood sugar levels to a healthy range, with data extraction and risk of bias assessment performed independently by two researchers. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, expressing continuous data as mean differences and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals, and a summary of the findings is provided considering the variations in study characteristics. A total of 118 articles were initially identified from seven databases, primarily from Anglo–American countries, resulting in 12 selected studies after the identification and screening processes. These studies involved 182 participants, focusing on healthy or normoglycemic adults, and assessed the effects of chickpeas compared to various foods such as wheat, potatoes, pasta, sauce, cheese, rice, and corn. A meta-analysis involving a subset of studies demonstrated that chickpeas were more effective in reducing blood glucose iAUC compared to potatoes and wheat. Chickpeas offer the potential for blood sugar control through low starch digestibility, high fiber, protein, and hormonal effects. Although insulin benefits are seen, statistical significance varies, supporting their role in diabetic diets focusing on nutrient-rich foods over processed carbs.

Objectives: Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), extracted from salmon, has been shown to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance cartilage regeneration through A2A receptor activation. It is considered effective for treating musculoskeletal disorders; however, clinical research and standardized treatment protocols remain insufficient. Methods: A total of 17 studies on the use of PDRN pharmacopuncture for musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed. Ultrasound guidance was the most commonly used method, and NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) and VAS (Visual Analog Scale) were the primary assessment tools employed. Results: PDRN pharmacopuncture suggested significant pain reduction and functional improvement in various musculoskeletal disorders, including cervical, upper limb, lumbosacral, and lower limb conditions, when administered under ultrasound guidance. Significant improvements were observed in NRS and VAS scores, and PDRN injections showed long-term pain relief and tissue regeneration effects in tendinopathy, neuropathy, and arthritis. Conclusion: PDRN pharmacopuncture has suggested tissue regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects in musculoskeletal disorders, with enhanced precision and effectiveness through ultrasound-guided administration. Unlike other pharmacopunctures that focus on pain relief and inflammation control, PDRN promotes tissue regeneration at the cellular level, offering a distinctive therapeutic advantage. Further research is needed to verify the long-term effects of PDRN and its combined use with other pharmacopunctures. Graphical

Time-restricted eating (TRE), a dietary strategy that aligns food intake with circadian rhythms, has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of TRE on glycemic outcomes by analyzing eight randomized controlled trials involving 312 participants with type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Meta-analyses of six eligible studies demonstrated that TRE significantly reduced fasting glucose (mean difference [MD]: −0.74 mmol/L; 95% CI: −1.13 to −0.36) and glycated hemoglobin (ΔHbA1c) (MD: −0.11%; 95% CI: −0.15 to −0.07) and increased time in range (TIR) for blood glucose (MD: +10.51%; 95% CI: 6.81 to 14.21). Improvements in fasting glucose and HbA1c were modest but consistent, while the increase in TIR showed no between-study heterogeneity, suggesting a robust and reproducible benefit of TRE on glycemic stability. These findings support the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of TRE as a dietary intervention in diabetes management. However, further high-quality trials with standardized protocols and longer follow-up are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and inform guidelines.

Introduction: Hypertension, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, has a high prevalence rate globally. While drug use is the most common approach, lifestyle improvements are crucial. Recently, there has been a notable upsurge of interest in various breathing methods, including device-induced breathing techniques like Resperate. However, the reliance on a device for these techniques has prompted the popularity of alternative breathing methods that can be performed without any external devices. One such method that has gained significant attention is alternative nostril breathing, which serves as an alternative medical treatment known for its effectiveness in reducing blood pressure. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically investigate the therapeutic effects of alternate nostril breathing. Methods: We selected 16 articles published in English, Korean, and Chinese databases, of which 14 met the eligibility criteria, and a systematic literature review was conducted. A meta-analysis was conducted on six qualified studies. Meta and sensitivity analyses were conducted using a random effects model of six randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Results: Results of alternative nostril breathing (ANB) on 1,377 participants have been reported based on the effects of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP). Both the lone ANB and combined yoga programs resulted in significant reductions in SBP and DBP. Meta-analysis of the 6 trials with 525 participants demonstrated that ANB was better in reducing SBP than that of the control group (nonintervention or placebo) (mean difference [MD]: −7.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −7.86 to −6.45, I2: 93%). Moreover, ANB was better in reducing DBP than that of the control group (nonintervention or placebo) (MD: −5.16, 95% CI: −5.89 to −4.44, I2: 87%). Conclusion: The results of the study are valid; however, attention is needed when interpreting the results because the heterogeneity exceeds 75%. A systematic review of 14 studies found that ANB can improve cardiovascular indicators, such as SBP and DBP, as well as non-cardiovascular factors, such as fatigue, intraocular pressure, and memory. However, the review noted that implementing double blinding in studies on yoga breathing intervention is difficult, and most studies were not double-blinded, suggesting the need for high-quality RCTs in the future.

Hongmin Chu, Seongjun Park, Taegwang Nam, Kwangho Kim, Junhui Kwon, Hyeon Joon Hong, Juhwan Song, Sanghyuk Kwon, Jaehyo Kim, Hyein Jeong, Kyeong Han Kim, Robin Kwon. Korean J Acupunct 2024;41:101-9. https://doi.org/10.14406/acu.2024.012

Hye In Jeong, Taegwang Nam, Minhui Hong, Kyeong Han Kim. J Pharmacopuncture 2023;26:60-6. https://doi.org/10.3831/KPI.2023.26.1.60