Exploration of Acupoint Compatibility Patterns in Acupuncture Treatment for Infertility Based on Data Mining

Objective: This study aimed to explore the compatibility rules of acupoint selection in acupuncture treatment for infertility using data mining techniques. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs)on acupuncture treatment for infertility were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to September 22, 2024. The frequency of acupoint use, meridian attribution, selection of specific points, and acupoint association rules in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome-related infertility, diminished ovarian reserve related infertility, and unexplained infertility were analyzed using R language. Cytoscape was employed to visualize acupoint associations and disease-acupoint co-occurrence networks. Results: A total of 220 prescriptions for infertility were included, covering 92 acupoints with an overall frequency of 3,653 uses. The top three frequently used acupoints were Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zigong (EX-CA1). The most frequently involved meridians were the Conception Vessel, the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin, and the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. The specific acupoint usage frequency from high to low was Front Mu points, Five-shu points, and Yuan-primary points. Network analysis indicated that the core acupoint group consisted of CV4, SP6, Zusanli (ST36), EX-CA1, Qihai (CV6), Baihui (GV20), Xuehai (SP10), Shenshu (BL23), Ganshu (BL18), Guilai (ST29), Zhongji (CV3), Taichong (LR3), Taixi (KI3), Zhongwan (CV12), Tianshu (ST25). The overall therapeutic principle focused on regulating the Flush Vessel and Conception Vessel and harmonizing qi and blood. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights for the clinical selection of acupoint combinations in the acupuncture treatment of infertility, offering directions for optimizing acupoint strategies in clinical practice.