Exploratory analysis of functional connectivity network in acupuncture study by a graph theory mode.

Neuroimaging studies involved acupuncture have already demonstrated its significant modulatory effects on the limbic system, paralimbic and subcortical gray structures. These structures with presumably intimated relationships with acupuncture may constitute a network. In this study, we employed a network mode from the graph theory to evaluate the functional connectivity among multiple brain regions in the resting brain. Evidence from our findings clearly supported the existence of a large functional connectivity network constructed during a resting condition with fMRI. We concluded that acupuncture stimulation may induce the modulation of the 'acupuncture-related' network to exert its influence on the therapeutic effects, presented by significant changes of functional connectivity of some brain regions. Our study may provide a further step to the exploration of the underlying mechanism of acupuncture effects.