Acupuncture Treatment for Mild to Moderate Active Crohns Disease and Its Effects on Brain and Metabolism

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of acupuncture on people with mild to moderate active Crohns disease. The study aims to see how acupuncture affects symptoms, brain activity, and the metabolism of certain substances TRY-KYN related to the brain-gut connection. They also want to identify brain imaging markers linked to acupuncture treatment in Crohns disease. The study is led by the Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Meridian. Participants will receive acupuncture and mild moxibustion treatments three times a week for 12 weeks. Specific points on the body such as CV12, ST37, SP6, and others will be used for acupuncture and moxibustion, with a device applied to ensure the sensation of treatment and maintain the temperature of moxibustion points. After the 12-week treatment phase, participants will be followed for an additional 36 weeks to monitor the effects. During the study, participants will be evaluated at various times up to 48 weeks. Researchers will measure clinical remission, symptom improvements, disease activity scores, laboratory tests, quality of life questionnaires, anxiety and depression scales, and endoscopic severity. Brain imaging and metabolism levels of TRP-KYN in plasma and intestines will also be assessed. Safety and recurrence rates will be monitored throughout the study.

Effect of Acupuncture on Mild to Moderate Active Crohn's Disease